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Nutrition Programs Transitioning to Arkansas Department of Agriculture; Launches New Pilot Program

12/09/2025

LITTLE ROCK, AR – The Arkansas Department of Agriculture, in partnership with the Arkansas Department of Education, today announced the transition of statewide nutrition programs to the Department of Agriculture. The transition will be effective October 1. The move reflects Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ commitment to strengthening the connection between Arkansas agriculture and statewide nutrition programs. This partnership aligns with Arkansas’s efforts to enhance collaboration between farmers, ranchers, and statewide nutrition programs to support healthy meals while promoting locally grown products and addressing food insecurity in Arkansas. Nutrition programs transitioning to the Department of Agriculture include federal programs such

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Arkansas Department of Agriculture to Host NASDA Annual Meeting

09/09/2025

LITTLE ROCK, AR – The Arkansas Department of Agriculture will host the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) 2025 Annual Meeting on September 14-17 in Rogers, Arkansas. Secretaries, commissioners, and directors of agriculture from all 50 states and four territories and agriculture leaders from across the nation will gather under the theme “Securing Our Future Through Agriculture” to discuss policy, innovation, and partnerships that strengthen U.S. agriculture. State and industry leaders will highlight Arkansas’s role as a national leader in agriculture and emphasize the importance of securing a strong future for farmers, families, and rural communities. Federal

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Arkansas Department of Agriculture Shares Harvest Season Reminders

03/09/2025

LITTLE ROCK, AR – The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is reminding producers of important resources and protections available during the fall harvest season. These include the Arkansas Grain Grading Act, the Department’s slow pay hotline for grain sales, voluntary smoke management guidelines, and roadway safety awareness. Grain Grading ProtectionsEnacted in 2019, the Arkansas Grain Grading Act applies to all grain warehouses in the state. Under the law, warehouses and dealers engaged in grain grading must have their programs and graders certified by the Department. All grading must follow the Official United States Standards for Grain established by the U.S.

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Shade Trees on Playgrounds Program Accepting Applications Until September 19

27/08/2025

LITTLE ROCK, AR – The Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Shade Trees on Playgrounds (STOP) program is now accepting applications from Arkansas schools through September 19, 2025. Selected schools will receive up to five Arkansas-native shade trees, along with mulch, watering supplies, planting guidelines, and on-site assistance from Department staff. Each planting will take place this fall during a ceremony involving students. Launched to help reduce childhood exposure to direct sunlight and lower long-term skin cancer risks, the STOP program has provided trees to approximately 185 schools statewide in the last 23 years. Participating teachers also receive curriculum resources highlighting

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Arkansas Department of Agriculture Announces 2025 Farmers Market Promotion Program Recipients

11/08/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 8/11/2025Contact: Ayden Massey, [email protected] Arkansas Department of Agriculture Announces 2025 Farmers Market Promotion Program Recipients LITTLE ROCK, AR – The Arkansas Department of Agriculture (Department) is pleased to announce the grant recipients of the 10th annual Arkansas Farmers Market Promotion Program. Administered by the Department and sponsored by Farm Credit, the program provides funding to support local farmers markets as demand continues to grow for locally grown and made products. “My administration is committed to making fresh, nutritious foods accessible for every community in the Natural State, and our local farmers markets play a critical role in

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Applications Open for Wildland Fire Suppression Kits Through September 30

04/08/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 8/4/2025Contact: Ayden Massey, [email protected] Applications Open for Wildland Fire Suppression Kits Through September 30 LITTLE ROCK, AR – The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for wildland fire suppression kits through September 30, 2025. Applications can be submitted online here. Through a grant from the U.S. Forest Service, the Department plans to distribute 75 wildland fire suppression kits to rural volunteer fire departments across the state this year. Since 2014, more than 830 kits have been provided to enhance local wildfire response capabilities. “Our partnership with rural volunteer fire departments is the foundation of wildfire response

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Arkansas Funding for Fairs and Livestock Shows Guidance

15/07/2025

This guidance is intended to assist funding recipients in complying with all legislative requirements. This guidance applies to all recipients of funding, including county fairs, district fairs, Arkansas State Fair, Arkansas Youth Expo, and district junior livestock shows. Funding Allocation:Funding allocations will be based on the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s annual appropriation bill approved by the General Assembly. Use of Funds:Allowable expenditures include but are not limited to operational costs directly related to the fair or livestock show, infrastructure, equipment, and educational programming. Prohibited expenditures include association fees, dues, or other association related expenses. Reporting RequirementsEach recipient must submit

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2024 Report Provides Update on Arkansas Groundwater Levels and Trends

18/06/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 6/18/2025Contact: Ayden Massey, [email protected] 2024 Report Provides Update on Arkansas Groundwater Levels and Trends LITTLE ROCK, AR — The Arkansas Department of Agriculture (Department) has released the 2024 Arkansas Groundwater Protection and Management Report pursuant to the Arkansas Groundwater Protection and Management Act of 1991, Arkansas Code Annotated § 15-22-906. This report summarizes groundwater monitoring, current water levels, conservation programs, and water use for 2024. “Our staff and partners have worked tirelessly to collect and analyze critical data on the state’s groundwater resources,” said Chris Colclasure, Director of the Department’s Natural Resources Division. “Our findings offer a

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Notice: New Laboratory Information Management System Launching July 1, 2025

12/06/2025

Notice: New Laboratory Information Management System Launching July 1, 2025 The Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (AVDL) is dedicated to delivering outstanding service. To enhance efficiency and improve client experience, we will be upgrading our laboratory information management system (LIMS) effective July 1, 2025.  A LIMS is a specialized software platform designed to streamline laboratory operations by managing samples, organizing testing data, automating workflows, and integrating instruments. By ensuring seamless data tracking and reducing manual processes, a LIMS enhances efficiency and accelerates the delivery of accurate test results.  The current WebSuite portal used to access test results

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Regulatory Notice: Approved Tank Mixes for Aerial Application with Clomazone Products

11/06/2025

Regulatory Notice: Approved Tank Mixes for Aerial Application with Clomazone Products Date: June 11, 2025 The Arkansas Department of Agriculture (Department) has received several inquiries regarding approved tank mixes allowed for aerial application with products containing clomazone. Please note that tank mixes are approved based on the product brand name, not the active ingredient. A detailed list of approved tank mixes can be found on the Department’s website here. Producers and applicators who fail to comply with federal and/or state laws and rules may be subject to civil penalties of up to $25,000 per violation, as well as possible

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