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Arkansas Grown School Garden of the Year Contest Now Accepting Entries Through June 26

06/04/2026

LITTLE ROCK, AR – The Arkansas Department of Agriculture, in partnership with Farm Credit, is now accepting entries for the annual Arkansas Grown School Garden of the Year Contest. Schools, early childhood education centers, and alternative learning environments that operated a school garden during the 2025–2026 school year, or plan to begin one in 2026–2027, are encouraged to apply. “We’re proud to support a program that gives students such meaningful, hands‑on experiences,” said Greg Cole, President and CEO of AgHeritage Farm Credit Services. “When kids get the chance to plant, grow, and harvest food themselves, it opens their eyes

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Arkansas Beef Council Launches 2026 Arkansas’s Best Burger Contest

01/04/2026

LITTLE ROCK, AR –The Arkansas Beef Council today announced the return of the Arkansas’s Best Burger Contest, a statewide effort to identify and recognize restaurants that exemplify quality in the preparation of 100% beef burgers. The contest reinforces the Council’s commitment to promoting high‑quality beef, supporting Arkansas cattle producers, and engaging consumers in celebrating the state’s beef industry. Arkansas is one of the nation’s leading cattle‑producing states, with thousands of family farms contributing to the state’s agricultural economy. Beef cattle are raised in all 75 counties, making the industry a cornerstone of rural communities. Cattle and calves consistently rank

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Arkansas Department of Agriculture Urges Public to Stay Alert as Wildfire Risk Increases

26/03/2026

LITTLE ROCK, AR – The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is urging Arkansans to stay alert as wildfire danger has increased significantly across the state. The entire state has been designated at a high wildfire risk through March 29, and more than half of all counties are currently under burn bans. This elevated threat is primarily driven by above‑average temperatures, extended drought conditions, and increased winds. At this risk level, fires can ignite easily, spread rapidly, and become difficult to control if not addressed immediately. Unattended brush fires and campfires are especially likely to escape containment. Wildfire risk levels are

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Arkansas Department of Agriculture Hosts Sixth Annual Free Tree Fridays in Recognition of Arbor Day

19/03/2026

LITTLE ROCK, AR –The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is celebrating Arbor Day by launching its sixth annual “Free Tree Fridays” campaign, a statewide effort to encourage tree planting. Free bare root seedlings will be available to Arkansans every Friday from March 20 through April 24 at locations across the state. “Free Tree Fridays embody the spirit of Arbor Day by offering people the opportunity to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees in their own backyards and in their communities,” said Kristine Kimbro, Urban and Community Forestry Coordinator. “Rather than just celebrating Arbor Day once, we are excited to offer multiple

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Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board Approves $4.38 Million in Funding

18/03/2026

LITTLE ROCK, AR –The Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board approved $4,387,032.75 in funding for 96 research and promotion projects at its March 12–13, 2026 public meeting. The approved projects will support the growth and market development of Arkansas’s soybean industry. “The Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board is entrusted with allocating checkoff funds and ensuring that investments are made to secure the tools and resources needed to support growth and competitiveness,” said Brad Doyle, Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board Chair. “Each year, the board convenes to consider promotion and research project proposals and to determine which projects best benefit Arkansas’s soybean industry and

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Arkansas Department of Agriculture Reminds Industry of Dicamba Use Restrictions

17/03/2026

LITTLE ROCK, AR –The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is reminding pesticide applicators and agricultural producers of important restrictions regarding the use of dicamba products during the 2026 growing season. In February 2026, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued new federal registrations for over‑the‑top (OTT) dicamba products for the next two growing seasons, accompanied by strengthened national restrictions. As part of this action, EPA removed all federal cutoff dates for OTT dicamba applications on soybeans and cotton. Arkansas’s state cutoff date of June 30 remains in effect. From April 16 through June 30, the application of registered in-crop dicamba products

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Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board Votes to Protect Producer‑Funded Research From Foreign Competitors

13/03/2026

LITTLE ROCK, AR –The Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board has adopted a policy aimed at protecting agricultural research from benefiting foreign competitors. In a unanimous decision on March 12, the board voted to prohibit the use of state soybean checkoff dollars for any research that would benefit foreign countries such as Brazil, Argentina, or China. “I was the first Governor in the nation to kick communist China off our farmland and out of our state, and I remain committed to safeguarding Arkansas farmers from foreign interference,” said Governor Sanders. “I fully support yesterday’s decision by the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board,

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Arkansas Cotton Growers to Receive Rebate From Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation

11/03/2026

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Arkansas Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation (ABWEF) board of directors voted to authorize the distribution of a $1 per acre cash rebate to growers for assessments paid on the 2025 cotton acres verified with the Arkansas Boll Weevil Eradication Program. A total payout of approximately $487,000 will be returned to Arkansas cotton growers with delivery expected by end of April. “Arkansas cotton producers persevered with the same hard work and dedication they bring year after year,” said Joe Mencer, a grower from Chicot County and ABWEF Chairman. “We’re pleased to once again support their efforts

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Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board Approves $3.08 Million in Funding

27/02/2026

LITTLE ROCK, AR – The Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board approved $3,080,000 in funding for 34 research projects at its February 25, 2026 meeting. The approved projects will support the growth and market development of Arkansas’s rice industry. “To improve profitability and long-term sustainability, investments in research are critical to Arkansas’s rice industry,” said Jim Whitaker, Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board Chair. “Rice assessment collections should be utilized to fund the best research and practical tools available for Arkansas rice farmers. The Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board plays a critical role in assessing research project proposals

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Arkansas Department of Agriculture, USA Rice Partner to Expand Rice in Schools Program

26/02/2026

LITTLE ROCK, AR –USA Rice Federation has donated 10 commercial rice cookers to support the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Rice in Schools Program, expanding participating schools’ ability to serve Arkansas-grown rice in cafeterias across the state. The donated equipment will help schools prepare rice-based meals more efficiently, improving students’ access to nutritious, locally sourced foods while strengthening connections between students and Arkansas agriculture. “Through Arkansas Rice in Schools, a key part of the Arkansas Plate Initiative, we’re increasing the use of Arkansas-grown rice in school meals while strengthening the connection between students, agriculture, and good nutrition,” said Governor Sanders.

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