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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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Governor Sanders to Deploy Arkansas Forestry Personnel for Wildfire and Storm Response

LITTLE ROCK, AR — Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has authorized the deployment of Arkansas Department of Agriculture forestry personnel to support wildfire suppression in Oklahoma and urban tree recovery in Tennessee, highlighting the state’s commitment to regional cooperation and public safety. “No one stands alone when it comes to responding to disasters,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “Arkansas is proud to join forces with states across the region in Oklahoma and Tennessee to support wildfire suppression and storm recovery. These deployments demonstrate the power of collaboration and the dedication of our personnel to help their neighbors whenever

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Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board Approves $2.86 Million in Funding

LITTLE ROCK, AR –The Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board approved $2,860,000 in funding for five promotion projects at its February 5, 2026 meeting. The approved projects will support the growth and market development of the state’s rice industry. “Arkansas is the largest rice-producing state in the United States, and the Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board plays a vital role in supporting our rice farmers,” said Jim Whitaker, Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board Chair. “By investing in promotion of rice through assessment collections today, the board increases market access and demand for Arkansas rice both domestically and

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