ACA Announces Producer Educator of the Year

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association Names Billy Black as 2025 Producer Educator of the Year

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. — The Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association (ACA) has honored Chief Billy Black of the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Law Enforcement Division as the 2025 Producer Educator of the Year.

Black was recognized for his exceptional contributions to cattle producer education across the state. Over the past year, he visited more than half of ACA’s county associations, providing practical, real-world education on preventing cattle theft, securing operations, and understanding the state’s agricultural law enforcement program. His talks, grounded in actual investigations, have helped recover stolen livestock, trailers, and equipment — returning $3.2 million in restitution to producers in the last fiscal year alone.

“Billy Black’s expertise, passion for outreach, and commitment to protecting Arkansas agriculture make him an invaluable resource to our producers,” said ACA Executive Vice President Michelle Bufkin Horton. “His work not only educates cattlemen and women but actively safeguards their livelihoods.”

In addition to in-person meetings, Black has reached producers through county extension programs, the Arkansas Cattle Business Podcast, and statewide events. Under his leadership, the Law Enforcement Division expanded its investigative capacity, adding a new special agent to better serve rural communities.

For more information about ACA’s Producer Educator of the Year award and other 2025 honorees, visit www.arbeef.org.