April Roundup: DC Fly-In, Board Meeting, Available Scholarships, and Final Hats on the Hill

April was a month of advocacy, leadership, and opportunity for the Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association (ACA). From policy discussions in Washington D.C. to preparing the next generation through scholarships, ACA remained focused on protecting and promoting the interests of Arkansas cattle producers.

ACA Heads to Washington D.C.

ACA leaders and staff traveled to Washington, D.C. this month to advocate on behalf of Arkansas cattle producers during our spring fly-in. Our team met with members of the Arkansas congressional delegation and key USDA officials to discuss pressing issues facing our industry.

Topics included:

• The importance of a strong Farm Bill with adequate support for cattle producers.

• Needed adjustments to Livestock Forage Program (LFP) payment thresholds

• Ongoing concerns about black-headed buzzards, addressed through support of the Black Vulture Relief Act

• The need to permanently repeal the federal estate tax (commonly known as the Death Tax)

• A critical funding request of $330 million for a new sterile fly facility to combat the New World Screwworm

We extend our sincere thanks to Senator John Boozman, Senator Tom Cotton, Congressman Bruce Westerman, Congressman French Hill, and Congressman Steve Womack and their teams for taking the time to meet with us. Their continued support of Arkansas agriculture is appreciated.

A special thank you goes to Congressman Westerman for hosting our group on a memorable nighttime Capitol tour, highlighting the beauty and history of our nation’s legislative branch.

Over $15,000 in Scholarships Now Open for 2025

As part of our mission to invest in the future of Arkansas agriculture, ACA and our partners are proud to offer over $15,000 in scholarship support to outstanding students pursuing careers in the cattle and agriculture industries.

Applications for the 2025 scholarship cycle are now open and must be submitted online through our website.

Application Deadline: June 1, 2025

• Arkansas Cattlemen’s Foundation Young-Baker Scholarship

• Jack & Janet Perry Pre-Vet/Ag Communications Scholarship

• Arkansas CattleWomen’s Foundation Scholarship

• Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association Scholarship

• Farm Credit Adam McClung Leadership Scholarship

Application Deadline: July 1, 2025

• Adam McClung Family & Friends Cattlemen’s Legacy Scholarship

Students, educators, and parents can learn more and apply at:🔗 www.arbeef.org/awards-scholarships

Second Quarter Board Meeting

In April, the ACA hosted its second Quarterly State Board Meeting of the year in Little Rock. The meeting brought together volunteer leaders from across Arkansas to review ongoing priorities, discuss organizational policies, and plan for the upcoming ACA Convention.

From legislative strategy to event planning, our board continues to lead with commitment and purpose. Their time, insights, and dedication are the backbone of our association—and we are grateful for their service.

Hats on the Hill

Quick Facts:

• Began January 13, 2025

• Adjourned Wednesday April 16, will adjourn sine die on May 5

• Around 2,000 bills and resolutions filed

  • House: 1,005 bills and 164 resolutions

  • Senate: 647 bills and 112 resolutions

Bills of Interest:

HB2003/SB637: Revenue Stabilization Act

• The RSA funds the State’s general revenue budget and increased by approximately $180 million to just under $6.5 billion.

• This budget represents a 2.89% increase in spending for the 2026 fiscal year.

Signed ACA-Supported Bills

SB61: Veterinary Telemedicine

• Sponsor/s: Senator Ricky Hill and Representatives DeAnn Vaught and Stetson Painter

• Status: Act 18 – Signed into law on February 6

• Votes: Overwhelming majority in both chambers

• Bill Synopsis: SB61 authorizes veterinary telemedicine in the state of Arkansas. Under this bill, veterinarians with an Arkansas license can practice telemedicine and must establish a VCPR, in-person, within 21 days of the telehealth visit.

• ACA position: Priority legislation, strongly support

SB68: Credentialed Veterinary Technicians

• Sponsor/s: Senator Ricky Hill and Representatives DeAnn Vaught and Stetson Painter

• Status: Act 19 – Signed into law on February 6

• Votes: Overwhelming majority in both chambers

• Bill Synopsis: SB68 authorizes veterinary technicians, technologists, and technician specialists to go to a location other than the location of the supervising veterinarian to provide services based on an emergency call under indirect supervision.

• ACA position: Priority legislation, strongly support

SB290: Legislative Oversight of Moratoriums

• Sponsor/s: Senator Blake Johnson and Representative DeAnn Vaught

• Status: Act 921 – Signed into law on April 22

• Votes: 70 Yeas in House, 25 Yeas in Senate

• Bill Synopsis: Requires that moratorium decisions be made by the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee, not unelected agencies. Does not apply to existing moratoriums.

• ACA position: Priority legislation, strongly support

SB124: Funding for the University Division of Agriculture

• Sponsor/s: Senator Blake Johnson and Representative DeAnn Vaught

• Status: Act 899 – Signed into law on April 18

• Bill Synopsis: An act to appropriate funds for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, including allocations for personal services and operational expenses. Appropriation does not mean funds are available however, the governor did provide UADA with one time money to help bridge the gap for funding needs.

• ACA position: Support

HB1740: FOIA Exemption for EID Tags

• Sponsor/s: Representative Kendra Moore and Senator Steve Crowell

• Status: Act 585 – Signed into law on April 14

• Bill Synopsis: HB1740 exempts certificate of veterinary inspection and other information tied to EID tags from the Freedom of Information Act protecting producers’ privacy.  

• ACA position: Support

HB1594: Farm Tax Exemption Card

• Sponsor/s: Representative DeAnn Vaught and Senator Tyler Dees

• Status: Act 621 – Signed into law on April 14

• Bill Synopsis: Creates a farmer sales tax identification card. Clearly defines farming and outlines the conditions under which exemptions may be claimed. It emphasizes that sellers can be relieved of liability if they act in good faith. The bill also protects sellers against liability for improperly accepting exemptions.

• ACA position: Support

Stay Connected

As we move into May, ACA remains focused on advocating for producers, developing future leaders, and ensuring Arkansas cattlemen and women have a strong voice at every level. Thank you for being part of our mission. Stay tuned for updates, and don’t forget to share this post with fellow cattle producers! Our membership drive ends on June 30, 2025 so don't forget to renew online today!