Chris Smith Named 2026 Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association Producer of the Year

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association Honors Chris Smith as 2026 Producer of the Year

FORT SMITH, Ark. — The Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association (ACA) named Chris Smith of Jay H Farms in Romance the 2026 Producer of the Year during the association’s Annual Convention & Trade Show in Fort Smith.

The ACA Producer of the Year Award recognizes outstanding contributions to Arkansas’s cattle industry through leadership, innovation, stewardship and a commitment to advancing the cattle business. Recipients are selected based on achievements in cattle production, industry leadership, community involvement and dedication to strengthening the future of agriculture.

A first-generation farmer, Smith has built Jay H Farms alongside his wife, Nesha, and daughter, Jalyn, into a 2,300-acre cattle and hay operation centered on commercial and registered Braunvieh cattle.

“Chris represents the kind of producer this award was created to recognize,” said ACA President Don Hubbell. “He has built an impressive operation through hard work, innovation and a willingness to continually improve, while never losing sight of the importance of family, community and giving back to the cattle industry.”

Today, Jay H Farms manages approximately 500 commercial cows and more than 75 registered Braunvieh females. The operation places a strong emphasis on reproductive efficiency, herd health, artificial insemination, data-driven genetic selection and retained ownership to improve cattle performance from pasture to harvest.

The Smith family has also developed the annual Top of the Mountain Elite Sale, which brings together Braunvieh and Angus genetics and provides producers an opportunity to add proven genetics to their own herds.

While the award recognizes Smith’s leadership and vision, the success of Jay H Farms is a family effort. Nesha plays an integral role in the operation, while Jalyn is building her own place within the cattle industry through JMS Cattle Co. Together, the family supports youth livestock programs, FFA and 4-H and remains active in their local community.

“Chris and his family are a great example of what makes Arkansas’s cattle industry strong,” said ACA Executive Vice President Michelle Bufkin Horton. “They are focused on making their own operation better, but they are just as willing to share what they have learned, support young people and help other producers succeed.”

Smith’s commitment to cattle production and agriculture has earned recognition beyond ACA. He has been named the Braunvieh Association of America’s Commercial Breeder of the Year, and the Smith family has been recognized as both the White County Farm Family of the Year and East Central District Farm Family of the Year.

From beginning as a first-generation farmer to developing one of Arkansas’s respected family cattle operations, Smith has built Jay H Farms around continual improvement, sound management and long-term stewardship. His willingness to share knowledge and invest in the next generation has also earned him the respect of cattle producers throughout the state.

Although the 2026 Producer of the Year Award bears Smith’s name, the recognition also celebrates Nesha, Jalyn and the entire family whose work and shared commitment have helped build Jay H Farms.

The Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association represents cattle producers across the state through legislative advocacy, education, industry development and promotion of Arkansas’s cattle industry. For more information visit www.arbeef.org.