December Roundup: Looking Back at 2025 - Progress, Partnership, and Purpose
- magazine18
- 3 days ago
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As the Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association closes the door on 2025, it’s clear this year was defined by steady leadership, strong engagement, and a continued commitment to protecting the future of Arkansas cattle producers. From the county level to the Capitol, and from youth programs to national policy conversations, ACA worked every day to ensure cattlemen had a strong, unified voice.
This year marked an important chapter for ACA membership. With updated programs, refreshed recruiter incentives, and our first dues adjustment in 15 years, members stepped up in a big way. ACA closed the year with an 86 percent retention rate, a testament to the dedication of county officers, Top Han
d recruiters, and local leaders who understand that a strong association is essential to effective advocacy. See these individual and county award winners here.
ACA’s Spring Area Conferences once again demonstrated the value of meeting producers where
they are. With support from Farm Credit and the Cattlemen’s Education Series grant, several areas set attendance records, with more than 2,500 producers participating statewide. Producer Profitability Panels stood out as a highlight, offering practical, peer-to-peer insights that producers could take home and use immediately.
Policy and advocacy remained at the heart of ACA’s work throughout 2025. During the 95th General Assembly, ACA stayed actively engaged as thousands of bills moved through committees. Two veterinary access bills passed early in the session, improving livestock care availability across the state. One of the most significant state-level wins came with passage of SB290, now Act 921, which shifts permitting moratorium authority from appointed agencies to elected legislators — a change that aligns with ACA policy and strengthens private property rights.
At the federal level, 2025 delivered a long-awaited victory with passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill, which included meaningful improvements to the Livestock Forage Program (LFP). For years, ACA has advocated for LFP reforms that better reflect the real costs and realities of drought on cattle operations. The updated provisions improve payment calculations and thresholds, helping ensure assistance more accurately aligns with forage losses producers experience on the ground.
These improvements could not have come at a more critical time. As drought conditions persisted across parts of Arkansas this year, the improved LFP moved from a policy priority to real-world relief for producers making difficult management decisions. This win underscores the importance of sustained, consistent advocacy — and why ACA remains focused on long-term solutions rather than short-term headlines.
Nationally, ACA officers met with Arkansas’ congressional delegation in Washington, D.C., advocating for LFP improvements, black vulture mitigation, estate tax reform, and proactive measures to prevent the spread of New World Screwworm. Later in the year, a prolonged federal shutdown and renewed conversations about beef imports added uncertainty, reinforcing the importance of having a strong, unified voice representing cattle producers at both the state and national levels.
The 67th Annual Convention and Trade Show brought renewed energy, education, and new
traditions. The addition of the Quiz Bowl Finals placed youth front and center on Saturday, while Cattlemen’s College continued delivering hands-on education in forage management, nutrition, carcass value, and theft prevention.
Members also elected new officers and Area Vice Presidents. During the Awards Banquet, ACA recognized outstanding leaders and counties for their service throughout the year. The Arkansas Cattlemen’s Foundation Auction once again raised critical funds to support scholarships for the next generation of agricultural leaders.
A highlight of the year was the graduation of both the 2025 Arkansas Cattlemen’s Leadership
Course (ACLC) class and the second class of the Arkansas Cattlemen’s Graduate Course (ACGC). Together, these programs represent ACA’s intentional investment in developing informed, prepared leaders for the cattle industry.
ACLC participants completed intensive sessions focused on policy, industry issues, communication, and leadership development, preparing them to serve at the county, state, and national levels. The ACGC program, designed as an advanced opportunity for ACLC alumni, builds on that foundation with deeper discussions around governance, complex policy issues, and strategic leadership.
Graduating a second ACGC class marked an important milestone for ACA and reinforced a clear leadership pipeline. Many graduates of both programs go on to serve as county officers, committee members, and state board leaders, strengthening the association from the inside out.
Weather challenges shaped much of the year, with a wet spring followed by drought and
armyworm pressure that strained hay supplies across parts of the state. ACA remained focused on timely drought monitor updates as new LFP thresholds move toward implementation. Emergency Livestock Relief Program payments tied to 2023 and 2024 conditions also provided meaningful assistance for producers navigating difficult decisions, along with securing exemptions for those payments from Arkansas State Income taxes.
Animal health remained a priority as New World Screwworm detections near the U.S. border raised concern. ACA stayed in close communication with animal health officials to ensure producers received accurate, timely information.
Looking Ahead
As ACA looks toward 2026, the association is strong, connected, and ready to lead. Thank you for the early mornings, long days, and pride you bring to raising Arkansas cattle. Thank you for trusting ACA to represent you wherever your voice is needed. Here’s to another year of progress, purpose, and partnership.
As always, thank you for your membership and commitment to Arkansas cattle. Thank you for being part of our mission. Stay tuned for updates, and don’t forget to share this post with fellow cattle producers!