July Roundup: Summer Heat, Strong Membership & Convention Ahead

If there was one thing every Arkansas cattle producer could agree on this July, it was that it was hot.

Record-breaking temperatures settled across much of the state, making long days in the hay field even more challenging. While we cannot control the weather, we can do our best to protect ourselves and our livestock. We encourage everyone to stay hydrated, check water supplies frequently, provide as much shade as possible and keep an extra eye on cattle showing signs of heat stress. Taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your herd.

Despite the heat, July was anything but slow for the Arkansas Cattlemen's Association.

Convention Countdown

Our staff, volunteers, sponsors and committee members spent the month putting the finishing touches on what promises to be one of our biggest and best conventions yet. By the end of July, the trade show was officially sold out, hotel rooms were filling quickly and producers from across the state were making plans to join us in Fort Smith on August 7-8.

Pre-registration is closed, but you can still register at the door! Here's the full schedule.

This year's convention offers something for every operation. From our weather and NewWorld Screwworm outlook during the Opening General Session to Cattlemen's College topics covering genetics, markets, consumer confidence, ticks, social media and herd management, the schedule is packed with practical information producers can take home and put to work.

Beyond the educational sessions, convention is about reconnecting with old friends, supporting the Arkansas Cattlemen's Foundation during the Benefit Auction, meeting with industry partners, celebrating our award winners and helping shape the future of the association during the General Membership Meeting.

If you're joining us in Fort Smith, we can't wait to see you. Thank you to our sponsors for making this event a success!

Staying Prepared

Animal health remained a major focus throughout July as producers closely monitored updates on the New World Screwworm and the continued spread of the Asian longhorned tick and Theileria orientalis.

While Arkansas remains free of New World Screwworm, the situation serves as a reminder of how quickly foreign animal diseases and pests can impact the livestock industry. Throughout the month, ACA shared updates from USDA and industry experts, along with practical guidance on what producers should watch for and how to report suspicious cases.

As always, staying informed and remaining vigilant are our best tools.

Celebrating a Strong Membership Year

Our annual membership year officially wrapped up on June 30, and we have plenty to celebrate.

By the Numbers

• 5,623 Total Members

• 96% of 2025 Membership Reached

• 421 New Active Members

• 310 New Associate Members

• 26 Counties Qualified for the 105% Program

• 25 Top Hands Recognized for Outstanding Recruitment

These numbers reflect more than membership—they represent producers, families and businesses investing in the future of Arkansas's cattle industry.

Twenty-six counties grew their membership enough to qualify for the 105% Program, while 421 new active members and 310 new associate members joined our organization this year. Just as importantly, 25 Top Hands went above and beyond to recruit new members and strengthen ACA across the state.

To everyone who renewed, recruited a neighbor, signed up a local business or shared why ACA matters, thank you. Your investment allows ACA to advocate for cattle producers, provide timely educational opportunities and continue building a stronger future for Arkansas agriculture.

Looking Ahead

As summer begins to wind down, many producers are already thinking ahead to hay supplies, fall management decisions and marketing plans while taking advantage of historically strong cattle markets.

Whether you're preparing calves for sale, evaluating forage inventories or making plans for the months ahead, we hope you'll also take time to recharge and connect with fellow producers at the convention. The relationships built through the Arkansas Cattlemen's Association remain one of our greatest strengths.

Thank you for following along with us throughout July and for supporting the Arkansas Cattlemen's Association. We look forward to seeing many of you in Fort Smith as we continue working together to advocate, educate, and build an even stronger cattle industry for Arkansas.