June Roundup: Advocacy, Awareness & Preparing for Convention

June marked the close of another successful membership year, but the work of the Arkansas Cattlemen's Association hasn't slowed down. From preparing for our annual Convention & Trade Show to keeping producers informed on New World Screwworm developments and advocating for meaningful Farm Bill improvements, our focus remains on providing the resources and representation Arkansas cattle producers need. Here's a look at what we've been working on throughout the month.

Here’s a look back at what ACA accomplished this month.

Membership Year Complete

June 30 officially marked the close of the 2026 membership year. Thank you to every producer, family, and industry partner who chose to invest in the Arkansas Cattlemen's Association. Your membership allows ACA to advocate for Arkansas cattle producers, provide educational opportunities, support youth programs, and ensure producers have a strong voice at both the state and national levels.

We'll share our final membership year numbers shortly, once postal deadlines have passed.

Convention Countdown

With membership wrapped up, our focus has shifted fully to preparing for the 68th Annual

Arkansas Cattlemen's Association Convention & Trade Show in Fort Smith. Staff, volunteers, and committee members have been working hard to finalize an outstanding lineup of speakers, educational sessions, exhibitors, and entertainment.

This year's program reflects the issues producers are facing today—from markets and genetics to animal health, consumer confidence, and social media outreach. We hope you'll join us as we come together to learn, conduct association business, and celebrate another year of Arkansas cattle producers. Learn more here.

Keeping Producers Informed on New World Screwworm

If you've followed ACA on social media this month, you've seen a major focus on New World Screwworm preparedness. As the situation continues to evolve, we've worked to provide timely, science-based information producers can trust.

This month included educational videos from ACA leadership and updates on the latest detections and regulations. On July 2, we are partnering with the University of Arkansas on a special webinar featuring Arkansas State Veterinarian Dr. Fidler and University of Arkansas economist Dr. James Mitchell. Register here.

Together, they will discuss what producers should be watching for in their herds, current movement requirements, market impacts, and the steps USDA and state officials are taking to protect the U.S. cattle industry. While New World Screwworm has not been detected in Arkansas, awareness and early detection remain our best defense. Register here.

Progress on the Farm Bill

Federal policy has also remained front and center. Senator John Boozman released the Senate Agriculture Committee's Farm Bill proposal, which includes several priorities supported by Arkansas cattle producers. The proposal strengthens disaster assistance programs, invests in foreign animal disease preparedness, supports rural veterinary services, and expands research into emerging livestock diseases.

ACA continues to work with our congressional delegation and national partners to ensure Arkansas producers have a seat at the table as Farm Bill discussions continue.

Looking Ahead

The work of ACA doesn't stop between magazine issues. Throughout June, we've shared legislative updates, convention announcements, educational resources, producer interviews, New World Screwworm updates, and timely videos designed to keep Arkansas cattle producers informed.

If you haven't already, be sure to follow ACA on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube so you never miss the latest news. We look forward to seeing many of you in Fort Smith this August as we continue working together to strengthen Arkansas's beef industry.

Thank you for your membership and for being part of the Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association. You can join or renew here.