November Roundup: Market Conversations, Leadership Development, and Critical Wins for Producers

November brought a full slate of activity for Arkansas cattle producers — from renewed national conversations on market oversight, to hands-on leadership training, to critical updates on federal disaster programs, and finally, a government funding agreement that restores certainty to USDA services. Below is a recap of the news, programs, and policy developments shaping the month.

ACLC Wraps Up Its Final Session of the Year

The 2025 Arkansas Cattlemen’s Leadership Course (ACLC) completed its final session in Northwest Arkansas with an immersive, three-day deep dive into beef from hoof to rail.

Participants spent Monday exploring:

• On-farm finishing strategies

• Beef shelf life and labeling

• Value-added cuts

• Food safetyThe evening concluded with the always-popular Iron Chef Burger Cookoff.

Tuesday focused on carcass grading and fabrication, giving attendees a firsthand look at what drives quality and value.

The final day covered:

• Dry-aging techniques

• Value-addition to low-value cuts

• Byproducts

• Live evaluation

• Carcass ultrasounding

• Feed yard industry fundamentals

A special thank-you goes to the University of Arkansas Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences and the UA Department of Animal Science for hosting and sharing their expertise.

Applications for next year’s class are now open at arbeef.org/aclc.

Policy & Industry Discussions Resurface at the National Level

In 2020, the Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association joined 22 other state cattle organizations in calling for a formal investigation into potential anti-competitive behavior within the meatpacking sector. That collaborative letter to then–U.S. Attorney General William Barr came in the wake of two major market disruptions — the Tyson plant fire and the early days of COVID-19 — both of which exposed vulnerabilities in the beef supply chain and placed disproportionate strain on cattle producers.

This month, those discussions returned to the forefront as President Trump renewed calls for a federal investigation. ACA supports taking a serious, transparent look at how cattle markets function. Whether such an inquiry confirms concerns or puts them to rest, facts bring confidence, and confidence strengthens producers’ ability to plan for the future. Market stability remains essential for the long-term health of Arkansas’s cattle industry, and ACA will continue monitoring the process as it moves forward.

Government Shutdown Ends: What Producers Should Know

After the longest shutdown in U.S. history, Congress reached an agreement in November to reopen the federal government through January 30, 2026. The final package included three full-year appropriations bills — including Agriculture–FDA — which restores stability to USDA services relied upon by cattle producers across the state.

Agriculture–FDA Funding Highlights

Total funding: $26.65 billionKey investment areas include:

• Nutrition

• Rural development

• Agricultural research

  
  

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)

$211 million for AMS programs that support:

• Domestic & international market access

• Commodity purchases

• Market data toolsIncludes:

• $1 million for the Cattle Contract Library Pilot Program

• Funding for Packers & Stockyards Act enforcement

  
  

Farm Service Agency (FSA)

$1.4 billion for offices & producer servicesFunds:

• $10 billion in farm loan support

• Prohibition on closing FSA county offices

• Improved tracking of foreign-owned agricultural land

• USDA’s role on the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S.

  
  

Conservation

$850 million for NRCS conservation work:

• Technical & financial assistance for working lands

• Watershed & flood prevention

• Rural dam rehabilitation

• Reduced funding for urban-only programs

  
  

One-Year Farm Bill Extension

H.R. 5371 also extended the 2018 Farm Bill through 2026, ensuring continuity for:

• Commodity support programs

• Conservation programs

• Nutrition assistance

• The Grain Standards Act

• Suspension of outdated permanent ag laws

  
  

APHIS (Animal & Plant Health)

$1.2 billion supporting protection of livestock & cropsHighlights:

• $13.5 million for rancher EID tag cost-share

• Funding to combat CWD, New World Screwworm, and avian influenza

• Strengthened national animal disease traceability infrastructure

  
  

Agricultural Research

$3.8 billion for ag research, including:

• ARS and NIFA

• Land-grant university support

• National Bio & Agro-Defense Facility

• Prioritization of high-value research and innovation

  
  

These investments provide the certainty and operational continuity producers need as calving season, winter feeding, and 2026 planning begin.

Member Resources Hit Mailboxes

Producers across the state received the 2025 Associate Membership Directory in November.

The Associate Directory highlights businesses that support Arkansas cattle producers and serve as valuable partners year-round. Members can also access the digital version online.

These mailings are part of ACA’s ongoing effort to keep producers informed, connected, and supported with practical tools for their operations.

Important Update: ELRP Payments Exempt From State Income Tax

A major development came this month with confirmation that both Emergency Livestock Relief Program drought payments and ELRP flood/wildfire payments are exempt from Arkansas state income tax under A.C.A. § 26-51-314.

This exemption ensures that disaster relief funds go directly to the producers affected — supporting herd recovery, feed costs, and operational stability without an added tax burden.

ELRP Flood & Wildfire Relief (2024)

• Covers 18 Arkansas counties hit by severe flooding

• Application period extended through November 21, 2025

• Eligible producers should contact their county FSA office

  
  

ELRP Drought Relief (2023–2024)

• 28 counties were eligible across the two years

• Producers with approved LFP applications automatically received relief this summer

• No additional application was required

  
  

ACA sincerely appreciates Governor Sanders, Secretary Hudson, and Secretary Ward for their collaboration in securing this clarification on behalf of Arkansas cattle producers.

Stay Connected

From market transparency conversations to leadership development, disaster tax relief, and the return of fully operational USDA programs, November delivered tangible wins and progress for Arkansas cattle producers. ACA will continue advocating for strong markets, reliable federal services, and policies that protect cattle operations across the state heading into the new year.

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!