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October Roundup: Legislative Support for Ag, Youth Events, and Arkansas's Best Burger

Writer's picture: Arkansas Cattlemen's AssociationArkansas Cattlemen's Association

In October, the Arkansas Cattlemen's Association (ACA) actively championed the interests of Arkansas cattle producers through farm tours, youth events, and member engagement across the state. Our leaders met with our federal delegation, participated in Governor Sanders' farm tour, and proudly supported the next generation at events like the Arkansas Youth Expo, the Arkansas State Fair, and our own Pen Heifer Show. We’re grateful for all the opportunities October provided to amplify the voices of Arkansas’s cattle producers and spotlight our industry.


Legislative Support for Agriculture

Throughout the month of October the Arkansas Cattlemen's Association had the opportunity to meet with multiple elected officials in meetings and farm tours.


Congressman Westerman toured numerous farms in his district, including ACA Area 4 Vice President Chad Daniel's operation.



ACA leaders met with Senator Boozman to discuss the Farm Bill and other legislative priorities critical to Arkansas cattle producers.

A man in a blue shirt standing in front of a camera

Area 1 Vice President Patrick Taylor was able to meet with Congressman Womack in Rogers to discuss issues that were facing Arkansas cattle producers.


We're grateful to our entire federal delegation for their support of the agricultural industry. The ACA is here to amplify the voice of cattle producers in our state with elected officials, and October was full of those opportunities.







Governor Sanders’ Farm Tour

Also in October, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders hosted a farm tour throughout the state, visiting ACA members River Valley Tractor and Flying C Ranch. This tour provided a unique opportunity to highlight cattle producers in this state.


Our leadership and staff discussed the state’s agricultural needs with the Governor, who expressed her commitment to supporting Arkansas’s agriculture industry. A sincere thank you to Governor Sanders and Secretary Wes Ward from the Arkansas Department of Agriculture for the opportunity to showcase Arkansas's largest industry.


Governor Sanders chauffeured our Farm Manager, Michael, in a side-by-side and rode in a vintage Willy’s Jeep with our owner, Leanna. It was a beautiful day for a farm visit!







Development of the Next Generation

October is home to many different opportunities for the youth in Arkansas - Arkansas Youth Expo, Arkansas State Fair, County/District Fairs, and ACA Pen Heifer Show!


Pen Heifer Show Results

The 2024 Cattlemen’s Choice Heifer Pen Show was a tremendous success, thanks to our exhibitors, sponsors, and supporters. Yesterday, competitors began the event with cattle processing and participated in quizzes and sales talks, putting their skills to the test. A special thank you to our sponsor VitaFerm, and to Dr. Looney and Dr. Justice for their assistance in processing cattle.



Here are the top results from the Heifer Pen Show:


  • Supreme Champion Pen - Mattie Bussey

  • Reserve Champion Pen - Carson Wright

  • 3rd Overall Pen - Gayle Herring

  • 4th Overall Pen - Reed Webb

  • 5th Overall Pen - Avalise Morrison



Quiz Winners

  • Junior: 1st Place - Ally Phillips, 2nd Place - Gayle Herring

  • Intermediate: 1st Place - Huck Plyler, 2nd Place - Carson Wright

  • Senior: 1st Place - Anna Sweat, 2nd Place - Anna Rustyn Phelps



Sales Talk Winners

  • Junior: 1st Place - Ally Phillips, 2nd Place - Gayle Herring

  • Intermediate: 1st Place - Huck Plyler, 2nd Place - Carson Wright

  • Senior: 1st Place - Anna Sweat, 2nd Place - Sara Hinson



High Point Winners

  • Junior: 1st Place - Gayle Herring, 2nd Place - Ally Phillips

  • Intermediate: 1st Place - Carson Wright, 2nd Place - Huck Plyler

  • Senior: 1st Place - Anna Sweat, 2nd Place - Reed Webb



Congratulations to all the winners and thanks to our judges Tanner Turner (Hempstead County), Rob Campbell (Pope County), and Justin Tweedy (Randolph County) for their invaluable support. Photos from the event are available on our Flickr page.


Record-Breaking Sale of Champions

This year's Sale of Champions at the Arkansas State Fair saw an impressive $250,000 in support raised for youth exhibitors. ACA was proud to partner with Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas, Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation, and Simmons Bank to purchase the top three steers in the sale. Congratulations to all exhibitors for their hard work and dedication!


ACLC Applications Open

Applications are open for Arkansas Cattlemen's Leadership Course (ACLC)!

This program is always a great opportunity to learn, grow, and network in the industry.


ACLC was created to educate future leaders by giving them hands-on experience with legislative sessions, commerce, commodities, media, PR, and various segments of the beef industry.

Selected applicants are expected to attend all five sessions and the graduation. Most of these sessions will be two-day, one-night events held during the week, with the exception of graduation, which is on a Saturday in December.


Apply here by December 20, 2024: https://www.arbeef.org/aclc


Arkansas's Best Burger Award

October also featured the Arkansas Beef Council’s inaugural Arkansas’s Best Burger contest. Congratulations to Bailey's Family Restaurant in Cave City on being awarded this honor for their Caveman burger!


We’re grateful for the Beef Council hosting this event and allowing us to assist in judging. Who better to judge beef than cattle producers?


Looking Forward to November

ACA staff and leaders are excited to be hitting the road attending county meetings, production sales, field days, and other events! If you have an upcoming event please reach out to the office at 501-224-2114 or noralee@arbeef.org to let us know. We would love to attend and include it on our calendar.


As always, thank you for your membership and please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions.

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