September Roundup: Drought, Policy & Progress for Arkansas Cattle Producers

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September kept the Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association busy on several fronts. From drought conditions affecting producers across the state to major federal policy developments, animal health updates and leadership training, ACA continued working to keep Arkansas cattle producers informed and represented.

Here’s a look at what happened across ACA this month.

Drought Continues Across Arkansas

Drought remained one of the biggest challenges facing Arkansas cattle producers throughout September.

Pasture conditions continued to decline in many areas, ponds dropped and producers faced difficult decisions about winter forage supplies. ACA encouraged cattle producers to document what they were seeing by submitting reports and photos through the Condition Monitoring Observer Reports system.

Those reports are more than anecdotal information. They help provide on-the-ground data used in evaluating drought conditions and can ultimately influence eligibility for programs such as USDA’s Livestock Forage Disaster Program.

ACA also participated in regional conversations focused on drought conditions and improving early warning and response efforts across Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi.

As conditions continue to change, producers are encouraged to keep reporting what they are seeing on their operations.

Federal Actions Put Cattle Policy in the Spotlight

Federal cattle policy remained a major focus following the administration’s August announcement to temporarily increase imports of lean beef trimmings.

ACA continued communicating concerns about government actions that could interfere with cattle markets at a time when producers are finally experiencing stronger prices after years of drought, herd liquidation and increased production costs.

September also brought several new federal actions affecting cattle producers.

President Trump with cattle producers and industry representatives

On September 4, an Executive Order directed USDA to increase enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act and examine ways to expand market access for American meat producers. The order also directs USDA to increase opportunities for small and regional processors, streamline participation in federal-state meat inspection programs and examine barriers affecting interstate shipment of state-inspected meat.

These are issues ACA has followed closely, particularly efforts to increase regional processing capacity and create additional marketing opportunities for cattle producers.

ACA will continue monitoring how the directives are implemented and what they ultimately mean at the farm gate.

Farm Bill 2.0 Advances

September also brought significant movement on the long-awaited Farm Bill.

Senator Boozman with a cowboy hat in front of him

The Senate Agriculture Committee advanced the Agriculture Act of 2026, commonly referred to as Farm Bill 2.0, on September 16. Committee passage moves the legislation another step forward, although additional work remains before a final Farm Bill can clear both chambers of Congress and reach the president’s desk. Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman has indicated negotiations with the House are expected to continue as Congress works toward a final package.

For cattle producers, the Farm Bill reaches far beyond traditional commodity programs. The Senate proposal strengthens standing disaster programs, provides additional drought flexibility and makes changes to the Conservation Reserve Program intended to improve grazing options, including during drought.

Animal health is another important piece of the legislation. Farm Bill 2.0 strengthens federal preparedness for foreign animal diseases through the National Animal Disease Preparedness, Response and Recovery Program and the National Animal Vaccine and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank. Those programs help USDA, states, universities and industry prepare for and respond to potentially devastating livestock disease outbreaks.

The proposal also addresses challenges ACA members are already facing at home. It supports rural veterinary services and includes livestock disease research provisions relevant to emerging threats such as Theileria, which has now been confirmed in cattle in 19 Arkansas counties. Asian longhorned ticks, a primary vector of Theileria orientalis Ikeda, have also been confirmed in 11 Arkansas counties.

Those provisions are especially important as the cattle industry simultaneously deals with established animal health challenges and prepares for foreign animal diseases such as New World Screwworm.

ACA President Don Hubbell highlighted those priorities following the release of the Senate proposal, noting that stronger disaster programs, support for rural veterinarians, research on emerging livestock diseases and improved foreign animal disease preparedness directly address challenges facing Arkansas cattle producers.

Committee passage is an important step, but it is not the finish line. ACA will continue working with Arkansas’s congressional delegation and national partners as House and Senate negotiations continue, with a focus on ensuring the final Farm Bill provides cattle producers with the risk-management, animal-health and conservation tools they need.

ACLC Builds Stronger Industry Advocates

Closer to home, members of the 2026 Arkansas Cattlemen’s Leadership Class traveled to Winthrop Rockefeller Institute on Petit Jean Mountain September 15-16 for media training and advocacy.

The session focused on helping participants become more confident communicators for agriculture. Class members practiced telling their stories, working with media and communicating effectively about issues affecting cattle producers.

Developing knowledgeable leaders and advocates is an important part of ACA’s mission. ACLC gives participants opportunities throughout the year to learn more about the Association, public policy, different segments of the beef industry and the role they can play in its future.

The class will head to Fayetteville next for the Arkansas Beef Short Course before graduating later this year.

Helping Members Prepare for Election Day

September also marked the release of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Public Policy Center’s 2026 Arkansas Ballot Issues Voter Guide.

Arkansas voters will consider three proposed constitutional amendments and one bond issue during the November 3 General Election. The guide provides neutral, research-based information explaining each proposal, what a FOR or AGAINST vote means and viewpoints offered by supporters and opponents.

ACA is sharing information from the guide in the October issue of Arkansas Cattle Business to help members better understand the questions that will appear on their ballots. Members can also access the complete guide online through the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Public Policy Center.

Read the 2026 Arkansas Ballot Issues Voter Guide:View the full voter guide

Early voting begins October 19, and the deadline to register to vote in the November election is October 5.

Looking Ahead

September demonstrated just how quickly the issues affecting cattle producers can change.

Drought conditions at home, cattle markets, federal policy, animal health threats and legislation in Washington all require attention at the same time. ACA’s role is to stay engaged, provide producers with reliable information and make sure Arkansas cattlemen have a voice when decisions affecting their operations are being made.

October will bring fall fairs and livestock shows, continued preparations for the 2027 Arkansas legislative session and plenty more happening across cattle country.

Stay connected through ACA’s weekly newsletter, social media channels and Arkansas Cattle Business for the latest updates.

Thank you for your membership and for continuing to support the work of the Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association.