September Roundup: Policy Updates, Leadership, and Resilience
- Arkansas Cattlemen's Association
- Sep 30
- 3 min read
Fall has arrived in Arkansas, bringing cooler weather, long-awaited rains, and plenty of news for cattle producers. Here’s a look at the highlights from September.
Leadership in Action
The Arkansas Cattlemen’s Leadership Course (ACLC) continues shaping the next generation of advocates. September featured two major updates:
Session 4 in Morrilton — Participants met at the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute, where Emma Coffman, of Double E Ranch Advocacy, a Master of Beef Advocacy Trailblazer and NCBA Beef Advocate of the Year, led training on telling the beef industry’s story effectively. Thank you to the Arkansas Beef Council for sponsoring the event.
Applications Open — The 2026 ACLC class applications are currently open! Apply by December 7, 2025, at arbeef.org/aclc.
Federal Relief Programs
Financial support is top of mind this season. USDA’s Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) is providing automatic drought payments and accepting flood applications through October 31, 2025. Eligible Arkansas counties include: Clay, Craighead, Crittenden, Cross, Greene, Independence, Jackson, Lawrence, Lee, Mississippi, Monroe, Phillips, Poinsett, Randolph, Sharp, St. Francis, White, and Woodruff. Read more here.
ACA is actively working with the Governor’s Office and the Department of Finance and Administration to ensure these payments are exempt from state taxes, just like other disaster assistance for cattle producers.
Policy & Industry Updates
No USDA Heifer Retention Program — Despite rumors, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins confirmed in late September that there are no plans for payments to retain heifers.
Government Shutdown Uncertainty — ACA will keep members updated on how a potential shutdown may affect cattle producers.
New World Screwworm Near the Border — A new detection in Nuevo León, just 70 miles from Texas, is the most serious threat yet. Read more here. ACA President Don Hubbell underscored the importance of Secretary Rollins’ leadership:
“The fact that screwworm is now only 70 miles from the U.S. border is extremely concerning for Arkansas cattle producers. Protecting our cattle supply is a national priority, and we appreciate Secretary Rollins’ leadership in deploying resources, strengthening surveillance, and taking decisive steps to keep this pest from crossing into the U.S.”
Officer Spotlight
September also marked important leadership transitions following the 67th Annual ACA Convention & Trade Show. See the full executive committee here.
Don Hubbell of Independence County was elected President.
Patrick Taylor of Madison County was elected 1st Vice President.
Ron Carter of Independence County was elected 2nd Vice President.
Marcus Creasy of Cleburne County continues to serve as Secretary/Treasurer.
We also welcomed new Area Vice Presidents:
Rick Core (Area 2), succeeding Sam Cecil.
Angela Burrow (Area 9), succeeding Rickey Goff.
Rayce Markley (Area 1), filling Patrick Taylor’s unexpired term.
Elizabeth Walker (Area 3), filling Luke Alston’s unexpired term.
J.E. Murphy (Area 8) was re-elected for a fourth term.
ACA is grateful for the years of service from outgoing leaders and excited to welcome new and returning officers who will guide us into the future.
Weather & Forage Challenges
After a wet spring followed by summer drought and an outbreak of armyworms, hay supplies remain a concern across the state. Testing your hay can help identify nutritional gaps, saving money and headaches later. Your local extension agent can help interpret results.
Though late-September rains brought some relief, drought continues to weigh heavily on producers. Keeping the U.S. Drought Monitor current with local reports is critical, as it directly influences Livestock Forage Program (LFP) payments. Submit your conditions here.
Stay Connected
From weather challenges to leadership milestones, September reminded us of both the hurdles and the resilience in Arkansas cattle country. ACA will continue to advocate for producers, recognize rising leaders, and celebrate the people who make this industry strong.
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!