What You Need to Know About the 68th Annual Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association Convention & Trade Show

The Arkansas Cattlemen's Association is excited to welcome cattle producers, industry partners, and agricultural leaders from across the state to the 68th Annual Arkansas Cattlemen's Association Convention & Trade Show, August 7–8, 2026, at the Fort Smith Convention Center. With educational sessions, the largest farm and ranch trade show in Arkansas, policy discussions, networking opportunities, and family-friendly activities, Convention is where Arkansas cattle producers come together to shape the future of our industry.

Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime ACA member, here's what you can expect. Register online now before July 23rd. Prices increase at the door.

Key Highlights

Learn from Industry Experts

This year's educational lineup focuses on the issues impacting cattle producers today and the opportunities ahead.

The Opening General Session will feature updates on topics that are shaping our industry, followed by six Cattlemen's College sessions covering practical, real-world information producers can take home and implement immediately.

Topics include:

• Markets, Margins & Management with Dr. James Mitchell

• Building Consumer Confidence: Food Safety, Labeling & Trust with Dr. Justin Ransom, USDA Food Safety Inspection Service

• The ABCs of EPDs with Donnell Brown of R.A. Brown Ranch

• Know Your Enemy: Ticks & Other Pests with Dr. Kirsten Midkiff

• Beefing Up Your Social Media Panel

• Additional producer-focused educational sessions throughout Convention

  
  

From genetics and marketing to animal health and consumer trust, there's something for every segment of the beef industry.

Explore Arkansas's Largest Farm & Ranch Trade Show

Convention is home to the largest farm and ranch trade show in Arkansas, bringing together exhibitors from across the country.

Visit with companies representing animal health, nutrition, equipment, fencing, financial services, technology, seed, insurance, livestock marketing, and more—all in one location. Whether you're looking for new products, comparing equipment, or visiting with longtime industry partners, the trade show offers opportunities you won't find anywhere else in the state.

Help Shape the Future of ACA

Convention is more than education—it's where ACA conducts business.

Members will participate in the General Membership Meeting, hear updates on the work your association has accomplished over the past year, elect leadership, and help guide the future direction of ACA. As a grassroots organization, member involvement is what makes ACA strong.

Celebrate Youth and Leadership

One of the highlights of Saturday is the ACA Beef Quiz Bowl, sponsored by the Arkansas Beef Council. Moving the finals to Convention gives attendees the opportunity to watch some of Arkansas's brightest young cattle producers showcase their knowledge while highlighting the importance of investing in youth education.

Throughout the weekend, you'll also see the next generation of industry leaders participating in ACA programs and events that continue strengthening the future of Arkansas agriculture.

Network with Fellow Producers

Some of the most valuable conversations happen outside the meeting rooms.

Convention provides countless opportunities to reconnect with old friends, meet producers from across Arkansas, exchange ideas, and build relationships with industry leaders. Whether you're visiting exhibitors, attending committee meetings, sharing a meal, or catching up during the Happy Hours, you'll leave with new connections and fresh ideas.

Great Entertainment Included

After a full day of learning and networking, unwind with great entertainment.

Friday evening features the Arkansas Cattlemen's Foundation Benefit Auction followed by a live concert from Payton Howie, presented by Destination Fort Smith.

Saturday evening begins with a Happy Hour featuring Cory Jackson, followed by the ACA Awards Banquet where we'll recognize outstanding cattle producers and industry leaders from across Arkansas.

Registration and Attendance

Registration is available online, however, you can pay online or via check mailed to the office. Please contact us if you have any questions! We will be accepting early registration up until July 23, after that the registration cost will increase.

FFA and 4-H Day: Students wearing their FFA jacket or 4-H swag, along with accompanying family or adults, will receive free entry to the trade show on Saturday​​.

There is also a grant available for producers to attend convention and get reimbursed for their costs. That grant is available online.

Hotel Reservations

The Wyndham in Fort Smith serves as the convention headquarters. Reservations can be made online here or by calling and requesting the special ACA rate​​.

Convention Schedule

Thursday, August 6

9 am - 12 pm: Large Exhibitor Move-In – Exhibit Halls ABC

1 pm - 5 pm: Small Exhibitor Move-In – Exhibit Halls ABC

1 pm: Executive Committee Meeting – Meeting Room 1

Friday, August 7

8 am - 10:30 am: Final Small Exhibitor Move-In – Exhibit Halls ABC

8 am: Nominating Committee – Meeting Room 1

9:00 am: Registration Opens

10 am - 11:15 am: Opening General Session – Theater

11:30 am – 12:15 pm: Pathway to Progress - American Angus Association – Meeting Rooms 4-5-6

11:15 am - 5:30 pm: Trade Show & Silent Auction Open – Exhibit Halls ABC

11:00 am – 12:15 pm: Arkansas Beef Council Meeting – Meeting Room 1

11:30 am – 12:15 pm: Pathway to Progress - American Angus Association – Meeting Rooms 4-5-6

12:15 pm - 1:15 pm: Lunch & Cattlemen's College I – Exhibit Halls ABC

        ABCs of EPDs – Donnell Brown of R.A. Brown Ranch,

        sponsored by Mathias Ranch and Ferappease

1:30 pm - 2:15 pm: Cattlemen's College II – Meeting Rooms 4-5-6

         Building Consumer Confidence: Food Safety, Labeling & Trust -             

         Dr. Justin Ransom, USDA Food Safety Inspection Service

2:00 pm - 3:30 pm: Board of Animal Health Meeting – Meeting Room 1

2:30 pm - 3:15 pm: Cattlemen's College III – Meeting Rooms 4-5-6

         Markets, Margins & Management

         Dr. James Mitchell, University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture

3:30 pm - 4:15 pm: Cattlemen's College IV – Meeting Rooms 4-5-6

         Know Your Enemy: Ticks & Other Pests

         Dr. Kirsten Midkiff, University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm: CattleWomen's Meeting – Meeting Room 2

4:30 pm - 5:30 pm: Happy Hour – Exhibit Halls ABC

5:30 pm – 7:30 pm: Dinner & ACF Benefit Auction – Exhibit Halls ABC

8:00 pm: Payton Howie Concert – Theater

Saturday, August 8

7:30 am - 1 pm: Registration Open

8 am - 9 am: Board of Directors/State Board Meeting - Meeting Rooms 4-5-6

9 am – 10 am: Cowboy Capers – North Rotunda

9 am - 2:30 pm: Trade Show Open – Exhibit Halls ABC

9 am – 10 am: Hereford Meeting – Meeting Room 2

9 am - 10 am: Membership Recruitment Meeting - Meeting Rooms 4-5-6

10:15 am - 11:15 am: Arkansas Cattlemen's Foundation Meeting – Meeting Rooms 4-5-6

10 am - 12 pm: Quiz Bowl - Round 1 –  Meeting Rooms 1 & 2

11 am - 11:45 am: Cattlemen's College V – Meeting Rooms 4-5-6

          Beefing Up Your Social Media Panel

11:30 am: Silent Auction Closes (pick up/pay prior to lunch)

12:15 pm - 1:30 pm: Lunch & Quiz Bowl Finals – Exhibit Halls ABC

1:30 - 2:30 pm: General Membership Meeting – Meeting Rooms 4-5-6

2:30 pm: Exhibitor Breakdown & Move Out – Exhibit Halls ABC

5 pm - 6 pm: Happy Hour with musician Cory Jackson – Wyndham Ballroom

6 pm - 8 pm: ACA Awards Banquet – Wyndham Ballroom

Conclusion

Convention has something for everyone. Spouses, young producers, longtime members, first-time attendees, and industry partners will all find opportunities to learn, connect, and enjoy the weekend together.

Between educational sessions, shopping the trade show, youth activities, entertainment, and Fort Smith's growing downtown, it's an event the entire family can enjoy.

Registration closes soon for the 68th Annual Arkansas Cattlemen's Association Convention & Trade Show.

We hope you'll make plans to join us August 7–8 in Fort Smith as Arkansas cattle producers come together to learn, lead, and strengthen the future of our industry.

We'll see you in Fort Smith! Register here.