What You Need to Know About the Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association 67th Annual Convention & Trade Show

The Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association (ACA) is gearing up for its 67th Annual Convention & Trade Show, a cornerstone event for cattlemen and cattlewomen across Arkansas. This year’s convention, held from August 7-9, at the Hot Springs Convention Center, promises a blend of education, networking, and entertainment. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of this event. Register online now.

Key Highlights

Cattlemen’s College

The Cattlemen’s College series is a major educational component of the convention, featuring sessions on:

Opening Session: Market Outlook & Emerging Threats

         Presented by Dr. James Mitchell, University of Arkansas and Dr. Joshua Moffett, Acting State Veterinarian Arkansas Department of Agriculture

Real World Theft Tactics & Trends

Presented by Chief Billy Black, head of Law Enforcement for the Arkansas Department of Agriculture

Disaster-Proofing Your Operation Panel

Presented by Dr. Kirsten Midkiff, University of Arkansas; Chief Billy Black; Clay Vaughn, Specialty Risk Insurance

Ration Balancing on a Budget

Presented by Jimmie Hollenbeck of Associated Farmers Cooperative

Beef Quality Cut-Out Demo

         Presented by Dr. Janeal Yancey, Arkansas Department of Animal Science and Dr. Crystal Ahrens-Rouiller, Arkansas Tech University. Sponsored by the Arkansas Beef Council

Genetics & Carcass Data: Unlocking Profit Potential in Arkansas Herds

Presented by Troy Marshall, American Angus Association. Sponsored by Arkansas Beef Council

Weed & Pasture Management

Presented by Mitch Cash. Sponsored by Arkansas Grazing Lands Coalition.

Entertainment and Social Events

Friday evening will feature a social hour and the Arkansas Cattlemen’s Foundation Benefit Auction, with entertainment provided by Cliff & Susan Erwin, celebrated Arkansas country music artists​​.

The Arkansas Cattlemen’s Foundation Benefit Auction will be on Friday evening, with proceeds going to benefit the ACF in their educational and developmental programs. Items to be auctioned off, include but are not limited to: guns, paintings, concrete feed troughs, western bags, and more.

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 15, 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 Embassy Suites in Hot Springs serves as the convention headquarters. Reservations can be made by calling (501) 624-9200 and requesting the special ACA rate​​ or at this link.

The overflow hotel is Hotel Hot Springs, you can book directly at this link or by calling HHS at 501-623-6600 and asking for the ACA rate.

Exhibitor and Sponsorship Information

The ACA Convention & Trade Show offers various sponsorship opportunities ranging from $1,000 to $4,000, including break sponsors, entertainment sponsors, happy hour sponsors, and opening session sponsors. Custom sponsorship packages are also available to fit specific needs​​. Find out more here.

Awards and Recognition

Producer of the Year

The ACA is excited to award the second Arkansas Cattlemen's Producer of the Year award this year to honor a member with significant contributions to the cattle industry.

ACA/ACF Scholarships

The ACA is proud to work with numerous partners to award over $15,000 in scholarships to deserving young students studying agriculture.

We will also be awarding our Lifetime Service Award, Legislator of the Year, and Producer Educator of the Year at the banquet. Along with our Top Hand recipients, counties who achieved 100%.

Convention Schedule

Friday, August 8, 2025

8 am - 10:30 am: Final Small Exhibitor Move-In

8 am: Nominating Committee

9:30 am: Registration Opens

10 am - 11 am: Opening General Session

11 am - 5:30 pm: Trade Show Open

11 am: Silent Auction Opens

12:15 pm - 1:15 pm: Lunch & Cattlemen's College I

        Disaster Proofing Your Operation

1:30 pm - 2:15 pm: Cattlemen's College II

        Real-World Theft Prevention Tactics & Trends

2:00 pm - 3:30 pm: Animal Health Board Meeting

2:30 pm - 3:15 pm: Cattlemen's College III

        Pasture Weed & Forage Identification

3:30 pm - 4:15 pm: Cattlemen's College IV

        Beef Quality Cut-Out

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm: CattleWomen's Meeting

4:30 pm - 6:30 pm: Social Hour with musicians Cliff & Susan

6:30 pm - 8:30 pm: Dinner & ACF Benefit Auction

Saturday, August 9, 2025

7:30 am - 1 pm: Registration Open

8 am - 9 am: Board of Directors/State Board Meeting

9 am - 2:30 pm: Trade Show Open

9 am - 10 am: Arkansas Beef Council Meeting

9 am - 10 am: Arkansas Cattlemen's Foundation Meeting

10 am - 10:45 am: Cattlemen's College V

           Ration Balancing on a Budget

10 am - 12 pm: Quiz Bowl - Round 1

11 am - 11:45 am: Cattlemen's College VI

           Genetics & Carcass Data: Unlocking Profit Potential

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

12:15 pm - 1:30 pm: Lunch & Quiz Bowl Finals

1:30 - 2:30 pm: General Membership Meeting

2:30 pm: Exhibitor Breakdown & Move Out

5 pm - 6 pm: Happy Hour in Grand Lobby

6 pm - 8 pm: ACA Awards Banquet

Conclusion

The 67th Annual ACA Convention & Trade Show is poised to be an invaluable event for cattle industry professionals, providing a platform for learning, networking, and celebrating achievements. Whether you're a longtime member or a newcomer, this convention offers something for everyone in the cattle community. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to engage with fellow cattlemen and cattlewomen and gain insights that can enhance your operations. Register today and join us in Hot Springs this August!