AG COUNCIL NEWS & INFORMATION BRIEF
April 21, 2023
WASHINGTON AG UPDATE
Speaker McCarthy Lays Out Debt Plan: Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy laid out his arguments for addressing the U.S. federal debt during a speech before the New York Stock Exchange on Monday, April 17. Speaker McCarthy stated that it was time to make a change of course for federal spending in a manner that would reduce government dependence and expand opportunities for the free market. He directed his speech at President Biden urging him to come to the table and negotiate a budget deal that would reduce spending and mitigate costs associated with debt obligations. McCarthy announced that the House would consider a legislative proposal as early as next week that provides an increase of the debt ceiling and implements a plan to curtail spending and programs that drive government dependency and national debt. More...Video of Address | Speaker McCarthy Press Statement | Speaker McCarthy Legislative Proposal for Debt Ceiling | Reuters | ArkansasOnline | Agri-Pulse | WSJ
Ag Council VP Participates in Senate Farm Bill Hearing: On Thursday, April 20th, Ag Council Vice President Jeff Rutledge participated in a U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee hearing on the farm bill. The focus of the hearing was aimed at conservation title programs. Mr. Rutledge spoke primarily towards rice industry efforts in conservation and farm bill programs important to Arkansas farmers. Congress continues to hold multiple hearings on current farm bill programs as they begin work towards drafting a reauthorization bill. More...4.20.2023 Senate Ag Farm Bill Conservation Hearing | Boozman News Release | Video of Rutledge | ArkansasOnline
House Ag Committee Holds Hearing on EPA Issues: On Wednesday, April 19th, the House Agriculture Commmittee hosted Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan in which the committee provided oversight of the EPA on a range of issues at the agency. Much of the focus was on crop protection products and new actions related to the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the agency's newly announced rule on Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS). More...Hearing Page | Video | DTN Article | Agri-Pulse
ARKANSAS AG UPDATE
Members Encouraged to Apply for Service on State Boards and Commissions: During the 94th General Assembly in 2023, several laws changed related to state boards and commissions, including agriculture related boards and commissions. Most of the law changes related to the appointment processes and administrative duties of the boards and commissions. These changes were enacted in an effort to address recent court rulings and orders related to the constitutionality of the structure of the boards and commissions. With the new laws, qualified individuals are now required to apply for the positions through a web based portal administered by the Office of the Governor who is tasked with making appointments along with the confirmation of the Senate. We strongly encourage Ag Council members to apply for these positions as they serve important roles for our industry, and we stand ready to help our members navigate the appointment process. More...https://agcouncil.net/services/leadership/ | Application Portal | Office of Governor Homepage|
Ag Council Spring Board of Directors Meeting: The Ag Council of Arkansas will hold its next board of directors meeting on Wednesday, May 10th, at the Lon Mann Cotton Research Station in Marianna, Arkansas. Doors will open at 8:30 and the meeting will begin at 9am and conclude with lunch. Attendees can expect to receive an overview of the General Assembly's legislative session, an update on the development of the farm bill, and other relevant information facing the row crop industry. Guest speakers will include Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward and Senate Agriculture Committee Republican Staff Director Fitzhugh Elder. More...Event Info | Agenda
Rice Industry to Celebrate Groundbreaking of New Rice Research Center: The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture is hosting a groundbreaking ceremony (open to the public) at the new Northeast Arkansas Rice Research and Extension Center (NERREC) on May 9th at 10:30am. The Research Center, which is actively conducting research at the 600 acre location along Highway 1 in Greenfield, will soon have supporting infrastructure for labwork, office space and meetings. Funding for the NERREC construction comes through the Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board, provided by the Colombia TRQ (tariff rate quotas) program as part of the U.S. – Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, and private donations. More...FarmPress | NRREC Website | NRREC Twitter
Northeast Arkansas Seeks Survey Response Regarding Need for Regional Airport: The East Arkansas Planning & Development District is conducting a survey of residents in a target region of Northeast Arkansas to study whether a regional airport needs to be built in a 19 county area of Northeast Arkansas. Surveys will be collected through May 5, and the results will be delivered to the Federal Aviation Administration and the Arkansas Division of Aeronautics for consideration. More...TalkBusiness | ArkansasBusiness | Survey Link | Comments Page
DU Announces News on Nature Park Along Mississippi River at West Memphis: Big River Park Conservancy, the umbrella 501(c)3 organization over Big River Crossing, Big River Trails, and now Ducks Unlimited Park, recently annonuced that it named Chris Ware its new Executive Director and successfully secured 1,500 acres of land in the Arkansas floodplains to move forward with a comprehensive wetlands conservation effort, restoring the land to its natural habitat. DU Park, which may be accessed from Downtown Memphis via Big River Crossing, comprises 1,500 acres of land and currently holds a 7-mile paved trail loop and half-mile out and back trail with views of the Mississippi River, Memphis skyline and West Memphis agriculture. DU Park also connects to the Big River Levee Trail System, which includes more than 110 miles of riverside trails atop the Mississippi River’s levee system. More...DU Park Homepage | DU Press Release | MemphisFlyer Article
Northeast Arkansas to Host Programs to Help Entrepreneurs & Business Owners: The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC) at Arkansas State University (ASU will offer several opportunities in May to learn about starting and growing a business. Several sessions will provide opportunities for businesses to meet with ASBTDC business consultants. The ASBTDC provides one-to-one confidential guidance to business owners and entrepreneurs. Primary areas of assistance include business planning, financial analysis, market research, loan proposals, growth and expansion marketing and profitability. More...TalkBusiness | AEBTDC
Governor Hutchinson to Announce Presidential Bid April 26th in Bentonville: On April 26th in Bentonville, Arkansas, former Governor Asa Hutchinson will formally announce his plans to run for President of the United States. More...TalkBusiness | RSVP
Support Wynne Community in Tornado Relief Efforts: Following a devastating tornado that hit the community of Wynne, Arkansas, on March 31st, a disaster relief effort was launched to help aid the community in its efforts to clean up and rebuild. According to reports, approximately 1,200 citizens in the area are without homes as between 300 and 400 homes destroyed or damaged. In addition, the school and sewer plant were demolished, and daily necessities remain in short supply. More...Wynne Schools Relief Fund Info | Cross County Relief Fund Info
Rockefeller Institute Session Focused on Water and Agriculture: The Winthrop Rockefeller Institute recently hosted a special seminar focused on Arkansas’s water and food resources. The program featured Dr. Peter G. McCornick, the executive director of the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute at the University of Nebraska. As director, he leads the institute in delivering on its vision of a water- and food-secure world, building its partnerships and collaborations in Nebraska, nationally in the US, and other key food-producing regions in the world. More...Video of Program | Program Information | Institute Homepage
UofA Issues Arkansas Rice Update: On Friday, April 14th, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture's Cooperative Extension Service issued a new rice update for the 2023 crop year. The report provides an update for the crop year by describing various economic factors ,weather factors, and agronomic facing rice farmers in Arkansas so far this year. More...4.14.2023 Rice Update | Latest UofA Crop News
MidSouth Ag Law Seminar Set for June 8-9: The Mid-South Agricultural and Environmental Law Conference, set forth by the National Ag Law Center (NALC) based at the University of Arkansas, will take place in Memphis June 8-9 marking its 10th year. The conference, which focuses on issues relevant to the Mid-South, will include sessions on solar leasing, the 2023 Farm Bill, farm succession and healthcare planning. All net proceeds from registrations and sponsorships will go towards the newly created NALC Scott Fancher Ag Law Scholarship. More...MidSouth Ag Law Seminar Information | Agenda & Registration | Scott Fancher Ag Law Scholarship
Delta Classic Golf Tournament Scheduled for July 20: The Delta Classic Golf Classic, a four person scramble format event held a The Ridges at Village Creek, is scheduled for July 20th. The event serves as an important fundraiser to support students in the University of Arkansas's Department of Crop, Soil, & Environmental Sciences. With support from alumni and friends, CSES has awarded over $480,000 in scholarships to our deserving students. More...Tournament Information | Registration
May 31 is Deadline to Apply for Century Farm Program: The Arkansas Century Farm Program application deadline is May 31. The program recognizes Arkansas’s rich agricultural heritage and honors families who have owned and farmed the same land (at least ten acres) for at least 100 years. The program is administered by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture. Qualifying farms will receive a personalized Arkansas Century Farm certificate and metal sign listing the farm name and year established. More...Century Farm Program | Application Form (printable version)
Aerial Applicators Featured in Arkansas Money & Politics: In the April 6th edition of Arkansas Money & Politics, the magazine featured Arkansas aerial applicators. The article highlights the important role of the industry in supporting Arkansas agriculture. The article describes the history of the industry in Arkansas and its evolution over time with advancements in technology and equipment. More...AMP Article
Additional Arkansas Ag Resources:
Ag Council Leadership Opportunities
Apply for Service on State Boards & Commissions
USDA Arkansas Newsletter
UADA Crop Budgets
Arkansas Row Crop Risk Management
UofA Variety Test Homepage
Rice Performance Trial Data
Cotton Variety Testing Update
2023 Arkansas Grown Publication
Digital Edition of Delta Farm Press
ECONOMIC & INDUSTRY NEWS
April 17 Crop Progress Report: On Monday, April 17th, USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) issued a Crop Progress Report for Arkansas showing 46 percent of the corn crop planted, 33 percent of the rice crop planted, and 19 percent of the soybean crop planted. Winter wheat was reported as 25 percent headed. Soil moisture levels remain elevated, but conditions have allowed for significant progress in planting across Arkansas. More... Arkansas Report | US Report
Cotton Incorporated Seeks Nominees for Cotton Hall of Fame: Cotton Incorporated’s Board of Directors is seeking nominations for the Cotton Research & Promotion Hall of Fame. The program was designed to recognize and honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the Cotton Research & Promotion Program or to the cotton industry in general on a regional or national level. Producer Interest Organizations must be submitted no later than May 12, 2023. Please contact Andrew Grobmyer at andrew.grobmyer@agcouncil.net to submit recommended nominations from the Ag Council of Arkansas. More...About the Cotton Hall of Fame | Nomination Information & Form
DTN Market Insights: Commodity Market Info
Arkansas Economic Profile: 2022 Pocket Facts - News | USDA Arkansas Ag Economic Overview | Arkansas Ag Census Data | Arkansas Historical Data | Arkansas Farms & Land Report | Arkansas Land Values & Cash Rent Report
Arkansas Farm Labor Report
UofA Crop Updates | UofA Land Grant Research & Extension Service Video