AG COUNCIL NEWS & INFORMATION BRIEF
May 2, 2024
WASHINGTON AG UPDATE
Chairman Thompson Sets Stage for Committee Markup of House Farm Bill Legislation: U.S. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glen "GT" Thompson (R-PA) released an outline of the farm bill he plans to soon introduce and bring before the committee for consideration. As part of the unveiling of his proposal, Chairman Thompson set the date of May 23rd as the date for committee markup of the bill with plans to release the contents of the legislation at least five days prior to the committee meeting. The outline of the bill was highlighted by plans to enhance commodity programs and crop insurance for farmers. More...Announcement | Title by Title Summary | Ranking Member Scott Statement | DTNPF I I DTNPF II | ProFarmer
Chairwoman Stabenow Releases Outline of Farm Bill Legislation: Following the news from House Agriculture Committee Chairman GT Thompson's announcement regarding the House farm bill, Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow released an outline of a Senate farm bill she hopes to advance this year. The proposal was highlighted largely by the legislation's focus on nutrition assistance, environmental policy priorities, and support for urban and suburban agriculture interests. More...Announcement | Bill Summary | Section by Section Summary | Boozman Statement | ArkansasOnline | Agri-Pulse
EPA Proposes Effective Ban of Acephate: On April 30th, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) took regulatory action announcing plans to prohibit use of acephate, a common organophosphate insecticide used in Arkansas for insect control in multiple crops. The decision allows for public comments through July 1, and we recommend individuals take time to express their views regarding the importance of this chemistry. More...DTNPF | Federal Register | Link to Provide Public Comment
ARKANSAS AG UPDATE
Fiscal Session Comes to a Close with Passage of Revenue Stabilization Act: This week, the Arkansas General Assembly wrapped up work on its most important duty of the session, which was establishing spending levels for the upcoming fiscal year by passing a revenue stabilization act (RSA). The RSA will set forth allowable spending levels for state government and meet the state's requirement to provide a balanced budget. The RSA reflects minimal growth in spending levels and keeps most programs funded at levels at or near 2024 fiscal year levels. The 2025 fiscal year begins July 1. More...ArkansasOnline | | ArkansasOnline II | TalkBusiness
Lawmakers Adopt New Law Relating to Crypto Mines: The Arkansas General Assembly approved two measures relating to crypto mining activities in Arkansas. The two measures include some similar provisions, and they both aim to evolve state policy relating to this emerging industry to address concerns raised in recent months since facilities have become operational. Included in the list of concerns are local control over siting of facitilies, foreign ownership of facilities, noise levels, water consumption, and energy use among others. It's expected that additional legislation relating to this industry will come under consideration during the legislative session in 2025. More...ArkansasBusiness | ArkansasOnline | SB78 | SB79
April Revenues Continue to Exceed Forecast: According to the latest Department of Finance and Administration report, revenues for the State of Arkansas in April continued the trend of being down year over year. However, the revenue still exceeded forecasts and maintain a trajectory towards surplus income despite additional reductions in both corporate and individual income taxes. Two more months remain in the 2024 fiscal year for Arkansas. More...ArkansasBusiness | TalkBusiness | DFA Report
State Water Plan Meetings Set for Early May: The Arkansas Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Division recently announced upcoming meeting dates for the development of an updated State Water and Flood Plan. The meetings are scheduled for early May and cover a range of subject matters related to water. A meeting in Jonesboro May 6 will cover water infrastructure, and a meeting in Stuttgart May 9 will cover agriculture. More...News Release
Ag Council to Hold Board of Directors Meeting May 14 in Marianna: The Ag Council of Arkansas will hold its next board of directors meeting May 14 at the Lon Mann Cotton Research Station in Marianna. The meeting is open to Ag Council board of directors and invited guests. Other Ag Council members and sponsors are welcome to attend general sessions of these meetings provided they notify staff of their plans to attend in advance of the meetings. More...Meeting Agenda
National Ag Law Center Hosting Dicamba Update Webinar May 15: The National Agricultural Law Center, the nation’s leading source of objective, scholarly, and authoritative agricultural and food law research and information, is hosting an informational webinar (11:00am, Wed, May 15) focused on the latest legal issues relating to the crop herbicide dicamba. Significant court rulings and actions from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have substantially changed the status of the widely used herbicide for the 2024 crop year and future crop years. The webinar, which is open to the public, will provide the latest update on the issues surrounding dicamba. More...Announcement | Webinar Information | Registration Link
Cotton Incorporated Accepting Nominations for Research & Promotion Hall of Fame: Cotton Incorporated is accepting nominations for the Cotton Research & Promotion Hall of Fame through May 17. The hall of fame was established to recognize those who have made significant contributions to the Cotton Research and Promotion Program and the cotton industry in general. Individuals interested in making nominations should contact andrew.grobmyer@agcouncil.net. More...Nomination Information | Nomination Form
Marshall Stewart Promoted to New Role with Parent Company of Greenway Equipment: Former Greenway Equipment CEO Marshalll Stewart was recently elevated to serve as CEO of Dynasty Management Group, the parent company of Greenway. Bill Midkiff was announced to be promoted to CEO of Greenway to fill the position vacated by Mr. Stewart. Dynasty Management Group is the management and governance organization overseeing all companies within the Conner-Stewart family of businesses, which include Greenway Equipment, Scott Petroleum, FARCO Construction, Precise HVAC & Electrical, and Goosehead Insurance. More...TalkBusiness | Greenway Names New CEO | Stewart Bio at DMG | Greenway Equipment | Dynasty Management Group
StoneX Offering Grain Merchandising Risk Academy in Memphis July 16-17: Ag Council Sponsor StoneX, a leading global financial services company with expertise in commodity futures markets, is hosting a grain merchandising risk academy in Memphis, TN, July 16-17. The program is an excellent opportunity for individuals and businesses to build knowledge in managing futures market risks with tools, concepts, and strategies employed by grain merchandisers and originators worldwide. The interactive agenda is tailored to meet the needs of attendees with all levels of experience, regardless of their previous exposure to grain merchandising. More...About the Seminar | Agenda | Registration Link
National Ag Law Center Hosting Mid-South Conference in Memphis June 6-7: The National Agricultural Law Center, the nation’s leading source of objective, scholarly, and authoritative agricultural and food law research and information, is hosting its 11th Annual MidSouth Agricultural Law Conference June 6-7 in Memphis. The event, which is open to attorneys and the general public, focuses on several legal topics affecting agriculture. It offers continuing learning education opportunties for lawyers as well. In addition to the knowledge and information shared, the conference provides excellent networking opportunities for attendees. More...UofA Announcement | Conference Information | Agenda | Registration
Save the Date! Ag Council Sets Dates for 2024 Board of Director Meetings: The Ag Council of Arkansas has set dates for its upcoming board of directors meetings this year. The meetings are open to Ag Council board of directors and invited guests. Other Ag Council members and sponsors are welcome to attend general sessions of these meetings provided they notify staff of their plans to attend in advance of the meetings. Spring Meeting: Tuesday, May 14 at the Lon Mann Cotton Research Station in Marianna (Tentative Agenda); Summer Meeting: Thursday, August 15 at the Northeast Arkansas Rice Research and Extension Center in Greenfield; Annual Meeting: Thursday and Friday, December 12-13 at the Capital Hotel in Little Rock
Arkansas Department of Ag Accepting Century Farm Applications Through May 31: The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for the 2024 Arkansas Century Farm Program. This program recognizes Arkansas families who have owned and farmed the same land for at least 100 years. The program is voluntary and there is no cost to apply. More...Century Farm Homepage | News Release
Governor Celebrates Eggs, Beef, and Strawberries with Proclamations and a Picnic: Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders joined Agriculture Secretary Wes Ward along with staff of the Arkansas Department of Agriculture and others from the agriculture industry at a picnic to celebrate Arkansas grown beef, eggs, and strawberries. The picnic was held at the Arkansas Department of Agriculture, and the event included speeches celebrating Arkansas agriculture and proclamations specifically recognizing the production of beef, eggs, and strawberries in Arkansas. The meal was highlighted by these commodities as well. More...Press Release | Video | Photos
Members Encouraged to Apply for Service on State Boards and Commissions: We strongly encourage Ag Council members to apply for public service on various agriculture related state boards and commissions which serve important roles for our industry. We stand ready to help our members navigate the application and appointment process. More...https://agcouncil.net/services/leadership/ | Application Portal | Office of Governor Homepage
Additional Arkansas Ag Resources:
USDA Arkansas April Newsletter NRCS/FSA
USDA Daily Arkansas Grain Bids
Arkansas Department of Ag Calendar
Ag Council Leadership Opportunities
Apply for Service on State Boards & Commissions
2024 Arkansas Rural Development Conference May 21-23
USDA NRCS Arkansas Offices
USDA County Cash Rent Estimates
Arkansas Crops Update
UADA Crop Budgets
UADA Verification Information
Arkansas Row Crop Risk Management
Pine Tree Discoloration & Mortality Reporting
Feral Hog Task Force
Digital Edition of Delta Farm Press
H-2A Guidebook by Congressman Crawford
Bayer Carbon Program (ForGround)
Indigo Carbon Program
Corteva Carbon Program
Truterra Carbon Program
Nutrien Carbon Program (FarmSmart)
ECONOMIC & INDUSTRY NEWS
USDA Issues Crop Progress Report: On Monday, April 29, USDA issued a Crop Progress and Condition Report for the 2024 crop year. According to the report, Arkansas farmers have planted 81 percent of the corn crop, 83 percent of the rice crop, 56 percent of the soybean crop, 14 percent of the cotton crop and 12 percent of the peanut crop. The pace of planting progress remains well ahead of the five-year average. More...UofA Summary | U.S. Report | Arkansas Report
Other links of Interest:
AgWeb: Nutrien's Eric Snodgrass on SA Weather
Cotton Inc Monthly Economic Letter
Fertilizer Plant Sale in Iowa Draws Scrutiny
Jarrod Hardke's Arkansas Rice Report
UofA Leads in Development of New Fertilizer Recommendation Support Tool (FRST)
DTN Market Insights: Commodity Market Info
The RiceStuff Podcast: Podcast Homepage
USDA April/May Processing Reports:
- Cotton System
- Fats & Oils
- Flour Milling
- Flour Milling - Ann.
- Grain Crushings
- Peanut Stocks and Processing
- Peanut Prices
- USDA Prices Report
Options for Conservation Funding with New Climate Programs: Arkansas farmers have multiple options to seek out funding incentives for conservation programs deemed to be "climate smart" through grants issued from USDA to various agriculture organizations and enterprises. The grants were part of a Climate Smart Commodity Program established by USDA with use of funds from the Commodity Credit Corporation. Practices such as alternate wetting and drying and furrow irrigation in rice will provide payment opportunities as well as no-till and cover crops for other commodities. Additional practices are also eligible. For cotton farmers, enrolling acres in the industry's U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol program also offers payment opportunities. Some application windows have already opened and closed while others are expected in coming days and weeks, but they are not expected to be open long. More...Climate Smart Cotton | Climate Smart Rice | Winrock/Riceland Foods Program | AgriCapture | Rice-Tec SmartRice | Alliance for CS Ag | More Arkansas Related CSAF Opportunities | USDA CSAF Homepage
Arkansas Economic Profile: 2023 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
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