Ag Council Update
September 5, 2025
MR. MENCER GOES TO WASHINGTON
Ag Council of Arkansas president Joe Mencer of Lake Village traveled to Washington, D.C., earlier this week to share messages on behalf of the members of the organization. The trip followed a recent meeting of the board of directors of the Ag Council held August 14 in Marianna. That meeting, which was a roundtable format, focused on the agriculture economy. We appreciate the participation of Representative Rick Crawford, Secretary Wes Ward, and the staff of Governor Sanders and the members of the Arkansas Congressional delegation. The discussion led to letters sent on August 18 to President Trump and the United States Trade Representative (USTR).
The trip to Washington was an opportunity for Mr. Mencer to follow-up on the letters. While in D.C., Mr. Mencer provided testimony in the USTR in their Section 301 investigation into Brazil. Additionally, Mr. Mencer was also able to visit with Representative Crawford's office, the staff of the Senate Agriculture Committee led by Chairman John Boozman, representatives from the domestic policy office of the White House, and representatives of the Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. Additionally, Mr. Mencer was able to hold a brief conversation with Secretary Rollins while at USDA. We are grateful for the chance to share our concerns and have them heard.
The messages provided in the letters were the focus of all of our discussions, of which a centerpiece is focused on the immediate need for "bridge" support for farmers struggling with the impact of tariffs and other economic challenges. We've suggested using tariff revenues as an offset for the cost of an aid package. Such assistance is critical in helping farmers through the coming months and until the OBBBA safety net programs provide future relief.
We will continue to share this message, and we will continue to press for additional positive policy outcomes in the coming weeks and months that will improve economic conditions for farmers and bring more market demand for commodities grown in the Arkansas. We encourage our members to speak up on this matter and encourage others from across the country to do so as well. Such communication is necessary in getting the attention of policy makers in Washington.
Letters:
Letter to POTUS
Letter to USTR
Joint Letter from Arkansas Ag Groups to Delegation
Testimony:
Testimony of Joe Mencer to USTR
Articles Regarding our Trip:
ArkansasOnline
DTN-PF
Net Farm Income Numbers by Crop from UofA:
Images from the Trip
Day 1
Day 2
Recent News Highlighting the Emerging Concern Among Arkansas Farmers:
https://talkbusiness.net/2025/08/arkansas-on-the-verge-of-agricultural-disaster/
https://katv.com/news/local/hundreds-of-struggling-arkansas-farmers-ask-federal-government-to-save-them
https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2025/aug/27/agricultural-groups-urge-arkansas-congressmen-to/
https://www.agriculture.com/partners-rollins-golden-age-for-american-farmers-is-around-the-corner-11803385
https://www.dtnpf.com/agriculture/web/ag/columns/washington-insider/article/2025/08/26/deputy-secretary-usda-eyes-bridge
UPCOMING COTTON COUNCIL MEETINGS OFFERS OPPORTUNITY TO DISCUSS FARM POLICY
The Ag Council is helping to host information sessions led by the National Cotton Council next week in Arkansas. We strongly encourage participation as it will offer informative updates on components of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) and other policy priorities of the NCC. It will also offer an opportunity to discuss additional policy needs and goals for our industry.
Meetings will held in McGehee on Monday, September 8th (3pm @ Hoots BBQ); Blytheville, Wednesday, September 10th (2pm @ Arkansas Northeastern College); and Marianna, Thursday, September 11th (9am @ Lon Mann Cotton Research Station). We strongly urge your attendance and participation! Please encourage others to join.
ARKANSAS RICE MONTH CELEBRATION
September is Rice Month in Arkansas. Rice Month offers a chance to celebrate harvest and the contribution of rice to our economy and diet.
There are two Rice Month events scheduled for early next week in Little Rock. Limited room is available and registration is required. Information about both is below.
--Monday, September 8, Arkansas Rice and the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance are hosting a special rice-themed dinner at Southern Tail Brewing Company on Monday, September 8 to celebrate Rice Month & National Hunger Action Month. The 5-course meal will include rice items from various Little Rock eateries. Click here to learn more and to purchase tickets.
--Tuesday, September 9, is Arkansas Rice Day, when Governor Sanders will join us at the Arkansas Foodbank to announce and celebrate the donation of rice from the state’s rice community to food banks across the state. Click here to let us know you’ll be attending (see more info below).
WORKFORCE NEWS ON H-2A LABOR
In recent days, there've been a few changes to the H-2A program that are positive for employers. Some of the changes related to wage rates should address the inflationary challenges of recent years and reduce some of the paperwork required of employers. Our friends and sponsors from Agri-Placements recently recorded a zoom webinar that provided an overview of these changes. Agri-Placements Webinar (recorded)
Also, the Arkansas Division of Workforce services is hosting Employer Roundtable sessions to see how foreign labor job orders are processed, housing inspections are conducted, tips on how to expedite processing a job order or housing inspection, and have an opportunity to ask questions. See their brochure below for more info or click here to register. Sessions begin at 10:00 & 1:00 at the following locations/dates:
Jonesboro, September 10th - Jonesboro Workforce Center, 2311 E. Nettleton Ave
Forrest City, September 12th - EACC Workforce Center, 1700 Newcastle Road
Monticello September 16th - Monticello Training Center, 809 Hwy 278 East
Pine Bluff, September 17th - Pine Bluff Workforce Center, 1001 South Tennessee
Little Rock, September 18th - - Little Rock Workforce Center, 5401 S University Ave
HARVEST NOTICES FROM ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
https://agriculture.arkansas.gov/news/arkansas-department-of-agriculture-shares-harvest-season-reminders/
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture recently sent out a notice reminding producers of important resources and protections available during the fall harvest season. These include the Arkansas Grain Grading Act, the Department’s slow pay hotline for grain sales, voluntary smoke management guidelines, and roadway safety awareness.
Grain Grading Protections
Enacted in 2019, the Arkansas Grain Grading Act applies to all grain warehouses in the state. Under the law, warehouses and dealers engaged in grain grading must have their programs and graders certified by the Department. All grading must follow the Official United States Standards for Grain established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Producers are guaranteed several protections, including:
- Timely grading: Warehouses must grade and sample each delivered load within 24 hours.
- Sample retention: Any sample with more than a four percent reduction must be kept for at least two days.
- Right to dispute grades: Producers may request a regrade by an official grading agency. The reissued grade becomes the official result, and requests must be made within two days of the original grade.
The Department currently certifies 34 grain companies across 64 locations in Arkansas, covering corn, soybeans, and wheat. Inspectors conduct regular and random checks during harvest and respond to producer inquiries, complaints, or concerns.
Slow Pay Hotline
Producers experiencing delayed payment of more than 30 days for grain sales may contact the Department’s slow pay hotline at (501) 219-6308 for assistance.
Voluntary Smoke Management Guidelines
Producers planning post-harvest residue burning are encouraged to follow voluntary smoke management guidelines. These practices help minimize smoke impacts on neighboring properties and communities while supporting safe and effective land management. The guidelines can be found on the Department’s website here. FireSmart APP
Roadway Safety
With more equipment on Arkansas roadways during harvest, the Department urges both producers and the public to use caution. Producers should ensure equipment is properly marked and lit, while motorists are reminded to be patient and attentive when sharing the road.
CONTACT INFO FOR ELECTED LEADERS
Senator John Boozman: (202) 224-4843 | Email Link: https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/e-mail-me | Ag Staffer: Kate Covington/Carley McLean
Senator Tom Cotton: (202) 224-2353 | Email Link: https://www.cotton.senate.gov/contact/contact-tom | Ag Staffer: MacKenzie King
Representative Rick Crawford: (202) 225-4076 | Email Link: https://crawford.house.gov/contact | Ag Staffer: James Hodges
Representative Bruce Westerman: (202) 225-3772 | Email Link: https://westerman.house.gov/contact | Ag Staffer: Charlie Louree
Representative French Hill: (202) 225-2506 | Email Link: https://hill.house.gov/contact/ | Ag Staffer: Madeleine Dierksheide
Representative Steve Womack: (202) 225-4301 | Email Link: https://womack.house.gov/contact/ | Ag Staffer: Beau Stuckey
Governor Sarah Sanders: (501) 682-2345 Email Link: https://governor.arkansas.gov/online-services/contact-the-governor/| Ag Staffer: Rachel Smith | Secretary of Agriculture https://agriculture.arkansas.gov/resources/about/about-secretary-wes-ward/
White House: https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/
USDA: https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/general-information/staff-offices/office-executive-secretariat