The Agricultural Council of Arkansas announced on Apr. 14 that its Board of Directors will hold a spring meeting in Little Rock on May 8. The event is set to take place at the Simmons Bank building in the River Market area, located at 601 East 3rd Street, and will feature presentations from various speakers addressing key issues affecting agriculture in the state.
This meeting brings together stakeholders to discuss economic conditions, policy updates from Washington, and water management concerns relevant to Arkansas farmers. According to the official website, the Agricultural Council of Arkansas operates as a member-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing agricultural interests in the state as noted on its official website.
Speakers include economists from the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture who will review current economic conditions and forecasts for crops. Staff members from the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee are scheduled to address ongoing policy efforts and recent accomplishments at the federal level. Additionally, representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will provide an update on water policy and emerging issues related to water use through an overview of the State Water Plan.
The council’s executive director Andrew Grobmyer is also slated to present an overview of Ag Council policy priorities for both state fiscal matters and national legislative developments. Lunch will be provided following these presentations.
The council draws strength from a wide membership that includes farmers, landowners, and agricultural businesses across Arkansas according to its official website. It relies on investments from members to fund initiatives that protect and promote farmers’ interests as noted by the organization. In addition, it supports rural communities by promoting policies aimed at sustaining family farms and fostering economic prosperity per information available online.
Board meetings have previously been held at venues such as the Capital Hotel in Little Rock and Lon Mann Cotton Research Station in Marianna according to past reports. The council has also gained recognition through affiliations such as inducting former president Allen Helms into the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame as reported by its official site.
Looking ahead, this gathering aims not only to inform but also strengthen ties among those involved with agriculture throughout Arkansas.
