Arkansas Beef Council distributes money for projects

The Arkansas Beef Council has distributed $132,000 in funding for research and promotion projects. The selected projects will support the growth and market development of Arkansas’ beef industry.

“Investing Beef Council dollars in research and promotion is vital to the strength and future of our state’s beef industry,” said Caleb Plyler, a beef producer in Hempstead County and chairman of the Arkansas Beef Council. “This funding supports innovation, builds consumer trust, and helps ensure our producers remain competitive for years to come.”

The council received 25 proposals requesting more than $632,000 in funding. Of those, 13 promotion projects were approved for a total of $97,000, and $35,000 was allocated for research projects for fiscal year 2027. Specific research projects will be selected at a later date.

Promotion projects selected for funding are as follows:

• Ag Learning Center at Four States Fairgrounds received $15,000. This project will expand beef education at the Ag Learning Center through interactive exhibits, demonstrations, and outreach that highlight beef production, nutrition, and by‑products. It will support growing demand for accurate, engaging, science‑based programming that strengthens agricultural literacy across all grade levels and the broader community.
• The Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association received $3,500. This project will deliver Cattlemen’s College sessions that strengthen producer skills in food safety, consumer communication, genetic selection, and emerging technology. It will help Arkansas producers improve beef quality, carcass value, and consumer confidence by linking on‑farm decisions to overall beef demand.
• The Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association received $6,000. This project will train Arkansas beef producers in media, messaging, and consumer communication through the Arkansas Cattlemen’s Leadership Course. It will strengthen advocacy by equipping participants with hands‑on skills and the Masters of Beef Advocacy curriculum to better explain beef production, sustainability and nutrition.
• The Arkansas CattleWomen’s Association received $8,000. This project will deliver beef‑focused educational programming for youth and adults through classroom presentations, Grilling 101 events, and multi‑organization ag education activities. It will also promote beef at community events and fairs while providing classroom materials for CattleWomen to support statewide outreach.
• Arkansas Farm Bureau received $5,000. This project will update the Beef Ag Reader with new graphics and content to better explain Arkansas’ beef industry, including production, by‑products and nutrition. It will support teachers, educators, and county volunteers who use the resource for classroom instruction and community events.
• Arkansas Farm Bureau received $10,000. This project will provide grants to Family and Consumer Science teachers to deliver beef lessons during the 2026–27 school year. It will support up to 150 teachers on a first‑come basis and require post‑lesson evaluations and receipts to ensure effective use of funds.
• Arkansas Tech University received $10,000. This project will expand funding for Arkansas Tech University’s agriculture programs to strengthen beef literacy, workforce preparation, and youth engagement. It will increase the number of students and young people who understand, value, and advocate for the beef industry.
• Four States Fair received $10,000. This project will engage Arkansas youth through ABLE, providing interactive and competitive learning experiences that build knowledge of the beef industry. It will help young people connect with agriculture, develop leadership skills, and prepare for future careers in the beef sector.
• University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture will receive $8,000. This project will provide Beef Quality Assurance training to Arkansas producers to support consistent, high‑quality beef production through responsible cattle management. It will strengthen producer knowledge on animal handling, herd health, and environmental stewardship as the industry adopts significant new standards.
• University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture received $10,000. This project will educate participants on the full journey of beef from harvest to consumer, with a focus on beef cuts and the processes that ensure high‑quality products. It will help develop informed beef advocates who can build consumer confidence and counter misinformation about the beef industry.
• The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture received $4,000. This project will engage Arkansas high school students in the Beef Quiz Bowl to build their knowledge of the beef industry through competitive learning. It will help youth strengthen communication skills, gain confidence, and share accurate beef‑industry information.
• The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture received $2,500. This project will provide clear, science‑based resources to help consumers and young people navigate conflicting information about the beef industry. It will build trust by offering accessible, reliable education on how beef is raised, its safety, and its role in the food system.
• The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture received $5,000. This project will support student participation in the American Meat Science Association Undergraduate Quiz Bowl and the 2027 Reciprocal Meats Conference, providing exposure to scientific meetings, industry networking, and hands‑on meat industry tours.

Council activities are funded by a $1-per-head assessment on all cattle sold in the state, with 50 cents remitted to the federal Cattlemen’s Beef Board and the remainder retained by the state.