Arkansas Farming Associations

Arkansas, affectionately referred to as the Natural State is known for many things including Hot Springs National Park, William J. Clinton Presidential Library, and the Christ of the Ozarks. Arkansas is also an agribusiness state. Many are surprised to learn that agriculture is the largest state industry and contributes $16B to the state’s economy each year. In addition, over 14.5M acres of state land resources function as workable farmland. Given this information, it’s easy to see why crop farming is an essential component of the state’s economy.

Many farmers face the same challenges regardless of crop or livestock focus. Concerns about productivity, legislative changes, tax, and operational issues often make the top of the list. While advisors like Adams Brown, Strategic Allies, and CPAs, help farmers and ranchers navigate tax, accounting, audit, and other financial and agribusiness challenges, various industry associations and groups provide other essential types of support.

Arkansas Crop Associations

Below is a list of the Arkansas crop associations to consider joining, including

• Arkansas Rice Federation is an umbrella organization that represents the state’s entire rice industry including rice farmers, millers, and merchants. It focuses on providing a legislative voice with the Arkansas General Assembly, the governor’s office, and the congressional delegation in Washington D.C. They also manage the Arkansas Rice Checkoff Program, which has helped farmers by enhancing annual yields and developed multiple inlet rice irrigation widely used across the state. Finally, member organizations come together at an annual meeting to discuss issues, best practices and the economic promotion of rice.
• Arkansas Soybean Association seeks to enhance the economic viability and social well-being of Arkansas soybean producers. Management helps to promote the soybean industry by representing member voices at local and national levels through lobbying and other means. Beyond formal functions, members are encouraged to participate in the annual Grow the Green Soybean Yield Challenge which awards the farmer with the highest annual yield. Finally, there is also a Young Leader Program which trains youth on the essential skills to serve in industry leadership positions.
• Arkansas Rice Growers Association represents independent voluntary members by leading growers on issues impacting the viability of their businesses and communities. Efforts focus on lobbying at the state and federal levels, the encouragement of foreign trade, and promoting market development and market maintenance. There is also a vast list of resources available to members which includes everything from data on exports to regulatory forms.
• Arkansas Corn and Grain Sorghum Board were established to provide state growers with the tools and resources to improve sustainability and profitability. Since Arkansas is one of the top ten producers in the U.S., the Board focuses on providing farmers with resources for performance testing, verification, crop budgeting and production handbooks. Membership is limited as it consists of seven corn/grain/sorghum producers nominated by industry groups and appointed by the governor.