Arkansas net farm income projected to decrease for second straight year

LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas’ net farm income is projected to decline for the second straight year, a fall cushioned slightly by lower input costs, the Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center said in its latest report.   

The center, working with agricultural economists from the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said in its “Fall 2024 Arkansas Farm Income Outlook” that Arkansas’ 2024 net farm income is expected to drop by 10 percent from 2023 levels and reach $2.96 billion.   

Net farm income report for Arkansas, October 2024. (Image by RAFF)

 Arkansas' net farm income is expected to see a $1.06 billion drop from its 2022 record-high levels. The report also compares the projected 10 percent reduction in state net farm income to the projected 6.2 percent decline in the U.S. net farm income projected by Mizzou’s Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute. 

“Fertilizer and pesticides and fuel oils are going to decline by 9 percent year over year,” said Ryan Loy, extension economist for the Division of Agriculture. “These markets are finally stabilizing. They're coming off these market shocks from COVID, the supply chain issues, the trucker strikes in Canada, and the Ukraine war is kind of baked into the market now.”  

The report said total production expenses are estimated to decline 5 percent in 2024, as fertilizer, feed and fuel expenses retreat. An additional 5 percent decrease in production expenses is forecasted for 2025. 

Unfortunately, “the decrease in fertilizer, pesticides, fuel oils, and feed expenses are offset by the increase in purchased livestock expenses, which amount to a rise of $1.34 billion in 2025,” Loy said.

Cash receipts 

Farm cash receipts represent the total revenue a farm receives from the sale of its agricultural products, government program payments, and private insurance payments.  

The report said that in 2024, total cash receipts for Arkansas would decline by 2 percent or $317 million. Livestock receipts increased 5 percent, or $361 million, while crop receipts tumbled 10 percent, or $580 million. 

Ironically, 2024’s near-record yields are contributing to lower commodity prices. 

Hunter Biram, extension economist for the Division of Agriculture, said that Arkansas had  

Nearly a million and a half acres of rice which is the highest since 2020. Yield is near the record set in 2021 at 7,600 pounds per acre.  

“The price is the lowest that we've seen since 2021 when it came in right under $14 a hundredweight,” he said. 

Corn, which has had the fewest number of Arkansas acres since 2015, is forecast to have a near-record high yield. However, “the price for corn is the lowest that we’ve seen in five years.” 

Cotton was in the same boat.  

“The acreage is the highest that we've had since 2011,” Biram said. “We've got a lot of cotton acres out there, despite having the lowest price since 2020 and it’s at a near-record yield.” 

Arkansas’s 3 million acres of soybeans are projected to have a record yield of 55 bushels an acre, Biram said. “The price for soybeans is the lowest that we've seen since 2019, which is similar to corn.” 

Livestock and poultry 

However, the low prices that bedevil row crop growers is helping the cattle and poultry industry, which relies on crushed soybean and corn for feed.  

Higher egg, broiler, and cattle prices support 5 percent higher total livestock receipts in 2024, the report said, adding that poultry receipts are projected to increase by $287 million, while cattle and hog receipts are also projected higher, by $97 million.   

Loy noted that “feed prices declining this year pretty significantly – 18 percent. 

“Cattle prices are up 6 percent year over year. Most of the uptick over the last few years is due to the severe drought in the western U.S., which led ranchers to reduce herds,” he said. However, with cheaper feed, cattle prices are “expected to decline again in 2025.” 

Government assistance

The report also shows the proportion of government assistance has shifted from primarily market-based programs such as Agricultural Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage — known as ARC and PLC, to supplemental and ad hoc disaster assistance across this same period.

The Fall 2024 Farm Income Outlook is co-published by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and RaFF at the University of Missouri, which provides objective policy analysis and informs decision makers on issues affecting farm and rural finances. The center collaborates with a number of states to develop farm income projections with local expertise.  

“RaFF’s Farm Income Outlook for calendar years 2024 and 2025 is intended to inform policymakers, industry analysts, and agricultural practitioners about the expected profitability of the local agricultural sector and its main drivers. RaFF’s state-level projections complement and add granularity to national projections by the USDA and FAPRI-MU, providing valuable insights on local agricultural trends,” said RaFF Director Alejandro Plastina.   

The full report and data tables are online.  

 To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on X and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu. Follow on X at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on X at @AgInArk.  

UAMS Researchers Find Ground Beef Packs Bigger Muscle-Building Punch than Soy-Based Alternative

By News Staff

LITTLE ROCK — When it comes to building muscle, not all proteins are created equal.

New research from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) reveals that 100% ground beef packs a bigger punch for muscle protein synthesis than a soy-based counterpart. In fact, the study suggests that a person would need double the amount of soy-based protein to achieve the same results.

Published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the study examined the anabolic response — how the body builds muscle — after consuming a 4-ounce beef patty versus one or two 4-ounce patties of a soy-based product. The results? Just one serving of beef did the job, while two servings of the soy-based alternative were necessary to see the same muscle-building benefits.

For those counting calories, the difference is striking: Beef delivered these results with fewer calories — 279 compared to 462.

UAMS Researchers Find Ground Beef Packs Bigger Muscle-Building Punch than Soy-Based Alternative

New research from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) reveals that 100% ground beef packs a bigger punch for muscle protein synthesis than a soy-based counterpart.

Attorney General Tim Griffin joins FCC and National Coalition warning suspected Florida-based robocall operation

LITTLE ROCK – Attorney General Tim Griffin today issued the following statement after the Anti-Robocall Multistate Litigation Task Force, of which Griffin is a member, issued a warning letter to Florida-based gateway voice service provider iDentidad Advertising Development:

“This company routed dozens of illegal robocalls earlier this year, most of which originated outside the United States. Many of the calls impersonated government entities or were utility or financial scams. The letter our task force sent today sends a clear message to iDentidad: stop this illegal activity now or face legal action.

“I am committed to protecting Arkansans from illegal robocalls.”

The task force noted that iDentidad received nearly 200 traceback notices for calls the company routed to the U.S. telephone network that mostly came from outside the country. Most of these calls were illegal or part of suspicious robocall campaigns. The Federal Communications Commission also demanded that iDentitad cease and desist its activities involving illegal robocall campaigns.

To read a copy of the warning letter, click here.

Federal Trade Commission - How to Avoid Phone Scams

Sanders, DHS Announce $5 Million to Support Youth Substance Abuse Residential Treatment and Supportive Housing Units for Adults

LITTLE ROCK – Today, Governor Sanders along with the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS), announced a combined $5 million in grants to a pair of providers for infrastructure improvements that support youth and adults struggling with mental health, substance abuse, or intellectual disabilities. 

“This announcement builds on my administration’s work to support some of our most vulnerable communities,” said Governor Sanders.“ These grants meet Arkansans in need where they are and puts them on a path to a better life – we will continue working to ensure all our citizens have every opportunity to reach their full potential.”

“The projects supported by these grants will fill gaps in coverage and help deliver better services to youth seeking to transition out of addiction and adults with behavioral health or intellectual disabilities who are reintegrating into their communities,” said DHS Secretary Kristi Putnam. “We are grateful for the support of the Legislature, the Governor’s Office, our partners in the community, and everyone who helped make these grants a reality, and we look forward to seeing these projects take root and begin serving at-risk Arkansans.”

“We are excited to move forward with these investments that support kids and adults struggling with mental health challenges or substance abuse problems,” said DHS Director of Specialty Populations Melissa Weatherton. “The providers that receive these funds will help us complete the continuum of care and allow us to better deliver services to Arkansans in need.”

A $2 million grant for Youth Substance Abuse Residential Treatment Facilities will allow Unity Health in Searcy to expand treatment programs for children and teens struggling with substance abuse disorders. A second grant for Supported Housing Units for Adults will provide $3 million to Independence Care of Arkansas to purchase, renovate, and construct tiny homes as part of a development in Camden for adults transitioning from secure therapeutic settings into the community. 

The youth substance abuse residential treatment facilities grant will result in additional beds for youth residential services at the Unity Health Specialty Campus at 1200 South Main St., which will help fill a need for services for adolescents struggling with both significant acute psychiatric and substance misuse issues. It will represent the first substance use disorder residential treatment unit specifically for adolescents in Arkansas.

The supportive housing units for adults grant will fund the purchase and construction of accessible tiny homes tailored to the needs of individuals with disabilities, mental health challenges, or substance abuse problems. Independence Care of Arkansas will partner with local health care providers, mental health professionals, and community organizations to deliver services to residents as part of a supportive living community at the Millcreek Mobile Home & RV Park at 101 Ouachita Road 471 in Camden.

Work on both projects must be completed by September 2026, and both grant recipients are required to continue operations of the newly renovated programs for at least five years after completion.

DHS previously awarded $15 million in additional grants tied to this same program. Those grants support infrastructure improvements and expansions for programs tied to community reintegration for children, adult substance abuse residential treatment facilities, supportive housing units for young adults, therapeutic communities for adults with intellectual disabilities.

UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Named Center of Excellence by MDS Foundation

By Marty Trieschmann

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute has been designated as a Center of Excellence by the MDS Foundation, making it the only center in Arkansas to become part of the foundation’s referral network of the top bone marrow disorder treatment centers in the world.

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of diverse bone marrow disorders that can progress to acute myeloid leukemia and primarily affect the elderly. In the United States, 20,000 new cases are reported every year, making MDS one of the most common blood cancers. A stem cell transplant is the only curative treatment option for certain types of high risk MDS.

A pioneer in the treatment of blood disorders and cancers, UAMS has been home to Arkansas’ only adult bone marrow transplant center since 1994, performing 12,731 transplants for conditions including lymphomas, leukemias and multiple myeloma.

UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Named Center of Excellence by MDS Foundation

With wildfire danger up, hunters, campers should forego outdoor burning

By Mary Hightower
U of A System Division of Agriculture

LITTLE ROCK — With most of Arkansas at high risk of wildfires, state officials are asking the public to avoid outdoor burning.

On Thursday, the Arkansas wildfire map showed 64 counties at high risk, with 11 counties, all in northeastern Arkansas, at moderate risk. County judges have imposed burn bans in most of the high-risk counties.

Wildfire Danger & Burn Bans as of 10/21/2024 4:21 PM

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor’s Oct 21 map, almost two-thirds of the state’s 75 counties are experiencing moderate to extreme drought. The most intense drought is in five northwest Arkansas counties.

“This weekend kicks off the traditional gun deer season across Arkansas and many people will be traveling to deer camp,”  Jaret Rushing, extension forestry instructor for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said Wednesday. “Deer camp usually consists of campfires, so it’s important that people keep in mind the danger.”

Among the outdoor burning activities to avoid include:

• Burning trash

• Open flame grilling

• Prescribed burns

• Campfires.

Sparks from lawn mower blades, trailer safety chains, hot exhaust pipes and driving on a flat tire can also start a wildfire.

Wildfire Danger & Burn Bans as of 10/21/2024 4:21 PM

Risk levels are determined by fuel conditions, drought status, and long-term weather forecasts. They are categorized by how easily fires can start and how hard they are to contain. The risk level definitions are:

Low: Fuels do not ignite easily. Weather conditions will lead to slow spread and relatively easy to control fires.

Moderate: Fire can start from accidental causes. May not become serious, but caution should be taken.

High: Fires ignite easily and spread quickly. Unattended brush fires and campfires are likely to escape. Fires may become serious if not attacked early.

Extreme: Fires start quickly, spread furiously, and burn intensely. Every fire started has the potential to become large. Expect extreme, erratic behavior.

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture, which oversees protection of more than 15 million acres of forestland in Arkansas, said that since Oct. 1, it has suppressed more than 100 wildfires on 1,116 acres. Since the beginning of the year, more than 700 wildfires have burned 15,000 acres in Arkansas.

The department urged anyone involved in outdoor activities to carry water and extinguish sparks from muzzleloader guns or machinery.

Jacob Hackman, extension forestry specialist for the Division of Agriculture, said starting a fire could be expensive.

"You may be liable for damages caused by an escaped forest fire,” he said.

To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on X and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu. Follow on X at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on X at @AgInArk. 

Arkansas lawmakers refer hand-count ballot petitioners to ethics committee

KUAR | By Josie Lenora

A failed petition to ban voting machines in Saline County has been referred to an ethics committee after issues were found with the way signatures for the petition were collected. Members of the Arkansas Legislature made the decision Monday at a Joint Performance Review Committee Meeting.

To put a local ordinance on the ballot in Saline County, in this election cycle, you need 5,590 validated signatures. A group called Restore Election Integrity Arkansas says they collected thousands of signatures from locals to put their measure on the ballot.

The ballot measure would have mandated votes in the county be made without a machine and counted by hand. Restore Election Integrity Arkansas is led in part by Col. Conrad Reynolds, who told Little Rock Public Radio before that he does not trust voting machines.

Arkansas lawmakers refer hand-count ballot petitioners to ethics committee

Voting Machine - Flickr Image

Arkansas Edge unveils program to raise money for Razorback athletes

by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

Arkansas Edge, the name, image, and likeness (NIL) group for the Arkansas Razorbacks, has launched the Spare Change Round Up program, allowing people to round up their purchases to support Razorback student-athletes, according to a Friday (Oct. 18) news release.

Those who enroll can link their debit cards, credit cards or checking accounts to automatically contribute spare change from their purchases to NIL initiatives.

“Fans have expressed a desire for a way to round up purchases to support NIL opportunities, and we’re excited to introduce the Spare Change Round Up program,” said Kyle May, executive director of Arkansas Edge. “This scalable and effortless approach allows fans to participate easily and choose how much they want to contribute without needing individual programs with each merchant and regardless of where they bank or live.”

Arkansas Edge unveils program to raise money for Razorback athletes

Supreme Court rejects Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment

KUAR | By Daniel Breen

Members of the Arkansas Supreme Court, in a 4-3 decision, have ordered that votes for and against a proposal to expand medical marijuana should not count.

Medical Marijuana - Rawpixel Image

Justices on Monday sided with Protect Arkansas Kids, a group which intervened in the legal challenge against Issue 3, while rejecting the original complaint from Secretary of State John Thurston. While Issue 3 will appear on the ballot this election cycle, votes for and against it will not count.

Issue 3 would have made several changes to the state’s medical marijuana program, which was first approved by voters in 2016. Among other things, the proposal would have loosened licensing requirements, expanded qualifying conditions and healthcare providers able to prescribe the drug, and allowed for medical marijuana patients to grow their own cannabis.

Supreme Court rejects Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment

Report: Arkansas tourism industry adds $9.9 billion to state economy

by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

Arkansas tourism is now a $9.9 billion industry, and an estimated 50.7 million people visiting the state in 2023, up 17.1% compared with 2022 visitors, according to an economic impact study commissioned by the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.

The study, announced Thursday (Oct. 17), was conducted by Tourism Economics with input from DK Shifflet.

Arkansas State Parks recorded 8.4 million visitors in 2023, and 4.3 million people visited National Park Service sites in the state. The new visitors spent an additional $700 million, pushing the industry to the verge of becoming a $10 billion industry and solidifying its position as Arkansas’ second largest economic driver, according to the report.

Report: Arkansas tourism industry adds $9.9 billion to state economy

Arkansas approved by Commerce Department to distribute grants to expand broadband

KUAR | By Ronak Patel

Arkansas has been approved by the U.S Department of Commerce to distribute the federal funding it was awarded to expand broadband access. In an interview with Arkansas PBS, Glen Howie, the state director for broadband, said he anticipates the grants will be disbursed to local entities.

“You look at the types of providers we anticipate applying in this program and winning grant awards you’re going to have a mix. We expect a very big from small providers to midsize to large to the electric cooperative subsidiaries that have been very active in broadband in Arkansas,” Howie said.

Last month, the Arkansas Electric Cooperative announced cooperative fiber providers have delivered broadband capability to more than one million Arkansans, according to Talk Business & Politics.

Arkansas approved by Commerce Department to distribute grants to expand broadband

Flickr Image

Cotton to Mayorkas: Granting TPS to Lebanese nationals endangers Americans

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas - Flickr Image

Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today wrote a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas urging him to rescind his decision to grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Lebanese nationals currently in the United States. Senator Cotton warns Mayorkas that these unvetted Lebanese nationals pose a grave risk to our national security and to the safety of our citizens. 

In part, Senator Cotton wrote:

“We have seen a dramatic increase in unvetted illegal immigrants as a result of your open-border policies. Under the Biden-Harris administration, Border Patrol has encountered thousands of illegal immigrants from countries with deep ties to terrorism, including Lebanon. In fact, Border Patrol agents apprehended a Lebanese man at the southern border earlier this year who said he belonged to Hezbollah and came to America to build a bomb.”

Full text of the letter may be found here and below.

October 18, 2024

The Honorable Alejandro Mayorkas 
Secretary
Department of Homeland Security 
Washington, D.C. 20528 

Dear Secretary Mayorkas: 

I write regarding your dangerous decision to grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Lebanese nationals currently in the United States. The presence of these Lebanese nationals in the United States regardless of whether they lawfully entered poses a grave risk to our national security. 

We have seen a dramatic increase in unvetted illegal immigrants as a result of your open-border policies. Under the Biden-Harris administration, Border Patrol has encountered thousands of illegal immigrants from countries with deep ties to terrorism, including Lebanon. In fact, Border Patrol agents apprehended a Lebonese man at the southern border earlier this year who said he belonged to Hezbollah and came to America to build a bomb. 

Your department estimates that granting TPS status will protect 11,000 Lebanese nationals from deportation, which undoubtedly includes many Hezbollah terrorists. This reckless policy endangers the safety of our citizens. 

I urge you to rescind this decision before it goes into effect. For Lebanese nationals who have a legal basis to be present in the United States and who can credibly claim a risk to their lives if they return to Lebanon, your department could evaluate asylum requests on a case-by-case basis. This policy would be a far more sensible and safer course of action than a blanket TPS grant to all Lebanese nationals. 

Thank you for your prompt attention to this important matter. 

Sincerely,

Tom Cotton

United States Senator                  

Weekly update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

It is almost time to make your voice heard in the upcoming General Election. Early voting starts next week on Oct. 21, 2024. Election Day is November 5. This is your chance to vote for local, state, and federal offices, as well as participate in annual school board elections for districts that vote in the fall. Additionally, there will be local ballot issues and a runoff election for the Arkansas Supreme Court.

In 2023, the General Assembly passed Act 300, which requires that special issues, such as sales tax proposals and bond issues, be included on the same ballot as candidate elections. This means that your vote could have an even greater impact on the future of your community.

When you go to the polls, an election official will ask you to state your name, address, and date of birth. The election official will also request that you provide an approved form of I.D. If you are unable to vote in person on Election Day, you can apply for an absentee ballot by the appropriate deadline. The deadline to apply for an absentee ballot by mail or electronic means is October 29. If applying in person, the deadline is November 1. If you have questions about absentee voting, contact your county clerk.

No recent progress on dissolution of Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority

by Tina Alvey Dale (tdale@talkbusiness.net)

Four months after Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority (FCRA) officials and its beneficiaries agreed on steps to be taken before work on dissolution of the trust can begin, nothing has been accomplished.

The FCRA was formed in 1997 to oversee redevelopment of 6,000 acres of land released by the U.S. Army from Fort Chaffee as part of a Base Realignment and Closure downsizing. The trust has four beneficiaries – the cities of Barling, Fort Smith and Greenwood and Sebastian County. The cities of Barling, Fort Smith and Greenwood and the Sebastian County Quorum Court have passed resolutions calling for FCRA dissolution. Only the authority board can vote to dissolve the organization.

Representatives of the four beneficiaries and FCRA representatives planned to meet Tuesday (Oct. 15) to look at a projection of property for sale and estimated revenues and expenses for the next four years, but not all representatives could attend, said Barling Mayor Greg Murray. The involved parties are hoping to meet in November, he said.

No recent progress on dissolution of Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority

$72 million Hotel Vin breaks ground in Pinnacle Hills

by Jeff Della Rosa (JDellaRosa@nwabj.com)

A more than $72 million Autograph Collection Hotel by Marriott is under construction in Pinnacle Hills, west of Interstate 49 in Rogers, according to a Wednesday (Oct. 16) news release.

The 125-room Hotel Vin Pinnacle Hills along Northgate Road will be built across from the $110 million mixed-used project The Plaza at Pinnacle Hills, northwest of West Northgate Road and South Champions Drive. The hotel will include a restaurant, rooftop bar, pool, and meeting and event space.

Hotel Vin Pinnacle Hills is a development of Indiana-based Great Lakes Capital, a real estate development and private equity firm, and Dallas-based Coury Hospitality, a hotel management company. The hotel will be an expansion of Coury’s Vin Hotel Collection brand, comprising the 120-room boutique Hotel Vin in Grapevine, Texas.

$72 million Hotel Vin breaks ground in Pinnacle Hills

Poll: 65% support for phone-free schools, state opens ATLAS portal

by Steve Brawner (BRAWNERSTEVE@MAC.COM)

Almost 65% of Arkansas parents favored restricting student cell phones in schools in a poll commissioned by the national school reform group ExcelinEd.

In other education news, the Arkansas Department of Education released school and district results on the new Arkansas Teaching, Learning, and Assessment System (ATLAS) October 16.

The poll of 805 registered voters with K-12 students in the home found that almost 65% favored phone-free schools, with 42.03% strongly favoring the idea and 22.76% somewhat favoring it. Less than 30% opposed the idea, with 15.42% somewhat opposed and 14.37% strongly opposed.

Poll: 65% support for phone-free schools, state opens ATLAS portal

Download your copy of the 2024-25 Arkansas Waterfowl Hunting Guidebook

LITTLE ROCK — The printers are rolling full steam ahead and soon 2024-25 Arkansas Waterfowl Hunting Guidebooks will grace the checkout counters of sporting goods stores, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission regional offices and AGFC nature centers throughout the state.

GUIDEBOOK
The 2024-25 AGFC Waterfowl Hunting Guidebook will be in stores soon, and a downloadable version is available now at www.agfc.com. 

Don’t wait to get the latest ducky details, though; download the guidebook today at www.agfc.com. The guidebook may be downloaded to print at home or kept on your computer or laptop, and even loaded to your mobile device so it’s always available should a question arise in the field.

This season sees quite a few changes to the regulations many hunters have come to know when heading to the woods and waters of The Natural State in the last few years. The most notable change is the reinstatement of spinning-wing and other mechanically operated decoys on AGFC wildlife management areas. These decoys have been allowed on private land for the last few years, and are now allowed on WMAs. Hunters should make note that these decoys are still illegal on national wildlife refuges in the state, however.

Another liberalization for a few duck hunting-focused WMAs is the expansion of the shot shell limit from 15 to 25. To add consistency to AGFC regulations, the Commission decided to have a standard 25-shell limit and a maximum shot size of No. 2 on all WMAs where boating and access timing restrictions called “Common Restriction A” are in place.

Hunters who purchase their federal duck stamp electronically also will be able to use their electronic license as proof of purchase for the entire season, thanks to new legislation passed at the federal level and championed by U.S. Sen.John Boozman and U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman of Arkansas.

WOOD DUCKS
Hunters may harvest up to three wood ducks as part of their six-duck daily limit in Arkansas. Photo by Mike Wintroath.

Other notable changes include:

• Tree hooks no more than 3/8-inch in diameter are now allowed on Commission-owned WMAs but must be removed daily.

• Nonmotorized boat access to designated water trails is allowed from 1-6:30 p.m. during regular duck season, all day during duck season splits, and all day Nov. 18-22.

• One day (Feb. 9) is available for the Veteran and Active-Duty Military Waterfowl Hunt. The two Special Youth Hunt days take place over one weekend, Feb. 8-9, 2025.

• The daily bag limit for greater white-fronted geese (aka specklebellies) has been reduced from 3 to 2 for the 2024-25 season. The possession limit is 6. The greater white-fronted goose season has been reduced to 69 days and will open for nine days on Oct. 26, along with seasons for snow, blue and Ross’s geese.

• The annual Resident Guide License price has been increased to $250.

• The Nonresident 5-day Waterfowl Hunting Permit has been eliminated; the Nonresident WMA Waterfowl Hunting Permit 3-Day Trip (NW3) is $40, and 10 permits may be purchased by a nonresident. Nonresidents may purchase a 30-day permit ($200) to be used for 30 consecutive hunting days during regular season waterfowl hunting days. Nonresident no-hunting days have been eliminated.

• Egyptian geese may be taken at any time.

• Petit Jean River WMA east of Arkansas Highway 7 is open to waterfowl hunting only on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday Nov. 23-Jan. 30. All-day hunting is allowed Jan. 31.

• Camp Robinson Special Use Area, except Lake Conway Nursery Pond, is open to waterfowl hunting.

• Camp Robinson WMA is open to waterfowl hunting only on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday Nov. 23-Jan. 30. All-day hunting is allowed Jan. 31.

• Dove hunting is allowed on J. Perry Mikles Special Use Area while field trials are being conducted.

• Only boat motors with factory-installed exhaust systems may be used on the following NWRs: Cache River, Dale Bumpers White River, Felsenthal and Overflow.

• Common Restriction A applies within the greentree reservoir/special regulatory area of Nimrod Lloyd Millwood WMA.

• Scouting for waterfowl after 1 p.m. is prohibited on Cache River and Dale Bumpers White River NWRs.

Visit www.agfc.com to download a copy of the 2024-25 Waterfowl Hunting Guidebook.

Representative Hill introduces legislation to address America's housing crisis

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. French Hill (R-AR) today introduced the Renewing Opportunity in the American Dream (ROAD) to Housing Act, which is designed to reverse decades of ineffective housing policies and implement targeted reforms to improve access to affordable, quality housing for all Americans. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) recently introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

Wikimedia Image

Rep. Hill said, “Americans are struggling to find affordable housing to live in. For years, federal housing policy under the Biden-Harris Administration has been burdened by ineffective solutions and excessive bureaucracy. With the ROAD to Housing Act, we are taking real steps toward creating a housing market that benefits everyone—renters, homeowners, and families striving for stability. I thank my friend Senator Tim Scott for spearheading this legislation in the Senate and my colleagues Rep. John Rose, Rep. Dan Meuser, Rep. Scott Fitzgerald, Rep. Mike Lawler, and Rep. Zach Nunn for leading this legislation with me in the House.”

Sen. Scott said, “I’m the son of a single mother – growing up, we lived with family until we were able to rent a small place of our own. I know firsthand the importance of access to quality, affordable housing. Unfortunately, Democrats’ solution for years has been to spend trillions on programs that have yielded little results, especially for minorities as homeownership rates for African Americans have barely changed in over 50 years. Costs to buy a home and to rent continue to increase, and homelessness is at record levels. It’s past time for Congress to take serious action to reverse decades of failed housing policies and put all Americans on the road to housing.” 

Further Background:

ROAD To Housing Act: This legislation offers a wide-ranging approach to reforming federal housing policy. The key pillars of this bill are to increase access to affordable housing, promote opportunity, incentivize local solutions, and ensure proper oversight and accountability over federal housing programs. Rep. John Rose (R-TN), Rep. Dan Meuser (R-PA), Rep. Scott Fitzgerald (R-WI), Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY), and Rep. Zach Nunn (R-IA) are original co-sponsors of this legislation. 

Nostalgic Nativ clothing supports AGFC conservation efforts

BY Trey Reid

LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has partnered with Nativ, a leading Arkansas-based outdoor apparel brand, to launch a limited edition collection of apparel benefitting the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation.

The new clothing line, featuring a retro version of the AGFC’s logo, is part of a collaborative effort to raise awareness and funds earmarked to support conservation and encourage outdoor stewardship across the state.

The collaboration combines Nativ’s passion for delivering high-quality, locally inspired apparel with AGFC’s dedication to protecting the state’s diverse ecosystems and wildlife.

Trey Reid, Assistant Chief of Communications at AGFC, said the AGFC fields frequent calls about old WMA signs sporting older versions of the agency’s logo. He believes there are likely “more than a few” gracing the walls of deer and duck camps around the state.

“We’re thrilled to collaborate with Game and Fish to tap into the enthusiasm and nostalgia surrounding this first design,” said Nativ owner Matt Abbott.

The new collection includes a range of items, including short and long-sleeved T-shirts and hoodies. Each item features designs hand-printed in Nativ’s Little Rock production facility and colors chosen to complement gear for many outdoor activities, from hunting to hiking and fishing to floating.

“We wanted to create a great collection that serves a greater purpose,” added Brett Tucker, Nativ co-owner. “The retro design emphasizes the importance of conservation for the benefit and enjoyment of future generations.”

Nativ has pledged to donate 100 percent of profits from the sale of this collection to the Foundation, which will use the money to help statewide efforts to maintain and protect the state’s natural habitats and wildlife populations.

“This collaboration is a fantastic way to engage our community in conservation efforts while celebrating the natural beauty of Arkansas,” said Reid. “Funds raised through this collaboration will directly contribute to our conservation programs, ensuring that Arkansas remains a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and native wildlife alike.”

This partnership with Nativ reflects AGFC’s broader mission to engage the public in conservation efforts through education, stewardship and community involvement.

“We hope this collection inspires you to get outside and explore all the natural beauty Arkansas has to offer while being a mindful steward of the environment,” said Matt Abbott.

The limited edition Arkansas Game and Fish Commission/Nativ collection is available now on Nativ’s website at https://livnativ.com/collections/agfc and in select retail locations throughout Arkansas.

Contact Brett Tucker, co-owner of Nativ at brett@livnativ.com for more information about the limited edition apparel collection.

For more information on the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, contact Trey Reid, AGFC assistant chief of communications at trey.reid@agfc.ar.gov.

Five companies submit bids to run Arkansas’ school voucher program

KUAR | By Antoinette Grajeda / Arkansas Advocate

From the Arkansas Advocate:

Five companies, three of whom have applied previously, responded to a request for proposals to administer Arkansas’ school voucher program after the state fired the previous vendor.

The Arkansas Department of Education is terminating its contract with its current Indiana-based vendor due to delays and failure to implement required components.

According to a list provided by the Arkansas Department of Transformation and Shared Services, proposals were submitted by Tuesday’s deadline from Merit International, Primary Class (doing business as Odyssey), Alliance for Choice in Education (doing business as ACE Scholarships), Pearl and Kleo Inc.

Five companies submit bids to run Arkansas’ school voucher program

Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate

Education Secretary Jacob Oliva speaks to superintendents about the LEARNS Act during a meeting at the Northwest Arkansas Education Service Cooperative on Mar. 10, 2023.