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Arkansas Agriculture News 2025: Cost Savings, Disaster Relief, and Policy Updates

Source: Cost of Thanksgiving Dinner, USDA Disaster Relief and Much More (2025-11-22)

In this comprehensive update from Arkansas Farm Bureau’s Arkansas AgCast, key topics include USDA’s Stage Two disaster relief efforts, a significant decrease in Thanksgiving meal costs in Arkansas, recent federal water regulation proposals, and urgent animal health alerts. The USDA’s Stage Two disaster relief program offers critical support to farmers affected by recent weather events, with new funding allocations totaling over $500 million nationally, including targeted aid for Arkansas’s rice and soybean farmers. Meanwhile, Arkansas residents are enjoying nearly 20% lower Thanksgiving dinner costs compared to last year, driven by reduced poultry prices and local produce availability, saving families an average of $15 per meal. The Trump administration’s proposed Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule aims to clarify federal water jurisdiction following the Sackett decision, potentially impacting thousands of landowners and farmers by redefining protected water bodies. Animal health remains a top concern, with heightened HPAI (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza) risks threatening poultry operations nationwide, including Arkansas, which hosts over 1,200 poultry farms. Additionally, regional concerns over Equine Herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) outbreaks in horses have prompted increased biosecurity measures among equine facilities. Beyond these headlines, recent developments include the expansion of USDA’s Conservation Reserve Program to incentivize sustainable farming practices, a new federal grant initiative supporting rural broadband expansion, and updates to Arkansas’s agricultural trade agreements with international partners, boosting export opportunities for local producers. As the agricultural landscape evolves, Arkansas Farm Bureau continues to advocate for farmers’ interests, providing vital resources, policy updates, and educational programs to ensure resilient and sustainable farming communities. Stay informed with the latest news, member benefits, and policy insights to navigate the dynamic agricultural environment of 2025.

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