LITTLE ROCK –The Arkansas Beef Council has announced $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. The request for proposals was open from April 1–30, 2026.
Promotion projects selected for funding include:
Ag Learning Center at Four States Fairgrounds – Expanding Beef Education & Outreach at the Ag Learning Center. Funding Amount: $15,000. Summary: 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.
Four States Fair – Arkansas Beef Leadership Event (ABLE). Funding Amount: $10,000. Summary: 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.