STATEMENT FROM DAN WRIGHT, PRESIDENT, ARKANSAS FARM BUREAU
“Arkansas Farm Bureau is pleased to see action taken to reopen the federal government. Our farmers depend on USDA and other government agencies as a critical component of their work.
“This agreement will fund USDA and its programs and extend the current farm bill through the current fiscal year, which concludes Sept. 30, 2026.
“This provides some certainty to our farmers during some very uncertain times for row-crop agriculture. While the continuing resolution extends the 2018 farm bill for another year, we urge congress to prioritize passage of an updated farm bill in the coming year.
“American agriculture is the envy of the world. Our government should ensure that it stays that way.”
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and Biosecurity Reminders, Page 2
Celebrating 100 years of Soybeans in Arkansas, Page 2
ARKANSAS FARM BUREAU FOUNDATION CELEBRATES THE SEASON WITH
“OUR CHRISTMAS TREE FARM”
Looking for a heartwarming holiday read?
The Arkansas Farm Bureau Foundation is excited to offer
“Our Christmas Tree Farm” for purchase during the Arkansas Farm Bureau Convention, Dec. 3-4 in Hot Springs.
Follow young Kate as she discovers the joy of caring for her very own Christmas tree. Part of the National Ag in the Classroom’s curriculum matrix, it’s a festive story the whole family will love!
Customers have arrived at the Christmas tree farm, and Kate’s whole family comes together to help, even Daisy the dog! Popping corn, setting up sleds, and bailing trees keep the family busy while they maintain a watchful eye on one truly special tree. Throughout the years, Paige has trimmed the trees, mom has mowed the paths, and one extra special tree was planted for Kate. She and her tree are both seven years old and the tree has finally grown tall enough to be brought inside and decorated for Christmas. Little brother Henry loves the tree so much that the family decides to graft a piece of it so they can grow Henry his very own Christmas tree too. This holiday picture book features information on how trees are grown and cared for on a farm. Visit the silent auction area in the convention trade show, to purchase your copy! Lesson curriculum is also available on the National Ag in the Classroom website to accompany the book. Find it here.
ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
HIGHLY PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is reminding poultry growers and industry partners to remain alert for signs of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and to follow biosecurity measures to protect flocks as detections continue across the United States.
Last month, the Department confirmed the first case of HPAI in a backyard flock in Mississippi County. While this is currently the only confirmed detection, cases in neighboring states highlight the ongoing importance of prevention and monitoring.
HPAI is a highly contagious virus that affects both domestic and wild birds. It can cause sudden death or severe illness in poultry and lead to major economic losses for the state’s poultry industry, which provided $6.7 billion in direct agricultural cash receipts in 2024. The virus spreads easily through contact with infected birds, contaminated equipment, or materials, and even a single detection can disrupt trade and local food supply chains.
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF SOYBEANS
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders proclaimed November as Arkansas Soybean Month. This year’s celebration marks 100 years of soybean production in the state and the farmers whose dedication continues to drive its leading industry.
Soybeans were first planted in Arkansas in 1925 as an experimental crop and have since become a cornerstone of Arkansas agriculture. Today, soybean production spans nearly three million acres, yielding more than 166 million bushels valued at nearly $1.7 billion each year. Arkansas ranks 10th in the nation for soybean production, with approximately $1 billion in annual export value fueling local economies and trade.
“Arkansas’ row crop farmers are the lifeblood of the Natural State, and it’s no secret they are currently facing one of the worst crises this century,” said Governor Sanders. “That’s why, this November, we must do more than acknowledge their hard work; we must continue to seek real solutions to the problems they face. Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, China just agreed to buy at least 12 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans this year and at least 25 million more over the next three years. Those are the kinds of solutions that help Arkansas’ farmers, and
AGRICULTURE REMINDS INDUSTRY OF INFLUENZA AND BIOSECURITY
The Department reminds poultry growers to:
• Wash hands and footwear before and after contact with birds.
• Restrict visitors to poultry areas.
• Limit exposure to wild birds.
• Quarantine new birds for at least two weeks before introducing them to existing flocks.
• Report sick or dead birds immediately to the Department by calling the sick bird hotline: (501) 823-1746.
Under Arkansas rules, any suspected or confirmed case of avian influenza should be reported immediately to the Department. The Department may quarantine infected premises, restrict poultry movement within designated control zones, and require depopulation and disinfection when necessary to prevent further spread.
More information, biosecurity guidance, and updates on HPAI in Arkansas can be found on the Department’s website
SOYBEANS IN ARKANSAS
I look forward to building on his momentum.”
Over the past century, Arkansas soybean farmers have built a legacy of resilience and innovation. From the early farmers who took a chance on the crop to today’s producers embracing new technologies, their grit continues to shape the state’s landscape and livelihoods. Despite growing challenges and market pressures in 2025, soybean farmers remain resilient and continue the traditions that have sustained the industry for generations.
“We’re proud to join Governor Sanders in celebrating Arkansas Soybean Month,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “Our soybean farmers’ hard work and dedication strengthen communities, drive our agriculture industry and carry forward a century-long legacy of innovation and resilience.”
The monthlong celebration is led by the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board (ASPB), a farmer-led organization established in 1971 through Act 259 of the Arkansas General Assembly. ASPB supports the state’s soybean industry through research, education and promotion, investing soybean checkoff funds in innovation and outreach efforts that benefit producers statewide. Read more about the celebration here
2025 ArFB Resolutions Meeting | Arkansas Farm Bureau members from across the state spent two days reviewing, deliberating and consolidating policy topics impacting agriculture. The policy recommendations will now be forwarded to the voting delegates at ArFB’s 91st state convention, which is set for Dec. 3-5 in Hot Springs.
MARKET NEWS
as of November 12, 2025
Contact Brandy Carroll brandy.carroll@arfb.com
Tyler Oxner tyler.oxner@arfb.com
Corn
December corn futures continue to trade in a choppy, sideways pattern as the market steadies ahead of the November WASDE report. The December contract has managed to hold above its 20-day moving average at $4.27, with the recent 10-day low of $4.26 successfully tested as support. Bullish traders are eyeing a recovery above $4.30, while resistance remains near $4.35. The U.S. corn harvest is nearing completion, with roughly 93% of acres reported harvested, and favorable weather across the Corn Belt should allow for a smooth finish. In broader market activity, funds are beginning their annual “Goldman Roll,” shifting long positions from the December to March contract, which may contribute to increased volume and short-term volatility.
Soybeans
As the November contract nears expiration, market focus shifts to the January 2026 futures. Soybean prices have continued to grind higher, setting a new contract high of $11.37 and maintaining steady bullish momentum, posting only seven lower sessions over the past month. Technical resistance on the January board is noted at $11.34, with support near $11.10. Optimism surrounding a potential resolution to the government shutdown has added to the positive tone, though the market remains somewhat perplexed by its resilience given ongoing uncertainty in export demand. China has yet to publicly confirm the reported commitment to purchase 12 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans by December and 25 million metric tons annually over the next three years. In the meantime,
Brazil continues to dominate export competitiveness with lower-priced offers. The U.S. soybean harvest is largely complete across the Midwest, with only scattered fieldwork remaining.
Wheat
Wheat futures briefly gained strength from broader grain market support and reports of Chinese purchases but have since given back much of that momentum. The December Chicago contract shows technical support at the 20-day moving average near $5.24, with resistance around $5.40. Despite the recent pullback, U.S. export inspections for wheat remain solid, up 19% compared to last year’s pace through the first five months of the marketing year. However, elevated U.S. prices have limited competitiveness abroad, particularly against Argentina, which continues to offer the lowest-priced wheat on the global market. Both Chicago and Kansas City contracts have slipped below their 100-day moving averages and are now hovering just above the 50-day averages, signaling continued technical pressure.
Rice
Rice futures continue to trend sharply lower and trade at or near six-year lows. The January contract has potentially charted a doublebottom at $10.19½, but will need to close above trendline resistance near $10.70 to confirm the positive chart signal. The market continues to be burdened with large supplies in Asia, and India in particular. India had a good monsoon season and had built up a backlog of stocks with an export ban in previous years. Now they are targeting traditional markets for U.S. rice like Iraq and other Middle Eastern countries, and even Mexico and Japan. There are indications that Japan has begun to buy more U.S. rice as part of the framework for a trade deal, but that is mostly California medium grain. Futures are currently trading well below the USDA 2026 marketing year average price of $12 for long grain and $13.20 for all-rice, so better pricing opportunities could arise later in the marketing year.
Cotton
Cotton futures have been under renewed pressure in recent days. The December contract failed at resistance at 66 cents and is again trending lower, moving to new three-week lows. So far, support at 62.71 cents looks solid, though. There is still no indication that China will return to the market for U.S. cotton, and the recently developed trade framework with China didn’t include a commitment to buy U.S. cotton. Cotton was on the list of goods to have reduced tariffs, but so far that has not been incentive enough to actually purchase U.S. cotton. A softer stock market is also adding to the negative undertone in the market. Once the government reopens and reports begin to be issued, the market could get a boost if yields and production totals are reduced.
Cattle
Both live and feeder cattle futures charts look bearish at this point, despite the fact that futures are now deeply discounted when compared to cash prices. And while cash prices are also declining, they are not moving nearly as fast as futures. Overall, market fundamentals haven’t changed. The cow herd is the lowest since 1962, the all-cattle and calves herd is the lowest since 1952, and slaughter numbers are the lowest they’ve been in many years.
Hogs
After trending lower for two months, February hog futures have charted a huge bullish reversal. After finding support below $79, futures have now closed above $83, the highest level in 10 sessions. Support is coming from technical buying and firmer wholesale pork prices, and futures’ discount to cash prices.
