What the Arkansas Farm Bureau Annual Convention Is
The Arkansas Farm Bureau Annual Convention is the yearly business meeting and member gathering of the state's largest farm advocacy group, which describes itself as a nonprofit, private organization with more than 160,000 member families. The most recent edition, the 91st, ran December 3-5, 2025, at the Hot Springs Convention Center, and drew more than 1,000 farmers and ranchers.
Ways to Take Part
| Part of the convention | Who it is for |
|---|---|
| Workshops and professional development | Arkansas Farm Bureau members |
| Annual business session | Voting delegates from county Farm Bureaus |
| Trade show | Open to the public |
What Happens There
Workshops
The 2025 workshops covered property rights, drone regulations, tax changes, mental health and livestock marketing, among other topics.
Trade show
Billed as the largest agriculture trade show in Arkansas, it had more than 180 vendors and projects. It includes a farmers market of Arkansas-made and Arkansas-grown products and an Ag Mechanics Show featuring work by Arkansas high school students.
Keynote speakers
The 2025 program featured ArFB President Dan Wright, Buddy Hasten, president and CEO of Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas, and Clint Bruce, a former Navy SEAL and professional football player.
The Business Session: How Policy Is Set
The annual business session concludes the convention. Voting delegates set the organization's policy positions, elect the president and vice president, and elect members of the state board of directors. In 2025, delegates took up transportation and infrastructure, energy, labor, school food programs, nutrient management plans and private property rights. They approved policy supporting an insurance plan for poultry producers, youth leadership programs and action on labor issues.
2025 election results
- President: Dan Wright of Waldron, re-elected to a third term
- Vice president: Magen Allen of Bismarck, elected to her first term and the first woman to serve as an ArFB officer
- Secretary/treasurer: Terry Dabbs of Stuttgart, third term
- Seven board members re-elected to two-year terms: Sherry Felts, Bob Shofner, Jon Carroll, Joe Thrash, Terry Laster, Chase Groves and Jack Evans
Awards
The convention recognizes county Farm Bureaus for agricultural advocacy and membership efforts, and honors leaders. Awards include the Women's Leadership awards and the Stanley E. Reed Leadership Award, given annually to an active ArFB member aged 36-45 for leadership in their county Farm Bureau and community. In 2025, Madison County Farm Bureau's Women's Leadership Committee won the Outstanding County Women's Program award, and Sue Billiot of the Sharp County committee received the Women's Diamond Award for volunteer work above and beyond the norm.
Dates and Where
The 2025 convention was held December 3-5 at the Hot Springs Convention Center in Hot Springs. The business session and elections took place on Friday, December 5. The most recent edition was December 2025; check with Arkansas Farm Bureau for the next dates before planning a trip.
Questions
Can I visit the trade show if I am not a member?
Yes. The trade show is open to the public. Workshops are for members.
Who decides Farm Bureau policy?
Voting delegates, at the annual business session.
Who leads the organization?
As of the December 2025 elections, Dan Wright is president and Magen Allen is vice president.
What is the Ag Mechanics Show?
A showcase of work by Arkansas high school students at the trade show.
Official Links
- Arkansas Farm Bureau: 91st annual convention announcement
- Leaders selected and policy set
- Women's leadership awards
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Arkansas FFA State Convention and Expo
The 99th Arkansas FFA State Convention and Expo, held each year at the Hot Springs Convention Center; the most recent dates were April 20-22, 2026, with a talent contest, general sessions and delegate process.
Hot Springs, AR | Organizer: Arkansas FFA Association Official event details - Garland County Fair
Ten-day county fair on Malvern Avenue in Hot Springs; held each year, with the most recent dates being September 10-19, 2026.
4831 Malvern Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901 | Organizer: Garland County Fair Association Official event details - Arkansas Pecan Festival
Pecan festival on Main Street in Keo, scheduled for December 5, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Main Street, Keo, AR 72083 Official event details - Arkansas Rice Festival
Rice-themed festival in downtown Weiner, scheduled for October 9, 2027.
Weiner, AR Official event details - Four States Agricultural Expo
Annual research and best-practices expo for area growers, held at the Four States Fair and Rodeo grounds in Texarkana; the most recent date was February 12, 2026.
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.