The Desha/Drew County Cattlemen’s Association met on Thursday January, 2026 at the UAM Agriculture Building at 6:30 pm. The meeting opened with Mrs. Keturah Rush and the 4H livestock students. They wanted to express their gratitude for the donations and support provided by Desha/Drew County Cattlemen’s Association to their Premium Auction. The night’s meal, fresh roast beef sandwiches and fixin’s was sponsored by Thane Cope with McKiever Packaging and blessed by Mr. Glynn Gibson. Members brought the delicious desserts.

Dr. Kyle Day, who is running for Arkansas State Representative gave members a talk about what he stands for and what he plans to do. The main speakers for the night were Mr. Matt Hegwer his son Haden Hegwer with the Bar H Receiving Station. Bar H Receiving Station works as a receiving station for Joplin Regional Stockyards. It is set up at the shining M Arena outside Monticello Arkansas. They take in all types of cattle and try to help producers get the best price for their cattle. The guys also offered market updates and insight for producers. The membership also decided to donate towards the UAM Ag Alumni Banquet. Mr. Brian Gibson made the motion and Mr. Robert Akin seconded. The motion passed. The meeting was then adjourned

The Effie E. Brooks Civic Club wanted to share some absolutely heartwarming news about  our amazing organization. Thanks to the members of the Effie E. Brooks Civic Club for collecting 218 pairs of socks! Each pair was gathered with so much care and thought, all with the goal of bringing a little extra warmth and comfort to residents in our local care facilities during the Valentine weekend. And here’s the best part – all those cozy socks have now found their new homes! Our members had the pleasure of personally delivering each and every one of those 218 pairs of socks to the wonderful folks at BELLE VIEW ESTATES REHABILITATION AND CARE CENTER, THE WOODS, and GRAND MANOR. It was such a special experience, and you could really feel the positive impact it made.

his whole initiative perfectly showcases the kind of unwavering commitment the Effie E. Brooks Civic Club members have for our community. They genuinely poured their hearts into making a real, tangible difference in people’s lives, and I couldn’t be prouder of their compassion and sheer hard work. It’s truly inspiring to see so much kindness in action.President Stacey Smith and members of Effie E. Brooks Civic Club

The Desha/Drew County Cattlemen’s Association met on Thursday December, 18 at the UAM Agriculture Building at 6:30 pm. A finger food supper was brought by members and blessed by President Jason Cater. Desserts were also provided by the membership. Following supper, annual officer elections were held. It was decided that all current officers would stay in their positions. Mr. Glynn Gibson made the motion and Mrs. Kay Erwin seconded. The motion passed. After elections a Christmas Hymn sing was held and Led by Mrs. Janine Eubanks. Those who help every month to get meetings set up were thanked and appreciated. And President Cater let members know about a special Christmas Eve, Eve service to be held at Old Troy Church. The meeting was then adjourned by President Cater. The Desha/Drew County Cattlemen’s Association would like to wish everyone a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

The Desha/Drew County Cattlemen’s Association met on Thursday November, 20 at the UAM Agriculture Building at 7:00 pm. The meatloaf supper was sponsored by Preferred Livestock Products and blessed by President Jason Cater. Desserts were provided by the membership.

Mike Runner and John Armstrong with Preferred Livestock Products spoke to producers about the business’s background and ownership. The company offers a selection of cooked tub options. The products contain energy, protein, and minerals to supplement the cow herd year round. Mr. Runner gave members a presentation that went over the benefits of proper nutritional management and how Preferred Livestock Products is here to help accomplish that. Mr. Armstrong is the Representative for Desha and Drew counties as well as the surrounding area. He gave first hand experience of what using the tubs from Preferred Livestock Products did for his cattle and his operation. He found that he was able to increase his conception rates and keep his cows healthier year round. They were also able to answer questions producers had about the tubs.

Following the speakers the membership decided to change the meeting time to 6:30 pm. It was also decided to put on the annual finger food supper for the December meeting. The meeting was then adjourned by President Cater.

The Desha/Drew County Cattlemen’s Association met on Thursday October, 16 at the UAM Agriculture Building. The meeting started at 7:00 pm. President Jason Cater blessed the  grilled hamburger supper sponsored and prepared by AgHeritage Farm Credit Services. Dessert was provided by the membership. Mr. Bill Stephens with AgHeritage spoke to producers about how AgHeritage operates and the services provided. AgHeritage is a lending cooperative that lends to those looking to purchase rural houses, land, equipment, and livestock. Operating loans can also be acquired through AgHeritage. With a network across 24 Arkansas counties they are here to help with all things row crop, timber, poultry, and cattle. Mr. Stephens also talked about Town & Country Feed & Trailers, LLC. Under new ownership Mr. Stephens plans to continue with quality service and products that producers can rely on. He is excited to serve producers and continue the legacy of Town & Country. The membership then discussed the financial report and voted on a donation to be given to the Drew County Fair Livestock Auction. The meeting was then adjourned by President Cater.

The Desha/Drew County Cattlemen’s Association met on Thursday September, 18 at the UAM Agriculture Building. The association put on a steak supper and hosted a large crowd. President Jason Cater blessed the meal, Ag Heritage cooked the steaks and provided knives, The ladies brought desserts, and River Valley Tractor brought the drinks. Joe Western and Matt Hayward with Joplin Regional Stockyards came to talk with producers. They gave market updates and outlooks for the next couple of years. The guys also gave advice on marketing claves. It was recommended to wean calves for at least 45 days before shipping. Additionally calves should be vaccinated, castrated, and dehorned. It was also explained to producers that doing these things would help the calves to bring more money. Following the talk was a question and answer session. The meeting was then adjourned by President Jason Cater.

The Desha/Drew County Cattlemen’s Association met on Thursday August, 21 at the UAM Agriculture Building. The meeting started at 7:00 pm with the meal. President Jason Cater blessed the delicious barbeque supper sponsored by Drew County Farm Bureau. After finishing supper with desserts furnished by the members, Dr. Jason Cater and Anna Kathryn Riggs with Premiere Poultry Supply gave a talk about cattle health. Dr. Cater covered the topics of anaplasmosis, theileria, parasites, vaccines, perilla mint toxicity, and screwworms. Anna Kathryn Riggs, Animal Health sales manager, talked about Premiere Poultry Supply’s Rison location and how they carry cattle vaccines, dewormer, and prescription drugs. Dr. Cater ended with the note that Premiere Poultry Supply is more than just a poultry company because many chicken producers are also cattle producers. Mr. Brad Henley gave producers an update from the recent state convention. The meeting was then adjourned.

The Desha/Drew County Cattlemen’s Association met on July 17, 2025 at the UAM Agriculture Building. President Jason Cater blessed the fresh cooked fish supper with all the sides sponsored by Union Bank and a variety of desserts provided by the membership were enjoyed.

Following the meal Union Bank Loan Officer Kerry Hartness gave producers some information on the opportunities available at both the Monticello and Warren branches. Dr. James Mitchell, Assistant Professor of Livestock Marketing and Management, UofA System Cooperative Extension Service gave members an update on the current cattle market situation.

Beef cattle inventory for the nation is similar to that of the 1950’s. The national replacement heifer inventory for 2025 is predicted to be around 5 million which is too few to be considered a herd rebuild. However at the state level, Arkansas retained more heifers than proportional to most states. Dr. Mitchell informed producers that this uptick in numbers would not be visible for another couple years. He also let producers know that due to a lack of herd rebuild there were likely at least two more years of healthy cattle prices. Before the meeting was wrapped up Mr. Chuck Stephens with Greenway Equipment gave information about a hay demo that would take place on July 24. The meeting was then adjourned by President Cater.

The Desha/Drew County Cattlemen’s Association met on May 15, 2025 at the UAM Agriculture Building. The meeting opened at 7:00 pm with the blessing of the meal by President Jason Cater. River Valley Tractor sponsored the meal and members provided dessert. Aaron Stone from River Valley Tractor showed members the wide arrange of Kubota tractors, lawnmowers, side-by-sides, and hay equipment available.

He also spoke about some of the other services the facility offers. Michelle Bufkin Horton the ACA Executive Vice President and Noralee Townsend the ACA Membership & Communications Director were present and gave members updates and goings on from the state office. Additionally Chris and Jolene Hammock gave producers information about the Ranchworx Pasture Aerator that they use on their property and have available to rent out. Towards the end of the meeting Ruth Gibson was given a plaque to commemorate her service as Secretary/Treasure of the Desha/Drew County Cattlemen’s Association. Jolene Hammock was also voted in as the new Secretary/Treasure. The Meeting was then adjourned by President Cater.

The Desha/Drew County Cattlemen’s Association met at 6:30 pm at the UAM Agriculture Building on February 25,2025. Supper was blessed by President Jason Cater and Sponsored by 4M Equipment. A delicious spread of barbecue and all of the fixings were served. Drinks were provided by River Valley Tractor. Desserts were provided by the members. Jeff and Pam Monk in addition to Rusty Smith with 4M Equipment were the night’s speakers. They talked to producers about their large selection of products and brands they carry. 4M Equipment offers all the products a producer could need. Balers, rakes, tedders, mower conditioners, mixer wagons, and cattle handling equipment are featured from Vermeer, Kuhn, and Arrowquip brands. They also stock a large selection of parts and can order parts if they are not in house. They are willing to help customers anytime they can. Members enjoyed good fellowship with the meeting’s large turnout. The meeting was adjourned by the Association’s president Jason Cater.

Drew County 4-H members participated in 4-H Day at the Capitol, where they met legislators, learned about the legislative process, and shared how they are making a difference in their communities through 4-H. They were among the 500 4-H members from 54 of Arkansas’ 75 counties who participated in the event held every other year when the Arkansas Legislature is in session. The statewide gathering is also a chance for 4-H to showcase its impact on a large scale. The Drew County delegation included thirteen 4-H members Ethan L., Brayden S., Jack W., Bryce B., Gavin P., Jesi Henson., Maylin C., Allison M., Kinzley J., Aubrey W., L.J. H., Alivia H., Eli F., and Jacob F., along with two leaders Keri Cater and Shante’ W.

The 4-H member group attended a Tribute to Arkansas in the Capitol Rotunda where several of the state’s elected officials spoke to them, including Lt. Gov. Leslie Rutledge, State Treasurer John Thurston, Secretary of State Cole Jester, and Attorney General Tim Griffin, who called the 4-H gathering “the single largest group ever assembled in the Arkansas Capitol” that he could recall.

Another highlight was seeing inside the vault in the Office of the Treasurer and holding some of the money. For some of the 4-H members, 4-H Day at the Capitol was their first time seeing inside the Arkansas Capitol.

Civic engagement and leadership are part of Arkansas 4-H’s mission mandates; the others are Healthy Living and Science.

4-H Day at the Capitol is just one event that helps 4-H members understand how they can lead and make a difference. Whether serving as a local 4-H club president, conducting a community service project, or running for a state office, 4-H civic engagement programs empower young people to become well-informed citizens who are actively engaged in their communities. For more information about Drew County 4-H, contact Drew County Cooperative Extension Service or visit www.4h.uada.edu

The Cooperative Extension Service is the outreach arm of the University of Arkansas System

The Desha/Drew County Cattleman’s Association met at 6:30 pm at the UAM Agriculture Building on January 16,2025. The delicious Meatloaf supper was sponsored by Joplin Regional Stockyards. Joplin Regional Stockyards also provided the speakers for the night. Joe Western and Matt ran a question and answer session for producers. They gave advice on preconditioning, listed Joplin Regionals advantages over its competitors, and filled members in on markets. Producers also got to become familiar with the system of receiving stations Joplin Regional has across the state. The speakers finished with positive reports for the future. The main business of the meeting was the decision to donate funds to go towards the UAM Ag Alumni Society scholarship. President Cater Adjourned the meeting.

The Desha/Drew County Cattlemen’s Association met at 6:30 pm at the UAM Agriculture Building on December 19,2024. President Jason Cater blessed the meal of Christmas finger foods provided by the membership. Following the supper fellowship President Cater thanked everyone for their willingness to be part of the association. The recent state board meeting was also discussed. The main item of business included officer elections. The group voted to keep all current officers in their positions. The meeting was then adjourned.

The Desha/Drew Cattlemen’s Association met at 5:00 pm on November 21, 2024 at the UAM Cattle Barn. Loren Teague from the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission gave an EID tag demonstration. He explained the tagging process and demonstrated the technological capabilities of the system. Following the demonstration members went to the UAM Agriculture Building for supper. President Jason Cater Blessed the spread of Thanksgiving dishes brought by members.

After the meal Loren Teague gave producers some background information about the EID tags and important notes. One of the main things He touched on was premise IDs. When the commission comes out to vaccinate heifers or any time EID tags are put in a premise ID is entered into the system to connect those cattle to the property. He also made it clear that the producer’s name is not associated with the premise ID. Only the property is associated with the premise ID.

The meeting closed with plans for Christmas Fellowship in December and was adjourned by Jason Cater.

The Desha/Drew County Cattlemen’s Association met at the UAM Agriculture Building on Thursday, September 19. The meeting started at 7:00 pm with a good old barbeque supper sponsored by Drew Farm Supply and Bradley County Livestock Barn. (more…)

From Left: Annalee Gibson, Jaci Gibson, Grant Kilpatrick, Sam Napier, Carly Lloyd, President Jason Cater (Meghan Stephens not Pictured.)

On Thursday July, 18th the Desha/Drew County Cattlemen’s Association met at the UAM Agriculture Building. (more…)

The Desha/Drew County Cattlemen’s Association met on Thursday April, 18 at the UAM Agriculture Building. The meeting began outside at 6:00 with a demonstration on ARROWQUIP hydraulic and manual chutes by Rusty Smith of 4M Equipment. (more…)

The Desha/ Drew County Cattlemen’s Association met on Thursday February, 15 in the UAM Agriculture Building. The meeting began at 6:30 pm with the blessing of a delicious Barbecue supper with all the trimmings by President Jason Cater. A special thanks to Cater Veterinary Service for sponsoring the meal. Following the meal members were reminded to sign up for the Area 5 Spring Conference, which will take place on March 21st at the Drew County Fairgrounds. (more…)

The Desha/Drew County regular monthly meeting was held September 21, 2023 at the UAM Forestry and Agriculture Building at 7 PM.

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The July 20, 2023 monthly meeting was called to order by Vice President  Nita Carpenter at the Forestry and Agriculture Building at 7 PM.  Nita asked Jason Cater to bless the meal provided by Commercial Bank. (more…)

The Travel Club will be touring Auschwitz, Birkenau, Budapest, Berlin, Prague, Dresden, and Krakow a total of 5 countries.  Come to the meeting on Tuesday, April 25 at 5:30 pm in room 403 at Drew Central Elementary.  The tour is 10 days March 15-24, 2025. Travelers get $200 off if you enroll by April 30th. Students from any district, home school, and family are eligible to travel.

Highlights are: Prague visit Mala Strana, the Lennon Wall, St. Vitus Cathedral, and 13th century old towne square; Dresden take a guided tour of the city, Krakow tour the Wawel Cathedral, Glowny Square, concentration camps Auschwitz and Birkenau for a remembrance; Budapest take an expert-led tour to Matthias Church, and Fisherman’s Bastion; Berlin visit Checkpoint Charlie, Brandenburg Gate, and see the largest piece of the Berlin Wall still standing.

Please RSVP to group leader Eva Arrington 870-224-6545.

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Back row- Adrian Ratliff, Sy Lanthrip, Chloe Russell, Ada Ratliff, Beth Bragg, Stephen Bragg Front row- Alicia Ratliff, Hazelene McCray, Lynn Lanthrip

Six 4-H members of Drew County 4-H attended the daylong festivities on Feb. 28 to learn about state government, meet legislators and share their 4-H experience. For some, it was their first visit to the Arkansas Capitol.

Participating members include:

Chloe Russell, Ada Ratliff, Adrian Ratliff, Sy Lanthrip, Stephen Bragg, and Beth Bragg all 4-H members. Volunteer leader, Alicia Ratliff also attended the event along with Hazelene McCray and Lynn Lanthrip from the Drew County Extension Office. (more…)

During the August meeting of the Desha Drew Cattlemen’s Association (more…)

Drew County 4-H WHEP Team (Wildlife Habitat Education Program) recently attended the statewide contest, recently. 4-H youth from across the state competed in different events to test their ability to identify local wildlife and manage their habitat. (more…)

The Desha/Drew Cattlemen’s Association met for the regular monthly meeting December 16, 2021, at 7PM in the College of Forestry, Agriculture, and Natural Resources building (more…)

The Desha/Drew Cattlemen’s Association met for the regular monthly meeting November 18, 2021, at 7PM in the College of Forestry, Agriculture, and Natural Resources building on the UAM campus.  (more…)