A LARGE CROWD OF 300 OR MORE ASSEMBLED AT THE AGORA IN CONWAY ON JULY 9, 2006 FOR THE FIRST STATEWIDE MEETING OF THE ARKANSAS ANIMAL PRODUCER'S ASSOCIATION. ARAPA Founder, Jane Williams, is shown reading the mission statement and By-Laws at the beginning of the meeting.

We left the pictures on the large side so you can see more details.

Featured speaker, Joel Gill, from Pickens, Mississippi, represented R-CALF USA. He discussed issues that significantly impact the future of the livestock industry in Arkansas and the nation, including animal ID, country of origin labeling (COOL), free trade agreements, and what we as independent animal producers/owners can do to affect the outcome of each.

Guest speaker, Phil Wyrick, head of the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission, was given time to speak at the end of the meeting. Many folks told us that they drove several hour's drive to hear what Mr. Wyrick had to say about the NAIS.

We apologize for the poor quality of this picture, but it is the best one we ended up getting.