The Arkansas Department of Agriculture has proposed major regulatory updates, including the creation of a new pesticide classification aimed at strengthening statewide feral hog eradication efforts. The Arkansas State Plant Board approved the draft rule changes during its December 8 meeting, moving the proposal into the public comment phase.
Under the authority of Ark. Code § 20-20-206, the amendments to the Arkansas Rules on Pesticide Use would create a new category, Class J pesticides, covering products containing warfarin when used as a feral hog intoxicant. The changes include new requirements for dealers and applicators, such as licensing, training, recordkeeping, and use restrictions to ensure safe and controlled application.
Feral hogs continue to cause extensive agricultural and environmental damage across Arkansas. The new classification supports ongoing mitigation efforts, including work funded by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which allocated $47 million for the federal Feral Swine Eradication and Control Program. Arkansas is one of 14 states awarded funds for a five-year eradication plan.
In a separate action, the Department is repealing Arkansas’s Rules on Catfish Processors after Act 577 of 2025 abolished the Arkansas Catfish Processor Fair Practices Act.
The proposed rule changes are now open for a 30-day public comment period through January 13, 2026. Submission details are available on the Department’s website. After public review, final drafts will return to the Plant Board before advancing to the Arkansas Legislative Council.
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