LITTLE ROCK, AR – The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is proposing changes to two regulatory rules, including amendments to the Arkansas Rules on Pesticide Use that would establish a new classification of pesticide commonly used as feral hog bait. The Arkansas State Plant Board approved the draft rule changes during its meeting on December 8.
Under the authority of Ark. Code § 20-20-206, the proposed amendments would create a new pesticide classification, Class J, to include pesticides containing warfarin when used as a feral hog intoxicant. The amendment outlines requirements for dealers and applicators, including training, licensing, recordkeeping, and use restrictions related to Class J pesticides.
Feral hogs cause significant damage to agricultural lands and natural resources across the state. Establishing a distinct category for these products supports ongoing efforts to manage and reduce feral hog populations. In addition, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act authorized $47 million for the federal Feral Swine Eradication and Control Program. Arkansas is one of 14 states selected to receive funding for feral hog eradication efforts over a five-year period. More information about feral hog eradication efforts in Arkansas can be found on the Department’s website here.
In addition to the proposed pesticide rule changes, the Department is also repealing the Rules on Catfish Processors in Arkansas. Act 577 of 2025 repealed the Arkansas Catfish Processor Fair Practices Act of 1987, codified at Arkansas Code § 2-6-101, et seq., which requires the repeal of the associated rules.
The proposed rule changes have entered the next phase of the rulemaking process, which includes a 30-day public comment period that began on December 14, 2025. Public comments will be accepted through January 13, 2026. Information on how to submit comments is available on the Department’s website here. Following the public comment period, final drafts will be presented to the Plant Board for review before being submitted to the Arkansas Legislative Council.
