Washington County’s quorum court voted to advance a resolution urging an immediate return to negotiations over litigation tied to the Illinois River watershed, saying the dispute threatens local poultry producers and county revenues.

The resolution, read at the meeting and presented as a show of support for growers, "calls for an immediate return to good faith, science‑based negotiations to resolve the long and ongoing litigation impact farmers' jobs in rural communities," the text stated. The court voted to send the measure to the full quorum court with a "do pass" recommendation.

Why it matters: Officials and residents said the ruling being litigated outside Arkansas has concrete local consequences. "Just the poultry houses alone is $69,000,000 worth in Washington County," a speaker said while introducing the resolution. Growers at the mic described contracts ending and multigenerational farms imperiled.

Jerry Moyer, who identified himself as a local poultry producer, told the court, "In 2028, I will no longer get the opportunity to produce chickens in my poultry houses. My poultry contracts will end." He said growers face ongoing debt burdens tied to contract structures and changes in permitted management practices.

A public commenter who opposed the resolution argued for a different remedy, saying companies should bear cleanup costs: "Tyson made over $1,000,000,000 in profit last year... they can spare a few million dollars for the cleanup," the commenter said.

Court leaders framed the resolution as a nonbinding expression urging the Oklahoma attorney general and other parties to resume talks and seek scientifically grounded solutions that protect water quality while limiting local economic harm. The resolution praises producers’ investments and notes the county’s large role in poultry production.

Next steps: The item will be heard by the full quorum court; members expressed confidence it will pass there. No regulatory action or binding change was made at the meeting itself.