Senate and House agriculture committees hear concerns about Illinois River watershed in Berryville

At a joint meeting in Berryville on Feb. 4, 2026, the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Economic Development and the House Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Economic Development heard a discussion about management of the Illinois River watershed and its effects on waterways, land and businesses.

John Bailey, vice president of commodity and regulatory affairs at the Arkansas Farm Bureau, spoke to the committees about the impacts of watershed management on the Illinois River and nearby properties and enterprises, and provided exhibits D1–D4 for committee review. Senator Bryan King (District 28) joined the discussion and fielded questions during a public Q&A period, addressing concerns raised by members and by those attending the meeting.

Before the watershed presentation, the committees considered and approved minutes from the May 5, 2025, and Dec. 4, 2025 meetings. The minutes were approved without objection. No formal motions or votes on watershed policy were recorded during the session.

Committee members pressed on topics including how watershed management decisions affect local waterways and agriculture, how those decisions intersect with land use and business operations, and what legislative options might be pursued. Senator King addressed those questions and discussed the potential for future legislation to respond to concerns, but no bill text or formal proposal was introduced at the meeting.

The meeting opened at 1:00 p.m. at the Berryville Community Center and adjourned at 3:00 p.m.