Extension Educational Programs & Services
Miller County, Arkansas
The Cooperative Extension Service offers a host of educational programs and services.
If you do not see what you are looking for below, please contact our county Extension
Office for assistance.
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Whether you have a large farm or a small home garden, the Miller County Extension
staff can assist you. We offer a wide variety of education programs related to beef
and forage production, row crops, vegetable gardening, lawn care, plant diseases and
more.
Contact Jennifer Caraway, Miller County Extension Agriculture Agent/Staff Chair for
research-based information on agriculture and home horticulture programs.
Annual Agricultural Exposition & Trade Show
Our 2025 Ag Expo will be held on Feb. 13, 2025, at the Four States Fairground Entertainment
Center. Classes will be held all day so come for the day or stop by for the classes
that interest you. Classes are free. If you need to renew a pesticide applicator license
or need one for the first time, this training will be held at 1 p.m. Cost is $20 for
the training (cash, check or money order) AND $45 (check or money order payable to
"Arkansas State Plant Board"), which is valid for 5 years.
If you are interested in showcasing your business, whether a table with information
or a space on the floor for equipment, the cost is $200.
Vendor Form
Red Dirt Master Gardener Basic Training
The Miller County Master Gardeners will soon open applications for our 2025 Fall Master
Gardener Basic Training. We have two options for training.
Option 1: Online
Our Fall ONLINE MG Basic Training Class is a self-paced online course that requires
a computer.
Option 2: In-Person Classroom Setting
Our Fall IN-PERSON Classroom Basic Training dates will be announced later in the year.
Only one option may be selected because they are not interchangeable.
Upcoming Pesticide Applicator Trainings (PAT)
We are excited to announce that the online recertification program for private applicators
is up and running. You can access it at www.uaex.uada.edu/pat.
The online training provides another opportunity for private applicators to get recertified. The online training is not designed for people that need to get their license for
the first time – they still need to see us for that.
The online program has 5 required modules with embedded questions in each that must
be answered correctly to proceed. You cannot fast forward through the training or
skip slides, but you can back-up to review information for the embedded questions.
It should take a little over 2 hours to complete.
We have done our best to make the program interesting, informative, and the process
self-explanatory. It is based on the platform we have used for the dicamba training
the past two years, so it should work fairly smoothly.
The cost of the training is $20 and you pay online.
If you need a new chemical license, click below to see what is available in our county
as well as other counties within the state of Arkansas. There is also a waiting list
section; if we get enough interest in a training, one may be held in our county.
Pecan Tissue Sampling
Now is the time to pull plant tissue nutrient samples for pecans. These results are
important for growers to determine fertility rates for next year and to identify if
any deficiencies may be developing.
Cost is $20 per sample + $5 shipping.
See PowerPoint with photos on how to pull the samples. Last year, more than 24 pecan
growers submitted samples. These samples help us compare this year's results to see
how things have changed.
The time to submit samples is now.
Click HERE for information on how to submit pecan tissue.
Arkansas Farm Animal Veterinarian Directory
The new Arkansas Farm Animal Veterinarian Directory is now available. This directory
is based on a veterinary survey conducted in March. To any veterinarians that did
not turn in their survey and would like to be included, please contact Heidi Ward,
DVM, PhD, Assistant Professor and Veterinarian with the University of Arkansas System
Division of Agriculture (501-671-2162) directly. Paper copies will be available at
the Arkansas Cattlemen's Association Convention at the end of August for producers.
Arkansas Plant Health Clinic Newsletters
Each newsletter features several relevant diseases/disorders that are relevant for
Arkansas homeowners
Find all newsletters here
Estimating Cotton Yields
Accurate estimation of cotton yield while in the field is an important skill for growers,
consultants, and extension agents. Preharvest estimation of cotton yield can help
growers determine their return on investment, assess weather-related damages, and
adjust crop management. Although experienced eyes can get a rough estimate by simply
scanning the field, taking a few simple in-field measurements can reduce inaccuracies.
The Estimating Cotton Yield publication from the University of FLorida outlines the steps to calculate a reliable estimate
of cotton yield.
Estimating Cotton Yield
Family and Consumer Sciences
From Healthy Cooking to Food Safety; from Diabetic Cooking to Professional Child Care
Training and Much More
From canning to nutrition to food safety, all of these topics, and many more, are
addressed through the family and consumer science educational programs. Contact Tori
Luker, Miller County Family & Consumer Sciences Agent for more information.
ServSafe Food Safety Training
We offer ServSafe Food Safety trainings throughout the year. Check back for dates.
Food Storage Guidelines
This research-based chart helps you know the life span of various types of pantry
and food items we keep in our kitchens.
STORAGE GUIDELINES
Miller County 4-H
Fun and Education for Youth Ages 9-19 or for Cloverbuds, Ages 5-8
4-H is a fun and educational program where kids "learn by doing." It is a great opportunity
for youth to acquire knowledge and skills, and develop healthy lifestyles that will
be beneficial for the rest of their lives. In Miller County it takes the form of community
clubs, project clubs, and in-school clubs.
Anyone age 9-19 can join 4-H; for youth ages 5-8, we have Cloverbud activities. So
come join the fun. There are many project areas and we can find one just for you!
Be sure to let McKenzie know if there is anything you need help with. Call her at
870-779-3609 or email mrigdon@uada.edu
