News - November 2016

The Rice Research and Extension Center: Making real-world challenges the focus

STUTTGART, Ark. — As the nation’s number-one rice producer, the economy of Arkansas places a premium on every aspect of the crop’s production, from the the availability of unique and hardy varieties, to the financial success of our producers in the field, to the impeccable quality of the finished product.

Farming: America’s most stressful job?

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The pitfalls and hazards of farming are so many and varied that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration calls it one of the most dangerous professions in the U.S.

Stay safe: What you need to know before building a fire

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — When the cold arrives, so does bonfire and fireplace season and with it, caveats about firewood safety.

As Arkansas growers struggle with increasingly resistant weeds, state weighs labeling

LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas State Plant Board is scheduled to hold a public hearing Nov. 21, during which it will consider changes to regulations now governing the use of pesticides containing dicamba and 2,4-D.

Explained: Dicamba and its formulations

LITTLE ROCK — As growers across Arkansas and the Mid-South wrestle with how best to combat increasingly herbicide-resistant weeds in cotton, soybeans and other major row crops, weed scientists at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture are striving to shed light on dicamba, one of the potential new tools today in the fight against Palmer amaranth, commonly known as pigweed.

Looking to the future: In the age of herbicide resistance, integrated management is key

LITTLE ROCK — As the the Arkansas State Plant Board considers public input and works toward final recommendations for the registration and use of a new generation of herbicides, experts with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and other research institutions are looking to the future of row crop farming in the state.

Turkey: To fry or not to fry, there is no question

LITTLE ROCK – With the big day just around the corner, turkey is on the minds of many as preparations begin for lavish feasts and lots of leftovers. While some Thanksgiving purists might turn their noses up to anything but a traditional roasted turkey, many have found it’s hard to beat a fried bird in time and taste.

From observation to confirmation: One county’s story of how an invasive species was spotted, tracked

HOPE, Ark. – Confirming the presence of an invasive pest can sometimes start with a newspaper article and a phone call.

Dry conditions impeding forage growth in Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK – The drought covering more than 86 percent of Arkansas is severely impeding winter forage growth, but that shouldn’t stop ranchers from using good management practices, said John Jennings, professor of animal science with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

Make family meals a priority: Join families nationwide for ‘Dine In Day’ Dec. 3

LITTLE ROCK – Soccer practice. Grocery run. Working late. We’ve all had that kind of family-on-the-run kind of day that makes sitting down to dinner together almost impossible.

Dry weather a blessing and a curse for some Arkansas wheat growers 

LITTLE ROCK — Low grain prices and dry weather are putting the brakes on he number of winter wheat acres in Arkansas, said Jason Kelley, extension wheat and feed grains agronomist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

EPA registers federal label for new dicamba formulation, State Plant Board to hold hearing Nov. 21

LITTLE ROCK — The federal Environmental Protection Agency has registered a new dicamba formulation it says “is specifically designed to have lower volatility” when sprayed over cotton and soybeans genetically modified to tolerate the herbicide.

HOLIDAYS: More joy, stress less this holiday season

LITTLE ROCK -- As the turkeys are carved and the twinkling lights of decorated trees fill homes, expectations and stress also go up with the wreaths, ornaments and the inflatable Santa. Although the holiday season is meant to be a joyful occasion, many find themselves having a blue Christmas.

HOLIDAYS: Spend less, savor more this holiday season

LITTLE ROCK -- According to the National Retail Federation, Americans are expected to spend an average of more than $930 each this holiday season, up nearly 4 percent from 2015. With dazzling displays and Christmas lists a mile long, it can be easy to splurge this time of year. However, a meaningful, memorable holiday doesn’t have to be one that breaks the bank.

HOLIDAYS: War over Thanksgiving won, Black Friday commences

LITTLE ROCK -- Not too long ago, consumers hoping to scoop up the hottest items at the lowest prices woke long before the crack of dawn to stand in even longer lines on Black Friday. More recently, in what has been dubbed “the war on Thanksgiving,” shoppers have hit the stores before those tasty leftovers have gotten cold. In some cases, even before the bird hit the oven.

Four States Cattle Conference coming to Texarkana on Dec. 13

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Area experts and producers will speak about how to best prepare cattle for the winter months and maximize profitability in an unpredictable market at the Four States Cattle Conference, Dec. 13. 

Animal science professor identifies gut microbiota signatures of healthy aging

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.  — "There have been a lot of genetics studies that have tried to understand what in genetics makes people live longer and healthier," says Jiangchao Zhao of the Department of Animal Science at the University of Arkansas, "but not much progress has been made in that field."

MAINBAR: Div of Ag’s first wine grapes can stand up to Arkansas conditions, diseases 

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The first wine grapes from the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture fruit breeding program expand options for grape growers and wine makers in Arkansas and neighboring states.

SIDEBAR: Grape, breeder travel the long road to a good Arkansas wine grape

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Once in the bottle, a great wine can take a decade to evolve, mature and reach the fullness of its aroma, flavor and body to delight the senses. Breeding the right grapevine to make that wine can take twice as long.

Growers complete plenty of field work after harvest during unusually warm, dry fall

LITTLE ROCK — As harvest draws to a close for several key commodities in Arkansas — rice, soybeans and cotton — growers have been making the most of the unusually warm, dry weather by preparing for spring 2017, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture agronomists said this week.

4-H Fall Festival draws hundreds, helps fund scholarships, youth education efforts

FERNDALE, Ark.  – A perfect fall day turned into a perfect way to support the scholarships and programs of the Arkansas 4-H youth development program.