News - March 2017

Prospective Plantings report shows Ark soybeans, cotton up; rice, corn, sorghum down

JONESBORO, Ark. – Soybeans and cotton acreage are expected to expand in 2017 compared to last year, while rice, corn and grain sorghum acres will slide in a landscape shaped by markets, cost of production and ability to borrow, experts with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture said on Friday.  

Late freeze hits Arkansas peach industry hard

BOONE COUNTY, Ark. — While the story of how weather conditions will ultimately affect Arkansas row crops in 2017 has as yet to be written, the state’s specialty crops have already seen the year’s first casualty.

To shade or not to shade: no one asks the cattle

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Providing shade for grazing cattle is a hotly debated topic among producers and animal science researchers.

How do you like your blackberries? Survey seeks consumer tastes

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — A survey conducted by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture aims to give fruit breeders information they need to give consumers what they want in new blackberry varieties.

Online database can help ag professionals, homeowners diagnose herbicide injury to plants

NEWPORT, Ark. – Agriculture professionals and homeowners now have an online reference if they suspect their plants have sustained injury from herbicides.

OFPA meeting to be held April 11-12 in Springdale

SPRINGDALE, Ark. — “The Evolving Food Industry” is the theme of the 111th Ozark Food Processors Association Convention April 11 and 12.

Philipp: Old hay that won’t feed cattle could feed soil

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Age, mold, winter and water can take their toll on the nutrient value of hay bales, but old bales can bring new life to the soil, said Dirk Philipp, associate professor-animal science for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

Pest experts warn of renewed pressure from redbanded stink bugs, kudzu bugs after mild winter

LITTLE ROCK — Entomologists with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture said this week that the mild winter of 2016-2017 will likely mean Arkansas producers — especially those in the state's southernmost counties — will face renewed pressure in soybeans from two pests that only recently appeared in Arkansas.

Give your ash trees a fighting chance: Treat NOW for ash borer

LITTLE ROCK – If you want your ash trees to stand a fighting chance against the emerald ash borer, now through mid-April is the time to treat your trees this invasive pest, say insect and tree experts for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. 

Seven students, mentors named regional winners in Soybean Science Challenge

LITTLE ROCK — Seven budding scientists, researchers and producers were recognized recently as winners of the 2017 Soybean Science Challenge regional science fair awards, highlighting projects that may lead the way toward the next great advancements in the state’s top row crop.

Staying sane over spring break

LITTLE ROCK— It’s that time of year again where the kiddos get a well-deserved break from school just in time to enjoy the warmer temperatures.

Red imported fire ants active early this year in Arkansas

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Warmer temperatures coupled with a few heavy rains have made the invasive fire ant population in Arkansas active earlier than normal.

Want to help Oklahoma ranchers? Check your hay for fire ants

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansans who want to help fire-stricken ranchers in Oklahoma should be sure to understand federal fire ant quarantine rules before trying to donate hay across state lines, said Kelly Loftin, extension entomologist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

Freezing temps may put precocious winter wheat at risk

LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas’ winter wheat growers will be watching their precocious crops closely for freeze damage after a couple of weeks of roller coaster temperatures, said Jason Kelley, extension wheat and feed grains agronomist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

Research highlights effectiveness of precision agriculture in fight against pests

MONTICELLO, Ark. — As Arkansas row crop production has increasingly shifted away from cotton and toward soybeans, and as scouting methods have become better and more heavily used in the popular crop, growers and researchers have begun to zero in on one of the industry’s most persistent pests: the plant pathogenic nematode.

What is the Division of Agriculture?

LITTLE ROCK – When it comes to agriculture in Arkansas, there are three names that come up: The Division of Agriculture, the Department of Agriculture and Bumpers College. While they all deal with agriculture, the Division of Agriculture offers research, extension and other programs in all 75 counties.

Producer meeting focuses on toxic fescue, other livestock topics

BATESVILLE, Ark. — Toxic fescue pastures can cost beef producers a lot, but University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture research has developed practices that can minimize or even eliminate losses.

Screenings Set for 'The Favored Strawberry' Sustainability Project Film 

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – From farm to film and one side of campus to the other, several departments at the University of Arkansas have collaborated on a documentary highlighting the nation's strawberry industry. 

Governor signs bus seat belt bill into law; began as a Lincoln County 4-H member’s personal project

LITTLE ROCK — What started as a young 4-H member’s scare from a family car accident has turned into a law that gives Arkansas residents the legal framework to ask their local school districts to require seat belts on school buses purchased after 2018.

Applications for regional strategic planning assistance due March 23

LITTLE ROCK – Multi-county regions looking to identify new economic opportunities and implement strategies to create, retain and attract jobs can apply for technical assistance as part of a national initiative, Stronger Economies Together.

Division of Agriculture geneticist searching for new approaches to help cattle producers avoid toxic syndrome associated with common forage grass

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — While much of the research conducted by the men and women of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture plays out on the macro level — crops in the field, food on the table — scientists at the Division are also working at the micro level: pursuing the scientific underpinnings of agriculture, finding solutions to some of the biggest problems facing the state’s producers.

2017 Breakthrough Solutions Conference set for June 7-8

LITTLE ROCK— With the global economy evolving rapidly, and rural Arkansas still feeling the aftermath of the 2007 economic downturn, development is a major priority for many communities. Community and regional leaders will have a fresh opportunity to learn what works in this 21^st century global economy on June 7-8, at the 2017 Breakthrough Solutions Conference and pre-conference workshops.

Ticks become active as temperatures warm

With the warmer temperatures in February, we are seeing an earlier occurrence of ticks. Throughout much of February, I’ve picked up a few adult lone star ticks (Amblyomma americanum). Tick species that survive winters in leaf litter, soil or other protected areas will become active and search for a host when temperatures warm. Tick abundance is influenced by habitat type, environmental conditions and availability if suitable hosts.

At Pigposium 3, weed scientists urge growers to get off the ‘resistance treadmill’

FORREST CITY, Ark. – Finding ways to halt the “resistance treadmill” was a key message from weed scientists on Tuesday at Pigposium III, a daylong event hosted by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture focused on herbicide resistant Palmer amaranth.

Online certification course for Arkansas Engenia, Enlist Duo applicators now available

LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas crop producers planning to use Engenia and Enlist Duo for the 2017 growing season must fulfill certain requirements to use the products in Xtend or Enlist cropping systems, said Tom Barber, extension weed scientist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.