News - November 2017

Four States Cattle Conference to focus on pasture, herd health

TEXARKANA, Texas – Even for old cowhands, each new year brings new challenges in the cattle market.

The fifth annual Four States Cattle Conference will offer attendees the opportunity to learn about the latest advice for navigating that marketplace, from advances in forage recommendations to cattle management methods and risk protection instruments.

2018 ‘Yield of Dreams’ production meeting schedule released

LITTLE ROCK – The winter months between fall harvest and spring planting offer a great opportunity for growers to get up to speed on the latest crop production research, findings and techniques from the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

Matter of biosecurity

FAYETTEVILE, Ark. – The largest animal health emergency in U.S. history occurred from December 2014 to June 2015. Avian influenza spread across several states, including Arkansas, wiping out millions of birds according to the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

Microloans, niche marketing key to small operation success

TEXARKANA, Ark. – Farming on any scale can be tough. Whether a a multi-generational farm family working hundreds of acres of row crops or a new grower cultivating specialty crops for local buyers, keeping budgets in the black and growing the business is often a season-by-season struggle.

Save the pruning for the spring

LITTLE ROCK – The leaves are coming off, and we know what you’re thinking: It’s time to take those branches down a notch, from the behemoth oak out back, to the delicate crape myrtles near the curb.

Tyson family adds $1 million gift during dedication of landmark ag research building

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Alongside Garland Avenue, on the highest point overlooking the Arkansas Agricultural Research and Extension Center, the Don Tyson Center for Agricultural Sciences promises to be the new standard for agricultural research and education in Arkansas.

More than just talk: HACCP Roundtable marks 20^th anniversary

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Twenty years ago, people from the poultry industry sat down in an office in Springdale, Arkansas, for a talking session on USDA implementing HACCP into meat and poultry inspection, a regulatory change that would revolutionize how America’s meat & poultry processing system worked.

Planting depth crucial for forage establishment

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.— Just below the surface there is a fierce competition waging between plants for survival. Soil variability and the diversity of desired and undesired plants create a pasture environment were plants fight to survive.

Division of Agriculture hosts national value-added conference in Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK— Fewer people are taking the time to prepare their meals at home. According to the USDA, 43 percent of all U.S. food spending was spent on eating out in 2012.

How to avoid the financial blues on Black Friday

LITTLE ROCK –  With bellies full of Thanksgiving turkey, many Arkansans quickly turn their attention to Christmas shopping as Black Friday beckons. 

Christmas tree selection: Ceiling height matters

LITTLE ROCK -- Whether you want a ready-cut Christmas tree sold at major retail outlets or a fresh-cut Arkansas tree, know the height of your ceiling. 

Holiday food safety key to keeping guests in the dining room and out of the bathroom

LITTLE ROCK -- A top-shelf cook can work for hours to make a fantastic Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings, but if Junior and Gramma get tummy aches they will remember only their time spent in the bathroom. No one wants that. 

Don’t let bacteria ruin those Thanksgiving leftovers

NASHVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas families love Thanksgiving. They cook a lot of food.That turkey we all look forward to slicing and sampling and gorging on could be with us for a while. Bacteria will be ready. 

Master Gardeners to break ground on Vines Center demo garden Nov. 16

FERNDALE, Ark. — Pulaski County Master Gardeners will break ground Nov. 16 on a demonstration garden at the C.A. Vines Arkansas 4-H Center.

Statement from Dr. Mark Cochran following Arkansas State Plant Board decision.

Center for Childhood Obesity Prevention accepting pilot study applications

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The Center for Childhood Obesity Prevention at the Arkansas Children’s Research Institute in Little Rock has announced it is accepting research proposal applications for the 2018 Pilot Study program.

From farm to table and everything in between

BENTON COUNTY, Ark.— Walking down the aisles of the grocery store we are bombarded by confusing food labels. What’s the difference between all natural and organic? What does free range mean?

Burning issue: Fire as a field prep tool for rice growers

STUTTGART, Ark. – Following harvest season, it’s not uncommon to see plumes of smoke rising in the flatness of the Arkansas Delta. Many of the fires are intentional with the flames used as a production practice by rice and other crop producers, said Jarrod Hardke, extension rice agronomist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.