News - October 2019

Fall forage conference and tour to showcase technology

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Forage producers in some parts of Arkansas are using computer and smartphone applications to manage and improve forage production, but many more producers stand to benefit from the use of these evolving technologies, said John Jennings, professor and extension forage specialist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

New apprenticeship program opens doors for aspiring farmers

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Aspiring farmers can learn the ins and outs of farming in a new on-farm apprenticeship program beginning January 2020.

Division of Agriculture experts bring podcasting to producers with Row Crops Radio

LITTLE ROCK — Agronomists and researchers with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture are making timely recommendations and professional insights even more readily available to producers, consultants and anyone who cares to listen through Row Crop Radio, a new podcast series. 

Income Tax School helps tax preparers get ready for tax season

LITTLE ROCK— The 2020 tax deadline is still six months away, but the time is now for tax preparers to gear up for the start of the 2020 tax season.

Arkansas Veterans Small Business Summit set for Nov. 8

LITTLE ROCK – Veteran entrepreneurs can get information about programs and services to help them succeed on Nov. 8 at the Arkansas Veterans’ Small Business Summit hosted by the Arkansas Procurement Technical Assistance Center at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s Cooperative Extension Service headquarters.

4-H young growers deliver supersized fair entries

LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas 4-H members showed up Oct. 12 at the Arkansas State Fair ready to collect prizes for the fruits of their labors - specifically their pumpkins and watermelons.

Lehigh joins as Division of Agriculture counsel

LITTLE ROCK – DeAnn Lehigh, incoming associate general counsel for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, brings more than 20 years legal experience as a highly decorated military judge advocate and roots as an Arkansas 4-H member.

Growing grapes in high tunnels may reduce pests and increase crop yields

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — High tunnels may help reduce pests and improve yields for grape growers in Arkansas, said Elena Garcia, horticulture professor and researcher for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

Cooperative Extension Service’s kitchen incubator initiative, Share Grounds, providing introductory workshops

RISON, Ark. — The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extensions Service will host the first of three introductory workshops for Share Grounds, a kitchen incubator initiative, on Thursday, Oct. 24, at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds in Rison. 

Division of Agriculture scientist named Fellow in Division of Agricultural and Food Chemistry of American Chemical Society

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Luke Howard, professor of food science for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture was elected a Fellow of the Division of Agricultural and Food Chemistry of the American Chemical Society at the 2019 Fall American Chemical Society meeting in San Diego.

Cooperative Extension Service to spotlight ARoma 17 at Downtown on the Farm

LITTLE ROCK — The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service will showcase its newest aromatic rice variety at Downtown on the Farm from 12-6 p.m. Oct. 27 at the River Market Pavilions and First Security Amphitheater in downtown Little Rock.

Extended summer-like temps delay annual fall foliage display

LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas’ summer-like start to autumn has slowed appearance of the state’s annual foliage show, said Kyle Cunningham, extension forester with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

Division of Agriculture Focus on Forages Field Day planned for Oct. 18

LITTLE ROCK – Faculty and staff with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture will present research related to pastures and forage production at the 2019 Focus on Forages Field Day on Oct. 18 at the Pauline Whitaker Animal Science Center arena at the Milo J. Shult Agricultural Research and Extension Center, 1336 W. Knapp Ave., in Fayetteville.

Agricultural Research and Extension Center marks centennial with renaming dedication

FAYETTEVILLE — For 100 years, the Arkansas Agricultural Research and Extension Center has helped farmers meet the ever-evolving challenges of agriculture. The center’s centennial was celebrated Friday, Oct. 11, by renaming it in honor of the late Milo J. Shult, a longtime vice president for agriculture for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. During his time in Arkansas, Shult firmly established the division as a leading voice for Arkansas agriculture.

Arkansas Association of Grape Growers to meet in Fayetteville for 2019 conference

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Diversifying vineyards for hops production and wines made from Arkansas grapes will be among the topics presented at the Arkansas Association of Grape Growers 2019 Conference, Trade Show and Reception on Nov. 1.

Ag bankruptcy: Chapter 12 considerations outlined in Oct 16 webinar

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – After a year of lower commodity prices, extreme weather, and ongoing trade tensions in world markets, much needed debt relief can be available to family farms through Chapter 12 bankruptcy.

4-H Week seeks to inspire community involvement

Bumpers College, Division of Agriculture Release New Issue of Discovery Undergraduate Research Journal

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The 2019 edition of Discovery, the undergraduate student research journal of the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences, produced by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, is available online.

Vangilder prepping peanut growers, next generation of extension agents

UNDATED — A successful Arkansas economy relies on two essential elements: agriculture and farmers. Unfortunately, fewer young people are choosing to farm, leaving a widening knowledge disparity for those watching over crops.

Division of Agriculture to collect data for anaplasmosis study

LITTLE ROCK — Researchers with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture hope to collect data from cattle producers across the state in an effort to determine the prevalence of anaplasmosis, an oft-deadly tick-borne pathogen.

Extension’s ‘Move with Ease’ sessions can help those with chronic pain

LITTLE ROCK – Individuals with chronic pain may find their condition worsening if they fail to keep moving. The Cooperative Extension Service wants to help them manage their pain, by providing a low impact exercise class designed to relax and rejuvenate the body.

Division of Agriculture food safety scientist honored with research award

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Dr. Steven C. Ricke, professor of food science for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, received the Evonik Corporation Award for Achievement in Poultry Science at the annual Poultry Science Association meeting held this year in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

As Arkansas rice harvest heads toward final leg, growers enjoy high market prices

LITTLE ROCK — The “store and hold” strategy employed by many rice growers in 2018 has finally paid off, as rice prices rallied in 2019, hinging largely on record prevented planting acreage and general uncertainty about the year’s crop size.