News - July 2020

Rice acreage may cushion economic impacts of COVID on Arkansas farms

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Growing rice may provide some insulation from the economic impacts of COVID-19 for Arkansas farms, but cotton growers are likely to be harder hit through 2023, according to a model run by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

Rice leads off series of virtual research field days for Arkansas commodities

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Rice will lead off a series of online commodity-based field days designed to give Arkansans a first look at the latest University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture research and extension from the safety of their homes.

2^nd quarter Gross Domestic Product drops

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — A fall off in consumer spending is driving a major drop in the second quarter estimate of the nation’s gross domestic product, according to an analysis released Thursday by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.  

Washington County teen wins Arkansas 4-H Governor’s Award

LITTLE ROCK — Isabella Norsworthy of West Fork has had many successes throughout her 12 years in Arkansas 4-H, from winning prizes for showing livestock to excelling in horticulture competitions. On Thursday, Norsworthy learned she had won the Arkansas 4-H Governor’s Award, the highest honor an Arkansas 4-H member can receive.

Watermelon variety trial shows modern hybrids bring the flavor, but the old standbys still putting up strong numbers

HOPE, Ark. — Among the many things that can quickly devolve into “fighting words” in Arkansas, perhaps two of the more surprising are “seedless watermelon.” But when Matt Bertucci, assistant professor of horticulture for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, decided to pit a number of older, popular seeded varieties against more recently developed hybrids, he knew he was stepping onto contested ground.

U.S. cattle inventory stabilizes

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Cattle industry numbers in several categories returned to relative normalcy in June, a bright spot in an otherwise difficult economic year, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues throughout the United States.

U.S. chicken production, prices down

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Numbers for both the production of chicken and the market price it fetches in the United States have remained low throughout the year, as compared to both 2019 figures and those averaged from 2016-2018, according to a recent economic analysis from the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

Arkansas 4-H member appointed to national 4-H advisory committee

LITTLE ROCK — The 4-H National Council has selected longtime Arkansas 4-H member Sara Gardner of Fayetteville to serve on its Young Alumni Advisory Committee, where she will help guide the national organization.

Virus detected in Benton County horses; Arkansas Department of Agriculture orders animal movement restrictions for surrounding counties

LITTLE ROCK — Horse owners, as well as producers of other hooved animals, should be on the lookout for a highly contagious virus among their stock that was recently confirmed in Benton County.

Arkansas residents asked to report mystery seed, product packages

LITTLE ROCK – Did you receive a packet of seeds or some trinket that you didn’t order? The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is asking Arkansans to let the department know if they received unsolicited packages in the mail.

Conversation with community leaders to explore COVID challenges, innovations

LITTLE ROCK — Leaders from five Arkansas communities will gather virtually Aug. 4 to share how their communities responded to the COVID-19 pandemic and how they continue to adapt, innovate and grow to meet the demands of these uncertain times.

Top-performing Arkansas blackberry receives horticultural science group’s Outstanding Fruit Cultivar Award

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Ouachita blackberry, a 2003 thornless variety from the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, received the Outstanding Fruit Cultivar Award from the Fruit Breeding Professional Interest Group of the American Society of Horticultural Science.

Cheers! Groundwork laid for program to elevate Arkansas wine, encourage consumers 

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — A network of Arkansas research scientists, horticulture experts and others has laid the groundwork for a program that will set quality standards for Arkansas-made wine, provide professional development for growers and winemakers and entice consumers to taste the fruit of the state’s vines and their unique flavors.

As summer blooms, be on the lookout for algae to follow suit

LITTLE ROCK — As temperatures rise and summer moves into full swing, wildlife on the water is also returning to its seasonal proclivities — for better and for worse. As of July, the first harmful algal blooms of 2020 have been reported in Arkansas.

Division of Agriculture offers free online program to support diet, exercise, nutrition during COVID-19 isolation

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic is no time to ignore diet and exercise, said Jamie Baum, associate professor of nutrition for the Division of Agriculture and director of the Center for Human Nutrition.

Moldenhauer named interim head of rice station at Stuttgart

STUTTGART, Ark. – Karen Moldenhauer, a professor and rice breeder for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture since 1982, will serve as interim director for the Rice Research and Extension Center.

Agritourism: Opportunities and obstacles discussed in August 19 webinar

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Beckoned by agritourism, urbanites and suburbanites sometimes flock to the country to visit pumpkin patches, vineyards and petting zoos or take trail rides, getting up close and personal with large animals and equipment. What could possibly go wrong?

Double Your Dollar program extends to Pandemic EBT recipients at northwest Arkansas farmers markets

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The 2020 Double Your Dollar program helps people on food assistance programs stretch their food budgets at northwest Arkansas farmers markets.

Looking ahead to fall: Cooperative Extension Service webinar offers guidance for farmers planning fall activities

LITTLE ROCK — Though summer is in full force, many farm managers are planning now for how to safely offer fall activities such as corn mazes, pumpkin patches, hayrides and other fall festivities amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Division of Agriculture to assist conservation project efforts in Buffalo River watershed

LITTLE ROCK — The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture will be helping to guide conservation efforts in the Buffalo River watershed, as local conservation groups implement $2.8 million in federal funding from the Natural Resource Conservation Service, as well as an additional $2.9 million raised from other partnering organizations, over the next five years for the Buffalo River Watershed Enhancement Project.

Poor root accommodation results in decline among urban red maples

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Trees planted along urban streets in cities and towns throughout Arkansas have seen better days. Over the last several years, arborists have noted an increase in the decline, mortality, and removal of urban street trees, which add beauty, shade and other benefits to areas otherwise dominated by vehicle traffic and asphalt.

Pork, chicken exports holding up despite COVID interruptions

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The impact of COVID-19 on meat exports has leaned more heavily on beef than chicken or pork, according to an economic analysis the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture released this week.

Arkansas farmers, ranchers receive more than $86 million in COVID assistance

JONESBORO, Ark. — Arkansas farmers and ranchers have received more than $86 million in Coronavirus Food Assistance Program direct payments as of Monday, according to a report released Monday.

Cooperative Extension Service offers virtual camps for youth to explore agriculture, dairy industry

LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas youth can explore the world of agriculture this summer with two online, half-day camps designed to teach them about food and fitness.

Research shows little difference for consumers between steaks from naturally or conventionally raised cattle

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas researchers have shown that consumers experience no tangible differences between steaks from conventionally grown commodity beef cattle and those from branded “naturally grown” programs.

Sorry soil and tight margins a perfect 'in' for Arkansas peanuts

JONESBORO, Ark. — As 2020 peanut prices gradually catch up to those offered in 2019, the popular legume, now planted in an estimated 35,000-36,000 acres across the state, continues to look like an increasingly good bet for growers with soil beset by southern root knot nematodes or low nutrient values.

Anheuser-Busch Foundation to donate $130,000 to Arkansas Discovery Farms Project

LITTLE ROCK — The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture will receive $130,000 from the Anheuser-Busch Foundation in support of the Arkansas Discovery Farms Program.

Arkansas fruit breeder named one of ‘40 Under 40’ by Fruit Grower News

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Fruit Grower News has named Margaret Worthington, assistant professor of fruit breeding and genetics for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, one of its Fruit and Vegetable “40 Under 40” awards, celebrating young professionals making their respective marks in the horticultural industries.

June unemployment report less dismal

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The June report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed more people earning paychecks, but unemployment rates still exceeding pre-COVID-19 levels.

Animal scientists receives AMSA Student Teacher ‘Cleaver’ Award

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Kelly Vierck, an assistant professor of animal science for the U of A System Division of Agriculture and the U of A’s Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences, was named the Ph.D. recipient of the 2020 American Meat Science Association Student Teacher "Cleaver" Award.

Extension’s online diabetes support group offers way to connect

LITTLE ROCK — The Cooperative Extension Service, part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, will offer a 12-week online support group for people living with diabetes. 

Agricultural district programs offer protection, benefits for farmland owners

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – For half a century, agricultural district programs, meant to protect farmers from the pressures of expanding urbanization, have evolved and been deployed in various forms around the country. The growing gap between agriculture and those in expanding suburban areas could pose a threat to those protections, however.

Pandemic prompting rise in consumer savings

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — If there’s a bright spot in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s the rise in consumer savings.

Bobbitt Announces Appointees to UA System Task Force on Racial Equity 

LITTLE ROCK (July 2, 2020) – University of Arkansas System President Dr. Donald R. Bobbitt today announced appointments for a new systemwide task force that will consider issues around racial equity at the campuses, divisions and units within the UA System.

Ricke Receives the National Chicken Council Broiler Research Award

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Steven C. Ricke will receive National Chicken Council Broiler Research Award at the annual Poultry Science Association meeting, which will be held virtually July 20-22.

$9.8 million USDA NIFA grant supports researchers’ aim to change food safety culture for low-moisture foods

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — In 2009, the recall of a single contaminated peanut butter product led to recalls of more than 200 other products in which the peanut butter was an ingredient.

Meat processing still lags

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.  — Meat processing continued at a lower level through May, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, but it wasn’t because of COVID-19-related closures.