News - January 2021

Soil moisture sensor school planned for February

LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas crop producers who want to get better control of their water use during the 2021 growing season will have several opportunities through a two-day soil health school.

‘Most Crop Per Drop’ contest challenges Arkansas producers to experiment with technology

LITTLE ROCK — Experimentation paid off for Arkansas producers who competed in the “Most Crop Per Crop” contest — in knowledge gained about irrigation management and in cash prizes for the top winners.

Feed additive calculator, favorite of ranchers and livestock producers, now available as online tool

LITTLE ROCK — The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture has adapted its popular Medicated Feed Additive Calculator for the 21^st century. Ranchers and livestock producers can now access the calculator, available for the first time as a web-based tool, at https://medfeedcalc.uada.edu/.

Cooperative Extension art installation identifies stormwater path

SPRINGDALE, Ark. –  A new eco-art installation in downtown Springdale highlights the path of stormwater as it leaves city streets for creeks and other waterways. The installation, coordinated by the Northwest Arkansas Stormwater Education program, is intended to make people aware of the potential pollutants that can enter waterways through the storm drain system.

Division of Agriculture releases 2 new wine grapes

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Two new wine grapes from the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offer novel commercial options that are adapted for growing in Arkansas vineyards.

Conference honors extension’s Daniels for conservation work

JONESBORO, Ark. — The Arkansas Soil and Water Education Conference and the Judd Hill Foundation this week honored one of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s longest-serving conservation experts, presenting Mike Daniels with the 2021 Outstanding Conservationist Award.

Arkansas Department of Health confirms house cat with COVID

LITTLE ROCK — Veterinary health experts are advising individuals who have COVID-19, or suspect they do, to limit contact with their pets. Heidi Ward, extension veterinarian for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said the Arkansas Department of Health recently confirmed that a central Arkansas cat was found to be infected with the virus.

Virtual conference to focus on sustainable soil, water health

LITTLE ROCK — The upcoming 23rd annual Arkansas Soil & Water Education Conference will bring together experts on the latest issues and trends in soil and water conservation, including a talk with an Arkansas farmer who has increased the profitability and sustainability of his family farm through soil health management.

Soybean cash market ends 2020 at lofty heights, levels off in January

MONTICELLO, Ark. — Soybeans, at once Arkansas’ No. 1 crop, and the perennial symbol of the row crop farmer’s struggle for profitability — rose above $14.25 a bushel in the crop cash market at January’s mid-point.

Former Extension director Rick Cartwright to be inducted in Arkansas Ag Hall of Fame

LITTLE ROCK — Dr. Rick Cartwright, retired director of the Cooperative Extension Service, will be inducted into the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame this year and honored for his leadership and service to the state's largest business sector in 2021.

Arkansas Turfgrass Association offers latest in industry trends

LITTLE ROCK — Turfgrass and landscape experts from across the country will share their expertise in lawn, golf course, park and sports turf management at the 2021 Arkansas Turfgrass Association annual conference Jan. 25-28.

Free virtual workshop teaches business owners how to sell to the State of Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Procurement Technical Assistance Center will offer a free virtual workshop, “Selling to the State of Arkansas,” on Feb. 11 from 1-2:30 p.m. Participants will learn about state procurement regulations and procedures for submitting bids with the state.

Division of Agriculture releases 2021 versions of weed, pest and disease management guides

LITTLE ROCK — New editions of the most widely used publications from the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture are now available and offer the latest research-based recommendations for managing pests, weeds and diseases in row crop agriculture, as well as fruit, vegetable and garden production.

Late night fire destroys storge building equipment at research station, no injuries  

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — A fire late Tuesday night at the Milo J. Shult Agricultural Research and Extension Center caused no injuries, but destroyed a large storage building and farm and research equipment. 

2020 proves to have been a surprisingly steady year for most Arkansas crops

LITTLE ROCK — Despite a year dominated by major weather systems run amuck and a global pandemic, most of Arkansas’ major crops came out ahead in 2020, according to a Jan. 12 report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Cooperative Extension Service offers online produce safety workshops to fruit, vegetable growers

LITTLE ROCK — The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture will offer online produce safety training workshops to educate fruit and vegetable producers about new rules for protecting the food supply.

Award-winning journalist, retired extension writer Lamar James remembered for warmth, humor, interest in sci-fi

 JACKSONVILLE, Ark. — As an award-winning journalist, Lamar James covered many dark stories of violence, murder and disaster; yet he never lost his sense of optimism and humor, nor the generosity in his heart.

Arkansas winter wheat acres highest in four years

LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas producers planted about 180,000 acres of winter wheat in the fall of 2020, according to a report released Tuesday by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The acreage is the highest for the state since 2017, when growers planted about 200,000 acres.

Prairie County Extension’s Brent Griffin remembered for commitment to agriculture

DEVALLS BLUFF, Ark. — Brent Griffin, who spent much of the last two decades serving Prairie County as an extension agent, is being remembered not only for his dedication to agriculture, but also for his bright outlook on life.

Division of Agriculture, Dale Bumpers faculty, staff recognized at 2021 Agricultural Awards

UNDATED — The traditional celebratory gathering may have been replaced by an online ceremony, but the change didn’t diminish the extension, research and teaching successes honored Friday during the Arkansas Agriculture Awards.

Soybean researcher hunts genetics of drought tolerance from the air

Larry Purcell counts on clear skies to find the genes that control drought tolerance in soybeans.He identifies regions on soybean chromosomes associated with drought tolerance, providing soybean breeders with a valuable tool for developing improved crops that can thrive when water gets scarce.