News - March 2021

New Rural Profile dashboard helps users visualize data, trends affecting rural Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK — The 2021 edition of the Rural Profile of Arkansas, a biennial publication from the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, brings with it a powerful online tool to help users visualize the facts and figures that describe differences in life between rural and urban areas of the state.

Moving your pasture toward the desired forage species

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Over time, changes in grazing habits, fertility and plant age can prompt changes in the composition of pastures. There are, however, ways to maintain a desired forage for as long as possible, said Dirk Philipp, associate professor-animal science, for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

Root respiration key indicator for flooding forests to provide duck habitat

MONTICELLO, Ark. — Doing forest research can be a lonely occupation. Ask the University of Arkansas at Monticello graduate student Jonathan Kressuk. The sun isn’t even up yet. It’s the first hard freeze of the season in Southern Arkansas. Kressuk is wading through a foot of water, hauling bags of ice into the forested wetlands in Cut-Off Creek Wildlife Management Area near Dermott, Arkansas.

February freeze may impact spring cattle breeding

HOPE, Ark. — Cattle breeding experts with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture are urging cattle producers to test the fertility of their bulls before the spring breeding season.

Andrew Sharpley, renowned soil and water quality researcher, retires … mostly

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Andrew Sharpley, one of the founders of the Arkansas Discovery Farms Program, retired from his Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station research post in January … mostly.

Feeders linked to bird disease transmission

LITTLE ROCK — Backyard birdwatcher Amy Cole has noticed some disturbing scenes around her house.

USDA, Cooperative Extension providing trapping assistance, education to eradicate feral hogs

LITTLE ROCK — Although the COVID-19 pandemic has slowed many human activities, it hasn’t stopped feral hogs from reproducing and causing damage. Throughout 2021, the Cooperative Extension Service, in partnership with the Arkansas Department of Agriculture, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and other partnering organizations, is reaching out to residents to help reduce populations of the rampaging beasts.

Division of Agriculture, extension service, experiment station moving to new web addresses

LITTLE ROCK – The Cooperative Extension Service, the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station and their parent, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, are all migrating to new web addresses.

Making the most of manure in pastures

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade,” or so the saying goes. Dirk Philipp, associate professor of animal science for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, has some advice for cattle producers and pasture managers who are often blessed with other materials with which to work.

With winter nearly behind them, Arkansas growers begin early planting

LITTLE ROCK — Early planting appears to be making a return to Arkansas in 2021. With the start of the recommended planting window for corn and soybeans less than two weeks away, anecdotal reports from growers and Cooperative Extension Service agents indicate producers are eager to take advantage of clear weather as it occurs.

Wet weather offers challenges for cow and calf health

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — After this winter’s freeze and thaw coupled with the recent rains, many Arkansas landowners have seen their pastures transform into vast acres of mud. Dirk Philipp, associate professor of animal science for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said that wet weather brings with it many challenges for cattle producers.

New ‘Weeds AR Wild’ podcast offers Arkansas growers insights into weed management

LITTLE ROCK — Weed scientists with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture have a new weekly podcast series — Weeds AR Wild — to share recommendations and updates on weed management issues important to Arkansas row crop growers, crop consultants and others working in agriculture. 

Southern Cotton Ginners Association recognizes Bourland for achievements in cotton breeding and research

KEISER, Ark. — When Fred Bourland left the family cotton farm in Mississippi County for the University of Arkansas, clear across the state in Fayetteville, he had anything but farming on his mind. But sometimes you just can’t run away from your calling.

McKenzie appointed Fryar Endowed Professor in Risk Management

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Andrew McKenzie, the newly appointed Fryar Endowed Professor in Risk Management, found career inspiration in a most unusual place: the cinema.

Feral hog eradication resources, conservation assistance available to Buffalo River Watershed landowners 

LITTLE ROCK — Landowners in the Buffalo River Watershed are eligible to receive assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture aimed at eradicating feral hog populations in the area.

Free soybean seeds available to school, community gardens to grow-your-own protein

LITTLE ROCK — For gardeners looking for an easy-to-grow addition to their gardens, soybeans are a natural powerhouse: they’re easy to grow, they nourish the soil, and they provide a complete protein.

Division of Agriculture announces first horticulture-focused discovery farm

CLARKSVILLE, Ark. — Horticulture producers in Arkansas and throughout the region may soon benefit from one of the state’s most successful research models: the Arkansas Discovery Farm Program.

Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station releases new primocane-fruiting blackberry

CLARKSVILLE, Ark. — Prime-Ark® Horizon, a new primocane-fruiting blackberry from the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, offers growers a new option with an extended fruiting season and high yield potential.

Consumers save more, spend more on restaurant food in January

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Personal income rose in January, as did consumer savings and spending on food outside of the home, according to the February Personal Income and Outlays Report from the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

March 17: A day dedicated to clovers to aid Arkansas 4-H

FERNDALE, Ark.  — Arkansas 4-H is hoping you’ll help the educational program on the most green-intensive day of the year: St. Patrick’s Day.

What do you know about Arkansas wines? New survey wants to know

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — What do you know about wines made in Arkansas? A new survey from the Arkansas Quality Wine Program wants to know.

Spring Walk Across Arkansas registration opens today

LITTLE ROCK  — If you’ve been looking for a good reason to start working off that “quarantine 15” or cure winter’s cabin fever, registration is open for the spring 2021 edition of Walk Across Arkansas.