News - May 2022

Arkansas River Valley sees rise in bird deaths attributed to black fly variants

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Amid concerns of rising avian flu cases, poultry flock managers in Arkansas’ River Valley region are reporting multiple cases of bird deaths attributed to another familiar culprit: The turkey gnat.

Environmental sustainability a focus of new University of Arkansas economist

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — A shift in thinking about environmental sustainability on the farm as a long-term risk mitigation factor is taking place in agricultural economics.

Experiment station researcher in search of a more water efficient chicken

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — In a world with shrinking freshwater resources for a growing human population, where do you find enough moisture to grow food? You might start by improving water use efficiency in the world’s number one livestock animal — chickens.

Enjoy summer fun while practicing sun safety tips to avoid skin cancer, sunburn

LITTLE ROCK — As temperatures warm up and the school year winds down, Arkansas families are preparing to spend more time outside during the summer months. While the Natural State offers plenty of opportunities for fun in the sun, it’s important to practice sun safety by using sunscreen, avoiding prolonged sun exposure and wearing protective clothing.

UA System Board of Trustees confirms Fields as VP-agriculture

BATESVILLE, Ark. — The University of Arkansas System Board of Trustees confirmed Deacue Fields as vice president for agriculture on Wednesday based on a recommendation by System President Donald R. Bobbitt. 

U of A graduate research assistant named American Society of Animal Science Young Scholar

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Samantha Howe, a graduate research assistant in animal science at the University of Arkansas, has been named the 2022 American Society of Animal Science Young Scholar.

Arkansas among 12 states reporting salmonella outbreaks connected to Jif peanut butter products; FDA issues recall

WASHINGTON — Arkansas is one of 12 states reporting salmonella cases connected to a product recall of Jif brand peanut butter products, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Fall planting strawberries? When is too late, and too early, to plant in Arkansas?

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Planting strawberries in the fall to get a robust crop the following spring is typical with growers. But how late is too late for fall planting of strawberries in Arkansas?

UA System Trustee Ed Fryar to keynote national development conference

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Ed Fryar, member of the University of Arkansas System Board of Trustees, will be the Bickford Lecture Series Keynote speaker at this year’s national conference of the National Agricultural Alumni Development Association.

Most Crop per Drop irrigation contest challenges rice, corn, soybean growers

STUTTGART, Ark. — The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s annual Most Crop Per Crop irrigation yield contest is now open to Arkansas rice, soybean and corn producers, and for the first time, includes two rice competition categories. With $95,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs, this year’s competition is the most lucrative in the contest’s history.

Research shows hardwood muscadine propagation is possible for small programs

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Scientists with the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, the research arm of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, have done what many thought was too difficult to do: root muscadine vines from dormant hardwood stems.

Arkansas 4-H Center’s ExCEL leadership program welcomes new coordinator

FERNDALE, Ark. — At the C. A. Vines Arkansas 4-H Center, opportunities for hands-on and “minds-on” learning abound. For youth, college, non-profit and corporate groups, the 4-H Center’s ExCEL Leadership Program has offered such an opportunity since 1986.

The team building and leadership development program welcomed Taylor Knox as its new coordinator on May 1.

Plant species diversity is key to enhancing soil carbon in grasslands

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — As addressing climate change and curbing global warming trends becomes more urgent, agricultural researchers have been lending their data to the discussion.

To give native grasses a good head start, limit grazing and stay on top of weeds

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — So, you’ve established your first stand of native forage grass. It looked iffy at first, but you made it through Year 1. Congratulations!

Fecal egg count service saves Arkansas producers money, animals

LITTLE ROCK — Controlling parasites in sheep and goats is crucial to herd health but chemical-resistant parasites pose challenges. Without a management plan, a producer can waste money on ineffective, expensive dewormers — and possibly lose animals.

Favorable Arkansas weather boosts cotton planting; December contracts trade at 11-year high as drought intensifies in western U.S.

JONESBORO, Ark. — A much-needed stretch of sunny days has enabled Arkansas’ cotton farmers to get more than half of their planting done as December futures prices hit highest their highest level in 11 years.

Understanding the infant formula shortage and tips for impacted families

LITTLE ROCK — A nationwide shortage of infant formula is impacting families across the United States. For mothers who rely on formula to provide critical nutrition for their newborns, it’s important to proceed with caution for their child’s health and safety.

Dry-aged beef current focus of new animal science faculty member

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Derico Setyabrata, assistant professor of meat science and muscle biology, joined the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture on a mission to help add value for beef producers and improve quality for consumers.

Upcoming workshop, field day to offer tips & tools for pond managers, gardeners

HOPE, Ark. — With summer fast approaching, the Cooperative Extension Service’s Southwest Research and Extension Center is offering two events aimed at giving Arkansans insight into pond management and horticultural production.

Avian influenza found in 34 states; two biosecurity webinars scheduled for Arkansas

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Thirty-four states have had confirmed cases of the deadly H5N1 avian influenza, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Master Gardeners virtual auction offers garden gifts and more

LITTLE ROCK — Supporting beautification and landscape projects across Arkansas while scoring some good shopping deals is as simple as participating in this year’s Master Gardeners virtual auction, opening May 13.

First two students complete food science department’s Brewing Science certification

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Growing interest in craft beer in the state and across the country led to the creation of a certification plan at the U of A, and two students are about to be the first to complete the curriculum.

May 18 webinar: Who has rights to the water when drought hits?

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Who has the right to access water in the American West? Find out during an online webinar hosted by the National Agricultural Law Center on May 18.

Madison County Extension administrative specialist whose family founded War Eagle Fair is ‘big on community’ 

HUNTSVILLE, Ark. — Throughout Arkansas, Cooperative Extension Service employees are deeply involved with their communities. For Jerry Jo Hamm, Madison County administrative specialist, being “big on community” is family history: her relatives founded and run the War Eagle Fair, a craft fair that attracts tens of thousands of people to War Eagle Valley each fall.

Davis: Farmers need to understand effects of labor regs, immigration, shrinking worker pool on farm-to-table cycle

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Managing farm workers has never been easy, but changes in regulations, immigration laws and a shrinking pool of eligible hires has increased the level of difficulty for farm managers, according to Brandon Davis, a nationally recognized labor attorney. 

Soil health field day to teach cover crops, minimum tillage practices to Arkansas Farmers

COTTON PLANT, Ark. — Soil health is a critical component of crop success for growers. Arkansas farmers will have a chance to learn and implement soil practices at the Soil Health Field Day and Training at the Adam Chappell Farm in Cotton Plant on May 25 from 9:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Arkansas Rice Breeding Program piles up record off-season rice harvest in Puerto Rico

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The Arkansas Rice Breeding Program's 2022 off-season harvest in the tropical U.S. territory of Puerto Rico pulled in a record amount of rice breeding materials for ongoing experiments and seed increases for new varieties of rice that have been developed by the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station —the research arm of the Univerity of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

What legal issues are bubbling under the surface? Mid-South conference online bonus session will look at emerging issues, labor, immigration

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — What major issues are bubbling under the surface in agricultural and environmental law? Find out during a bonus online session of the Mid-South Agricultural and Environmental Law Conference.

AgHeritage CEO Cole to discuss headwinds facing agriculture during Mid-South Ag and Environmental Law Conference

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Agriculture is often at the mercy of the weather, but the industry is facing storms of another type.

Diversity, mental health awareness top Mid-South Ag and Environmental Law conference ethics presentation

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Diversity and wellness are among Sherie Edwards’ top priorities in her role as president of the Tennessee Bar Association and will be integral to her ethics presentation June 10 during the Mid-South Agricultural and Environmental Law Conference in Memphis, Tennessee.