News - August 2024

NASS forecasts new record soybean yield for Arkansas  

LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas is on track to break its year-old record for soybeans, as the National Agricultural Statistics Service on Monday forecast a statewide 57-bushel-per-acre average yield, up three bushels per acre from last year.

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recalls several infant products for choking, fall hazards 

LITTLE ROCK — Parents of infants and young children should immediately stop using four products recalled Aug. 1 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for fall, suffocation and ingestion hazards.

USDA-NIFA awards $300K to study food safety, plant pathogens and pests in hydroponics

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — As controlled environment agriculture and vertical farming gain a greater foothold in modern agriculture, a new $300,000 grant aims to enhance hydroponic lettuce production.

2024 Southern Soybean Breeders Tour to spolight mid-South's opportunities, challenges

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.  — The Arkansas Soybean Breeding program invites all breeders, researchers, growers, and industry professionals to the 2024 Southern Soybean Breeders Tour for an in-depth exploration of the latest research, trials and innovations in soybean breeding across the Mid-South.

Northeast Rice Research and Extension Center hosts inaugural Rice Field Day

HARRISBURG, Ark. — The new Northeast Rice Research and Extension Center in Harrisburg welcomed more than 250 attendees to its inaugural rice field day to hear region-specific updates from researchers and extension specialists.

Extension staff recognized for community, economic development achievements

LITTLE ROCK — The National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals has recognized University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture extension program associates for achievements in community and economic development.

Low Mississippi River levels expected to amplify weaker basis at harvest time

LITTLE ROCK — If forecasts hold, the Mississippi River level at Memphis, Tennessee, will again fall below zero as harvest season takes hold, raising the specter of the last two seasons’ higher freight rates, piled up grain and weaker basis.

2024 Rice Field Day updates producers on latest research, rice breeding

STUTTGART, Ark. — More than 350 people attended the 2024 Rice Field Day at the Rice Research and Extension Center on Aug. 1 to hear research updates on rice breeding, precision agriculture and weed control.

Economic impact of Arkansas timber damage from May tornadoes estimated at $89 million

MONTICELLO, Ark. — In May Arkansas saw a record number of tornadoes touch down in our state causing an estimated $89 million in total economic impacts and potential environmental risk associated with the forest damage experienced in five northern counties.

Registration for fall’s Walk Across Arkansas to open Aug. 26

LITTLE ROCK — The registration date for the Cooperative Extension Service’s biannual health initiative, Walk Across Arkansas, is fast approaching. Individual Arkansans are encouraged to form teams in their respective workplaces, neighborhoods or other communities and join the effort on Aug. 26.

Listen up: New economics podcast aimed at farmers

LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas agricultural extension economists have launched a new weekly podcast aimed at giving farmers an earful — in a good way.

White County 4-H team wins Arkansas 4-H Food Challenge

NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — On Aug. 2, 124 participants from 36 teams put their food and nutrition knowledge — and cooking skills — to the test at the Arkansas 4-H Food Challenge.

Armed to Farm programs help military veterans, establish connections

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Veterans and other beginning farmers face numerous challenges getting into agriculture. Much goes into the development and management of any kind of agricultural business: from planning the business entity, to liability considerations, to marketing and running the operation.

Can solar energy and ag coexist? August 21 webinar takes up 'agrivoltaics'

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Does large-scale installation of solar panels on farms make the land unusable for other purposes?

Machine learning leads to a first in forestry management tools

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — A new dataset is providing a bird’s-eye view of Arkansas’ forests 1 meter at a time.

Income Tax Schools provide advanced tax preparation training, updates on tax law changes

LITTLE ROCK — Professional tax preparers and anyone interested in advanced income tax preparation can learn what’s in store for the 2024 tax season by attending one of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s Income Tax Schools.

Analysis indicates Warren plant closure could cost millions to state in revenues, GPD

MONTICELLO, Ark. — The idling of AHF Products’ Warren flooring facility will mean loss of 130 jobs with a ripple effect of millions in lost revenue and gross domestic product to Arkansas, according to an analysis released this week. 

BACK TO SCHOOL: Tax-free weekend starts Aug. 3

LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas’ tax-free weekend can help savvy shoppers save money with a little advance planning.