News - October 2024

Red milkweed beetle genome offers insight into plant-insect interactions

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Studying the secrets of how the common red milkweed beetle can safely feed on a toxic plant helps illuminate the ecological, evolutionary and economic impact of insect-plant interactions from a genomic perspective.

Extension to host ARegenerate Conference on regenerative agriculture

FORT SMITH, Ark. — For Arkansas farmers and producers interested in learning more about regenerative farming methods, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture will host the inaugural ARegenerate Conference Nov. 8-9 at the Expo Center at Kay Rogers Park in Fort Smith. 

Decorative corn stalks bearing tar spot fungus reported in Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK — A fungal disease that has caused yield losses in corn has recently been found in Arkansas — on decorative corn stalks, said Terry Spurlock, extension plant pathologist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

Bird flu's growing impact calls for urgent action at international summit

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — As highly pathogenic avian influenza continues to infect more than just birds, scientists and industry professionals want to prevent it from infecting more species and continuing to impact animal and human health, the environment and the economy.

Wasp uses paralyzed spiders to feed growing larvae

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s a tarantula hawk wasp!

Carrot surplus spurs BBQ sauce for Chef Rios at Arkansas Food Innovation Center

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — A sweet-and-smokey barbecue sauce designed around surplus carrots is the newest product rolling out from the Expanding Farmers’ Opportunities in Northwest Arkansas program.

Arkansas alum DeLaune returns as head of Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.  — For Oklahoma native and University of Arkansas alumnus Paul DeLaune, returning to Arkansas to be head of Crop, Soil, and Environmental Science, is almost like coming home.

NALC webinar will review liability challenges for equine, agritourism business owners 

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — With the fall season comes visits to pumpkin patches, hayrides, corn mazes and petting zoos – but for owners of these attractions, risk and liability come along with visitors.

Extension adopts Active Parenting curriculum for family and consumer sciences agents 

LITTLE ROCK — The Cooperative Extension Service has recently adopted the Active Parenting curriculum as a resource for family and consumer sciences agents. The model focuses on mutual respect between parents and children and includes a component designed for the unique needs of blended families. 

Extension offers 2024 Arkansas Ballot Issue Voter Guide

LITTLE ROCK — The 2024 Arkansas Ballot Issue Voter Guide is now available. It offers non-biased, research-based information about three proposed constitutional amendments on the ballot in the state’s upcoming general election. 

John King remembered as kind, caring teacher

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — John William King took turf seriously, as a researcher, teacher and resource for managing parks and athletic fields in the City of Fayetteville, as well as for golf courses as far away as Bolivia. 

Port strike would have impact on U.S. cotton, meat, poultry exports

JONESBORO, Ark. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture said Tuesday that consumers shouldn’t expect food shortages in the near term because of the port strike, however, economists say a long strike could prompt changes on grocery shelves and at the checkout.

New department head Nalley puts land-grant mission integration high on priority list

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.  — Lanier Nalley, the new head of the agricultural economics and agribusiness department, plans to continue to build on his predecessor’s foundation and work toward a fuller integration of land-grant research, extension and teaching.