News - October 2024

Survey assesses Mexican consumers’ opinions on GMO corn import ban

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — A fully implemented ban on genetically modified corn in Mexico could disproportionately affect the nation’s lower-income consumers, according to a recently published study by agricultural economists with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

Land-grant faculty, staff earn honors at annual Ag Awards

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Outstanding land-grant faculty and staff were honored Friday during the annual Agriculture Awards, held at the Don Tyson Center for Agricultural Sciences.

Grapes, blackberries, poultry immune system enhancement methods among patents recognized at annual Ag Awards

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — New fruit varieties and a means to enhance poultry immune systems developed by University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture scientists were among 10 patents recognized Friday during the annual Agriculture Awards.

Tips for safe trick-or-treating and candy consumption this Halloween

LITTLE ROCK — To ensure all children enjoy spooky fun this Halloween, it’s important for parents to establish safe trick-or-treating plans and include children with food allergies in the holiday’s festivities.

National Ag Law Center sets dates for 2025 conferences

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The National Agricultural Law Center has set the 2025 dates for its conferences providing agricultural and environmental insights for attorneys and those in the industry.

Extension county agent summer internship program now accepting applications

LITTLE ROCK — For college students interested in a hands-on career helping their fellow Arkansans, the Cooperative Extension Service offers a paid, 10-week county agent summer internship program. Past interns who have since been hired with the organization credit the program with opening their eyes to the direct impact agents have in their communities.

Deadline approaches for business owners to comply with Corporate Transparency Act

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The deadline is fast approaching for many businesses across the country to file with the federal government.

Ag-Tech Career Exploration application deadline Nov. 1

LITTLE ROCK — In a field that’s increasingly data- and tech-dependent, there’s a new program that encourages youths to embrace the science and technology needed to grow food for a growing global population.

In the aftermath of hurricanes, Arkansas peanuts thrive, cotton struggles

LITTLE ROCK — March may enjoy a reputation of entering like a lion, but it’s got nothing on the 2024 hurricane season.

Arkansas farm net income projected to decrease for second straight year
LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas’ net farm income is projected to decline for the second straight year, a fall cushioned slightly by lower input costs, the Rural and Farm Policy Analysis Center said in its latest report. 

Daddy long legs goes on a police ride-along, extension entomologist tapped to debunk venom myth

LITTLE ROCK — What has eight legs, blue lights and streams? 

SUBS: Respiratory virus thins turkeys, prices might rise for Thanksgiving birds

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Retailers may try to take the sting out of higher turkey prices as a respiratory virus called aMVP affects production of turkeys that would end up on the Thanksgiving table, said Jada Thompson, economist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. 

Histomonosis, a deadly turkey disease, researched with new $3.2M FDA grant

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — As scientists learn more about a deadly parasite’s ability to move from host to host in turkey flocks, a long-standing theory is in question and opens the door to new preventative measures.

NALC webinar emphasizes importance of limiting liability for agritourism, equine operations

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The concept of limiting liability may not sound exciting, but it is crucial for owners of equine, livestock and agritourism businesses to consider to avoid potential litigation.

With wildfire danger up, hunters, campers should forego outdoor burning

LITTLE ROCK — With most of Arkansas at high risk of wildfires, state officials are asking the public to avoid outdoor burning.

Arkansas Soybean Science Challenge: A new decade of students using their bean

LITTLE ROCK — For a decade, the Arkansas Soybean Science Challenge has been planting seeds for students contemplating a future in research.

Plant-based protein extraction study to look at ultrasound, fermentation methods

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Food science researchers with the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station are tapping into the power of soundwaves and fermentation to improve the quality of plant-based proteins.

Cooperative Extension Service to host Veterans' Business Summit

LITTLE ROCK — Military veterans seeking to land contracts with the state or federal government for their businesses are invited to attend the 2024 Veterans' Business Summit on Nov. 7. The event, which is free to attend, will be held at the Cooperative Extension Service state headquarters at 2301 S. University Ave. in Little Rock.

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.