News - December 2025

Shredded cheese products recalled by FDA upgraded to higher risk classification

LITTLE ROCK — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has a list and is advising consumers to check it twice before whipping up any cheesy dishes this holiday season. Several shredded cheese products from Great Lakes Cheese Co. were recently recalled for potentially containing metal fragments.

With U.S. beef slaughter down, consumer prices likely to remain high

LITTLE ROCK — American beef cow slaughter fell during the fall quarter by 19 percent from the same period in 2024, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture data released in the wake of the recent federal shutdown.

HOLIDAYS: Tips to stay mentally, physically healthy during holidays

LITTLE ROCK — As temperatures drop and social calendars fill up during the holiday season, it’s important to protect your physical and mental health. To stay safe and healthy during the holidays, extension experts share tips for preventing illness and managing stress.

UAM to offer Ph.D. in forest resources

MONTICELLO, Ark. — The University of Arkansas at Monticello will offer a Ph.D. in forest resources in the spring 2026 semester, following recent approval from the Higher Learning Commission.

Farm Bridge Assistance package comes at critical time for farmers

LITTLE ROCK — While commodity payment rates won’t be released until the end of December, the $12 billion Farm Bridge Assistance package announced Monday will provide funding at a critical time for farmers, an economist said.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Strawberry, blackberry, blueberry and grape growers in the Mid-South will have the opportunity to network with and hear updates from fellow growers, researchers and industry leaders at the 2026 Mid-South Berry Conference in Fayetteville Jan. 22-24. 

Experimental microneedle painkiller patch for pigs shows proof of concept

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — An experimental pain-relieving drug delivery method for farm animals using microneedle patches may not have delivered an effective dose, but it took a pivotal step that offers new leads for innovation.

Tri-State Soybean Forum returns to Arkansas

DUMAS, Ark. — Experts from Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi will share information about issues facing soybean producers in the South at the 69th annual Tri-State Soybean Forum on Jan. 9, 2026.

Kordsmeier to take helm of UADA communications

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The new chief communications officer for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture comes to the position with a science background — useful for a land-grant organization built on discovery and bringing those discoveries to those who can use them.

UADA winter production meeting calendar available online

LITTLE ROCK — At a time when making the most of every cent, minute and acre counts, this year’s winter production meetings will focus on improving a farm’s bottom line and mitigating negative impacts.

4-Hers focus on leadership, service at National 4-H Congress

LITTLE ROCK — Thirty Arkansas 4-H members had much to be grateful for over the Thanksgiving break: the opportunity to attend National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, the premier leadership event for senior 4-H members.

Extension staff recognized for innovation, excellence in serving Arkansans

LITTLE ROCK — The Cooperative Extension Service this week celebrated the passionate, innovative work of faculty and staff who worked to serve Arkansas families and their communities during a particularly difficult year for the agriculture industry.

UAM hosts Leadership Development Events for southeast Arkansas FFA members

MONTICELLO, Ark. — More than 100 FFA members from across southeast Arkansas took part in skill development competitions while getting a peek at future career possibilities during the annual Pine Tree Subarea Leadership Development Events hosted at the University of Arkansas at Monticello.

OPINION: Two visions for Arkansas’ forests: Which will we choose?

MONTICELLO, Ark. — Arkansas’ forests are overweight and becoming more obese every year.

Extreme financial pressures on farmers bring fears of losing legacy, identity, purpose

LITTLE ROCK — Farmers “are not just worried about losing the farm; they are afraid of losing an identity, a legacy, and a sense of purpose,” said Erica Fields, associate director of the Southern Risk Management Education Center.

Extension offers resources, training to help farmers manage stress

LITTLE ROCK — As more Arkansas farmers and their families face increasing economic challenges, the Cooperative Extension Service offers training in farm stress management and mental health first aid to equip producers — and other members of the agriculture community — with tools to navigate what one extension expert calls “a mental health crisis among farmers.”