News - October 2025

Sheep and goat workshops aim to strengthen supply chain, expand markets

LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Extension Small Ruminant team, led by extension specialist Dan Quadros, is filling gaps in the sheep and goat supply chain in Arkansas with two October workshops covering cooking techniques and proper meat processing methods.

UAM partners in multi-state study on crabgrass pasture establishment and rate of failure

MONTICELLO, Ark. — Crabgrass isn’t just a lawn intruder — it’s one of Arkansas’ most popular and nutritious summer forages. A nine-state research team is digging deeper to measure the establishment of pasture plants and evaluate the potential risks of failure when incorporating crabgrass into forage systems.

Rain at harvest a minor inconvenience for rice, but milling quality still the chief concern

LITTLE ROCK — While late September rain may have set Arkansas’ rice harvest back a couple of days, it didn’t wash away the concerns farmers have for the milling quality of their grain.

'Pickle Man' Buescher remembered as innovative and respected scientist

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Although internationally recognized as “The Pickle Man,” Ronald W. Buescher is remembered for more than just his fermented vegetable research.

Arkansas APEX Accelerator marks $2 billion-plus in client contracts, joins national 40^th anniversary celebration

LITTLE ROCK —  An Arkansas organization that has helped clients achieve more than $2 billion in government contracts will be celebrating a national day of success with more than 300 fellow APEX Accelerators around the country — and inviting business to get to know their resources.

Extension EFNEP program expanding to provide nutrition education to more Arkansans

LITTLE ROCK — The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, offered by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service, will soon be available in more Arkansas counties, empowering families with limited resources to make healthier diet and exercise choices. 

Is canine ehrlichiosis, a tick-borne disease in dogs, increasing in Arkansas? Research featured in latest Discovery journal offers clues

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas is still a state with high levels of canine ehrlichiosis, a tick-borne disease that impacts dogs, and the rate appears to be slightly higher than it was five years ago, according to a study published in the latest edition of the journal Discovery.

SNAP-Ed ends 30 years of service in Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK — After more than 30 years of dedicated service, the SNAP-Ed Nutrition Education program in Arkansas has concluded, marking the end of an initiative that has empowered low-income residents across the state — from preschoolers to senior citizens — to make healthier choices.

Ruben Johnson, former extension director, dies at 95

LITTLE ROCK — Ruben Johnson, who directed the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service from 1981 until his retirement in 1989, died Sept. 23. He was 95 years old.

UADA economists to present ‘Surviving the cost-price squeeze’ Oct.  23 at Stuttgart

STUTTGART, Ark.  — Agricultural economists from the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture will discuss farm policy, marketing opportunities and financial outlooks Oct. 23 at “Farm Gate Economics: Surviving the Cost-Price Squeeze.”

Oct. 7 field day at Vegetable Research Station to demonstrate potential of no-till organic crop production

LITTLE ROCK — Row crop farmers considering organic production will be able to see no-till, organic field production demonstrated on Oct. 7 at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s Vegetable Research Station near Alma.

UADA hosts international contingent of agriculture ambassadors 

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Sustainable farming, safe and nutritious food production, research collaborations and technological innovation were running themes for a group of international visitors taking part in the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture tour of Arkansas.