News - September 2025

‘Every seed counts’: Study compares drying conditions for seed rice performance

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Rice grown for seed rice was the focus of a yearlong investigation by the Arkansas Rice Processing Program using X-ray imaging to determine the impact of higher drying temperatures.

Taiwanese delegation visits Cooperative Extension Service State Office

LITTLE ROCK — A delegation of about 25 Taiwanese officials met with Cooperative Extension Service experts on Friday as part of a visit intended to strengthen agricultural trade relationships with Arkansas and the United States.

U of A, Division of Agriculture launch joint study to strengthen statewide innovation impact, seek input from constituents

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The University of Arkansas and the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture have launched a one-of-a-kind joint effort to earn the prestigious Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation from the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities.

Basis takes counterintuitive turn along lower Mississippi

JONESBORO, Ark. — Soybean basis is bucking the norm at elevators along the lower Mississippi River, while basis in the upper Midwest hits record lows, said Scott Stiles, extension economics program associate for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

Future of poultry processing includes automation, robotics and virtual reality headsets

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Robotics, virtual reality and artificial intelligence could be game changers for poultry processors following promising results in research to integrate those technologies, according to Jeyam Subbiah, a professor of food science specializing in food safety engineering with the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station.

Saddle up for three nights of rodeo action at the UAM Weevil Stampede, Oct. 16-18

MONTICELLO, Ark. — The University of Arkansas at Monticello is bringing three nights of adrenaline-fueled rodeo action to town with the 2025 Weevil Stampede set for Oct. 16 —18 at the UAM Truck Driving Academy on Highway 425 South. Performances begin each night at 7 p.m. 

Gin City 4-H Club celebrates new Reading Patch mini free library for community

BRADLEY, Ark. — Members of the Gin City community in Lafayette County, Arkansas will now be able to enjoy a good book at The Reading Patch, a new mini free library created by the Gin City 4-H Club. Four of the club’s members cut a bright green ribbon to celebrate the site’s dedication on Sept. 16.

Ballot issues education, video about Razorback mascot Tusk earn first-place honors at national contest

GOLDEN, Colo. — The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture earned three first- place honors at the National Federation of Press Women contest.

With AI assistance, scientists are pushing limits of agricultural research

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Agricultural scientists are accelerating discoveries with artificial intelligence to move toward more sustainable and resilient agriculture. But there are limitations — not including human imagination.

Rice harvest finds its stride with hot, dry weather

LITTLE ROCK — Fueled by hot, dry weather, Arkansas’ rice harvest has caught fire.

Arkansas APEX Accelerator to host virtual expert panel, celebrate National APEX Day

LITTLE ROCK — On Oct. 8, APEX Accelerators across the country will celebrate National APEX Day to recognize their success in helping small businesses secure government contracts. Arkansas APEX Accelerator will host a virtual panel of experts who will share insights on pursuing contracts with the state of Arkansas.

‘Rural Profile’ hits the road

LITTLE ROCK — Researchers with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture will be travelling across the state in the coming months, holding sessions designed to help local communities use data tools they developed for economic and community development.

Former extension Share Grounds client wins Food Network competition show

NEW ORLEANS — Before she competed for the $10,000 prize on a recent episode of Food Network’s Family Recipe Showdown, Legenia Bearden found confidence in launching her spice business through the Cooperative Extension Service’s Share Grounds program.

Center for Food Safety fills gaps in research on hand sanitizers

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Hand sanitizers became ubiquitous during the COVID-19 pandemic, but scientists are still finding answers to questions about their efficacy.

Rice Delphacid found in Arkansas, growers urged to scout late planted fields

LITTLE ROCK — Rice delphacid, a planthopper that has been a serious pest in central and southern America and the Caribbean, has been found in Arkansas. While most of the state’s rice is either harvested or almost ready for harvest, there are some late planted fields that need to be scouted. 

‘How to Talk to Your Doctor’ program prepares Arkansans for health visits

LITTLE ROCK — It can be easy to get overwhelmed or intimidated during visits to the doctor. To help Arkansans feel prepared for these conversations, the Cooperative Extension Service’s How to Talk to Your Doctor program equips participants with tools to build confidence for healthcare visits.

Extension’s NWA Water Quality Program organizes cleanup series

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. —  With three major watersheds — the Elk River, the Illinois River and Beaver Lake — calling Northwest Arkansas home, keeping waterways free of trash and litter takes a huge effort. Fortunately, the Cooperative Extension Service, the outreach and education arm of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, has been at it for years.

Arkansas ag scientist scores New Innovator Research Award to support climate-resilient crop modeling

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research awarded an Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station scientist nearly $450,000 to enhance crop yield modeling that ultimately aims to support climate-resilient crop development.

In-person, online event highlights applied strategies for advancing food animal welfare

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — A practical approach to improving welfare outcomes in food animal production is the focus of the Center for Food Animal Wellbeing’s 11^th annual symposium, Oct. 2, at the Don Tyson Center for Agricultural Sciences.

NALC’s Pittman, Deputy USDA Secretary Vaden will join Ag Outlook Forum

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Harrison Pittman, director of the National Agricultural Law Center will be joining Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Stephen Vaden and others at the 11^th Ag Outlook Forum Sept. 24-25.

Extension expert shares benefits of volunteering

LITTLE ROCK — When deciding where and how to lend a helping hand, it’s important to identify your interests, skills and the issues you are passionate about. Or consider the “AAA” approach: aid, action, and advocacy.

Tax expert to break down new OBBBA provisions in NALC webinar

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Agricultural producers face new tax considerations as the result of recent legislation, and an upcoming National Agricultural Law Center webinar will provide critical insight into what those changes mean heading into 2026.

Applications open for 2026 Ag-Tech Career Exploration program

LITTLE ROCK — To expose the next generation of farmers, researchers and scientists to the benefits of agricultural technology, the Cooperative Extension Service is now accepting applications from high school students for the 2026 Ag-Tech Career Exploration program. 

Extension’s first high tunnel production guide now available

LITTLE ROCK — The Cooperative Extension Service, the outreach and education arm of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, has published its first guide to high tunnel production.

SIDEBAR: Rice Discovery Program teaches agriculture from field to fork

HARRISBURG, Ark. — At the Northeast Rice Research and Extension Center, the Rice Discovery Program provides hands-on agriculture education, taking students from the greenhouse to the kitchen.

Celebrate Arkansas-grown rice during September's National Rice Month

LITTLE ROCK — Though Arkansas is the No. 1 producer of rice in the United States, Jarrod Hardke, extension rice agronomist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said he often hears from residents who don’t know the crop is being grown in their own backyard.

Basis sinking faster than the Mississippi at Memphis

LITTLE ROCK — As the numbers on the Mississippi River gauge at Memphis, Tennessee, sink, so does soybean basis, but at a faster clip than in previous years, said Hunter Biram, extension economist with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

SIDEBAR: Beans, basis, bins and barges

JONESBORO, Ark. — Bins and barges play a key role for beans and basis.

Sure, air fryers are versatile, but did you know they were hay-moisture-measuring versatile?

SEARCY, Ark. — A common kitchen appliance has a novel application that can help ranchers ensure the quality of their forage. 

CAFF offers Sept. 16-17 course on crop nutrition for small farms

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Healthy crops start with healthy soil, and a Sept. 16-17 short course hosted by the Center for Arkansas Farms and Food, will offer insights into crop nutrition for small farms.

Arkansas food safety scientists share latest research on viruses, sanitizers, AI

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Human noroviruses are the leading cause of viral gastroenteritis worldwide but are difficult to obtain for food safety studies, but Arkansas Center for Food Safety researchers have devised a new method to replicate a common norovirus surrogate, the Tulane virus. 

2025 Rural Profile of Arkansas offers snapshot of a state in motion

LITTLE ROCK — The 2025 Rural Profile of Arkansas is now available online. The biennial report from the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture lays out data that illuminate trends in the Natural State’s rural population.

Mencer: Keeping good records a necessity for farms with H-2A labor

UNDATED — For agriculture operations employing foreign labor under the H-2A visa program, keeping good records is paramount, said William Mencer, an ag law attorney and farmer from Lake Village.