News - January 2026

 

Date Article

Jan. 29, 2026

Study shows insect farming byproduct boosts soil health, reduces crop damage

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — With insect farming projected to produce millions of tons of insects in the coming years, Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station researchers offer evidence that the insect farming byproduct called “frass” can improve soil health and reduce insect damage in soybean crops.

Jan. 28, 2026

Poultry houses, farm structures bear brunt of heavy snowfall

LITTLE ROCK — With as much as 12 inches of snow and 2 inches of sleet reported in areas across Arkansas, the winter storm that covered much of the country over the weekend has taken an especially high toll on poultry houses and other farm structures across the state.

Jan. 28, 2026

Meat scientist Zena Herrera seeks ‘the why’ as new animal science faculty member

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Growing up on a small farm in southern Missouri, Zena Herrera always knew she wanted to work with animals, but it wasn’t until she got to the University of Arkansas and joined the Meat Science Quiz Bowl team that she found her calling.

Jan. 26, 2026

National Agricultural Law Center hosts webinar on agricultural employer readiness for ICE and DHS actions

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The National Agricultural Law Center will host an upcoming free webinar, “Guarding the Gates: Ag Employer Readiness for ICE and DHS Actions,” on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, from noon-1 p.m. EST or 11 a.m. to noon CST. 

Jan. 26, 2026

OPINION: Combining Arkansas’ industrial strengths

MONTICELLO, Ark. — As Arkansas enters 2026, forest industries, much like agriculture, are facing important and difficult challenges. Declining timber harvests are contributing to overstocked forests and the increasing threats of insect infestations, disease outbreaks and wildfires – risks that threaten both economic stability and public safety.

Jan. 23, 2026

Extension experts offer food safety guidelines for winter storms, power outages

LITTLE ROCK — Though many Arkansans have already emptied their grocery stores of milk, bread and eggs in preparation for this weekend’s expected winter storm, extension experts say it’s wise to stock up on nutrient-dense, non-perishable foods instead and to practice food safety guidelines if power is lost.

Jan. 22, 2026

Extension experts share tips, resources to prepare for winter weather

LITTLE ROCK — As Arkansans brace for a winter storm this weekend, extension experts say it’s critical to be proactive in preparing your home for potential snow, ice and power outages.

Jan. 21, 2026

U.S. could lose measles elimination status; Eight cases in Arkansas in 2025

LITTLE ROCK — The United States is poised to lose its measles elimination status due to last year’s resurgence of the disease in 44 states, including Arkansas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Jan. 20, 2026

Non-Alcoholic Beer Research & Innovation Meeting brings NAB ‘Who’s Who’ to NWA

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — As the popularity of non-alcoholic beer grows in the United States, Arkansas beverage researchers are at the forefront of improving production methods and flavor.

Jan. 20, 2026

2026 Arkansas Vegetable Growers Conference welcomes new and experienced growers

LITTLE ROCK – Whether you’re just getting started in commercial vegetable production or have decades of experience under your belt, there will be something for everyone at the 2026 Arkansas Vegetable Growers Conference in Little Rock.

Jan. 16, 2026

Microbial spycraft: Amir Mani explores gut health and immune system secrets

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Gut health, antibiotic resistance, probiotics and the effects of bacteria on the immune system are specialties for Amir Mani, a new faculty member in the department of animal science for the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station.

Jan. 15, 2026

USDA announces Farmer Bridge Assistance payments to be disbursed by Feb. 28

LITTLE ROCK — The $12 billion promised by U.S. President Donald J. Trump in December 2025 will be in farmers’ hands no later than Feb. 28, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced earlier this month.

Jan. 14, 2026

Division of Agriculture releases 2026 versions of weed, pest and disease management guides

LITTLE ROCK — The most widely used publications from the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture have been updated with the latest research-based recommendations for managing pests, weeds and diseases in row crop agriculture, as well as fruit, vegetable and garden production.

Jan. 14, 2026

Extension financial expert: What to know about 2025 tax changes

LITTLE ROCK — The passage of the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act last year will mean significant changes for some taxpayers this season.

Jan. 14, 2026

National Agricultural Law Center hosts ag trade and policy webinar with USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The National Agricultural Law Center will host an upcoming free webinar with The Honorable Judge Stephen A. Vaden, Deputy Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture, covering updates on the current landscape of U.S. agricultural trade.

Jan. 12, 2026

Young Arkansans invited to register for the 2026 Wonders of Waterfowl Workshop

MONTICELLO, Ark. — Young Arkansans will soon have the chance to step into the boots of a wildlife biologist as the 2026 Wonders of Waterfowl Workshop offers an exciting day of hands-on activities and field-based learning.

Jan. 12, 2026

Extension offers tips to combat seasonal affective disorder

LITTLE ROCK — Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a common effect of winter’s cold temperatures and short daylight hours. While sunlight, exercise and healthy eating can help, more serious cases may warrant a trip to the doctor. 

Jan. 12, 2026

Batesville research station’s new director eyes innovation in winter grazing cattle

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Growing up in eastern New Mexico near the Texas Panhandle, horses and cattle have always been a way of life for Flint Harrelson.

Jan. 9, 2026

More Arkansas businesses eligible for government contracts in 2026 thanks to APEX Accelerator

LITTLE ROCK — After a successful 2025 program year helping more than 500 businesses navigate government contracting, Arkansas APEX Accelerator program director Melanie Berman said the organization “looks forward to building momentum in 2026.”

Jan. 7, 2026

Study finds food waste compost less effective than potting mix alone

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — With an estimated 30 to 40 percent of the United States’ food supply ending up as waste, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, food science and horticulture experts teamed up to study if it could lay the foundation for growing the next bunch of crops. 

Jan. 7, 2026

Extension webinar series for poultry owners focuses on HPAI prevention

A series of five webinars this month aims to help poultry owners protect their birds from the H5N1straing of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, which continues to infect poultry in Arkansas and across the country.

Jan. 6, 2026

Guide Now Available for Volunteers Collecting Voter Signatures

LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas volunteers who gather the tens of thousands of voter signatures needed to qualify a constitutional amendment or state law for the statewide ballot now have access to a guide written especially for their civic role.