News - June 2026

Acreage report shows Arkansas rice acres sinking to lowest level in half-century

JONESBORO, Ark. — Arkansas rice acres shifted to other crops, leaving the nation’s No. 1 grower with the fewest rice acres in 50 years, according to the Acreage Report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Research shows tiny midge has huge appetite, impact on some livestock

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas researchers are taking a close look at a tiny midge weighing less than a single strand of hair that can have a large impact on sheep and deer populations.

Chemistry, genetics add up to itchy insect interactions

JONESBORO, Ark. — No-see-ums, mosquitoes and ticks are all part of summer’s bargain: they take your blood and you get the itch.

Extension health experts share tips for supporting brain health through nutrition

LITTLE ROCK — Though diet alone cannot prevent the onset of dementia, choosing heart-healthy foods — such as leafy greens, beans, whole grains and healthy fats — also supports the brain, affecting cognitive function over time.

Drought, heat taking toll on trees, markets in Arkansas timber industry

MONTICELLO, Ark. — The drought that has affected Arkansas and surrounding states for more than a year has had an impact on every sector of the region’s agriculture, including timber stands throughout the South. 

Is your child ready to stay home alone? Extension expert shares safety tips

LITTLE ROCK — To help parents determine if their child is ready to stay at home alone, an extension family life expert says it is critical to focus on maturity, emergency preparedness and teaching children age-appropriate independence.

Agricultural Law Center research fellows learn, add to deep knowledge base

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The National Agricultural Law Center has been a trusted source for answers for nearly 40 years, and its more than 170 research fellows have played an important part in building its deep and publicly accessible knowledge base.

Bears are out and about, but encounters remain uncommon

MONTICELLO, Ark. — As Arkansans spend more time outdoors during the summer months, wildlife experts say residents may notice an increase in black bear sightings, but they emphasize that bears are generally wary of people and rarely pose a threat.

Tips for washing, storing fresh produce to reduce waste, save money

LITTLE ROCK — Fresh produce is highly perishable, but proper washing and storage can help make it last longer, saving money and reducing waste.

Scientists target soybean cyst nematode by cutting off its food supply

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Agricultural scientists are rethinking their battle plans against plant parasites that cause billions of dollars in annual yield losses for American farmers.

UA Division of Agriculture communications team receives ACE Awards

BILLINGS, Mont. — Keeping people “Bear Aware” and informed on a wide range of agricultural research and extension programs is just a part of what the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture communications department does, but sometimes they get national recognition for it.

Upcoming UADA workshop to address poultry house ventilation

JONESBORO, Ark. — Arkansas poultry farm managers will have the opportunity to learn about the latest in ventilation technology and techniques at the Ventilation Practices and Principles workshop from the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. 

Extension Get Fit program improves Arkansans’ health, strengthens social ties

LITTLE ROCK — Cathy Moseley, a member of the Extension Get Fit group in Mississippi County, said participating in the program has offered her “a new life.”

'New World Screwworm Awareness and Preparedness’ webinar scheduled for July 2

LITTLE ROCK — Following the confirmation of New World screwworm in a Texas calf, a July 2 webinar hosted by the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture will address concerns about animal and public health.

Extension financial expert shares tips for saving money on vacation

LITTLE ROCK — For Arkansans looking to save money on their summer vacations, an extension financial expert suggests setting a vacation budget, comparing costs of flying versus driving and planning ahead for food and entertainment.

Arkansas soybean farmers cross fingers as July approaches

LITTLE ROCK — Compared to the tumultuous planting season of 2025, this year’s soybean planting efforts have been relatively smooth sailing. But farmers are bracing for July and August, the months that can make or break a crop with unpredictable weather changes. 

Gov. Sanders approves $5M in state funding for Center of Excellence for Food Science and Innovation

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced new state support for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture’s Center of Excellence for Food Science and Innovation on June 19, when the Arkansas Legislative Council approved $5 million from the Restricted Reserve for the building’s construction in Fayetteville.

Persistent wind, rain to make rice fertilization a ‘spoon-feeding’ affair

LITTLE ROCK — Ongoing weather concerns will likely mean many Arkansas rice farmers will need to dole out nitrogen fertilizer throughout the growing season, rather than apply it prior to flood this year.

June is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month: Understand the risks, warning signs

LITTLE ROCK — During Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month in June, extension experts encourage Arkansans to watch for warning signs of the disease and take swift action to receive earlier treatment.

Canning 101: Tips for safe, healthy food preservation at home

LITTLE ROCK — For Arkansans interested in preserving fresh produce, extension experts encourage home canners to follow research-based guidelines to ensure the results are safe.

Arkansas Blackberry Field Day brings research together from across the Southeast

CLARKSVILLE, Ark. — The latest in blackberry research, including production techniques, insect control, cultivar field trials and marketing, took center stage at the 10th annual Blackberry Field Day at the Arkansas Fruit Research Station.

June 29 deadline for public comment on EPA fungicide strategy approaches

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The public has until June 29 to submit public comment about the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed fungicide strategy, which is meant to reduce pesticide exposure to endangered species.

From ladybugs to boll weevils, Teague’s career has seen it all  

JONESBORO, Ark. — For Tina Gray Teague, it all started with ladybugs. 

Survey shows urea prices dropping

JONESBORO, Ark. — Urea prices, which spiked with the shuttering of the Strait of Hormuz, are on the decline, but that break comes too late for some farmers, extension experts said. 

UADA report: Global rice production expected to grow through 2035

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Global rice production is projected to continue growing through 2035, with demand exceeding production and African consumption rising, according to the International Rice Outlook: International Rice Baseline Projections 2025–2035.

Extension experts share tips for preventing heat illness this summer

LITTLE ROCK — As summer temperatures begin to climb in Arkansas, it’s critical to prevent the risk of heat illness by wearing appropriate clothing, staying hydrated and taking frequent breaks to cool down.

New World screwworm, HPAI underscore importance of food animal health, animal disease surveillance efforts

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The return of New World screwworm to the United States and the global struggle against highly pathogenic avian influenza demonstrate the importance of disease surveillance to protect food animal health, a team of agricultural economists said.

Fraud, Farm Bill get spotlight time at NALC’s Mid-South conference

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Farm Bill feuding, land sale fraud, and whether the country needs to consider a different path for farm safety nets were among the insights offered at the 13^th annual Mid-South Agricultural and Environmental Law Conference.

Barrentine’s life shows that nice guys don’t always finish last

UNDATED — Ensuring the success of others was Jim Barrentine’s prime mission.

Arkansas Master Gardeners recognized for community service at state conference

CONWAY, Ark. — The Arkansas Master Gardeners have named Robin Trent the 2025 Master Gardener of the Year, just four short years after she received the Rookie of the Year Award.

Fermentation science may offer new route to better lower-alcohol wine

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — As health-conscious consumers continue to seek lower alcohol content in their wine, scientists like Zachary Bean are working on ways to both meet this demand and make it better.

NIFA grant supports Arkansas research on cattle tick threat bovine theileriosis

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — As cases of a deadly cattle disease rise in Arkansas, researchers with the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station are testing two treatments they hope will help ranchers protect their herds.

Swimming, snow and luck add up to distinguished career for Bottje 

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Swimming, snow and more than a little luck helped build what would become Walter Bottje’s distinguished career in poultry science research and teaching. 

Summer screen time tips for families

LITTLE ROCK — As summer kicks off, an extension family life specialist offers advice for parents who may be worried about children spending extra time on screens.

4-H team advances to national wildlife habitat education competition

MONTICELLO, Ark. — A team of Stone County 4-H members will represent Arkansas next month at the 2026 National Wildlife Habitat Education Program Competition in South Carolina, where their knowledge of conservation, land stewardship and wildlife ecology will be put to the test.

UPDATE: New World Screwworm detected in south Texas; Arkansas State Veterinarian issues guidance

LITTLE ROCK — The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Wednesday that the presence of a New World Screwworm was confirmed in a calf in Zavala County, Texas, about 15 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border.

Arkansas EHC announces reducing fabric waste as new focus of statewide service project

NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — For the next four years, members of the Arkansas Extension Homemakers Council will focus statewide efforts on reducing fabric waste, in part by teaching a new generation how to sew, mend and make their clothing last longer.

Arkansas 4-H teams test robotics, engineering skills at 2026 International SeaPerch Challenge

COLLEGE PARK, Md. — The Arkansas 4-H program left its mark on the 2026 International SeaPerch Challenge, where three Grant County 4-H teams ranked among the top five teams in their divisions.

Extension expert offers tips for family budget conversations, rethinking summer vacations

LITTLE ROCK — With higher fuel and food costs, many families may be feeling stressed by vacation plans this summer.

UADA economist: Screwworm news will rattle local Texas, New Mexico cattle markets, but consumer prices to remain unchanged

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Feeder cattle contract prices remained highly volatile on the Chicago Mercantile on Thursday following the confirmation of screwworm in a calf in Texas, however, consumers shouldn’t expect to see beef prices at the store change much, a livestock economist said.

Arkansas 4-H inducts three Hall of Fame members, honors Teen Stars

LITTLE ROCK —  The Arkansas 4-H Hall of Fame has three new members — Channing Ashworth of Washington County, Daley Rogers of Grant County, and Sulli Schaffer of Benton County — who were honored June 3 for their accomplishments, leadership and contributions to 4-H.

UADA personnel honored in 2026 APW contest

CONWAY, Ark. — Three University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture staffers earned honors in the 2026 Arkansas Press Women communications contest.

UADA to host June 9 blackberry field tour

CLARKSVILLE, Ark. — Blackberry growers and fruit enthusiasts across Arkansas are invited to the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture’s annual blackberry field tour, scheduled for June 9 at the Fruit Research Station in Clarksville, Arkansas.

Arkansas cotton, soybean planting pushes toward finish as June ‘Acreage’ surveys get underway

JONESBORO, Ark. — Soggy weather is slowing cotton growers in Arkansas as the planting window closes, but strong prices may push farmers to finish the job, extension specialists said.

Arkansas 4-H dedicates Bragg Family Memorial trees

FERNDALE, Ark. — Two long-time members of the Arkansas outdoor education community, along with two of their children, have been memorialized on the grounds of the Arkansas 4-H Center near Little Rock.

Extension agents show how to grow, prepare summer produce

LITTLE ROCK — The Cooperative Extension Service’s Grow Your Own Groceries Series has three new online sessions for summer — each focused on how to grow and prepare a healthy, nutritious food.

Extension immunization education, outreach efforts recognized nationally

ATLANTA — A national immunization organization has recognized the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service for its dedicated work connecting rural Arkansans to trusted vaccine education and vaccination opportunities.

Soil fertility insights in strawberries, forages published in latest Sabbe Series 

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Farms were the biggest users of soil testing by the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, with samples representing more than a million acres, according to a summary in the latest edition of the Wayne E. Sabbe Arkansas Soil Fertility Studies.

Standing timber, state statutes: NALC webinar to examine timber trespass laws and landowner protections

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The National Agricultural Law Center will host an upcoming webinar, “Timber Trespass Statutes,” on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, from noon-1 p.m. EDT or 11 a.m. to noon CDT.