Forage Management With two years in a row of dealing with drought conditions, beef and forage producers in Conway County are trying to renovate their pastures and hayfields and better utilize what they have. The Extension office serves these producers through on-farm demonstrations, farm tours and workshops showcasing better management practices using weed control, fertility and grazing management practices. A few of the yearly agriculture programs are: 300 Day Grazing, Forage Weed Control demonstrations, Pesticide Applicator Training, livestock nutrition, beef cattle management, and the Discovery Farm monitoring quality of run-off water from farms. Along with Integrated Pest Management programs in rice, wheat, soybeans and corn involving variety trials, verification fields and demonstrations in weed and insect control. Photo: Bermudagrass pasture during the drought.
Family and Consumer Service Arkansas has a long history of food preservation and the art and science of saving food is making a comeback. Currently, the USDA is one major source that provides evidence-based food preservation recipes for home-canning, dehydrating, fermenting, and freezing foods.The USDA guide can be viewed on the National Center for Home Food Preservation website. For more research based food preservation recipes the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension offers for sale So Easy to Preserve. Photo: Courtesy of National Center for Home Food Preservation
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) In Pulaski County, the Smart Nutrition Active People-Education Program (SNAP-Ed) provides nutrition education to food stamp recipients and other eligible low-income individuals and families. Participants report eating more fruit and vegetables, choosing low fat dairy products and whole grains - all healthier choices - as recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. For more information contact Ashley Carroll CEA Health and Nutrition. Follow us on Facebook: Photo: North Little Rock STARS teach kindergarten students how to make healthy food choices.
Strong Women Strong Women and Men is a low impact strength training program designed to increase strength, endurance, balance and flexibility in older adults. Many participants have reported that this program has allowed them to remain in their homes and living independently as they age. Ashley Carroll CEA Health and Nutrition Photo: Strong Women