News - May 2014

Arkansas tick season returns in force

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Despite a cold winter that some hoped would kill off ticks, the pestilent pests are active and biting throughout Arkansas and neighboring states. 

Farmers, farmers markets invited to be SNAP authorized in one-day sign up

LITTLE ROCK – Eligible Arkansas farmers and farmers markets can sign up June 5 to become authorized to handle Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, transactions. 

Little effort that goes a long way: Keeping stock tanks clean means healthier cattle, higher productivity

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas cattle farmers are asked to keep their stock tanks clean, especially in the summer. Algae, among other contaminants, can become problem when mixed with what the cattle drink. 

Tomatoes, peaches, muscadines on menu at June 19 SWREC Horticulture Field Day

HOPE, Ark. – The June 19 Horticulture Field Day at the Southwest Research and Extension Center is going to be so good, you can taste it.  

Preventing bloat in livestock 

PINE BLUFF, Ark. – Bloat can kill ruminant animals quickly, sometimes in as little as an hour, says Dr. David Fernandez, Cooperative Extension Program livestock specialist at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Often the only sign of bloat is a dead animal in the pasture. 

Concerns unwarranted over effects on health from inorganic arsenic in food, consultant says

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Much of the public’s worries over the health effects of inorganic arsenic in foods isn't warranted and “we wind up with consumers who are confused and concerned,” a prominent food safety and toxicology consultant said at the annual Industry Alliance Meeting of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s Rice Processing Program.  

Hard winter tough on golf courses, athletic fields 

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- Winter’s frigid fingers left their mark on golf courses and other sports fields in northwest Arkansas, leaving turfgrass managers to ponder their options, according to Mike Richardson, horticulture professor with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. 

Vaccinate Young Livestock to Avoid Disease Problems

PINE BLUFF, Ark. – Because Arkansas livestock are bred to give birth in the spring, late May or June is usually the time to vaccinate livestock, says David Fernandez, Cooperative Extension Program livestock specialist at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Livestock get their immunity from their mothers’ milk at birth. But, by the time they are 2 to 4 months old, they begin to establish their own immune system. 

Discovery Farm program giving producers tools to manage nutrients

LITTLE ROCK – The Discovery Farm program is helping provide farmers the information they need to keep nutrient loss to a minimum, said Mike Daniels, water quality and nutrient management specialist with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.  

Arkansas cotton crop shrinking as growers move into corn, soybeans

JONESBORO, Ark. -- Last  year, 39 cotton gins operated across Arkansas, combing the seeds out of the state’s cotton crop. That’s a steep drop from 2000, when 86 gins were humming across the Natural State. 

Justin Morris, nationally noted grape and wine researcher, dies at 77 

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Justin Roy Morris, a nationally prominent University of Arkansas professor who provided research, teaching, leadership and service to the grape and wine industries for more than 40 years, died Monday, May 19. He was 77. 

Time is healing balm for traumatic events

LITTLE ROCK -- For victims of a natural disaster, the recovery continues long after the house is rebuilt and they’ve returned to the routine of their lives before.  

Helping others makes us happier

LITTLE ROCK -- When Arkansans are hurting and need help, their neighbors are quick to respond.  Why does helping others make us feel good? 

U of A System Division of Ag taps Sam’s Club PR manager, restructures communications 

LITTLE ROCK – The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is restructuring its public outreach, hiring a chief communications officer to guide strategy and combining two of its communications units under a single director. 

Control barber pole worms in sheep, goats 

PINE BLUFF, Ark. – Warm, humid conditions favor the survival of many parasites including barber pole worms. Sheep and goat produces need to be aware of them and their control, says Dr. David Fernandez, Cooperative Extension Program livestock specialist at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. 

Plant Warm Season Annuals to Boost Pastures’ Productivity 

PINE BLUFF, Ark. – One way to help struggling pastures recover and increase the amount of available forage is with warm season annuals, said David Fernandez, Cooperative Extension Program livestock specialist at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. 

Prewett to be honored in retirement with named scholarship 

MELBOURNE, Ark. -- Izard County Extension Staff Chair Carroll Prewett may be retiring, but his name and legacy of helping the youth of his county will carry on through a fund being set up in his name.  

1914 Smith-Lever Act flung ag improvement door wide open 

LITTLE ROCK  -- One-hundred years ago, America was still three years away from entering The Great War; Ty Cobb was hitting .368 and Charlie Chaplin’s first movie, “Making a Living,” was released.  

It’s a berry good time in Arkansas 

LITTLE ROCK -- Just in time for Mother’s Day, the strawberry crop in Arkansas is coming in full force, which should provide consumers with fresh, tasty berries for the next few weeks. 

‘Flag the Technology’ goes to the cloud 

LONOKE, Ark. – Flag the Technology is moving to the cloud to help aerial applicators avoid mismatching spray and crops in farm fields.  

Emergency preparedness tips maintain health, safety of livestock, property 

LITTLE ROCK – Central Arkansas suffered severe damage from recent spring tornadoes, which wrought loss to people, structures, pets and livestock. Because severe weather that can cause tornado outbreaks is now possible throughout the entire year, it is crucial Arkansans are educated on how to prepare for these events. 

Scout pastures for armyworms, but spraying not always necessary

PINE BLUFF, Ark. – Arkansas is home to two kinds of armyworms – true armyworms and fall armyworms. During their last two stages of growth, they eat tremendous amounts of grass so scouting pastures for armyworms is essential, says Dr. David Fernandez, Cooperative Extension Program livestock specialist at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

Spring is the time to stock channel catfish 

PINE BLUFF, Ark. -- Channel catfish has become one of Arkansas’ favorite sportfish by providing fun fishing and tasty filets. Channel catfish are also a popular choice for private pond stocking; especially for ponds that are less than one acre, constantly muddy or for those ponds that never seem to grow bluegill or largemouth bass well, according to Scott Jones, Small Impoundment Extension Specialist at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. 

Big Creek team releases 2nd quarterly report

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- The Big Creek Research and Extension Team has posted its second quarter report.