News - June 2016

NASS Acreage report for Arkansas: Sorghum sinks, cotton rebounds, rice gains ground 

JONESBORO, Ark. – Arkansas sorghum acres evaporated, soybean acres rose on a late-inning price rally, and rice gained acres thanks to lower fuel and fertilizer prices and in spite of flat-ish new crop futures, Scott Stiles, extension economist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture said Thursday.

Look before you lock: Children and heatstroke

LITTLE ROCK -- Every year in the U.S., an average of 37 children die after suffering heat strokes from being left in hot cars, according to KidsAndCars.org,  equal to one child every nine days. 

“Food meetups” provide opportunity to organize local markets

LITTLE ROCK — Arkansans interested in creating, supporting or participating in local food markets should mark their calendars for a series of upcoming regional “food meetups” throughout the state.

Susan Watkins named Poultry Federation Industry Leader of Year

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Susan Watkins, professor of poultry science and poultry extension specialist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, was named the 2016 Industry Leader of the Year by The Poultry Federation.

Pinkeye incidence in Northwest Arkansas cattle expected to be high this season

LITTLE ROCK — Cooperative Extension Service agents in counties throughout Northwest Arkansas have reported an increase in incidences of bovine keratoconjunctivitis during the last month, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture experts said this week. The bacterial infection of the sensitive tissues of the eyes of cattle and horses is more commonly known as “Pinkeye.”

Millennial entrepreneur to speak at Breakthrough Solutions conference on July 8

LITTLE ROCK — Organizers for the 2016 Breakthrough Solutions conference announced this week that the conference will feature keynote speaker Greg Tehven, executive director for Emerging Prairie.

Late blight hitting Arkansas tomatoes early

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Heavy spring rains have delivered a destructive fungal disease to Arkansas tomato growers. Jackie Lee, horticulture integrated pest management specialist for the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, said late blight has been found this year at a dramatically higher rate than usual.

Safety first for Arkansas fish producers, anglers during thunderstorm season

PINE BLUFF, Ark. – As the nation observes Lightning Safety Awareness Week June 19-25, 2016, Arkansas fish producers and anglers should keep some safety practices in mind when working in and around ponds, says Larry W. Dorman, Extension aquaculture specialist at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

Midweek storms cause greensnap in corn

LITTLE ROCK – Corn producers in northeastern and east-central Arkansas were assessing potential losses after strong storms caused greensnap – breaking of stems by high winds.

Early signs of rust fungi in neighboring states signal danger for some Arkansas row crops

LITTLE ROCK — University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture experts warned this week that early signs of fungi including soybean rust and southern rust in neighboring states may leave some Arkansas crops more vulnerable than in most years. 

Workshop updates blackberry growers on new varieties, new technology and improved horticultural practices 

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Blackberry growers learned how the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture supports their businesses from field to market during a blackberry workshop and field day June 9 at the Fruit Research Station.

Center of Excellence for Poultry Science Hosts Armed to Farm Workshop

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas, the UA System Division of Agriculture, Department of Poultry Science and the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science, received a three-year, $749,720 grant through the United States Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program to aid in funding the Military Veterans Small Farms outreach program.

Extension Health Ambassador Program changes lives, habits

LITTLE ROCK – A program that teaches Arkansans to take control of their health can also change their lives in other ways, said Lisa Washburn, assistant professor-health, for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

Online registration open for Aug. 3 Turfgrass field day

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Online registration for the Aug. 3 Turfgrass Field Day at Fayetteville at is now open.

With a week of clear summer weather, wheat harvest finally underway

LITTLE ROCK — After two weeks’ worth of intermittent rains in late May and early June delayed the start of the winter wheat harvest throughout eastern Arkansas, area growers were finally able to set to the task early this week. 

TPP may pose good news, bad news for U.S. rice exports 

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The Trans-Pacific Partnership now before the U.S. Congress is expected to have an overall positive impact on U.S. rice exports, but may pose a risk to long grain exports, according to a report from the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. 

Arkansas Flower & Garden Show scholarship application deadline July 1 

LITTLE ROCK — Gardening enthusiasts and horticulture professionals are already preparing and looking forward to the 26^th Arkansas Flower and Garden Show in February 2017. But thanks to a lesser known motive of the show, students across the state are looking forward to their own futures in the field. This year, the Arkansas Flower & Garden Show will be awarding five $1,500 scholarships. 

Hispanics, Latinos can learn how to start a business in Arkansas 

DARDANELLE, Ark. – Hispanic and Latino entrepreneurs can learn how to navigate the legal, regulatory and financial aspects of of starting a business at a free workshop set for June 21 at the Dardanelle Chamber of Commerce. 

Summer turns up heat for ranchers to aggressively manage fescue 

FAYETTEVILLE Ark. – When summer turns the heat up, ranchers in the fescue belt need to manage pastures more aggressively. 

New foundation seed facility nears completion as Rice Expo approaches

STUTTGART, Ark. — Agricultural research and extension in Arkansas will soon take a great stride forward as the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture prepares to open its new Foundation Seed Facility for operation in early August.

Beginner beekeeping classes set for Forrest City in June

LITTLE ROCK – If the idea of harvesting honey in your backyard sounds good, be sure to join Extension Apiculturist Jon Zawislak of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, for three once-weekly classes on beginner beekeeping.

Digiuseppe remembered for professionalism, knowledge of agriculture issues

LITTLE ROCK – Those in agriculture are remembering reporter Gary Digiuseppe as “a true professional” whose knowledge of the industry was deeply appreciated.

Heavy weekend rains delay start of winter wheat harvest

LITTLE ROCK — Heavy rains throughout northeast Arkansas delayed the start of the winter wheat harvest, and wrecked a degree of havoc among other crops throughout the area, Cooperative Extension Service agents said Tuesday.