News - November 2020

Consumer spending ekes another gain, personal income falls

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Consumer spending crept upward again in October but personal income fell thanks in part to the tapering of government payments, according to the monthly update issued the day before Thanksgiving by the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

Winter county production meetings move online in January, February

LITTLE ROCK  —  Annual winter county production meetings, a long-standing service from the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service, are moving online in 2021. Separate sessions will focus on each of the state’s commodity crops, with an additional online session focusing on markets, new technologies and irrigation.

As dicamba’s future continues to shift, National Agricultural Law Center keeps growers apprised

In recent months, the National Agricultural Law Center has worked to keep farmers, consultants and other members of the agricultural community up-to-date with ongoing changes through a series of blog posts under the title, “The Deal With Dicamba.”

Arkansas Beef Council awards research grants to Division of Agriculture scientists

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The Arkansas Beef Council awarded research grants to four University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture scientists in the department of animal science.

Siebenmorgen leaves global legacy in rice industry innovation

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Terry Siebenmorgen was known around the globe for his work in rice processing, but closer to home, he was treasured by co-workers and friends alike for his optimism, unflinching support and kindness. Siebenmorgen passed away Sunday following a battle with cancer. He was 63.

Soybean Science Challenge adapts to a changing world

LITTLE ROCK — As many growers across Arkansas already know, November is Arkansas Soybean Month. In August, Gov. Asa Hutchinson signed a proclamation declaring it so, noting the more than 2.6 million acres of the crop harvested in Arkansas in 2019, and noting that soybeans contributed more than $1.1 billion to the state’s economy. 

Mader to lead extension health initiatives

LITTLE ROCK – The Cooperative Extension Service has a new health specialist who will oversee several high-profile outreach efforts to improve the health and fitness of Arkansans.

Precision agriculture researcher joins U of A System Division of Agriculture

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Aurelie Poncet joins the department of crop, soil and environmental sciences for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas.

Research survey to gauge interest in organic crops in Arkansas, across the Mid-South

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.  — Researchers are surveying farmers across the Mid-South through Dec. 31 to gauge their interest in organic crop production.

Arkansas Crop Protection Conference moves online Dec. 1-2

STUTTGART, Ark.  — An annual conference offering expert insights in to managing weed, insect and disease pests in Arkansas crops is moving online.

With three locations, Share Grounds is hoping to help more entrepreneurs

LITTLE ROCK — Per the ancient adage: First crawl, then walk, then run. If that’s all going well enough, take flight.

Angela Gardner, program associate with Share Grounds, the kitchen incubator project from the Cooperative Extension Service, said the program is seeking new clients: Budding entrepreneurs looking to take their food-based businesses or ideas to the next level.

Soybeans rally, head to strong finish

The 2020 harvest has been difficult for some Arkansas crops, most notably cotton. Soybeans, however, have emerged mostly unscathed, despite several damaging weather systems pushing heavy winds and rain into the Southern Plains during the spring and summer.

HOLIDAYS: Understanding the cycle of agriculture-related stress

LITTLE ROCK — Weather extremes, market fluctuations and regulation changes are just a handful of factors that can make farm life stressful.

HOLIDAYS: COVID, social isolation and families

LITTLE ROCK — For many older Americans, loneliness and isolation were already a problem. The COVID-19 pandemic and its associated lockdowns often increased that sense of isolation, especially at holiday time, when visits by family would be most welcome.

HOLIDAYS: Managing stress from multiple sources

LITTLE ROCK — Overcrowded schedules, bills, conflicts at work or at home are all stressors we experience on a regular basis. The holidays, with their high expectations for bringing joy and good cheer, can add yet another layer of stress to an already difficult year.

Faske videos guide viewers through nematode issues for soybean growers

LONOKE, Ark.  — Tiny southern root-knot nematodes can make a big dent in yields and managing these miniature roundworms is a top priority for soybean growers. Travis Faske, extension plant pathologist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, has worked with the SCNCoalition to produce a series of videos called “Let’s Talk ‘Todes,” geared specifically for Arkansas growers.

Create Bridges launches small business podcast

LITTLE ROCK — The Create Bridges team at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is giving voice to the joys and struggles of running rural and small-town businesses with a new podcast — “Arkansas Small Business: Big Rural Impact.” 

Enterprise crop budgets available for the 2021 growing season

JONESBORO, Ark.  — Arkansas farmers planning for next year’s crops can now access most of the 2021 enterprise budgets developed by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

Veterinary, medical entomologist joins Division of Agriculture research faculty

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Emily McDermott, Ph.D., has joined the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and the U of A’s Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences as an assistant professor in the department of entomology and plant pathology.

Unemployment levels fall sharply from 2020 COVID peak

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.  — The nation’s unemployment level continued to fall sharply from its April pandemic peak, clocking in at 6.9 percent in October, according to Employment Situation report for October from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

A year in review: Ag law webinar to discuss top 10 issues of 2020

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — After a year full of pivotal legal developments, the National Agricultural Law Center will give 2020 the retrospective it deserves, with a webinar discussing the year’s top 10 ag and food legal issues as determined by center staff.

Turkey production falls, prices rise as pandemic continues to affect American lives, agriculture

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — As the COVID-19 pandemic continues toward the third peak of new cases in the United States, even the most stalwart of family holiday gatherings, Thanksgiving, will likely be affected. Beyond complications of holiday travel, social distancing and general health concerns, there remains the perennial question: What’s a good bird cost these days?

Benton, Greene county teens newest Arkansas 4-H Hall of Fame inductees

LITTLE ROCK – Julie Griffin of Benton County and Jessica Griffin from Greene County join the ranks of the more than 80 4-H members who have received the highest Arkansas 4-H honor — induction into Arkansas 4-H Hall of Fame. The teens, who share a last name but are not related, have each been in 4-H for 14 years.

Survey participation needed by forest landowners in certification programs

MONTICELLO, Ark. — If you are an Arkansas landowner with more than 10 acres of forested property, the University of Arkansas at Monticello and the U of A System Division of Agriculture wants to hear from you. 

Poultry meat quality research increasingly important to industry; prepares graduate students for meaningful careers

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — For 21 years, the main thrust of Casey Owens’ research has been improving meat quality for the poultry industry. Which is good.

LeadAR announces new class

LITTLE ROCK — LeadAR, one of the state’s oldest leadership programs, has a new class of  22 leaders who will spend the next two years learning about issues and opportunities facing Arkansas and strengthening their ability to make a difference in their respective communities.

Small Business Summit connects veteran-owned businesses with resources

LITTLE ROCK — Veterans who own small businesses can get information about programs and services to help them succeed on Nov. 6 at the Arkansas Veterans’ Small Business Summit, hosted by the Arkansas Procurement Technical Assistance Center.

Nov. 17 online field tour focuses on upland hardwood management

LITTLE ROCK —  The Nov. 17 Virtual Upland Hardwood Management Tour for Woodland Owners will examine management of economically important white oaks, oak regeneration, and use of herbicides and prescribed fire as forest management tools.