News - December 2025

Extension staff recognized for innovation, excellence in serving Arkansans

LITTLE ROCK — The Cooperative Extension Service this week celebrated the passionate, innovative work of faculty and staff who worked to serve Arkansas families and their communities during a particularly difficult year for the agriculture industry.

UAM hosts Leadership Development Events for southeast Arkansas FFA members

MONTICELLO, Ark. — More than 100 FFA members from across southeast Arkansas took part in skill development competitions while getting a peek at future career possibilities during the annual Pine Tree Subarea Leadership Development Events hosted at the University of Arkansas at Monticello.

OPINION: Two visions for Arkansas’ forests: Which will we choose?

MONTICELLO, Ark. — Arkansas’ forests are overweight and becoming more obese every year.

Extreme financial pressures on farmers bring fears of losing legacy, identity, purpose

LITTLE ROCK — Farmers “are not just worried about losing the farm; they are afraid of losing an identity, a legacy, and a sense of purpose,” said Erica Fields, associate director of the Southern Risk Management Education Center.

Extension offers resources, training to help farmers manage stress

LITTLE ROCK — As more Arkansas farmers and their families face increasing economic challenges, the Cooperative Extension Service offers training in farm stress management and mental health first aid to equip producers — and other members of the agriculture community — with tools to navigate what one extension expert calls “a mental health crisis among farmers.”