News - July 2025

BACK TO SCHOOL: Parents should model healthy screen time habits, encourage off-screen activities

LITTLE ROCK — Excess screen time harms children and adolescents’ social skills, but it also affects their behavior similarly to dementia, presenting as distractibility and memory deficit. To help combat this, an extension expert says parents should limit screen time, encourage children’s off-screen interests and closely monitor online activities.

Three rice weed science workshops set for August

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Agents, consultants and others in the agriculture industry can earn continuing education units, or CEUs, as they walk through new rice weed management demonstrations during three workshops in Colt, Keiser and Stuttgart.

White County’s Ferren named Arkansas Governor’s Award winner at state 4-H O-Rama

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Ellie Ferren, the 2025 winner of the Arkansas 4-H Governor’s Award, is a woman whose community service and career aspirations are driven by her green thumb, work ethic and compassion for those in need.

Extension to host Southern Chow-Chow relish workshop, part of preservation demo series

LITTLE ROCK — At the upcoming Southern Chow-Chow workshop, hosted by the Cooperative Extension Service on Aug. 23, attendees will learn to combine green tomatoes, bell peppers and cabbage to make the classic relish recipe.

Arkansas 4-H members polish vocal, instrumental skills at inaugural Performing Arts Camp

LITTLE ROCK — Some belted Broadway show tunes, others sang pop songs and one strummed the guitar, but all participants at the inaugural Arkansas 4-H Performing Arts Camp improved their skills and made new musical friends.

How do I store beef in the freezer?

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Steaks and balloons have something in common — at least when it comes to freezing temperatures, according to Derico Setyabrata.

From redwoods to the rainforest: Forestry veteran Daniel DeArmond Joins UAM as assistant professor of forest wood production

MONTICELLO, Ark. — The University of Arkansas at Monticello is welcoming Daniel DeArmond, a faculty member with roots as deep as the redwoods he once logged.

Hendrix offers savings tips as heat, residential electricity costs rise

LITTLE ROCK — Retail electricity prices have increased faster than the rate of inflation since 2022, and the U.S. Energy Administration said it expects those costs to continue increasing through 2026. 

At 71, Dallas County's Gresham retires (once again)

FORDYCE, Ark. — At 71, Keith Gresham isn't exactly slowing down. But he is retiring from the Cooperative Extension Service, the latest in a lifelong string of full-time careers. For the former schoolteacher, Justice of the Peace, and 40-year Calhoun County fire chief, it likely won't be the last. 

Extension to host ‘After the Harvest’ conference for Arkansas growers, distributors in September

LITTLE ROCK — After the Harvest, a conference hosted by the Cooperative Extension Service, aims to bring together farmers, growers, food distributors and other stakeholders invested in the journey local food takes after it leaves the field.

Arkansas 4-H State Horse Show tests members’ riding, racing skills, horse knowledge

SEARCY, Ark. — For Mabry Davis, nothing brings better clarity than working with horses.

New Arkansas Ag Experiment Station administrator eyes continuous improvement on impactful research and development

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — As a researcher, educator and administrator with a knack for making connections, Cynthia Sides has a vision for the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station that is geared to broaden and strengthen its impact on the state.

Two new varieties of muscadine, a Southern grape species, to see release this fall, expand growing season

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Two new varieties of muscadine not only promise a longer growing season but also recall two Arkansas icons: Altus, the state’s wine capital, and Mighty Fine, a name that describes its flavor and a favorite phrase of retired fruit breeder John Clark.

Children + cars + summer = dangerous combination

LITTLE ROCK — Sometimes all it takes is 10 minutes for a quick errand to turn into a dangerous day for a young child left in a car, said Brittney Schrick, extension family life specialist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

Eagle Seed Company to honor late Becky McPeake’s passion for Arkansas 4-H Food Plot Project

LITTLE ROCK — Eagle Seed Company, sponsor of the Arkansas 4-H Food Plot Project, has found a unique way to honor the memory of Becky McPeake, the longtime extension wildlife specialist who coordinated the program.

Rice for beer, Endangered Species Act, economic outlook talks supplement field tours for July 31 field day in NE Arkansas

HARRISBURG, Ark. — The July 31 field day at the Northeast Rice Research and Extension Center will not only have two field tour circuits covering rice, soybeans and corn, but also indoor seminars on rice in beer, the Endangered Species Act and updates on agricultural policy and economics.  

Farm School application period open through Sept. 30, program approved for GI Bill

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The application period for the 2026 edition of the Center for Arkansas Farms and Food Farm School will be open until Sept. 30 — a program that is now included in  the GI Bill.

CLARIFICATION: Q1 2025 U.S. farm bankruptcies exceed 2024

LITTLE ROCK — Farm bankruptcy filings are rising in 2025, a sign that agriculture is facing the same high financial pressures it saw pre-pandemic, said Ryan Loy, extension economist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

Back to school: Keeping lunches out of the danger zone

BERRYVILLE, Ark. — Once a school lunch leaves your home kitchen, will it still be safe when lunchtime rolls around? That’s the question Torrie Smith, Carroll County extension agent in family and consumer sciences, wanted to answer.

Back to School: How not to get an F in spending

LITTLE ROCK — It’s not too early to plan for the Aug. 2-3 back-to-school sales tax holiday, said Laura Hendrix, extension personal finance expert for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

Back to school: What happens after school is important too

LITTLE ROCK — What happens after school is as important as what happens during class time.

New turf tech, tour of Razorback athletics on tap for Aug. 6 Turfgrass Field Day

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — A “smart” golf ball, sprayers with real-time sensors and a tour of Razorback athletics are all on the agenda for the 2025 Turfgrass Field Day set for Aug. 6 in Fayetteville.  

Kariyat holds Clyde H. Sites Endowed Professorship in International Crop Physiology

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Rupesh Kariyat unravels the secrets of plant-insect interactions as the associate professor of crop entomology with the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station and now does this work with support from the Clyde H. Sites Endowed Professorship in International Crop Physiology.

USDA study identifies pesticide resistance in mites tied to bee colony die-offs

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — A long-favored mode of action for controlling mites in honey bees appears to be reaching the limits of its effectiveness, according to a report from U.S. Department of Agriculture researchers published in June.

NALC's Pittman discusses foreign investments in U.S. land on C-SPAN

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — National Agricultural Law Center Director Harrison Pittman appeared on C-SPAN to discuss one of the most active legal issues in the U.S., both at the state and federal levels — foreign ownership of U.S. land.

Arkansas 4-H hosting gift card donation drive for Texas 4-H flood relief

LITTLE ROCK — After the devastating flash floods that swept Texas Hill Country over the Fourth of July weekend, Arkansas 4-H is stepping up to help their fellow Texas 4-H members and affected communities by hosting a gift card donation drive.

Savor the Ozarks dinner series will showcase culinary arts, support local food entrepreneurs

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — A dinner series kicking off in August at the new Arkansas Food Innovation Center at the Market Center of the Ozarks, or AFIC@MCO, will blend local food, culinary artists and mentorship — all to promote community and raise funds for local food entrepreneurs.

Department of Defense Office of Small Business Programs to host webinar training series

LITTLE ROCK — The Department of Defense Office of Small Business Programs, which funds the Arkansas APEX Accelerator program, will host a summer webinar series about DoD programs designed to help small businesses navigate government contracting, with the first webinar on July 14.

GUEST COLUMN

Smokin' summer: Celebrate grilling month with food safety in mind

LITTLE ROCK —  July is National Grilling Month — a perfect time to enjoy the great food and the outdoors and invite friends and family, but not foodborne illness.

Arkansas Research Alliance awards additional funding for essential research

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Four researchers with the University of Arkansas System were awarded bonus grants by the Arkansas Research Alliance for projects to develop innovative applications of rice, soybeans and lithium-ion batteries.

Legal experts to explore Western water markets during NALC webinar

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Water markets are transforming how Western states manage one of their most vital — and limited — resources, and an upcoming webinar will examine the legal and policy framework behind these systems.

Poultry litter management workshop set for Aug. 28-29 in Fayetteville

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — A workshop preparing poultry growers for the winter months will be held Aug. 28-29 in collaboration with the University of Georgia department of poultry science and the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

Look to the data, not the marketing: Turfgrass research shows no differences in ‘penetrant’ and ‘retainer’ wetting agents

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — After several years of research, the results are in on the difference in turfgrass soil surfactants that are marketed as “penetrants” and “retainers.”

Longtime research assistant appointed new extension animal science instructor

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — A longtime meat scientist with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is taking on an expanded role that will put her face-to-face with even more of her fellow Arkansans.

Q1 2025 U.S. farm bankruptcies exceed 2024

LITTLE ROCK — Farm bankruptcy filings are up in 2025, a sign that agriculture is facing the same high financial pressures it saw pre-pandemic, said Ryan Loy, extension economist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

Arkansas 4-H members grill their way to success at state barbecue contest

ROGERS, Ark. — A self-taught griller from Hot Spring County and a novice from Lonoke County came away winners from the 2025 4-H State Barbecue Contest.

Putting that tomato in the fridge? Not so fast …

LITTLE ROCK — Beefsteaks. Bradley pinks. Cherokee purples. No matter what variety, all tomatoes have one thing in common: Don’t put them in the fridge.

Where learning meets nature: UAM to host educator workshop July 23

MONTICELLO, Ark. — Calling all educators! The UAM College of Forestry, Agriculture, and Natural Resources is hosting a Project Learning Tree professional development workshop on Wednesday, July 23 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Arkansas Soybean College set for July 30

NEWPORT, Ark. – From disease identification to spray drones, the 2025 Arkansas Soybean College will cover every facet of soybean production for producers, consultants and industry professionals.

Ag economists warn farmers to contract now, not in fall

LITTLE ROCK — Farmers grasping for any handhold in a downward sliding agricultural economy need to remember two words: “forward contracting.”

Budget friendly summer fun activities for Arkansas families

LITTLE ROCK — Between summer camps and family vacations, finding fun activities to fill summer’s long weeks can frustrate both children and parents. To combat boredom and keep costs low, experts with the Cooperative Extension Service suggest taking advantage of local opportunities and getting creative with indoor play.