News - February

EPA’s 2026 dicamba labels come with new restrictions 

FAYETTVILLE, Ark. — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued new labels for use of over-the-top dicamba products in tolerant soybeans and cotton that include temperature-based application limits, as well as actions to reduce volatility and runoff. 

Sustainability, waste reduction focus of new biological and ag engineering researcher

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — As a new assistant professor of biological and agricultural engineering, Kendrick Hardaway brings expertise that could help Arkansas communities build more resilient food, energy, water and infrastructure systems.

Upcoming sheep and goat field day to focus on genetic improvement

PERRYVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas sheep and goat farmers, from hobbyists to professionals, are invited to learn about the power of genetics to improve the health and performance of their flocks.

From ice to insects: How winter storms can threaten our forests

MONTICELLO, Ark. — Following recent ice storms across the southern United States, forestry experts caution landowners to watch for storm-damaged trees that threaten personal safety and the long-term health of forestlands.

National Ag Law Center, NASDA Foundation team up for 2026 Mid-South Ag and Environmental Law Conference

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Two national agricultural organizations are partnering again in 2026 to provide timely legal and policy education for the agricultural community.

Egg prices fall to 2023 levels, but won’t last for long

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Egg prices have fallen to levels not seen since 2023, but don’t expect that dip to last long, said Jada Thompson, associate professor and economist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

CAFF offers March 17 high tunnel short course

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The Center for Arkansas Farms and Food, or CAFF, and the Cooperative Extension Service, are offering a high tunnel short course on March 17 that covers equipment, climate management, transplant production and more.

UADA soil fertility specialist to approach research with extension in mind

HARRISBURG, Ark. — Ana Morales-Ona Smith, extension soil fertility specialist and assistant professor for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, followed a winding path, crossing both decades and continents, to her current field of study.

Arkansas cattle industry suffers more than $24 million loss from winter storm damage

LITTLE ROCK — The heavy winter storm that brought snow, sleet and sub-freezing temperatures to Arkansas and surrounding states resulted in tens of millions of dollars in losses to farmers across the state, according to a new report from the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

Taking protein into account with the new food pyramid

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Now that protein is taking a more prominent position in federal nutrition guidelines, you may have some questions about how to adjust your diet.

Farm Safety on the Prairie event focuses on prevention, preparation

STUTTGART, Ark. — Farm work comes with inherent safety risks. Falls, dust explosions, grain bin entrapment and severe injuries are risks that come with the job. The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture will host Farm Safety on the Prairie Day on Feb. 18 in Stuttgart. 

UADA’s Stiles named Agribusiness Person of the Year 

JONESBORO, Ark. — Scott Stiles, extension agricultural economics program associate for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, has been named Agribusiness Person of the Year by the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Simmons First Foundation contributes $50,000 to UAM-UADA waterfowl research center

MONTICELLO, Ark. — The Simmons First Foundation gifted $50,000 to support the Snowden Waterfowl Center of Excellence, a nationally unique research center dedicated to advancing waterfowl and wetlands science.

History’s lesson on changing of chair at the Fed

LITTLE ROCK — A change in the leadership of the Federal Open Market Committee may open a year of uncertainty as the economy and the new chair feel each other out, said Ryan Loy, extension economist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

American Heart Month: Practice healthy habits, know risk factors to avoid heart disease

LITTLE ROCK — During American Heart Month in February, Cooperative Extension Service experts encourage Arkansans to develop healthy habits and know their risk factors to protect themselves from the leading cause of death in Arkansas — heart disease.

Vaden on Prop 12: ‘Should be struck down’

UNDATED — California’s Proposition 12, which regulates space requirements for farm animals, should be struck down, said Stephen Vaden, deputy secretary of agriculture.

New UADA nematology lab director looking at agriculture from the soil up

HOPE, Ark. — Lynhe Demesyeux, extension nematology educator for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and director of the Arkansas Nematode Diagnostic Laboratory, said her interest in farming — and the countless organisms that lie beneath the soil — began at an early age.

$425K NIFA grant supports statewide Arkansas weather station network

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — A statewide network of 20 high-tech weather stations is in the process of being built by the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, thanks to a $425,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

Arkansas’ Rainey recognized with Lifetime Achievement Award

LITTLE ROCK — The Southern Agricultural Economics Association has recognized Ron Rainey’s three-decade career, distinguished by a national reputation for coalition building, with its Lifetime Achievement Award. 

National Agricultural Law Center hosts webinar on community supported agriculture

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The National Agricultural Law Center will host an upcoming webinar, “Community Supported Agriculture: A Field Guide for Producers and Consumers,“ on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, from noon-1 p.m. EST / 11 a.m. to noon CST. 

New faculty member brings rapid diagnostic technology to Arkansas agriculture

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Eric McLamore has joined the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture as a professor of biosensor engineering, bringing expertise in biosensor technology that could transform how Arkansas farmers and communities monitor water quality, detect food safety threats, and protect animal health.  

$30M in federal funding for UADA food science center will enhance research, workforce development

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Federal funding legislation signed into law this week included $30 million to support the construction of a new Center of Excellence for Food Science and Innovation in Fayetteville as part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

Can drones offer a faster, more precise way to measure blackberry flowering?

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — For blackberry breeders, white and pink flowers on blackberry plants are more than something to admire; they are a key measure of productivity.

Extension to host homesteading, sustainability-focused events in February

LITTLE ROCK — In response to the growing popularity of homesteading and sustainability efforts among Arkansans, the Cooperative Extension Service will host three events this month offering research-based information on food preservation, vegetable gardening, composting and more.

With U.S. herd at lowest level in 75 years, could cattle cycle be ready to change?

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — After a multi-year slide to its lowest level in 75 years, the number of cattle in the United States may finally be poised for an upturn, said James Mitchell, extension livestock economist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

Intermittent fasting: Using the clock to manage calories

LITTLE ROCK — Counting hours rather than calories — known as intermittent fasting — may help some people manage weight.

NALC, NASDA announce inaugural Scott E. Fancher Agricultural Law Fellowship recipient