News - July 2026

Are meal kits right for you? Five questions to ask yourself before signing up

LITTLE ROCK — We’ve all been there. You want to eat healthier, but cooking dinner after finishing a long, hard day of work sounds impossible. Signing up for a meal kit service suddenly seems like the solution.

Learn wine tasting skills during July 27 ‘Sip and Swirl’ at Rusty Tractor Vineyards

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — A wine researcher for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture will break down how to taste wine like an expert at “Sip and Swirl: Wine Sensory 101,” set for July 27 at Rusty Tractor Vineyards in Little Rock.

Want to incorporate more protein in your diet? Balance, healthy sources are key

LITTLE ROCK — When it comes to adding healthy sources of protein to your diet, an expert with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture said consumers need to first understand the science behind protein and how it affects our bodies.

Bradley County EHC clubs support Warren Public Library summer reading program

WARREN, Ark. — More than 60 lucky children from Bradley County are the proud new owners of handmade book bags, pillows, lap quilts and more — their reward for participating in the Warren Public Library summer reading program.

Arkansas poultry researchers among Poultry Science Association honorees

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — We may overlook the countless factors that account for a good chicken dinner, but researchers with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture think about it every day.

Cyclosporiasis outbreak: Keeping your family safe

LITTLE ROCK — The Cyclosporiasis outbreaks happening across the U.S. may sound scary, but there are simple steps families can take to minimize risk of infection.

Baxter County team to represent Arkansas at National 4-H Forestry Invitational

LITTLE ROCK — A team of Baxter County 4-H members will showcase all they’ve learned about forestry and natural resource management next week at the National 4-H Forestry Invitational, the premier forestry competition for 4-H youth in the United States.

As fall approaches, UADA experts urge cattle farmers to consider cool-season grasses

LITTLE ROCK — University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture experts are urging the state’s pasture managers to gear up for winter by planting cool-season grasses in the fall.

Extension Income Tax School returns for 2026 season

LITTLE ROCK — As they say, there are only two guarantees in life. The Cooperative Extension Service can help professional tax preparers get ready for at least one of them. 

Engineers find dragonfly eyes, wings, sensors worthy of study

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The ancient advantages of an insect whose ancestors predated the dinosaurs are inspiring advances in sensor and flight engineering, said Jon Zawislak, assistant professor of apiculture and urban entomology for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

Extension, City of Little Rock host ‘Get Real’ financial simulation for nearly 500 youth

LITTLE ROCK — Little Rock resident Takora Russell gained hands-on budgeting skills through the extension “Get Real” financial simulation as a participant in the city’s Summer Youth Employment Opportunity program.

Pecan growers tour to visit Arkansas, Oklahoma operations

LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas pecan growers and enthusiasts are invited to participate in the inaugural Tri-County Pecan Growers Educational Tour, Sept. 24-25. 

Powell joins National Ag Law Center in communications role

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — A love for making complex issues understandable drew Phillip Powell first to journalism and has now called him to a new job as communications coordinator for the National Agricultural Law Center.

NALC analysis explores Nebraska's pioneering Agricultural Data Privacy Law

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Nebraska leads the way on ensuring farmers own the data produced by their operations after the state’s governor signed the Agricultural Data Privacy Act into law.

Guide for volunteer canvassers earns national recognition

LITTLE ROCK — Every petition signature can determine whether an item makes it to the statewide ballot, and a guide from the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Public Policy Center that helps canvassers safeguard the success of their efforts has earned national recognition.

Protect children during back-to-school season by scheduling routine vaccines

LITTLE ROCK — As kids prepare to return to school, parents should talk to their children’s doctors about routine vaccinations, which can help keep children healthy and safe throughout the school year.

How to avoid fast fashion when back-to-school shopping this summer

LITTLE ROCK — Though it can be tempting to buy inexpensive clothes from fast fashion retailers during the back-to-school shopping season, an extension expert suggests visiting thrift stores and preserving your existing wardrobe instead.

Save on back-to-school spending during tax-free weekend starting Aug. 1

LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas families planning for back-to-school shopping can take advantage of the 2026 Arkansas Sales Tax Holiday, which runs Aug. 1-2.

Wheat Promotion Board invests $78K in Arkansas wheat research, outreach

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The Arkansas Wheat Promotion Board awarded $78,533 in grant funding to five research projects with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture aimed at strengthening wheat production, profitability and market opportunities in the state.

UADA sanitation, Listeria workshop aims to make food service facilities safer

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Food industry professionals can learn the latest in sanitation practices and Listeria prevention at an upcoming three-day workshop hosted by the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

Tips for preventing tick-borne diseases this summer

LITTLE ROCK — When spending time outdoors in the Natural State this summer, it’s important to prevent tick bites and the diseases they can carry.

Northeast Arkansas farmers consider replant after June rainfall event

HARRISBURG, Ark. — By the time Michael Chaney, Poinsett County extension staff chair for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, emptied 7 inches of rain from the rain gauge at the county extension office on June 22, he knew the area was in for a deluge.

Extension staff, volunteers create new crosswalks in downtown Marianna

MARIANNA, Ark. — In downtown Marianna, pedestrians, drivers and cyclists can now more safely navigate two busy intersections thanks to the Arkansas High Obesity Program.

New policies on foreign ownership of ag land focus of July 15 NALC webinar

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Foreign ownership of agricultural land in the United States is the focus of a free webinar hosted by the National Agricultural Law Center on July 15.

Fed’s decision to maintain interest rates may be temporary 

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The Federal Reserve Open Committee’s decision to maintain current interest rates may be a temporary respite for farmers with loans before an anticipated rise later this year, said Ryan Loy, extension economist for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. 

Carbonation, hops and pH: The science behind safer non-alcoholic beer

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — With careful recipe and process design, non-alcoholic beer can be made more resistant to foodborne pathogens, according to a new study that provides practical guidance on pH, carbonation and hops.

Plastic alternatives, probiotics and rice cakes: High schoolers from across US explore Arkansas food science innovation

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Food science and engineering go hand in hand when tackling big challenges in agriculture, from sustainability to human health and food insecurity.

As drought continues, cattle farmers must manage heat stress in herds, pastures

LITTLE ROCK — As the high summer temperatures compound long-term drought conditions, taking steps to protect both cattle and the pastures that feed them is key to profitability and survivability for Arkansas farmers.

Native and Hybrid Grape Field Day set for July 28 in Little Rock

LITTLE ROCK — Are two forgotten pests holding back Arkansas grape vineyards?

SCOTUS: Federal law preempts state failure-to-warn claims

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision that federal law preempts state law when it comes to warnings on pesticide labels may reverberate through previous court decisions involving million-dollar civil awards.

Building a strong foundation: Extension expert shares financial tips for newlyweds

LITTLE ROCK — For couples who are tying the knot this summer, it’s critical to get started on the right financial foot by setting shared goals and understanding the emotions behind money.