News - March 2026

War-spiked urea prices may prompt increase in soybean acres

LITTLE ROCK — Growers are pivoting to soybeans — a crop that’s not hungry for urea — a fertilizer whose cost has spiked as war pinches shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Winter storm damage to Arkansas poultry industry estimated at more than $200 million 

LITTLE ROCK — The winter storm that covered Arkansas and surrounding states in late January is estimated to have done hundreds of millions of dollars in damage to the state’s poultry industry, according to a preliminary report from the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. 

Extension spring break camps to focus on meat science, STEM, cooking and more

LITTLE ROCK — Whether touring local meat processing facilities, attending livestock sales, foraging for edible plants or sharpening their culinary skills, Arkansas youth will have the chance to engage in hands-on learning this spring break.

Federal agency sued for lack of timely rule on monarch butterfly designation 

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Plaintiffs that asked for protections for the monarch butterfly more than a decade ago have sued the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, saying the agency missed the deadline to issue a rule protecting the insect. 

Rice husks for biodegradable materials focus of free webinar March 18

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — You may not be able to make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear, but you can make biodegradable materials out of rice husks, an abundant agricultural byproduct of rice milling.

Janet B. Carson scholarship open to future plant science majors 

LITTLE ROCK — High school seniors who plan to study plant science in college can apply for the Janet B. Carson scholarship.

Amid high obesity rates, Arkansas extension experts highlight critical nutrition education

LITTLE ROCK — Throughout Arkansas, which has one of the highest obesity rates in the nation, nutrition professionals with the Cooperative Extension Service provide trusted, evidence-based education to help individuals and families live healthier lives.

Closure of the Strait of Hormuz causes urea, diesel prices to spike as planting season begins in Arkansas 

JONESBORO, Ark. — As war shuts down shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, farmers are seeing spikes in urea and diesel prices just as planting season has begun in Arkansas.  

Extension’s Little Red River Beef and Forage Conference offers new format, opportunity for BQA certification

HEBER SPRINGS, Ark. — The Little Red River Beef and Forage Conference kicks off March 6 with a new format and an opportunity for beef producers to gain Beef Quality Assurance certification.

Researchers find that landowner trust, experience influence feral hog management 

MONTICELLO, Ark. — Trust in others and prior experience with feral hogs were significant factors inwhether landowners would commit effort and dollars to controlling the destructive animals, two studies have found. 

Arkansas 4-H Yoga program adopted by several states; youth learn balance, strength 

LITTLE ROCK — Whether through kneeling in Twisting Dragon pose or practicing balance in Shooting Star, 4-H Yoga has been helping participants develop a mind-body connection since the program was created in Arkansas in 2013.

Rice-based cheese? Study points to possibility for new rice markets

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — For vegans and people who are allergic to dairy, nuts or gluten, rice is a surprising source to make a hypoallergenic alternative cheese.

Private pesticide applicator training in full swing statewide

LITTLE ROCK — Farmers, ranchers and other agricultural professionals are working to get their private pesticide applicator training completed before planting season kicks off — and extension offices across the state are making sure there are ample opportunities.

Making water work in a drier Delta: UADA seminar to build on water risk assessment study 

MARIANNA, Ark. — Researchers and extension specialists with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture are seeking public input to assess water use among farmers and ranchers on March 6 at the Lonn Mann Cotton Research Station in Marianna. 

Arkansas 4-H Foundation’s Day of Giving set for March 17 

LITTLE ROCK — This St. Patrick’s Day, the Arkansas 4-H Foundation is encouraging Arkansans to set a bit of gold aside to support youth development in the Natural State.