For the Media

January 25, 2008

KEISER, Ark. - Stewart Seeds, Inc., of Indiana donates combines valued at $250,000 each to U of A for research.

Crop prices likely to remain strong in 2008, economist predicts

LITTLE ROCK - Arkansas farmers are reaping long overdue high prices for their crops because of a bullish global market and a national push toward ethanol, and Dr. Bobby Coats, an economist, doesn’t seeing those gains being derailed soon.

Birds Flock to Arkansas for Food, Health

LITTLE ROCK - Recently, a Canada goose was waddling toward its flock, slightly miffed at the motorist following so closely behind him. Veering into the turning lane, the goose displayed its displeasure by giving the driver of honk of his own.

Take steps to prevent winter bugs - colds and flu

MARION, Ark. - Staying healthy is important for you and for your family. Because we spend more time indoors, the winter months can present plenty of opportunities for viruses and germs to spread thus making escaping the winter bugs a challenge, says VeEtta Simmons, Crittenden County staff chair for the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service.

MURFREESBORO, Ark. - Communities across the country are experiencing soaring rates of high blood pressure levels and diabetes that can lead to kidney failure, amputation and strokes.

Cutting calories pays big dividends at year's end

TEXARKANA, Ark. - If you have ever tried to lose weight, you know that it seems easier to gain than remove.

Forcing forsythias indoors

SEARCY, Ark. - Before too long, some horticulture enthusiasts will be thinking about harvesting branches of flowering shrubs and bringing them indoors to force into bloom. Cold followed by a warm spell is the combination that sets buds to swelling, according to Sherri Sanders, White County agent with the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service.

Scratching our heads and other body parts

BENTONVILLE, Ark. - An early morning call from a national farm magazine reporter supported my assumption that northwest Arkansas forage producers aren’t the only ones concerned about staying in business this year. Primary concern, of course, has to do with the price of nitrogen fertilizer.

January 18, 2008

SPRINGDALE, Ark. - The University of Arkansas System’s Division of Agriculture will recognize outstanding performance by faculty and staff at an awards luncheon Friday, Jan. 18, at the Northwest Arkansas Convention Center.

AFB President Stanley E. Reed and Former Rep. Joyce Elliott to speak at 52nd RLC

PINE BLUFF, Ark. - Arkansas Farm Bureau President Stanley E. Reed and former state representative Joyce Elliott will address participants at the 52nd annual Rural Life Conference Friday, February 8, at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Reed will deliver the S.A. Haley Lecture at 9 a.m., and Elliott will be the luncheon speaker.

Food safety on the farm subject of workshop

LITTLE ROCK - Good agricultural production and handling practices are the topics of a one-day food safety workshop Friday, February 1 at the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service state office in Little Rock. The workshop is sponsored by the extension service and Arkansas Agriculture Department.

Corn verification yields set new record in 2007

LITTLE ROCK - Kevin Lawson's first year as corn verification coordinator for the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service will be a memorable one.

Farm Loan Application Assistance Available from UAPB

PINE BLUFF, Ark. - Farmers needing assistance with their United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) direct loan application packages can once again get help from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB).

Provision Extending Crop Disaster Deadline to December 31, 2007, in Unlikely Place

PINE BLUFF, Ark. - Judging from the title - the Department of State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2008 -- farmers would not expect to find provisions pertaining to them, especially in the form of financial aid. “But, they are there” says, Dr. Henry English, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Small Farm Program director.

What's in a name? Flying birds cause a 'buzz'

HOPE, Ark. - A recent question from the public set Gerald Alexander off to do some research. Someone wanted to know about buzzards, and the veteran Hempstead County extension agent was stumped. County agents are jacks of all trades and are highly trained, but buzzard questions are a little far afield for most agents.

A healthier lifestyle is just a matter of making better choices

MARION, Ark. - January is a time of year when many people step back to evaluate their lives and vow to do better in many parts of their life, according to VeEtta Simmons, Crittenden County Staff Chair with the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service.

Warning: Grass tetany can be late winter problem

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Arkansas beef and dairy cattle producers need to be wary of a potential late winter problem disease - grass tetany. This disease is also called winter tetany, wheat pasture poisoning, lactation tetany and magnesium deficiency.

Coming to grips with farm input/output cycle

BENTONVILLE, Ark. - A couple of years ago I noticed one of our more aggressive Bermuda hay producers still had a barn full while everyone else had sold out. A phone call served to enlighten me to the fact that he was well aware of his input/output cycle.
 

January 11, 2008

MURFREESBORO, Ark. - Parents and school lunchroom employees, even with guidelines, have a big job. How do you get kids to eat more fruits and vegetables, especially when they may only want to eat chicken nuggets and French fries?

Now is a good time to test soil in your yard

MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark. - January is an excellent time to soil sample lawns and gardens. Sampling in the off season avoids the spring rush at the University of Arkansas Soil Testing Laboratory.

Ag census provides important data that can help producers, decision makers

BENTONVILLE, Ark. - Over the last few months, I've be able to use recent and historical agricultural census information to educate and illustrate agriculture facts to a growing number of non-farm residents.

January 8, 2008

4-H'ers ready to help tornado victims

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. - When Tina Weber heard that a 4-H'er's home near Hector was damaged by Tuesday's tornado, she immediately swung into disaster relief mode.

SEARCY, Ark. - Although deer season is almost over, it's not too early to begin getting ready for next year. The best way to prepare for next year is by attending The Buck Stops Here, a wildlife meeting January 19 at Searcy.

January 4, 2008

Losing pounds weighs in as top resolution for 2008

MURFREESBORO, Ark. - When it comes to seeking a goal for the New Year, most people don't go further than the bathroom scale.

Make a debt-reduction resolution pay off

MURFREESBORO, Ark. - Paying off debt is the No. 2 goal for New Year's resolutions according to one survey, making up 52 percent of all finance-related resolutions.

Set SMART goals for improved health

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - The first step to achieving your New Year's resolutions is to set SMART goals, says Lisa Gilmore, Garland County agent for the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service.

Evergreens provide privacy, screen for unsightly views

BENTONVILLE, Ark. - As zero lot lines become more common and lot sizes continue to shrink, many homeowners are seeking ways to increase privacy, says Mark Bray, a Benton County agent with the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service.

Cultivate your wild side at February workshop

MORRILTON, Ark. - Private landowners can learn more about wildlife at a Quail and Songbird Habitat workshop February 1-2 at the University of Arkansas System's Winthrop Rockefeller Institute on Petit Jean Mountain.

Arkansas Soybean Association Announces Seminar

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -The Arkansas Soybean Association has set Tuesday, January 22 as the date of their 44th Annual Business Session and Seminar. The informative seminar and business session will be held at the Convention Center in Brinkley with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m. and program at 9 a.m. It will conclude after lunch.

Never Too Cold to Grow Sprouts

PINE BLUFF, Ark. - Those who miss gardening and fresh produce at this time of year should consider growing sprouts, says Dr. Obadiah Njue, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Cooperative Extension Program horticulture specialist. Sprouts are great for salads and are an excellent source of digestible proteins, fiber, vitamins and antioxidants; they are also a good source of minerals. Sprouts may be eaten raw, steamed or cooked, says Dr. Njue.

Paying too much at the trough

LITTLE ROCK - Paying too much at the pump has transitioned into paying too much at the feed trough.

Minerals play a vital role in the health and productivity of beef cattle herds

MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark. - A mineral deficiency can reduce both the consumption and digestibility of feed for beef cattle, according to Mark Keaton, Baxter County staff chair for the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service.

Fred rings in the New Year on the farm

BENTONVILLE, Ark. - As noted in a recent article, technology continues to make rapid changes in the world of production agriculture. Some producers are quick to adapt, while others take a conservative approach and let the bugs get worked out before buying in.

Fall in love with your future

As we begin a new year, it is natural to think about the opportunities before us. I know of no better way than to review "Fall in Love With Your Future," a small booklet that is so fresh, so inspiring, it just lights my fire. Written by Ron and Mary Beshear and available from Successories.com, "Fall in Love With Your Future," describes principles that apply to us as individuals, to organizations and to communities.