For the Media

June 27, 2008

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - Grandma may not always know best - especially when it comes to tick removal, says Joshua Wright, 4-H county extension agent with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

Field day highlights fruit research, extension programs

CLARKSVILLE, Ark. - Some 380 visitors learned firsthand how the University of Arkansas System’s Division of Agriculture fruit research and extension programs support fruit growers during a field day June 24 at the Fruit Research Station.

Protect Yourself and Livestock from Black Fly Infestation

LITTLE ROCK - This spring’s heavy rainfall that caused flooding in many parts of the state had another effect: an explosion in the population of blood-sucking black flies - small pests that can cause irritation in humans and serious health problems in livestock.

Children's summer play: A little parental effort goes a long way

SEARCY, Ark. - Parents can keep their young children busy, satisfied and safe during the summer months by planning ahead, using materials at hand, and knowing their children's interests.

TEXARKANA, Tex. - Arkansans should celebrate summer with exotic fresh fruit, say family and consumer science extension agents with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

Sun, sea, cows great sources for essential vitamin D

STAR CITY, Ark. - A little sun goes a long way to produce an important nutrient - vitamin D, according to Jane Newton, a Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent with the University of Arkansas-Division of Agriculture.

Don't worry: Rice safe to throw at weddings!

LITTLE ROCK - Rice throwing at weddings is supposed to symbolize fertility and prosperity, but what does tossing birdseed represent? Birdseed is showing up at more and more weddings as the seed of choice.

Peril in the powder room

MURFREESBORO, Ark. - Poisons, slippery surfaces, electricity and water heated to the scorching temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit aren’t the nightmarish conditions of a Stephen King novel; but rather in the bathroom of any home, said Robbie McKinnon, Pike County extension agent with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

If an old barn could talk

BENTONVILLE, Ark. - I can't recall the number of times I've heard the statement, "If this old barn could talk, what a story it could tell." The stories could involve unsolved mysteries or serve to enlighten us about the ambitions or broken dreams of the men and women who spent so much of their life beneath its roof.

June 20, 2008

LITTLE ROCK - Catching a whiff of lighter fluid on a sunny summer afternoon can be better than Chanel No. 5. 'Tis the season for backyard barbecues, roasting marshmallows over a campfire, and picnic grilling. It's also the time of burned fingers, singed hair and bare spots on the lawn.

Remember food safety with July 4 outdoor meals

SEARCY, Ark. - Many people enjoy picnics during the warm summer months and Fourth of July cookouts. Unfortunately, warm temperatures also allow bacteria to grow more easily in food. Therefore, it is important to plan for safety when eating outdoors.

Keep safe when the temperature soars

MARION, Ark. - Periods of extremely hot weather - heat waves - can cause serious health problems, including death, said VeEtta Simmons, Crittenden County extension agent with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

Why are rice prices so high?

LITTLE ROCK - The recent rapid rise in global rice prices can be blamed on stockpiling, hoarding and/or profiteering. This was triggered by tight, but adequate, global supplies, rising oil and grain commodity prices and speculators bidding the price of rice up, says Dr. Bobby Coats, extension agricultural policy analyst with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

Managing pests is year 'round chore

LITTLE ROCK - Being outdoors in the summer time may make us more aware of the pests that plague us, but controlling pests around the house and garden is more than a one-shot deal. It's a year 'round battle.

LITTLE ROCK - A sharp, close-up photograph of a decorated cowboy boot collected Best of Show honors for Kate G., 17, of Ida (Cleburne County) in the 2008 Ross Foundation 4-H Photography Contest. It was her second Best of Show title in two years.

Government Contracting Course offered

MALVERN, Ark. - The Government Contracting Course, a 30-hour accredited education opportunity offered at the Arkansas Procurement Assistance Center, or APAC, in Malvern, begins its summer session on Tuesday, July 1.

Shade trees make poor hay barns

BENTONVILLE, Ark. - "Large delta families went out of style when the mechanical cotton picker was invented," or at least that was dad's opinion. The same, I'm sure, could hold true for the introduction of the round hay baler.

June 13, 2008

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Arkansas-grown tomatoes are selling five to eight dollars above this usual price for a 20-pound box this time of year because of an outbreak of Salmonella in 17 states, according to John Gavin, Bradley County extension chair for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

June is Dairy Month

LITTLE ROCK - June is Dairy Month in Arkansas. It's the month when industry celebrate the nutritional valve of dairy products and the economic impact that dairy has on local communities.

Impact of tornadoes causing hay baling problems

LITTLE ROCK - Weather this spring has been turbulent, unpredictable and devastating. Many parts of Arkansas experienced destructive tornadoes. These tornadoes spread all types of debris across the countryside.

Mulching - It's More than Making a Garden Look Pretty!

PINE BLUFF, Ark. - One relatively easy gardening chore that heaps great rewards is mulching, says Dr. Obadiah Njue, horticulture specialist, Cooperative Extension Program at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

Celebrate National Ice Cream Month, in moderation

LITTLE ROCK - In hot summer months, few people can resist a delicious-tasting ice-cream cone of their favorite flavor.
 

MARION, Ark. - Coupled with the increasing price of fuel, grocery prices are hitting consumers where it hurts - the wallet, says VeEtta Simmons, Crittenden County extension agent with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

Eyeing expiration dates, unit prices, store brands can save bucks at grocery store

MURFREESBORO, Ark. - Sharp-eyed shoppers trying to save a buck as grocery prices increase know that a sale is not always a sale, says Robbie McKinnon, Pike County extension agent with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

Plan your meals and stop 'winging it'

SEARCY, Ark. - What's for dinner? If you don't know what you're having for dinner, you're wasting your energy and your money.

Hay! Here's something special for father

BENTONVILLE, Ark. - Let me recommend a most unusual item for Father's Day, at least for those involved in the production or the feeding of forages.

June 6, 2008

LITTLE ROCK - Spring flooding, repeated rains and cool weather have pushed many Arkansas farmers into a corner, and they're faced with the prospect of lower yields and greater out-of-pocket expenses.

Snails slime cotton fields in Jefferson and Desha counties

PINE BLUFF, Ark. - Snails are rearing their ugly heads, or whatever they have, in cotton fields in Jefferson and Desha County. Experts say snails are an unusual pest in cotton.

Gas in the tank, money in the bank

MARION, Ark. - Gas prices are at a record high, up about 82 cents from last year, according to the Energy Information Administration, and the climb in price shows no signs of stopping.

First box of Bradley County tomatoes are reported

WARREN, Ark. - The first box of tomatoes in Bradley County in 2008 has been harvested, marking the start of a busy picking season. Bradley County and the surrounding area is the center of the state's tomato industry.

DARDANELLE, Ark. - Dead heading, decomposition and deep watering. Lethal sounding activities that will bring life to the garden this summer, says Van E. Banks, Yell County extension agent with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

Jump into the water for health!

MURFREESBORO, Ark. - Drinking plenty of water is an essential element to staying healthy in the hot summer months. Robbie McKinnon, Pike County extension agent with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, says being in the water should be another.

What to do when brambles ramble through the pastures

MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark. - Many acres of Arkansas pastureland are infested with various bramble species such as blackberries, dewberries and raspberries.

June 4, 2008

Extension Fruit Specialist Garcia receives presidential award

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Dr. Elena Garcia, extension fruit specialist for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture has been honored with the President's Volunteer Service Award.