Critical surface water will soon flow from the Arkansas River to farms. An announcement Wednesday celebrating the completion of the historic Bayou Meto Water Project’s Marion Berry Pump Station in Scott will help irrigate up to 300,000 acres.
Mayhaws are a crab-apple like fruit too tart to eat whole but make a unique, rosy and coveted jelly. Richland Creek Farm and Market in El Dorado has a growing Mayhaw orchard on marshy land and is going commercial with its hard-to-find products.
A disease-resistant muscadine, crossed with wine and table grapes from the Mediterranean, could soon land a flavorful new fruit on supermarket shelves. A recent $7 million grant from USDA will bolster the high-valued crop effort led by the University of Arkansas Fruit Research Station in Clarksville.
Renewed state funding could revive Arkansas’ declining district fairs. Promoters and students at last week’s 85th annual Southeast Arkansas Fair and Livestock Show in Pine Bluff say survival of these annual events helps agriculture.
The 2018 farm bill, extended by a year in Sept. 2023, expired at midnight Sept. 30. What does the lapse mean for farmers, and will we get a new farm bill any time soon? We discuss that, plus how the port workers strike could deliver another financial blow to farmers this year and much more. It’s all here on this episode of the state’s only weekly ag news podcast, the Arkansas AgCast.
Lily McLelland of Nashville walks us through what it takes to get your animal ready to show, it isn't as simple as you may think. Lily and hundreds of other youths have worked hard all week at this year's Arkansas Youth Expo.
As the Arkansas Youth Expo winds down we caught up with Gentry Groves of Garland City to hear about her week and why she enjoys coming to AYE every year. Her work this week has earned her the distinct honor of walking across the big stage later today.
Emma Evans has been to every Arkansas Youth Expo since its inception and has been working toward the goal of having the Grand Champion Charolais Female. Listen and learn about the work required to raise a grand champion animal.
OSHA has released a new set of proposed guidelines for fire departments. While the safety of firefighters is extremely important, there is concern that the regulations could create severe hardships for volunteer fire departments. OSHA is now reviewing how to make these standards a better fit. ArFB members should keep an eye on the potential changes to ensure volunteer fire departments will continue serving rural communities. Note, fire departments in Arkansas are not currently required to follow OSHA standards, though the possibility that these guidelines could become standard is a concern for some volunteer fire departments.
Due to an active tropical season, early Melonworms in Arkansas are causing issues for pumpkin producers. Extension specialist Aaron Cato explains what to look for, how to treat and why these pests are showing early this season.
