Arkansas cattle producers facing ‘disaster’ as record drought conditions worsen

by George Jared (gjared@talkbusiness.net)

Drought conditions in Arkansas continue to worsen and it’s starting to have an impact on the state’s largest economic sector, agriculture. The impacts to row crops won’t be known for a while, but the cattle industry is in peril.

There are growing reports that cattle farmers are selling off livestock to cut their losses. Farmers in this industry rely on grass fields and hay to supplement costlier feed. The withering conditions are affecting pasture performance statewide.

Parts of Arkansas haven’t had any measurable rain since late May. The National Agricultural Statistics Service’s weekly crop report indicates that 43% of pastures are in poor or very poor condition.

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/07/arkansas-cattle-producers-facing-disaster-as-record-drought-conditions-worsen/

Grocery prices rose 15.1% in June from a year ago

by Kim Souza (ksouza@talkbusiness.net)

Consumers are seeing record grocery prices with the latest inflationary report indicating prices are up 15.1% from a year ago and up 7.4% since the start of 2022, according to marketing firm Numerator.

Overall grocery prices continued to rise in June with beverages seeing the largest impact. While spending remained elevated, optimism is at an all-time low as consumers switch to club and dollar stores to save, Numerator reports.

The grocery retail categories most impacted include frozen meat up 28%, chips up 26%, poultry up 25%, water up 22%, milk and milk substitutes up 17% in the four-week period ending July 3, compared to the same time last year. Beverages are the most impacted department in the grocery sector. Among the top-selling categories in the grocery sector, five beverage categories rank in the top 10 for highest inflation rates. Juice and coffee prices are up 17% along with sports drinks. Soft drink prices increased by 14%. Beer prices rose 6% while wine cost 5% more in June. Spirits prices were up 3%, according to the Numerator data.

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/07/grocery-prices-rose-15-1-in-june-from-a-year-ago/

Obesity among Arkansas public school students rises to record level

KUAR | By Ronak Patel

The childhood obesity rate among Arkansas public school students increased by 3.1%, during the 2020-2021 school year, which is significantly higher than typical year-to-year increases, according to a report from the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement (ACHI). The increase coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted life for many.

Since 2003, the state has been able to track students' body mass index (BMI), a measure of body fat based on height and weight, through Act 1220, which was signed into law by former Gov. Mike Huckabee, a Republican. Passage of Act 1220 created one of the nation’s first statewide, school-focused initiatives to help children reach and maintain a healthy weight, according to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2022-03-22/obesity-among-arkansas-public-school-students-rises-to-record-level

Arkansas Nonprofit News Network

42 Bar and Table staffer Melissa Hooper at the Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock.