National News

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Arkansas net farm income projected to decrease for second straight year

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LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas’ net farm income is projected to decline for the second straight year, a fall cushioned slightly by lower input costs, the Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center said in its latest report.   

The center, working with agricultural economists from the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said in its “Fall 2024 Arkansas Farm Income Outlook” that Arkansas’ 2024 net farm income is expected to drop by 10 percent from 2023 levels and reach $2.96 billion.   

Net farm income report for Arkansas, October 2024. (Image by RAFF)

 Arkansas' net farm income is expected to see a $1.06 billion drop from its 2022 record-high levels. The report also compares the projected 10 percent reduction in state net farm income to the projected 6.2 percent decline in the U.S. net farm income projected by Mizzou’s Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute. 

“Fertilizer and pesticides and fuel oils are going to decline by 9 percent year over year,” said Ryan Loy, extension economist for the Division of Agriculture. “These markets are finally stabilizing. They're coming off these market shocks from COVID, the supply chain issues, the trucker strikes in Canada, and the Ukraine war is kind of baked into the market now.”  

The report said total production expenses are estimated to decline 5 percent in 2024, as fertilizer, feed and fuel expenses retreat. An additional 5 percent decrease in production expenses is forecasted for 2025. 

Unfortunately, “the decrease in fertilizer, pesticides, fuel oils, and feed expenses are offset by the increase in purchased livestock expenses, which amount to a rise of $1.34 billion in 2025,” Loy said.

Cash receipts 

Farm cash receipts represent the total revenue a farm receives from the sale of its agricultural products, government program payments, and private insurance payments.  

The report said that in 2024, total cash receipts for Arkansas would decline by 2 percent or $317 million. Livestock receipts increased 5 percent, or $361 million, while crop receipts tumbled 10 percent, or $580 million. 

Ironically, 2024’s near-record yields are contributing to lower commodity prices. 

Hunter Biram, extension economist for the Division of Agriculture, said that Arkansas had  

Nearly a million and a half acres of rice which is the highest since 2020. Yield is near the record set in 2021 at 7,600 pounds per acre.  

“The price is the lowest that we've seen since 2021 when it came in right under $14 a hundredweight,” he said. 

Corn, which has had the fewest number of Arkansas acres since 2015, is forecast to have a near-record high yield. However, “the price for corn is the lowest that we’ve seen in five years.” 

Cotton was in the same boat.  

“The acreage is the highest that we've had since 2011,” Biram said. “We've got a lot of cotton acres out there, despite having the lowest price since 2020 and it’s at a near-record yield.” 

Arkansas’s 3 million acres of soybeans are projected to have a record yield of 55 bushels an acre, Biram said. “The price for soybeans is the lowest that we've seen since 2019, which is similar to corn.” 

Livestock and poultry 

However, the low prices that bedevil row crop growers is helping the cattle and poultry industry, which relies on crushed soybean and corn for feed.  

Higher egg, broiler, and cattle prices support 5 percent higher total livestock receipts in 2024, the report said, adding that poultry receipts are projected to increase by $287 million, while cattle and hog receipts are also projected higher, by $97 million.   

Loy noted that “feed prices declining this year pretty significantly – 18 percent. 

“Cattle prices are up 6 percent year over year. Most of the uptick over the last few years is due to the severe drought in the western U.S., which led ranchers to reduce herds,” he said. However, with cheaper feed, cattle prices are “expected to decline again in 2025.” 

Government assistance

The report also shows the proportion of government assistance has shifted from primarily market-based programs such as Agricultural Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage — known as ARC and PLC, to supplemental and ad hoc disaster assistance across this same period.

The Fall 2024 Farm Income Outlook is co-published by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and RaFF at the University of Missouri, which provides objective policy analysis and informs decision makers on issues affecting farm and rural finances. The center collaborates with a number of states to develop farm income projections with local expertise.  

“RaFF’s Farm Income Outlook for calendar years 2024 and 2025 is intended to inform policymakers, industry analysts, and agricultural practitioners about the expected profitability of the local agricultural sector and its main drivers. RaFF’s state-level projections complement and add granularity to national projections by the USDA and FAPRI-MU, providing valuable insights on local agricultural trends,” said RaFF Director Alejandro Plastina.   

The full report and data tables are online.  

 To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on X and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu. Follow on X at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on X at @AgInArk.  

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UAMS Researchers Find Ground Beef Packs Bigger Muscle-Building Punch than Soy-Based Alternative

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By News Staff

LITTLE ROCK — When it comes to building muscle, not all proteins are created equal.

New research from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) reveals that 100% ground beef packs a bigger punch for muscle protein synthesis than a soy-based counterpart. In fact, the study suggests that a person would need double the amount of soy-based protein to achieve the same results.

Published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the study examined the anabolic response — how the body builds muscle — after consuming a 4-ounce beef patty versus one or two 4-ounce patties of a soy-based product. The results? Just one serving of beef did the job, while two servings of the soy-based alternative were necessary to see the same muscle-building benefits.

For those counting calories, the difference is striking: Beef delivered these results with fewer calories — 279 compared to 462.

UAMS Researchers Find Ground Beef Packs Bigger Muscle-Building Punch than Soy-Based Alternative

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Attorney General Tim Griffin joins FCC and National Coalition warning suspected Florida-based robocall operation

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LITTLE ROCK – Attorney General Tim Griffin today issued the following statement after the Anti-Robocall Multistate Litigation Task Force, of which Griffin is a member, issued a warning letter to Florida-based gateway voice service provider iDentidad Advertising Development:

“This company routed dozens of illegal robocalls earlier this year, most of which originated outside the United States. Many of the calls impersonated government entities or were utility or financial scams. The letter our task force sent today sends a clear message to iDentidad: stop this illegal activity now or face legal action.

“I am committed to protecting Arkansans from illegal robocalls.”

The task force noted that iDentidad received nearly 200 traceback notices for calls the company routed to the U.S. telephone network that mostly came from outside the country. Most of these calls were illegal or part of suspicious robocall campaigns. The Federal Communications Commission also demanded that iDentitad cease and desist its activities involving illegal robocall campaigns.

To read a copy of the warning letter, click here.

Federal Trade Commission - How to Avoid Phone Scams

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UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Named Center of Excellence by MDS Foundation

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By Marty Trieschmann

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute has been designated as a Center of Excellence by the MDS Foundation, making it the only center in Arkansas to become part of the foundation’s referral network of the top bone marrow disorder treatment centers in the world.

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of diverse bone marrow disorders that can progress to acute myeloid leukemia and primarily affect the elderly. In the United States, 20,000 new cases are reported every year, making MDS one of the most common blood cancers. A stem cell transplant is the only curative treatment option for certain types of high risk MDS.

A pioneer in the treatment of blood disorders and cancers, UAMS has been home to Arkansas’ only adult bone marrow transplant center since 1994, performing 12,731 transplants for conditions including lymphomas, leukemias and multiple myeloma.

UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Named Center of Excellence by MDS Foundation

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Cotton to Mayorkas: Granting TPS to Lebanese nationals endangers Americans

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Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas - Flickr Image

Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today wrote a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas urging him to rescind his decision to grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Lebanese nationals currently in the United States. Senator Cotton warns Mayorkas that these unvetted Lebanese nationals pose a grave risk to our national security and to the safety of our citizens. 

In part, Senator Cotton wrote:

“We have seen a dramatic increase in unvetted illegal immigrants as a result of your open-border policies. Under the Biden-Harris administration, Border Patrol has encountered thousands of illegal immigrants from countries with deep ties to terrorism, including Lebanon. In fact, Border Patrol agents apprehended a Lebanese man at the southern border earlier this year who said he belonged to Hezbollah and came to America to build a bomb.”

Full text of the letter may be found here and below.

October 18, 2024

The Honorable Alejandro Mayorkas 
Secretary
Department of Homeland Security 
Washington, D.C. 20528 

Dear Secretary Mayorkas: 

I write regarding your dangerous decision to grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Lebanese nationals currently in the United States. The presence of these Lebanese nationals in the United States regardless of whether they lawfully entered poses a grave risk to our national security. 

We have seen a dramatic increase in unvetted illegal immigrants as a result of your open-border policies. Under the Biden-Harris administration, Border Patrol has encountered thousands of illegal immigrants from countries with deep ties to terrorism, including Lebanon. In fact, Border Patrol agents apprehended a Lebonese man at the southern border earlier this year who said he belonged to Hezbollah and came to America to build a bomb. 

Your department estimates that granting TPS status will protect 11,000 Lebanese nationals from deportation, which undoubtedly includes many Hezbollah terrorists. This reckless policy endangers the safety of our citizens. 

I urge you to rescind this decision before it goes into effect. For Lebanese nationals who have a legal basis to be present in the United States and who can credibly claim a risk to their lives if they return to Lebanon, your department could evaluate asylum requests on a case-by-case basis. This policy would be a far more sensible and safer course of action than a blanket TPS grant to all Lebanese nationals. 

Thank you for your prompt attention to this important matter. 

Sincerely,

Tom Cotton

United States Senator                  

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Representative Hill introduces legislation to address America's housing crisis

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. French Hill (R-AR) today introduced the Renewing Opportunity in the American Dream (ROAD) to Housing Act, which is designed to reverse decades of ineffective housing policies and implement targeted reforms to improve access to affordable, quality housing for all Americans. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) recently introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

Wikimedia Image

Rep. Hill said, “Americans are struggling to find affordable housing to live in. For years, federal housing policy under the Biden-Harris Administration has been burdened by ineffective solutions and excessive bureaucracy. With the ROAD to Housing Act, we are taking real steps toward creating a housing market that benefits everyone—renters, homeowners, and families striving for stability. I thank my friend Senator Tim Scott for spearheading this legislation in the Senate and my colleagues Rep. John Rose, Rep. Dan Meuser, Rep. Scott Fitzgerald, Rep. Mike Lawler, and Rep. Zach Nunn for leading this legislation with me in the House.”

Sen. Scott said, “I’m the son of a single mother – growing up, we lived with family until we were able to rent a small place of our own. I know firsthand the importance of access to quality, affordable housing. Unfortunately, Democrats’ solution for years has been to spend trillions on programs that have yielded little results, especially for minorities as homeownership rates for African Americans have barely changed in over 50 years. Costs to buy a home and to rent continue to increase, and homelessness is at record levels. It’s past time for Congress to take serious action to reverse decades of failed housing policies and put all Americans on the road to housing.” 

Further Background:

ROAD To Housing Act: This legislation offers a wide-ranging approach to reforming federal housing policy. The key pillars of this bill are to increase access to affordable housing, promote opportunity, incentivize local solutions, and ensure proper oversight and accountability over federal housing programs. Rep. John Rose (R-TN), Rep. Dan Meuser (R-PA), Rep. Scott Fitzgerald (R-WI), Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY), and Rep. Zach Nunn (R-IA) are original co-sponsors of this legislation. 

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Delta Regional Authority distributes $3.75 million toward eight projects in Arkansas

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by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

The Delta Regional Authority (DRA), in collaboration with the state of Arkansas, recently invested $3.75 million toward eight projects in Arkansas through its States’ Economic Development Assistance Program (SEDAP).

Eight Arkansas projects were selected for SEDAP funding at an investment upwards of $3.75 million. Funding for this program is made available, in part, by the bipartisan infrastructure law signed by President Joe Biden. None of Arkansas’ Congressional delegation supported the infrastructure bill.

“The States’ Economic Development Assistance Program is one of DRA’s most diverse tools that allow us to expand and invest in the resiliency of the region’s public infrastructure and workforce,” said Dr. Corey Wiggins, DRA Federal Co-Chairman. “As a result of this investment, over 830 jobs will be created or retained, over 200 people trained, and over 740 families impacted across eight communities, improving residents’ quality of life and increasing economic prosperity in their communities.”

Delta Regional Authority distributes $3.75 million toward eight projects in Arkansas

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Plant-based protein extraction study to look at ultrasound, fermentation methods

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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Food science researchers with the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station are tapping into the power of soundwaves and fermentation to improve the quality of plant-based proteins.

FOOD SCIENCE — Mahfuzur Rahman is a food scientist and grain processing engineer who conducts research through the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station. (U of A System photo)

Ultrasound, the same soundwave technology that creates images of babies in the womb, and microbes that break starches down into sugar are behind a new protein extraction method being investigated with the support of a nearly $300,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

Propelling the study is an increased demand in the plant-based dairy and alternative meat markets. Mahfuzur Rahman, an assistant professor in the food science department, said the market was estimated to be worth $29 billion in 2023 and growing by about 8 percent annually. Health and environmental concerns are behind the increase in demand, he noted.

Rahman is the lead research on the two-year study that began in August to develop an eco-friendly method of plant-protein extraction to enhance consumer acceptance by improving product development performance, taste and nutritional value. Plant-based proteins are used to make alternatives to animal proteins found in meats and dairy.

“Traditional protein extraction methods require chemicals such as sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid and often result in lower yields and reduced protein quality,” Rahman said. “The traditional method affects the functionality, taste and nutrition of the extracted proteins.”

Rahman is a food scientist and grain processing engineer who conducts research through the experiment station, the research arm of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. He teaches courses through the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food, and Life Sciences. He received a Tanner Award for Comprehensive Reviews this year for being one of the most cited authors for scientific papers published by the Institute of Food Technologists.

LAB TEAM —Nazrul Islam, left, Ruslan Galib, Sukanya Poddar, Nikitha Modupalli, Mahfuzur Rahman, Kavith Lakshmipathy and Saydul Safwa are the Novel Ingredient Processing and Utilization Laboratory team in the food science department for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. (U of A System photo)

Rahman said this research will focus on optimizing ultrasound-assisted extraction to release proteins from flour efficiently, followed by adjusting fermentation-assisted removal of off-flavors and anti-nutritional factors.

“The effectiveness of the new method will be compared with traditional extraction methods in terms of protein yield, removal of off-notes, and reduction of anti-nutritional compounds,” Rahman explained.

Collaborators on the study include Scott Lafontaine, assistant professor of flavor chemistry for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, and Girish Ganjyal, professor and extension food processing specialist at Washington State University’s School of Food Science. The grant is part of the Agricultural and Food Research Initiative from USDA-NIFA. The project award number is 2024-67018-42814.

To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu. Follow on Twitter at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on Twitter at @AgInArk. To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu.

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Symposium Showcases Promising Research Aimed at Reducing Cancer Therapy Side Effects

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By Marty Trieschmann

Ask any patient treated with chemotherapy, and the answer may be the treatment. Common side effects of chemotherapy include pain, fatigue, hair loss, mouth sores, bowel issues as well as nerve, muscle, cell and organ damage.

And that’s just chemotherapy. Conventional X-ray radiation, a treatment needed by half of all cancer patients, can cause scarring of the lungs and other injuries to any organ in the radiation field.

“Cancer treatments are much better than they used to be, and patients are living longer,” said Marjan Boerma, Ph.D., director of the Center for Studies of Host Response to Cancer Therapy at UAMS. “But patients and survivors can still experience physical suffering, both during and sometimes years after treatment.”

Symposium Showcases Promising Research Aimed at Reducing Cancer Therapy Side Effects

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Office of Solicitor General wins 2024 United States Supreme Court Best Brief Award

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LITTLE ROCK – Attorney General Tim Griffin today issued the following statement after the Office of Solicitor General—a division of the Office of the Attorney General—was recognized with a 2024 United States Supreme Court Best Brief Award from the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG):

“Solicitor General Nicholas Bronni, Deputy Solicitor General Dylan Jacobs, and Senior Assistant Solicitor General Asher Steinberg have been awarded a 2024 United States Supreme Court Best Brief Award by NAAG for their multistate brief in Muldrow v. St. Louis, which addressed the proper legal standard for Title VII claims.

“This award confirms what I already knew: Arkansas’s Solicitor General team—attorneys and support staff—is among the very best anywhere and have earned respect and accolades nationally for their excellence. I am proud to work with them every day and appreciate their dedication to mission, keen insight and mastery of the law.”

The Best Brief Awards are given annually in recognition of excellence in brief writing in the United States Supreme Court. The awards honor appellate practitioners from state attorneys general offices, who collectively handle more United States Supreme Court cases than almost anyone else in the legal community.

The winners were selected by a panel of independent United States Supreme Court experts who are experienced United States Supreme Court practitioners.

To read a copy of the award-winning brief, click here.

For a printer-friendly version of this release, click here.

L-R Bronni, Jacobs, Steinberg

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Boozman shares memories of Northwest Arkansas veteran for Hispanic Heritage Month

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) recognized the service and sacrifice of Maddie Willyard in ‘Salute to Veterans,’ a series highlighting the military service of Arkansans.

Maddie Willyard - U.S. Air Force Veteran

Willyard was born in Puerto Rico and moved to Chicago when she was 7 years old. In high school, her family moved to a northern suburb because of safety concerns.

While Willyard’s family has a history of military service, her path to wearing our nation’s uniform started as a result of trying to avoid an angry teacher who was upset she did not complete her homework. 

“This voice came over the intercom – juniors and seniors are excused from classes to take the ASVAB. I didn’t know what the ASVAB was. I just knew it was like manna from heaven and off I went,” she said.

She quickly learned the exam was the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, an indicator of future success in the miliary.

“I did very well. Got lots of calls and visited with recruiters. At that point I had thought of my future. We talked about community college. I wanted to be a journalist. I also wanted to be a teacher and I ended up joining the Air Force,” Willyard said. “I was 16 and shallow still and didn’t think green looked very good on me,” she laughed.

Willyard said her mom was supportive, but her stepdad was horrified because he didn’t think military service was something young women should pursue. 

After graduating high school in May, Willyard started service in the Air Force in November and attended basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio. 

Her uncles who served in uniform advised her to stay under the radar. This included getting a bunk furthest away from the training instructor’s office. She followed the advice, but wasn’t there for long after she confronted another airman who was making the unit late to morning formation because she was curling her hair. 

“We were so involved in our conversation that we didn’t even notice our training instructor was there until he yelled,” Willyard said. “He looked at me and he goes ‘You want to be in charge? You want my job?’ And I said ‘Sir, no sir.’”

The instructor made her squad leader and she was moved to the bed closest to his office.

Following basic training, Willyard was assigned to medical administration and continued her education at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. She found the classes interesting and appreciated the freedom and community feel of the base.

“It was the best time of my life.” 

She calls the people she was training with family, so much so that when she received her first-choice duty station at a base in California, she was devastated to see a friend’s disappointment about her assignment to England Air Force Base, Louisiana.

“That girl cried for two days and it broke my heart,” Willyard said. Her empathy and compassion led her to trade assignment locations with her friend.

In Louisiana, Willyard worked in medical records where she helped organize and sort patient files.

“I also learned valuable lessons about customer service. You picked up the phone and you picked it up on the first ring. And you didn’t know if you were going to be talking to another airman like yourself or if you were going to be talking to a full bird colonel,” she said. 

She surrounded herself with mentors who aimed to see her do well and taught her skills that she still uses today.

Her time in uniform is something that has been valuable to her life and work. She says it opened doors for her and she encourages those interested in military service to be ready for hard and rewarding work.

“I tell them be prepared to sacrifice because it’s not about you. It’s about the mission and you’re choosing an occupation with so much honor and history. This country wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for soldiers, so you need to respect that. It’s not just a job, it’s a lifestyle. It’s not something you should go into lightly,” she said. “And enjoy it.” 

Today, Willyard lives in Northwest Arkansas and has found a calling to give back to her fellow veterans. She served in the Washington County Veteran Service Office before joining Boozman’s staff where she supports the needs of active-duty military, veterans and their families. 

“I’m grateful for Maddie Willyard’s service to our country in uniform and her continued support of her fellow veterans. We can be proud of her advocacy of the military and the important role it has had in her life. I’m pleased to preserve her memories of service,” Boozman said.

Boozman submitted Willyard’s entire interview to the Veterans History Project, an initiative of the Library of Congress’s American Folklife Center to collect and retain the oral histories of our nation’s veterans.

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CD4 debate: Healthcare, economy, Middle East conflicts discussed

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by George Jared (gjared@talkbusiness.net)

U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-Hot Springs, and his opponent Democrat Risie Howard of Pine Bluff agreed on some key issues but were diametrically opposed on others during their Fourth Congressional district, PBS Arkansas debate on Thursday (Oct. 10).

If elected, Howard said she would support and protect the Affordable Care Act, commonly referred to as Obamacare. About one in three Arkansans are on Medicaid and it was expanded through the act. If the act were repealed, something that former President Donald Trump has suggested if he’s re-elected, many would be without health insurance, she said.

Westerman said he wouldn’t vote to repeal the act, but the Medicaid expansion is driving up federal and state debts. He supports the Fair Care Act, legislation that fixes some of the problems with the act, but he didn’t give any specifics.

CD4 debate: Healthcare, economy, Middle East conflicts discussed

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State IT chief: Maintain ‘maniacal focus’ on cybersecurity

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by Steve Brawner (BRAWNERSTEVE@MAC.COM)

Individuals and entities should have a “maniacal focus” on cybersecurity, which includes having strong passwords and backing up data regularly, according to Gary Vance, chief information security officer with the Arkansas Division of Information Systems.

Vance was part of a panel discussion Tuesday (Oct. 8) on the second day of the two-day 2024 Cybersecurity Summit presented by Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin and the Forge Institute. The first day’s speakers included Jen Easterly, director of the federal government’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).

Vance and James Gentry, Fort Smith’s chief information officer, emphasized the importance of having complex, unique passwords for each site one visits. Gentry said he has 400-500 passwords organized through an encrypted password manager, an application that can be obtained at an app store. Vance said complex passwords close the door on bad actors trying to assess a user’s data.

State IT chief: Maintain ‘maniacal focus’ on cybersecurity

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Cooperative Extension Service to host Veterans' Business Summit

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By Ryan McGeeney
U of A System Division of Agriculture 

LITTLE ROCK — Military veterans seeking to land contracts with the state or federal government for their businesses are invited to attend the 2024 Veterans' Business Summit on Nov. 7. The event, which is free to attend, will be held at the Cooperative Extension Service state headquarters at 2301 S. University Ave. in Little Rock.

The program will begin at 9 a.m. with an introduction by Melanie Berman, director of the Arkansas APEX Accelerator program for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

The APEX Accelerators program, formerly known as the Procurement Technical Assistance Program, plays a critical role in the Department of Defense’s efforts to identify and help a wide range of businesses enter and participate in the defense supply chain. The program provides the education and training to ensure that all businesses can participate in the federal, state and local government contract process.

Tim Hicks, procurement counselor for the Division of Agriculture, said the event will appeal to many entrepreneurs hoping to expand their sales base.

CALL TO SERVE — Military veterans seeking to land contracts with the state or federal government for their small businesses are invited to attend the 2024 Veterans' Business Summit on Nov. 7. The event, which is free to attend, will be held at the Cooperative Extension Service state headquarters in Little Rock. (Division of Agriculture graphic.)

“The summit focuses on veteran-owned businesses, but we invite all businesses to join us,” Hicks said. “This will be a great time to network and collaborate with many resource partners.”

Berman’s welcome will be followed by the presentation of colors by the Cabot High School JROTC. Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Kendall Penn, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs, will deliver the keynote address.

The event’s featured speaker will be Ruby Crenshaw Lawrence, chief of the Office of Small Business Programs & Industry Engagements for the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency. She will discuss the government’s stance on Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence, and associated concerns.

Nearly two dozen organizations will be participating in the event, with representatives taking part in discussion panels and available for networking throughout the day. Participating organizations include:

  • 19th Contracting Squadron, Little Rock Air Force Base

  • Arkansas Division of Emergency

  • Arkansas Economic Development Commission

  • Arkansas National Guard Purchasing Office

  • Forge Institute

  • Arkansas Small Business Technology Development Center

  • SCORE Business Mentorship

  • The Conductor / Startup Junkie Foundation

  • U.S. Small Business Administration – Arkansas District

  • Arkansas Women's Business Center

  • City of Little Rock

  • Clinton National Airport

  • Communities Unlimited

  • Disabled American Veterans

  • State of Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs

  • State of Arkansas, Office of State Procurement

  • US Army Corps of Engineers, Little Rock District

  • US Department of Veterans Affairs

  • Veterans Business Outreach Center

The summit will conclude before noon. Online registration is required.

To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on X and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu/. Follow on X at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on X at @AgInArk.

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Boozman, Cramer, Capito and colleagues file bicameral amicus brief to overturn FHWA’s unlawful rmissions rule

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Committee on Environment and Public Works Ranking Member Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) led 27 of their colleagues in filing a bicameral amicus brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit opposing a final rule from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) that requires state departments of transportation and metropolitan planning organizations to measure greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on the highway system and set declining targets for those GHG emissions. The brief requests that the Court uphold the April 2024, U.S. District Court decision finding that Congress did not grant the FHWA the authority to issue the rule.

The brief argues Congress explicitly debated providing the FHWA the necessary authority to issue this rule, but decided against doing so in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The FHWA then intentionally misconstrued congressional intent and used unrelated statutory authorities to attempt to justify issuing its GHG performance measure rule. The lawmakers also contend the rulemaking is inconsistent with recent Supreme Court decisions paring back executive branch overreach, and that FHWA is ignoring principles of federalism at the expense of state governments to further its own policy agenda.

“Congress considered, and ultimately rejected, providing [FHWA] with the authority to issue a GHG performance measure regulation, but [FHWA] contorted ancillary existing authorities to impose one anyway,” the members argued. “In doing so, [FHWA] impermissibly usurped the Legislative Branch’s authority and promulgated the GHG performance measure without statutory authority delegated by Congress.” 

“Put simply, when [FHWA] established a GHG performance measure regulation, it exceeded the powers Congress authorized. And it did so both at the expense of separation of powers and in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act,” the members continued. 

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), Mike Braun (R-IN), Katie Britt (R-AL), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Steve Daines (R-MT), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Jim Risch (R-ID), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Rick Scott (R-FL), Tim Scott (R-SC), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), John Thune (R-SD), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) and Roger Wicker (R-MS) – as well as U.S. Representatives Sam Graves (R-MO-06), Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and Rick Crawford (R-AR-01), Chairman of the Highways and Transit Subcommittee – also cosigned the brief. 

Full text of the amicus brief is available here.

 

Background:

Shortly after the rule was finalized, 21 state attorneys general, including Arkansas, filed litigation challenging the regulation. The U.S. District Court found the Biden administration rule to be illegal, but FHWA appealed the decision to the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals and it remains under further consideration. 

In April of this year, the U.S. Senate approved a Congressional Review Act (CRA) joint resolution of disapproval overturning the rule by a vote of 53-47. The bipartisan measure was led by Cramer and cosponsored by Boozman, Ranking Member Capito and dozens of their colleagues.

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Future of Eureka Springs tourism agency, funding on the November ballot

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by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

Eureka Springs, one of Arkansas’ tourism hot spots, faces the possibility of losing more than $2 million a year in hospitality tax revenue that is used to promote the city, manage city tourism assets and support tourism events.

In 2023, the tax generated $2.05 million, down 1.4% compared with 2022 revenue.

A group of citizens unhappy with the Eureka Springs Advertising and Promotion Commission (CAPC) have managed to place an item on the November general election ballot to remove the city’s 3% hospitality tax on prepared food and on lodging. It only took 148 signatures in a town of around 2,500 to get the item on the ballot.

Mike Maloney, tourism director of the Eureka Springs City Advertising and Promotion Commission, understands why some would like to see the tax and the commission go away. He readily admits that the commission has a troubled past, including a revolving door of leadership, a lack of transparency and questionable actions related to event promotion.

Future of Eureka Springs tourism agency, funding on the November ballot

Eureka Springs Tourism - Talk Business and Politics

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Decorative corn stalks bearing tar spot fungus reported in Arkansas

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By Ryan McGeeney
U of A System Division of Agriculture 

LITTLE ROCK — A fungal disease that has caused yield losses in corn has recently been found in Arkansas — on decorative corn stalks, said Terry Spurlock, extension plant pathologist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

FOUND — Tar spot is visible on a stalk of corn that was included in a Halloween decor item purchased in Arkansas. (Image courtesy Jason Kelley.)

Tar spot, a disease caused by the fungus Phyllachora maydis, was first reported in the United States in Indiana and Illinois in 2015. Travis Faske, extension plant pathologist for the Division of Agriculture, said the disease has previously been noted in Canada and the Midwestern United States for several years but has so far only been confirmed in one southern state, Georgia.

While tar spot is known to be active in more than a dozen states, it has yet to be confirmed in commercial corn fields in Arkansas.

Origins and impact

Spurlock said that he and extension corn agronomist Jason Kelley visited multiple chain stores in central Arkansas, noting the fungus on corn included in fall decorations at multiple locations. Extension agents in several areas of the state have also reported the signs of the fungus on decorative items in retail stores.

Spurlock said some of the plants appeared to have originated at a farm in Illinois. The origins of the others are unclear and “depending on the store, they say either ‘product of the U.S.A.’ or ‘product of Canada.’

“There have also been reports of corn with tar spot being sold as fall decor in Texas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee and Alabama,” he said, noting that each of those states produce significant amounts of corn.

Kelley said it is a “big unknown whether this disease will be found in an Arkansas corn field in the coming years. 

“Since the fungus has been brought into the state on decorative corn stalks, the chances of finding this disease on corn in coming years has definitely gone up,” Kelley said. “Can the disease be managed with foliar fungicides? Likely, but needs to be carefully managed and would likely add to production costs.”

Arkansas had 620,000 acres of corn in 2024. According to the Arkansas Agriculture Profile, the state’s corn crop was valued at $865 million.

Appearance

“The fungus produces circular lesions that are hard, black, raised spots that resemble flecks of tar,” Faske said. “However, the spots caused by the tar spot fungus do not rub off.

MAINLY MIDWESTERN — Tar spot in corn has been confirmed in more than a dozen Midwestern states. It was first identified in the United States in 2015. (Image courtesy USDA).

“Yield losses by the disease can be significant in areas where the fungus overwinters — Canada and the Midwest — when conditions favor disease development,” he said. “The fungus overwinters in corn debris and serves as the inoculum — the starting point for disease development in the subsequent cropping season.”

Spurlock said it was difficult to forecast the risks to commercial corn production unless the disease is confirmed in an active field.

“We do not know how important tar spot will be in future Arkansas corn crops,” Spurlock said. “However, to have disease, we need a susceptible host corn plant, a pathogen and an environment suitable for the pathogen to infect the host plant and reproduce.”

Faske said the disease could threaten farmers with increased management costs and reduced corn acreage. Because Arkansas’ climate differs significantly from the Midwestern states where tar spot is currently thriving, it’s unknown how well it might persist here, he said.

What to do

Spurlock said that individuals who have purchased corn that may carry the fungus should enclose the items in garbage bags and take them to the nearest Cooperative Extension Service office for proper disposal, to prevent the fungus from spreading. To find your local extension office, consult extension’s online directory.

“If that isn’t possible, then enclose it in a garbage bag and place it in a dumpster, preferably one away from production fields,” he said.

To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on X and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu/. Follow on X at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on X at @AgInArk.

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Education Department releases provisional cut scores on new test

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by Steve Brawner (BRAWNERSTEVE@MAC.COM)

Two-thirds of Arkansas students in grades 3-10 scored below “proficient” in English language arts on the state’s new ATLAS end-of-year exam, according to a system of cut scores that Arkansas Department of Education officials recommended to the State Board of Education in a workshop Wednesday (Oct. 9).

The State Board will vote on approving the cut scores Oct. 10. If that happens, the department will further compute the data at individual, student, school and state levels, Secretary of Education Jacob Oliva said in a briefing with reporters prior to the workshop.

The Department of Education has been developing the new Arkansas Teaching and Learning Assessment System (ATLAS) for the past year and a half. It replaces the ACT Aspire.

Education Department releases provisional cut scores on new test

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Incumbent U.S. Rep. Westerman faces Democratic attorney challenger

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KUAR | By Josie Lenora

In Arkansas’ 4th Congressional District, Republican incumbent Rep. Bruce Westerman is running again to maintain control of the seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Westerman’s Democratic challenger is Risie Howard. Little Rock Public Radio emailed her and the state Democratic Party several times about an interview, and was sent a list of the same questions asked of Westerman. We received no response.

Howard is set to be at the Arkansas PBS debate with Westerman on October 10.

Howard is a lawyer in Pine Bluff, and is listed as being employed by the Arkansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Her website says she is a former science teacher and that she knows a lot about naval law, but she doesn't seem to have much of a campaign or online presence.

Incumbent U.S. Rep. Westerman faces Democratic attorney challenger

Challenger Risie Howard / U.S. Congressman Bruce Westerman

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CD3 debate: Israel, abortion and immigration take center stage

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by Steve Brawner (BRAWNERSTEVE@MAC.COM)

U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, R-Rogers, said the United States shouldn’t tell Israel how to defend itself following the attacks on it by Hamas last Oct. 7. His Democratic challenger, Caitlin Draper, called for the United States to lead in creating a cease fire. Libertarian Bobby Wilson said the solutions would have to come from the region itself.

The three discussed that and other issues in a debate sponsored by Arkansas PBS on Tuesday (Oct. 8) that will be broadcast Oct. 9 and is available now on Arkansas PBS’ YouTube channel.

Womack said the initial attacks on Israel were imaginable and that the United States should not tell it how to respond.

CD3 debate: Israel, abortion and immigration take center stage