During the 2023 legislative session, lawmakers passed fewest amount of bills since 1971

KUAR | By Ronak Patel

In an interview with Talk Business & Politics, Misty Orpin, executive director of Common Ground Arkansas, shared data that she compiled on the past legislative session. She said that 62% of the bills that were filed did pass, while 38% failed.

Most of the bills that failed to pass were related to taxation. Orpin said that 61% of the bills filed in the revenue and taxation committees didn’t pass.

“The biggest graveyard was actually revenue and tax [committees]. I think that because the state is absorbing some of the big tax cuts that they ran in the previous sessions,” Orpin said. “There are really big ticket expenses that they passed that are coming down the pipeline. I think whether they would admit it or not they’re a little skittish about the budget.”

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2023-05-31/during-the-2023-legislative-session-lawmakers-passed-fewest-amount-of-bills-since-1971

Jacob Kauffman/KUAR

The Arkansas Legislature meets every two years to pass legislation. During the 2023 legislative session, lawmakers passed the least amount of bills since 1971.

Arkansas medical marijuana spending spikes on April 20; sales up 5.1%

by Michael Tilley (mtilley@talkbusiness.net)

Average per day spending on medical marijuana in Arkansas is $787,000, but that tally toked higher to more than $2 million on April 20, a date – 4/20 – associated with the celebration of marijuana use.

Data from the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) also show that licensed medical marijuana patients in the state spent $94.44 million for 18,847 pounds of medical marijuana, above the $89.835 million for 15,768 pounds in the same period of 2022. The sales total was up 5.1%, and the amount sold was up 19.5%.

The Arkansas Department of Health reports 94,282 active patient cards as of May 30, above the 93,977 active patient cards as of April 21, and up from 89,855 at the end of 2022.

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/05/arkansas-medical-marijuana-spending-spikes-on-april-20-sales-up-5-1/

Gov. Sanders sending 80 from Arkansas National Guard to Texas-Mexico border

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

Gov. Sarah Sanders announced Thursday (June 1) that she is directing about 80 soldiers from the Arkansas National Guard to the Texas-Mexico border.

Blaming the Biden administration’s recent halt of Title 42, Sanders said the guardsmen will support the Texas National Guard in border control efforts during the month of July.

Title 42 is a policy started during the COVID-19 pandemic by former President Donald Trump and kept in place until May by President Joe Biden. It curtailed rights for petition for asylum seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border.

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/06/gov-sanders-sending-80-from-arkansas-national-guard-to-texas-mexico-border/

Arkansas LEARNS education overhaul put on hold temporarily

An Arkansas judge put a major education bill on hold while a procedural lawsuit goes forward.

Arkansas LEARNS is a 145-page law passed this year by the Arkansas legislature and signed into law by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders. Among many things, the law raises teacher starting salaries, gives parents money to enroll their children in private schools, and allows charter school companies to take over struggling school districts. The struggling Marvell-Elaine School District in east Arkansas entered into a contract with Friendship Charter shortly after the lawsuit was passed.

Attorney Ali Noland is representing Marvell-Elaine citizens who do not want the contract to go forward. Her challenge argues the law was unconstitutionally passed. When LEARNS moved through the legislature it was passed with an additional emergency clause tacked on to the bill, meaning it goes into effect immediately. Under the plain language of the constitution, emergency clauses should be voted on separately from bills. The Arkansas Legislature customarily votes on emergency clauses and bills at the same time records the votes separately.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2023-05-30/advocates-detractors-react-to-arkansas-learns-being-put-on-hold

Commons.Wikimedia.Org/

A Pulaski County Circuit Court Judge decided to temporarily keep LEARNS from going into effect.

Medical industry to move from ‘sick’ care to focus on ‘health’ care

by George Jared (gjared@talkbusiness.net)

A paradigm shift in the way medical care is paid for and administered will occur during the next decade or so, healthcare consultant Eric Shell told Talk Business & Politics.

Shell recently gave a lecture, “The Future of Healthcare: Strategies for Success,” at the Fowler Center on the Arkansas State University campus. New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine hosted the event.

Shell is the chairman of Stroudwater Associates, a Maine-based healthcare consulting firm that provides research and strategy for rural and community hospitals, health systems and large physician practices. He is the leader of the firm’s rural practice and chairman of the firm’s board of directors.

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/05/medical-industry-to-move-from-sick-care-to-focus-on-health-care/

UAMS-TRI Training Program Helps Postdocs Develop Entrepreneurial Spirit, Form Competition-Winning Pharmaceutical Startup

By David Robinson

Only two years ago, the idea of commercializing their future research discoveries was a novel concept for Julia Tobacyk, Ph.D., and Megan Reed, Ph.D. Today they can say they created a startup company as postdoctoral fellows in the Health Sciences Innovation and Entrepreneurship (HSIE) training program, which is the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) National Research Service Award training core of the Translational Research Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS).

The HSIE program is unlike traditional academic postdoctoral education — the goal is to transform scientists to think like entrepreneurs and channel their research discoveries into commercial ventures to bring new health care products to patients.

Tobacyk and Reed are in their second year of the HSIE training program, and it is intensive. In addition to mentored laboratory research, HSIE postdocs take business classes in the Graduate Entrepreneurship Program in the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. They attend mentoring workshops from entrepreneurs and venture capitalists, form teams to develop a business plan for a health science discovery with classmates from diverse ethnic and academic backgrounds, and compete in pitch competitions.

https://news.uams.edu/2023/05/24/uams-tri-training-program-helps-postdocs-develop-entrepreneurial-spirit-form-competition-winning-pharmaceutical-startup/

Megan Reed, Ph.D. (left), and Julia Tobacyk, Ph.D., formed the company Pediatrica Therapeutics.

Cooperative Extension Service welcomes new professor of organizational accountability and evaluation

By Rebekah Hall
U of A System Division of Agriculture

LITTLE ROCK — Jeantyl Norze, a new extension associate professor of Organizational Accountability and Evaluation for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said he looks forward to increasing the visibility of extension, particularly in urban communities.

EVALUATIVE THINKING — As the new extension associate professor of Organizational Accountability and Evaluation for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, Jeantyl Norze hopes to increase the visibility of extension services in the state and ensure that the organization will "no longer be a 'best kept secret.'" (Division of Agriculture photo.)

“The Cooperative Extension Service has done an excellent job bringing about change in Arkansas communities,” Norze said. “However, we do not often have data to evidence the impact of extension in the lives of the individuals and communities we serve. I hope this position will help foster and sustain a culture of evidence in extension — a culture where everyone is actively seeking evidence of the impact being achieved and engaging in evidence-based storytelling.”

Norze said doing so is critical for scholarships and other necessary funding for extension.

“Extension should no longer be a ‘best kept secret,’” he said. “It’s imperative that our stakeholders — including our counterparts on campus, our partner organizations and the public — know and understand what we do.”

Stacey McCullough, extension assistant vice president of Community, Professional and Economic Development for the Division of Agriculture, said her team is excited to welcome Norze and his expertise.

“Under Dr. Norze’s leadership, we will strengthen our capacity to better evaluate the impact of Cooperative Extension Service programs and tell our story,” McCullough said.

Norze said evaluation will help more Arkansans benefit from extension’s services.

“I hope my position will help evaluative thinking become the new way of doing business at extension,” Norze said. “This is critical for quality programming and helps us focus on the programs that have greater public value. My position will help foster long-lasting collaborations with our internal and external stakeholders, including community partners, for broader impact. Relationships are key to making extension more effective.”

Norze received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2009 from the Agrarian University of Havana in Cuba. In 2015, he received his Master of Science in Human Resource Development and Leadership from Louisiana State University, where he later received his Ph.D. in Agricultural and Extension Education in 2018.

“I could not be more excited about joining the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s Cooperative Extension Service,” Norze said. “I hope to bring all that I have learned from my previous positions at other land-grant institutions. My colleagues are passionate about their work and eager to learn more about evaluation, which will help them continue improving their programs and achieve greater community change.”

Norze began his new extension role on April 3. He can be reached at jnorze@uada.edu. For more information about Community, Professional and Economic Development, visit uaex.uada.edu/business-communities/default.aspx.

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

Supreme Court WOTUS ruling narrows definition of wetlands, but what about levees?

By John Lovett
University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture
Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling this week narrowed the definition of what is considered “waters of the United States” in the Clean Water Act. But there remains room for discussion on wetlands separated by levees for flood control and dry creek beds, said the National Agricultural Law Center’s Brigit Rollins.

WOTUS RULING —The U.S. Supreme Court's latest WOTUS ruling provides guidance for the EPA to revisit definitions of wetlands subject to the Clean Water Act, says National Agricultural Law Center attorney Brigit Rollins. (U of A System Division of Agriculture photo)

The high court’s opinion on a case out of Idaho, Sackett vs. Environmental Protection Agency, rejected the EPA’s argument that a wetland near Priest Lake on the Sackett's property should be considered “waters of the United States,” or WOTUS, because it did not share a continuous surface connection to the lake. Thus, the court found, the wetland should not be subject to the Clean Water Act, and the Sacketts are now cleared to build their home on the land after 16 years of litigation.

“The EPA is probably going to have to revisit its most recent definition of WOTUS, in no small part because what is in the EPA’s 2023 definition does not comport with what is in this opinion,” Rollins said.

The justices held that the Clean Water Act’s definition of “waters” should be limited to “geographic[al] features that are described in ordinary parlance as ‘streams, oceans, rivers, and lakes’ and to adjacent wetlands that are ‘indistinguishable’ from those bodies of water due to a continuous surface connection.”

Rollins said the opinion gets to the heart of what wetlands can be covered by the Clean Water Act by stating it has to share some kind of continuous surface connection.

However, she said, discussion may remain for narrowing what is considered an “adjacent wetland” if it contains a manmade levee for flood control.

“If it is a wetland that would share a continuous surface water connection with, say, the Mississippi River, if not for a levee … are those now no longer jurisdictional? Questions like this will be left for agencies and lower courts to determine how the opinion is interpreted,” Rollins said.

A question also remains, Rollins said, how the ruling will impact land in Western states that contain dry creek beds, also known as “washes,” that drain into a body of water covered by the Clean Water Act.

Rollins, who specializes in environmental law as it intersects with agriculture, will present a webinar on the recent Supreme Court decision on July 19 as part two of a two-part webinar series from the National Agricultural Law Center. Register for the free webinar by visiting the National Agricultural Law Center website. To watch the recording of the first WOTUS webinar in the series visit the website https://nationalaglawcenter.org/webinars/wotus/.

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.

For information about the National Agricultural Law Center, visit nationalaglawcenter.org or follow @Nataglaw on Twitter. The National Agricultural Law Center is also on Facebook and LinkedIn.

About the National Agricultural Law Center

The National Agricultural Law Center serves as the nation’s leading source of agricultural and food law research and information. The NALC works with producers, state and federal policymakers, Congressional staffers, attorneys, land grant universities, and many others to provide objective, nonpartisan agricultural and food law research and information to the nation’s agricultural community.

The NALC is a unit of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and works in close partnership with the USDA Agricultural Research Service, National Agricultural Library.

Cooperative Extension Service to host artificial insemination training course for cattle producers

By Rebekah Hall
U of A System Division of Agriculture

HOPE, Ark. — For producers interested in improving their cattle through artificial insemination, the Cooperative Extension Service is offering a two-day training course on June 8-9.

UTILIZING AI TECHNOLOGY — For producers interested in improving their cattle through artificial insemination, the Cooperative Extension Service is offering a two-day training course on June 8-9. The workshop will include presentations on nutrition, herd health and record keeping, basic reproductive anatomy and physiology, pregnancy determination methods and more. (Division of Agriculture flyer.)

Charles Looney, extension professor of cattle improvement for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, will lead the workshop. The training runs from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on June 8 and 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on June 9 at the Southwest Research and Extension Center, located at 362 Hwy 174 North in Hope, Arkansas. Registration is $450, which includes lunch on both days. Participants must register by June 5 at uada.formstack.com/beef_cattle_ai.

“The goal of the workshop is to introduce participants to the practice of thawing, loading and inseminating cows with frozen semen from genetically superior bulls,” Looney said. “We have live cows to practice with, and each participant will have the opportunity to learn the art of the procedure.”

The workshop will also include presentations on nutrition, herd health and record keeping, basic reproductive anatomy and physiology, pregnancy determination methods and more. Looney said the training provides important information about the benefits of AI technology for cattle producers.

“Artificial insemination is one of the most underutilized technologies in beef cattle,” Looney said. “Only about 10 percent of overall producers utilize this technology. Beef cattle producers who raise purebred cattle use this more than commercial breeders, mainly because of the labor and improved facilities that are necessary for AI technology to be successful.”

Looney said cattle producers can also benefit from adopting estrous synchronization technology, which involves manipulating females’ estrous cycle so they can be bred earlier, “thus producing higher weaning weight calves when they are older.” By then using AI technology to breed cattle with high genetic merit bulls, Looney said producers can “utilize the best bulls available at reasonable prices.”

Sponsors for the workshop include Premier Select Sires, CattleMax, Nashville Animal Hospital and Purina. For more information, contact Charles Looney at clooney@uada.edu or 870-777-9702.

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

Judge issues temporary restraining order on LEARNS Act; AG appeals

by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

A Pulaski County judge issued a temporary restraining order late Friday (May 26) on the LEARNS Act, Gov. Sarah Sanders’ signature education bill, which is being litigated over whether or not the state legislature properly followed the Arkansas Constitution in voting on an emergency clause for the omnibus law.

The plaintiffs argue both chambers of the General Assembly did not hold separate votes on the bill and the emergency clause. They contend the state constitution calls for separate votes, citing Article 5, Section 1, which says the chambers “shall vote upon separate roll call” and “state the fact which constitutes such emergency.”

In issuing a temporary restraining order, Judge Herb Wright determined that the plaintiffs in the case have a chance to succeed on the merits of their claim (see notes from his ruling at the bottom of this story). His order is only extended through June 20, 2023, when a court hearing is scheduled.

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/05/judge-issues-temporary-restraining-order-on-learns-act-ag-appeals/

UA Little Rock receives $1 million energy grant for cyberattack focus

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

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock received $1 million Tuesday (May 30) to expand its Emerging Threat Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ET-ISAC). The university will use the money in combination with several partners to strengthen protection from cybersecurity attacks in the energy sector.

The project is supported with a $1 million award from the Department of Energy’s Office of Cyber Security, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER).

Through the already operational Forge Institute Emerging Threat Center, the money will enhance collaboration between electric utilities and partners from the energy sector to advance practices in cybersecurity threat sharing throughout the mid-South region of the country.

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/05/ua-little-rock-receives-1-million-energy-grant-for-cyberattack-focus/

Former chairman resigns from Arkansas Medical Board facing scrutiny in state, federal probes

KUAR | By Hunter Field / Arkansas Advocate

Northwest Arkansas psychiatrist Dr. Brian Hyatt resigned from the State Medical Board last week, two months after he stepped down as chairman.

Hyatt’s resignation — confirmed by records obtained under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act — comes as he is under investigation by state and federal authorities.

The scope of the criminal probes is unknown, but court records indicate that investigators in the Arkansas attorney general’s office suspected Hyatt of Medicaid fraud. The U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas also confirmed this week that U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents executed a search warrant at Hyatt’s Rogers office.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2023-05-26/former-chairman-resigns-from-arkansas-medical-board-facing-scrutiny-in-state-federal-probes

Jenny Kane/AP

Masks hang from an IV pole at a hospital.

UA Cossatot Spring 2023 Graduates

UA Cossatot Spring 2023 graduation ceremonies were held recently at the Bank of Lockesburg Historic Gymnasium. A total of 194 students were awarded a range of degrees and certificates. Included in the 194, were 39 students who earned college credit while attending high school in a number of Southwest Arkansas communities. UAC Spring 2023 graduates include:

ALLEENE: Ethan Jones, Certificate of Proficiency: Hydraulics & Pneumatics, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding

AMITY: Eufemia Estrada, Technical Certificate: Accounting, Certificate of Proficiency: Accounting, Technical Certificate: Business Management, Certificate of Proficiency: Business Management

Joseph Galloway, Certificate of Proficiency: Hydraulics & Pneumatics, Technical Certificate: Industrial Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices

Kenyon Turner, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors & Controls, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding

ANTOINE: Jessi Dugger, Technical Certificate: Teaching Assistant, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant

ASHDOWN: Jamie Adams-Smith, Technical Certificate: General Studies, Technical Certificate: Teaching Assistant

Ty Buchanan, Certificate of Proficiency: Hydraulics & Pneumatics, Technical Certificate: Industrial Technology

Logan Fisher, Certificate of Proficiency: Hydraulics & Pneumatics, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding

Michael Wayne Friday, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology, Technical Certificate: Industrial Electricity, Technical Certificate: Industrial Technology, Certificate of Proficiency, Programmable Controls

Zulma Gonzalez, Technical Certificate: Cosmetology

Veronica, Hall, Technical Certificate: General Studies, Associate of General Studies, Associate of Arts: Teaching, Associate of Science: Teaching: K-6

Kenneth Purtell, Technical Certificate: General Studies, Associate of Science: Psychology

Kasie Robinson, Technical Certificate: General Studies, Associate of General Studies, Technical Certificate: Teaching Assistant, Associate of Science: Teaching: K-6

Kimberly Strube, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding

Vonee Thomas, Technical Certificate: Health Professions

Samantha Trotter, Technical Certificate: Health Professions

Emma Wrinkle, Technical Certificate: General Studies, Associate of General Studies, Associate of Arts: Teaching, Technical Certificate: Teaching Assistant, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant, Associate of Science:

Teaching K-6

BROKEN BOW: Jazmayn Johnson, Certificate of Proficiency: GIS Technology

COVE: Ricardo Maldonado, Certificate of Proficiency: Brakes, Suspension & Steering, Certificate of Proficiency: Electrical Systems & Engine Performance

DE QUEEN: Wilber Abarca, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices

Mayra Aguilar, Certificate of Proficiency: Accounting

Jan Aguilar, Certificate of Proficiency: Engine Repair & Climate Control

Deciredh Alvarez, Technical Certificate: General Studies, Associate of General Studies: General Studies

Rodrigo Arroyo, Certificate of Proficiency: TIG Welding, Technical Certificate: Welding

Adolfo Barreto, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: TIG Welding

Saul Barron, Technical Certificate: Automotive & Diesel Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Brakes, Suspension & Steering, Certificate of Proficiency: Electrical Systems & Engine Performance

Arlette Briones, Technical Certificate: Health Professions

Tucker Brown, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: TIG Welding, Technical Certificate: Welding

Cristina Camacho, Technical Certificate: General Studies

Hailey Carter, Technical Certificate: Health Professions

Karla Castro, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding, Certificate of Proficiency, SMAW Welding

Clyde Chandler, Certificate of Proficiency: Hydraulics & Pneumatics, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors & Controls

Jose Cortes, Certificate of Proficiency: TIG Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: Accounting

Kaylee Coto, Certificate of Proficiency: Accounting, Technical Certificate: General Studies

Miranda Coto, Associate of General Studies, General Studies, Associate of Arts: Liberal Arts, Associate of Arts: Teaching, Technical Certificate: Teaching Assistant, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant, Associate of Science: Teaching: K-6

Jera, Cotten, Technical Certificate: Health Professions

Ismael Cristobal, Technical Certificate: Health Professions

Abisai De Jesus, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology, Technical Certificate: Industrial Electricity, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: Programmable Controls, Certificate of Proficiency: TIG Welding

Jorge Delgado Ocampo, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding

Kevin Denova, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors & Controls, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding

Laura Dooley, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant

Shawn Eastman, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding

Oscar Fernandez, Technical Certificate: Pipe Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe Welding GTAW, Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe Welding SMAW Stainless Steel

Edgar Ferretiz, Technical Certificate: Pipe Welding, Certificate of Proficiency, Pipe Welding GTAW, Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe Welding SMAW Stainless Steel

Kayla Fuller, Technical Certificate: Health Professions

Edith Garcia, Technical Certificate: General Studies, Associate of Arts: Liberal Arts, Associate of General Studies

Edwin Garcia, Certificate of Proficiency: TIG Welding

Ercilia Gomez, Technical Certificate: General Studies

Dieon Gonzalez, Certificate of Proficiency: Engine Repair & Climate Control

Carlos Gonzalez Rodriguez, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices

Angie Hernandez, Technical Certificate: General Studies, Associate of General Studies, Associate of Arts: Teaching, Technical Certificate: Teaching Assistant, Associate of Science: Teaching K-6

Esmeralda Hernandez, Associate of General Studies, Technical Certificate: General Studies, Associate of Arts: Liberal Arts, Associate of Science: STEM

Johnathan Hernandez, Technical Certificate: Health Professions

Manuel Hernandez, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: TIG Welding, Technical Certificate: Welding

Victor Hernandez, Associate of General Studies, Associate of Arts: Liberal Arts

Allen Hong, Associate of General Studies, Associate of Arts, Liberal Arts

Ashley Johnson, Technical Certificate: General Studies, Associate of General Studies, Associate of Arts: Liberal Arts, Associate of Arts: Teaching, Technical Certificate: Teaching Assistant, Associate of Science: Teaching K-6,

Irata Kelen, Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe Welding GMAW/FCAW, Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe Welding SMAW

Maximino Lemus, Associate of General Studies: General Studies, Associate of Arts: Liberal Arts

Erick Loredo, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: TIG Welding

Magdalena Lugo, Associate of General Studies, General Studies, Associate of Arts: Liberal Arts

Jair Marrufo, Certificate of Proficiency: Hydraulics & Pneumatics, Technical Certificate: Industrial Technology

Giovanni Mendez, Technical Certificate: Accounting

Yandel Mendez, Certificate of Proficiency: Engine Repair & Climate Control

Dair Mendoza, Certificate of Proficiency: Electrical Systems & Engine Performance

Aldon Moreno-Cruz, Technical Certificate: Pipe Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe Welding GTAW, Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe Welding SMAW Stainless Steel

Alexander Mosqueda, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding, Certificate of Proficiency, TIG Welding, Technical Certificate: Welding

Ariana Ortiz, Associate of General Studies

Alex Pacheco, Technical Certificate: Pipe Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe Welding GTAW, Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe Welding SMAW Stainless Steel

Steven Peppers, Certificate of Proficiency: Engine Repair & Climate Control

Fernando Perez, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding

Timothy Pham, Technical Certificate: General Studies, Associate of General Studies, Associate of Arts: Liberal Arts

Elijah Ramirez, Certificate of Proficiency: Engine Repair & Climate Control

Sebastian Ramirez, Certificate of Proficiency: Engine Repair & Climate Control

Jorty Ramirez, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding

Vorian Rehm, Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe Welding GMAW/FCAW, Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe Welding SMAW

Luke Rogers, Certificate of Proficiency: TIG Welding, De Queen Technical Certificate: Welding

Eric Rojo, Certificate of Proficiency: Engine Repair & Climate Control

Allan San Juan, Certificate of Proficiency: Engine Repair & Climate Control

Misael Sanches, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Hydraulics & Pneumatics, Technical Certificate: Industrial Electricity, Certificate of Proficiency: Programmable Controls

Joshua Servante, Technical Certificate: Accounting, Associate of Applied Science: General Business

Joshua Soto, Technical Certificate: Health Professions

Bryan Tapia, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding

Ulyses Tepozotlan, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors & Controls

Ivan Trejo, Certificate of Proficiency: Hydraulics & Pneumatics, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors & Controls

Jackson Walker, Certificate of Proficiency: Engine Repair & Climate Control, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding

Jadeyn Walker, Technical Certificate: General Studies, Associate of General Studies

Gage Woods, Certificate of Proficiency: Hydraulics & Pneumatics

Olivia Yandell, Technical Certificate: General Studies, Associate of General Studies, Associate of Science: Middle Level Education, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant

DIERKS: Nancy Diaz, Technical Certificate: Health Professions

Kaytlynn Franklin, Technical Certificate: General Studies, Associate of General Studies

Haylin Halcombe, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant

Justin Jackson Technical Certificate: General Studies, Associate of General Studies, Associate of Arts: Liberal Arts

Kimberly McCauley, Associate of Science: Business, Associate of General Studies, General Studies, Associate of Science: Psychology, Associate of Science: STEM

Gary Robey, Technical Certificate: Health Professions

William Sirmon, Certificate of Proficiency: Hydraulics & Pneumatics, Technical Certificate: Industrial Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices

Allison Strasner, Technical Certificate: General Studies, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant

Abigale Thomas, Associate of General Studies: General Studies

Jayda Young, Technical Certificate: General Studies, Associate of General Studies, Associate of Arts: Liberal Arts

FOREMAN: Caroline Beasley, Technical Certificate: Health Professions

Zackery Carver, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology, Technical Certificate: Industrial Electricity, Technical Certificate: Industrial Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Programmable Controls, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding

Daniel Eyraud, Associate of Science: STEM,

Chase Gross, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology, Technical Certificate: Industrial Electricity, Technical Certificate: Industrial Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Programmable Controls, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding

Landon Lansdell, Certificate of Proficiency: Hydraulics & Pneumatics, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors & Controls

Jessica Mustin, Technical Certificate: General Studies, Associate of General Studies

GARVIN, OK: Hannah Honey, Technical Certificate: Agriculture, Certificate of Proficiency: GIS Technology

GILLHAM: Joaquin Ambriz, Certificate of Proficiency: Engine Repair & Climate Control

Colton Brantley, Technical Certificate: Health Professions

Kasey Frachiseur, Technical Certificate: General Studies, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant

Kevin Hernandez, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding

Jasey Loredo, Technical Certificate: Health Professions

GLENWOOD: Keaton Cox, Technical Certificate: General Studies, Associate of General Studies, Certificate of Proficiency: GIS Technology, Associate of Science: Natural Resources

Isai Felix, Certificate of Proficiency: Accounting

Traemichael Samuel, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Hydraulics & Pneumatics, Technical Certificate: Industrial Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices

GRANNIS: James Brinkley, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding

Kayla Richardson, Technical Certificate: General Studies, Associate of General Studies, General Studies, Associate of Arts: Liberal Arts

HORATIO: Johnathan Allen, Certificate of Proficiency: Engine Repair & Climate Control

Melissa Arellano, Associate of General Studies

William Bradford, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding

Carson, Bright Technical Certificate: General Studies, Associate of General Studies, Associate of Arts: Liberal Arts

Jose Carbajal, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding

Carrie Foreman, Technical Certificate: General Studies, Technical Certificate: Teaching Assistant, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant

Bryan Hernandez, Certificate of Proficiency: Hydraulics & Pneumatics

Joseph Johnson, Certificate of Proficiency: Brakes, Suspension & Steering

Nicholas Marsden, Certificate of Proficiency: Hydraulics & Pneumatics, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors & Controls

Kevin Quiroz, Certificate of Proficiency: Hydraulics & Pneumatics

Roberto Villeda Jr., Associate of Applied Science: General Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe Welding SMAW Stainless Steel

JACKSONVILLE: Esmerelda, Johnson, Associate of Science: Criminal Justice, Technical Certificate: General Studies

KIRBY: Jolie Brewer, Technical Certificate: General Studies, Associate of General Studies, Associate of Arts: Liberal Arts

LOCKESBURG: Nechelle Bell, Technical Certificate: Health Professions

Ethan Clay, Certificate of Proficiency: Hydraulics & Pneumatics, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding

Sabrina Cooke, Technical Certificate: Cosmetology

Cesar Cortes Espinoza, Certificate of Proficiency: Electrical Systems & Engine Performance, Certificate of Proficiency: Engine Repair & Climate Control

Shalamar Dinger, Certificate of Proficiency: Accounting

Emma Gilbert, Technical Certificate: General Studies, Associate of General Studies

Harley Grooms, Certificate of Proficiency: Brakes, Suspension & Steering

Zane Moore, Certificate of Proficiency: Emergency Medical Technology

Brooklyn Roberts, Technical Certificate: General Studies

Daven Rodriguez, Certificate of Proficiency: Engine Repair & Climate Control

Valerie Smith, Certificate of Proficiency: GIS Technology

Arrionna Stout, Technical Certificate: General Studies, Associate of General Studies, Associate of Arts: Liberal Arts, Associate of Science: Psychology, Associate of Science: STEM

MENA: Cash Parker, Certificate of Proficiency: Brakes, Suspension & Steering, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding

Heather Peterson, Certificate of Proficiency: Brakes, Suspension & Steering

MINERAL SPRINGS: Diana Garcia, Technical Certificate: Health Professions

Alan Hernandez, Certificate of Proficiency: Hydraulics & Pneumatics, Technical Certificate: Industrial Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices

Marco Jimenez, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors & Controls

Cristian Perez, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding, Certificate of Proficiency, SMAW Welding

Keon Piggee, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding

X'aivier Reed, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant

Rashonda Vaughn, Technical Certificate: Health Professions

LaToya Vaughn, Associate of Science: Psychology

MURFREESBORO: JohnAaron Legate, Certificate of Proficiency: Hydraulics & Pneumatics, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors & Controls

NASHVILLE: Gavin Anderson, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding

Gloria Avila, Associate of General Studies: General Studies

Cesar Barajas, Certificate of Proficiency: Brakes, Suspension & Steering

James Brockman, Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe Welding GMAW/FCAW, Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe Welding

Gilberto, Bustos Jr. , Technical Certificate , Teaching Assistant, Nashville

Esmeralda Camacho, Certificate of Proficiency: Accounting, Associate of Science: Business, Technical Certificate: General Studies

Isai Camacho, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: TIG Welding, Technical Certificate: Welding

Klair Castleberry, Technical Certificate: General Studies

Aiden Chapman, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: TIG Welding, Technical Certificate: Welding

Reagan Cooley, Technical Certificate: General Studies

Garrett Ewing, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding

Emily Glass, Certificate of Proficiency: Accounting, Associate of Science: Business, Technical Certificate: General Studies

Tyler Gordan, Technical Certificate: General Studies

Jerry Hernandez, Technical Certificate: General Studies

Megan Huffman, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant

Isaac Jamison, Certificate of Proficiency: Emergency Medical Technology

Jackson King, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology, Technical Certificate: Industrial Electricity, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors & Controls, Certificate of Proficiency: Programmable Controls

Matthew McGilberry, Technical Certificate: General Studies, Associate of General Studies, Associate of Arts: Liberal Arts

Jessica Medina-Frias, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant

Yerania Neri-Garcia, Certificate of Proficiency: Accounting

Zayda Orozco, Associate of Science: Criminal Justice, Technical Certificate: General Studies

Kortlan Parker, Certificate of Proficiency: TIG Welding, Technical Certificate: Welding

Hayden Patrick, Certificate of Proficiency: TIG Welding

Mia Phan, Technical Certificate: General Studies, Associate of General Studies

Litzy Pizarro, Technical Certificate: General Studies

Autumn Reed, Technical Certificate: General Studies

Candice Schooley, Associate of General Studies

Mark Sillavan, Certificate of Proficiency: Hydraulics & Pneumatics, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding

Mason Sillavan, Certificate of Proficiency: Hydraulics & Pneumatics, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices,

Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding

Shaniah Stephens, Technical Certificate: Health Professions

Alexa Turner, Technical Certificate: General Studies, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant

Wiley Washburn, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding

Weston White, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding

Kyrell Williams, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: TIG Welding, Technical Certificate: Welding

Brenden Woodall, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: TIG Welding, Technical Certificate: Welding

Haley Wright, Technical Certificate: Agriculture, Associate of Science: Agriculture Science, Certificate of Proficiency: GIS Technology

NEWHOPE: Austin Greenwood, Technical Certificate: General Studies

OZAN: Heather Castle, Certificate of Proficiency: Accounting

Daleigh Morris, Technical Certificate: General Studies, Associate of General Studies, Associate of Arts: Liberal Arts

TEXARKANA: Kayla Baker, Technical Certificate: General Studies, Associate of General Studies

Crystal Hamilton, Technical Certificate: General Studies

Robert Haworth, Associate of Science: Teaching: K-6, Associate of General Studies, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant

UMPIRE: Jenna Bray, Technical Certificate: General Studies, Associate of General Studies, Associate of Arts: Liberal Arts

WICKES: Vanessa, Smith, Certificate of Proficiency: Accounting

WINTHROP: April Klitz, Associate of Science: Agri Business, Technical Certificate: Agriculture, Associate of Science: Agriculture Science, Technical Certificate: General Studies, Technical Certificate: Health Professions

Riley Martin, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology, Technical Certificate: Industrial Electricity, Technical Certificate: Industrial Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Programmable Controls

UA Cossatot Spring 2023 Honor Students

UA Cossatot’s Office of the Registrar recently released the Spring 2023 Chancellor’s List, Vice Chancellor’s List, and Spring 2023 Honor Graduates

51 students were named to the Chancellor’s List, maintaining a minimum of 4.0 semester GPA while taking a minimum of twelve college credit hours. 48 students were named on the Vice Chancellor’s list, maintaining a minimum of a 3.5 semester GPA while taking a minimum of twelve college credit hours.

In addition, 64 members of the Spring 2023 class graduated with honors. To earn Summa Cum Laude honors, graduates must attain a grade point average of 3.90–4.00. Summa Cum Laude graduates include: Caroline Beasley, Jenna Bray, Jolie Brewer, Isai Camacho, Klair Castleberry, Sabrina Cooke, Cesar Cortes Espinoza, Nancy Diaz, Edgar Ferretiz, Emma Gilbert, Zulma Gonzalez, Jonathan Hernandez, Allen Hong, Esmeralda Johnson, Jasey Laredo, Kimberly McCauley, Ariana Ortiz, Alex Pacheco, Kayla Richardson, Joshua Servante, and Arrionna Stout.

Magna Cum Laude honors were bestowed upon those students earning a grade point average of 3.75-3.89. Magna Cum Laude graduates include: Saul Barron, Jera Cotten, Jessi Duggar, Oscar Fernandez, Tyler Gordon, Robert Haworth, Alan Hernandez, Bryan Hernandez, Jackson King, Riley Martin, Daleigh Morris, Alexander Mosqueda, and Vonee Thomas.

Cum Laude graduates earned a grade point average of 3.50-3.74. Cum Laude graduates include: Carson Bright, Ty Buchanan, Esmeralda Camacho, Hailey Carter, Reagan Cooley, Miranda Coto, Abisai De Jesus, Daniel Eyraud, Joseph Galloway, Edith Garcia, Angie Hernandez, Manuel Hernandez, Esmeralda Hernandez, Victor Hernandez, Hannah Honey, Maximino Lemus, Jessica Mustin, Kortlan Parker, Timothy Pham, Litzy Pizarro, Kenneth Purtell, Brooklyn Roberts, Kasie Robinson, Luke Rogers, William Sirmon, Allison Strasner, Latoya Vaughn, Kyrell Williams, Haley Wright, and Emma Wrinkle.

UA Cossatot Spring 2023 Chancellor’s List:

AMITY: Anna Sutton, Brayden Taylor

ASHDOWN: Ty Buchanan, Michala Scarborough, Meagan Toliver, Charli Tompkins, Isabella Woolfley

BRYAN: Alexis Zarate-Hernandez

COVE: Deantha Gibbons, Katelyn McLain

DE QUEEN: Kylie Bailey, Elise Dean, Kevin Denova, Litzi Flores, Jacelyn Pham, Elaina Rivas, Jamileth Rueada, Nancy Santiago, Rachel Servante, McKenzie Simpson, Kobe Stafford, Jayme Barnes

DIERKS: Nancy Diaz, Kevin Herrington, Kayden Turner

FOREMAN: Landon Lansdell

GILLHAM: Angelica Aguilar, Kasey Frachiseur

GLENWOOD: Katie Clinton, Lauren Fortner, Knighten Richter, Emily Teague

HORATIO: Joseph Johnson, Nicholas Marsden, Saranenkhjin Williams

KIRBY: Montana Cook

LANGLEY: Taylor Kelley

LOCKESBURG: Lauren Carver, Trayton Carver, Jasie Miller, Charlisha Smith

MINERAL SPRINGS: Alan Hernandez, Kendyll McKinney

MURFREESBORO: Tammie Summers

NASHVILLE: Isai Camacho, Jessica Medina-Frias, Grace Myers, Kierstan Priddy, Karissa Ragland, Emily Wallis, Clair Castleberry

UA Cossatot Spring 2023 Vice Chancellor’s List:

AMITY: Kenyon Turner

ASHDOWN: Sara Bowman, Faith Green, Ashlynn Johnston, Thomas Ringgold, Candace McGee

BUCKNER: Abby Clark

DE QUEEN: Adolfo Barreto, Clyde Chandler, Kaylee Coto, Shawn Eastman, Cindy Maldonado, Jair Marrufo, Jesus Marrufo, Diego Martinez, Esperanza Martinez, Duran Morales, America

Quintana, Vorian Rehm, Alejandra Rodriguez, Carlos Rodriguez, Ana Servante, Kenlee ward, Gage Woods, Hernandez Vizueth

DIERKS: Jaiden Jackson, Kitreena Russell, William Sirmon, Misti Eudy

HORATIO: Demi Leonard

KIRBY: Easton Taylor

MENA: Heath Peterson

MURFREESBORO: Mackenzie Epperly, Johnaaron Legate, Jay Stuard, Jacey Saldona

NASHVILLE: James Brockman, Katie Cochran, Cynthia Herrara, Jenna Hostetler, Jennifer Medina-Frias, Lauren Mounts, Samuel Rodgers

OZAN: Heather Castle

TEXARKANA: Heather Cloud, Kimberly Leverett

WICKES: Emily Whisenhunt

###

The University of Arkansas Cossatot is a community college in Southwest Arkansas accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Offering technical certification and Associate degrees, UAC also collaborates with other colleges and universities to offer bachelor's degrees on its three campuses. UAC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution in compliance with the Higher Education Act of 1965 and other Civil Rights laws and offers equal opportunity for admission and employment. Employment preference is given to applicants possessing a Career Readiness Certificate (CRC) with all other qualifications being equal. Programs and activities of UAC are provided to all students without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, Vietnam era veteran or special disabled veteran status, or sex. Questions or concerns regarding affirmative action can be directed to the Compliance Officer, c/o UA Cossatot, 183 College Drive, De Queen, AR 71832. For Arkansas RELAY Voiced Services call 711 or 800-285-1121. Visit www.cccua.edu for more information.

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

Our state has a deep-rooted history of patriotism and sacrifice. In World War II, nearly 10% of our population at the time served our country in the various branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. More than 3,500 were killed as a result of combat.

Arkansans continued to answer the call to serve.  461 Arkansans lost their lives in the Korean War.  592 died in Vietnam.  We lost 4 of our own in Desert Storm.  More than 90 Arkansans died while serving in either Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation New Dawn.

On Memorial Day, we will pay tribute to these heroes, whose courageous spirit continues to inspire generations. Regardless of our differences, Memorial Day unites us in a common purpose, to honor the memory of our fallen and express gratitude for the liberty they fought to protect.

We can honor their memory by gathering at parades and memorials and by sharing their stories their stories of bravery.

We can also recognize their sacrifice by taking care of their comrades who served. The Arkansas General Assembly has worked to support military families and veterans year round. In 2017, the General Assembly exempted military retirement benefits from state income tax. This year, we expanded school choice options for military families and passed legislation designed to remove more red-tape from the occupational licensing process for military members and their families. We also passed legislation seeking to have veteran disability benefits excluded as income for eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by directing DHS to seek a federal waiver.

In addition, we established June 12 as Women Veterans Day in Arkansas.

Our work to improve the lives of our military families and veterans will continue.

The Gold Star Family Memorial Monument is located directly behind our State Capitol and reminds us daily of the Arkansas families who sacrificed more than most. Our hearts are with them this weekend. May we all live lives worthy of their sacrifice.

Texas-to-Arkansas summer externship to bolster ag research, food science jobs

By Brittaney Mann
U of A System Division of Agriculture

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Entomologist Rupesh Kariyat developed a summer externship program with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to empower Hispanic student researchers of agriculture and food science.

AG FOOD LIFE — Rupesh Kariyat, associate professor of crop entomology for the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, will lead an externship program with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. (U of A System Division of Agriculture photo by Fred Miller)

The project aims to provide students the training necessary to work in agriculture. Kariyat, associate professor of crop entomology for the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, received a $481,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates program to fund the summer externship for three years.

The Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station is the research arm of the Division of Agriculture. Kariyat also works with the Cooperative Extension Service and teaches courses through the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences.

Kariyat said he was inspired to develop this program for two primary reasons: alleviating the shortage of skilled people in agriculture and food sciences jobs and addressing the underrepresentation of Hispanic people in those fields.

“I am looking forward to seeing that the students have a great experience — the best experience so far in their career,” Kariyat said.

Six to eight undergraduate students who are two years into a biology, chemistry or environmental science program will attend the University of Arkansas summer session in Fayetteville. The program will pay for travel and any tuition costs, and students will receive a $4,000 stipend for their work. The grant also provides funds for collaborating faculty members to receive a small stipend and purchase supplies.

Kariyat is collaborating with Bradley Christoffersen, assistant professor in the department of biology at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Christoffersen will receive $30,000 of the grant as a stipend for his work to help with recruitment and to fund an orientation for the students before they leave Texas.

Kariyat originally designed the grant program while at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. When he joined the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station in 2022, he adapted the grant to Arkansas while maintaining the parts he thought were most important.

“I thought it would be a good idea to keep the core idea of the grant impact, which is to empower Hispanic students,” Kariyat said. 

An undergraduate research opportunity

Students will work Monday through Friday, from May 22 to July 28, to complete a short-term research project in the lab of their choosing with collaborating faculty members.

Kariyat said he hopes the research and data that students generate will lead to a research poster or even be part of a research manuscript. “That would be helpful for the students, so some science comes out of it, interpersonal relationships, exposure for the students and myself. All these things.”

Kariyat said he also hopes that the students will consider the university for graduate school after spending a summer at the University of Arkansas.

Arkansas faculty collaborators for the year 2023 include:

• Emily McDermott, assistant professor of entomology and plant pathology

• Asia Kud, assistant professor of entomology and plant pathology

• Neel Joshi, associate professor of entomology and plant pathology

• Adnan Alrubaye, assistant professor of poultry science and biological sciences

• Rupesh Kariyat, associate professor of entomology and plant pathology

• Alejandro Rojas, assistant professor of entomology and plant pathology

Kariyat said he thinks this undergraduate opportunity may parallel his experience joining the Division of Agriculture.

“I was amazed by the Division of Agriculture and all these resources that we have,” Kariyat said reflecting on when he attended a faculty orientation program, the “Teaching, Research and Extension Awareness Training” program under the leadership of Nathan McKinney, associate vice president for agriculture and assistant director of the experiment station.

“I am also looking forward to meeting with all these different faculty and different programs on campus,” Kariyat said. “I hope that this will lead into more interactions for me and others together, and then maybe it will lead into writing more grants like this.”

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.

Poultry house of tomorrow online today for Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station

By John Lovett
University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture
Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. —  The poultry house of tomorrow is ready for research at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s Milo J. Shult Agricultural Research and Extension Center.

SMART FARM — Industry partners walk through the Poultry Science Smart Farming Research Facility at the Milo J. Shult Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Fayetteville. (U of A System Division of Agriculture photo by Fred Miller)

The Poultry Science Smart Farming Research Facility was designed to provide innovations in precision poultry production and to train students. The facility has integrated systems that collect data on water and feed intake and climate conditions inside the house. The “smart farm” is connected to a cloud-based data storage service that is updated every 15 minutes for quick analysis through an app.

Internet-connected sensors allow researchers to analyze how birds perform at certain house temperatures and even order feed when the bin is low. The nearly 16,000-square-foot facility has floor pens equipped with commercially relevant rearing equipment.

A grand opening of the Poultry Science Smart Farming Research Facility was held on May 15 for industry partners who contributed funding and in-kind donations to build the state-of-the-art facility for broiler research, poultry science education and outreach.

A groundbreaking was held in November 2021.

The facility was made possible through a generous donation from Aviagen; equipment gifts from Reliable Poultry, Diversified Ag, MTech Systems and D&F Equipment; and matching funding from Tyson Foods, along with infrastructure funds from the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station.

“As a land-grant university, we have a three-part mission that we are mandated to cover — research, extension and education — and when I look at this facility and what it embraces, it covers all three parts of that overall land-grant mission,” said Deacue Fields, vice president-agriculture for the University of Arkansas System and head of the Division of Agriculture.

Speaking to a crowd of about 40 people, mostly industry partners, Fields said the project exemplified the Division of Agriculture’s core values of integrity, collaboration, accountability, relevance, and excellence.

“When you compete, there is a winner, and a loser. When you collaborate, there are winners on all sides. And that’s what we are trying to do here,” Fields said. “In times where budgets are tight, there is no way we could have even approached building this facility without partnership and collaboration, and we really appreciate what that means to the Division of Agriculture, our researchers, our students and the state.”

Fields said the facility would help maintain the poultry industry as the state’s No. 1 agricultural commodity and the state’s position as a top poultry producer in the nation.

“There’s no question that this facility is the most sophisticated poultry research facility in our state, and some of the elements are unique to universities,” said Jean-François Meullenet, director of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station and senior associate vice president for agriculture-research for the University of Arkansas System. “That should position us very well with leading research in poultry production and nutrition and allow for quick adoption of our research findings by the industry.”

Industry support

Dave Caldwell, director of the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science and head of the department of poultry science, said the project started with Tyson Foods in 2017 with support to renovate seven facilities. Aviagen stepped forward to match the required funding to complete the smart farm. Caldwell said Reliable Poultry agreed to collaborate early in the project's development by donating all the rearing equipment, such as feeders and waterers.

Caldwell expressed his appreciation to the industry partners and how the facility will impact the state’s poultry industry.

“We're excited to bring this project to fruition and this facility online,” Caldwell said. “There is a lot of advanced technology in the house. It's going to allow us to collect data rapidly, in real-time, and analyze data quickly.

“That’s a major impact for our research program, but also, it's going to allow us to train our students and expose them to a lot of modern technology going into poultry houses,” Caldwell said.

Chip Miller, senior vice president of live operations for Tyson Foods, said the Arkansas-based company has a long history with the Division of Agriculture in research, teaching and collaboration and sees the facility as “the way of the future.”

“The technology and data this state-of-the-art facility can provide will help us continuously improve our processes and give us the tools to move the poultry industry into the future,” Miller said.

Bryan Fancher, group vice president of Global Technical Operations for Aviagen, said the company officially sponsored the project in February 2020 following a September 2018 meeting with Division of Agriculture administrators. He said they sought help with a new broiler research house to do floor-pen research and accommodate a wide range of experimental designs.

“We were interested in that idea, but we also thought we’d like to do something different that not all of the poultry science departments have out there,” Fancher said. “So, we switched to thinking about having smart-farm capabilities, even beyond the research, as a training bed for students to learn these technologies they’re going to have to deal with once they get into the industry.”

Fancher called it a “cutting-edge facility” that will expose students to new technologies and help outreach and “enhance capacity in several research focus areas, including broiler nutrition, management, welfare, and environmental quality.

“We look forward to seeing a lot of creativity and innovation prosper here,” Fancher said.

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.

Gov. Sanders makes appointments to boards, commissions

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

Governor Sarah Sanders announced the following appointments to boards and commissions:

Arkansas State Board of Public Accountancy
Barrett Belew, of Little Rock, to the Arkansas State Board of Public Accountancy. Term expires on August 17, 2026. Fulfills the remaining term of Ronald Pitts.

Megan Turner, of Little Rock, to the Arkansas State Board of Public Accountancy. Term expires on August 17, 2027. Replaces Deana Infield.

Don Curdie, of Little Rock, to the Arkansas State Board of Public Accountancy. Term expires on August 17, 2023. Replaces Kevin Canfield.

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/05/gov-sanders-makes-appointments-to-boards-commissions/

Feral swine to be a problem in state for the ‘foreseeable future’

by George Jared (gjared@talkbusiness.net)

No one knows for sure when swine were first brought to the New World, but it’s believed that Spanish explorers and settlers brought pigs as a food source. When some of these free-range pigs escaped, they became feral, and the phenomenon of the feral swine was born.

Through the years, these feral swine have moved into at least 35 states, including Arkansas. In the late 1990s, wild pigs were a minor problem in southern Arkansas, but ag scientist Dr. Greg Mathis began to warn colleagues that feral swine could become a serious problem in the decades to come. He was right.

There are now at least 200,000 feral swine roaming the Natural State, Dr. Becky McPeake told Talk Business & Politics. A professor and wildlife specialist for the University of Arkansas Agriculture Extension, McPeake said feral swine cause more than $41 million in damages in Arkansas annually, according to recent U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates. The hogs cause more than $2 billion damage a year nationwide.

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/05/feral-swine-to-be-a-problem-in-state-for-the-foreseeable-future/

Arkansas Governor Sander's Proclamation on Arkansas Beef Month

WHEREAS:  Agriculture is Arkansas’ largest industry and contributes over $19 billion to our state’s economy each year; 
 
WHEREAS:  Arkansas has cattle production in each of Arkansas’ 75 counties; 
 
WHEREAS:  Arkansas has 866,000 head of beef cows and 1,630,000 head of cattle and calves; 
 
WHEREAS:  Arkansas has 23,036 farms with beef cows and 25,372 farms with cattle and calves; 
 
WHEREAS:  Arkansas ranks 11th in the nation in beef cow inventory and 17th in the nation in cattle and calves inventory; 
 
WHEREAS:  Cattle and calves consistently rank among Arkansas’ top eight agricultural commodities in cash receipts, valued at more than $524 million; 
 
WHEREAS:  Arkansas exports beef and beef products totaling more than $76 million dollars to trading partners around the world; and
 
WHEREAS: Beef is a good source of high-quality protein and other essential nutrients including iron and zinc.
 
NOW, THEREFORE, I, SARAH HUCKABEE SANDERS, Governor of the State of Arkansas, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the laws of the State of Arkansas, do hereby proclaim May 2023 as
 

“ARKANSAS BEEF MONTH”

 
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Arkansas to be affixed this 27th day of April, in the year of our Lord 2023.