Cotton: Biden's original Houthi decision shows his weak leadership

U.S. Senator Tom Cotton

Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released the following statement after reports emerged that the Biden administration is expected to redesignate Yemen’s Houthis as a terrorist group, after previously removing the terrorist designation in 2021:

“The Houthi rebels are trained and armed by the terrorist wing of Iran’s army. And they chant ‘Death to America’ while attacking American sailors and global trade. Removing them from the list of terror organizations was a deadly mistake and another failed attempt to appease the Ayatollah.

“Joe Biden’s weakness and poor judgement continues to put our security at risk.”

WIC Use Decreased During and After COVID-19

By David Wise

LITTLE ROCK — Researchers at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) found significant declines in WIC participation during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a study published in the American Journal of Public Health.

The researchers — led by student-researcher and UAMS College of Medicine student Savannah Busch — measured changes in participation in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) among more than 10 million Medicaid-covered births across the United States between 2016 and 2022. During this time period, researchers found that participation in WIC went from 66.6% to 57.9%.

In addition to significant declines in WIC participation during and after the pandemic, researchers discovered even greater reductions in the program’s participation among individuals of minority race/ethnicity.

WIC Use Decreased During and After COVID-19

Arkansas schools compress salary schedules in response to LEARNS Act

KUAR | By Antoinette Grajeda / Arkansas Advocate

From the Arkansas Advocate:

Nearly a third of Arkansas school districts no longer offer pay increases for experience or additional education, an immediate result of a new state law that increased the minimum teacher salary to $50,000 a year.

The LEARNS Act increased Arkansas’ minimum teacher salary from $36,000 to $50,000 and requires all teachers to receive at least a $2,000 raise for the 2023-2024 academic year.

The law also eliminated the state’s minimum salary schedule, which required pay increases for teachers with more education and experience. But districts must create a salary schedule to receive state funding that assists with the additional teacher compensation.

Arkansas schools compress salary schedules in response to LEARNS Act

Cristina Spano For NPR

Arkansas 4-H Foundation creates Bragg Family Memorial Scholarship Fund

By Tracy Courage
U of A System Division of Agriculture

LITTLE ROCK — A member of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture family and her husband and children who died suddenly in December will be memorialized by the Arkansas 4-H Foundation.

BRAGGS — The Bragg Family Memorial Scholarship Fund honors Hope and Don Bragg and their children. (UADA photo)

The foundation has created a scholarship in memory of Hope and Don Bragg, as well as their son Kenny, 22, and daughter, Elizabeth, 19. The four died December 30 in a house explosion while visiting family in Michigan. Their son Stephen, 16, and Hope’s father, Richard Pruden, survived.

On Friday, the Division of Agriculture announced a $5,000 donation to the fund.

The Bragg Family Memorial Scholarship Fund honors Hope Bragg who was a 4-H STEM instructor with the Division of Agriculture’s Cooperative Extension Service. Her husband Don was a project leader for the U.S. Forest Service with an office at the University of Arkansas at Monticello.

“I want to thank John Thomas and the 4-H Foundation for quickly establishing a scholarship in honor of Hope and the Bragg Family,” said Deacue Fields, head of the Division of Agriculture. “This scholarship will honor their memory for years to come by helping young people achieve their college goals.”

The Braggs were beloved by friends and co-workers, many of whom have donated to the fund. With the Division’s gift of $5,000, the foundation has now raised $16,000, said John Thomas, the foundation’s managing director. The foundation needs $25,000 to endow the fund, so that scholarships can be awarded from interest earned on the money while preserving the capital, he said.

“Losing a beloved colleague so suddenly has been a shock to all of our 4-H, extension and Division of Agriculture family,” said John Anderson, director of the Cooperative Extension Service. “We all wanted to do something that would honor the Bragg family and their love for Arkansas 4-H, education and particularly the sciences. We hope this scholarship will enable 4-H members to further their education and pursue their own passions for the sciences.”

The scholarship will be awarded annually to an Arkansas 4-H member high school senior who plans to pursue a college degree in natural resources or in the science, technology, engineering and math fields. Archaeology will also be an eligible field of study.

Both Hope and Don were members of the Arkansas Archaeological Society, and their son Kenny was on track to graduate this spring with an archeology degree from Michigan Tech. Their daughter, Beth, was a freshman at the University of Arkansas, and Hope was pursuing a Ph.D.

"This is our way of ensuring that the passions these Bragg family members had for 4-H will not only be remembered but also will be passed on to future generations of Arkansas 4-H youth," Thomas said.

Both Hope and Don shared a profound love of education.

“They were both so focused on educating youth,” said Debbie Nistler, assistant vice president for 4-H Youth Development with the Division of Agriculture. “If you had the opportunity to see either one of them work with youth, you couldn’t help but get excited. We want to make their passion for education a legacy.”

For more information about the Arkansas 4-H Foundation and the scholarship, visit https://www.arkansas4hfoundation.org.

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. 

Four States Ag Expo set for Feb. 8

By Tracy Courage
U of A System Division of Agriculture

TEXARKANA, Ark. – Growers and producers from Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma will find the latest research-based information on row crops, livestock and forages, forestry, horticulture, integrated pest management, pollinators, mushrooms and more at the Four States Ag Expo on Feb. 8.

EXPO TIME — The Four States Ag Expo in Texarkana brings together ag industry professionals from Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma. (UADA graphic)

The expo is scheduled from 8:30 a.m.–3:15 p.m. at the Four States Fairgrounds, 3700 E. 50th St. in Texarkana. The event is a joint project of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Experts from both agencies will host workshops throughout the day.

 “We’ll be offering a variety of educational sessions to help our growers and producers learn best practices for their operations,” said Jennifer Caraway, Miller County extension staff chair and one of the organizers. “It’s also a great time to network with others in the agriculture industry.”

Organizers are expecting 350 attendees, Caraway said. She and Arkansas extension agents in Lafayette, Little River, Miller, Sevier, Polk, Howard and Hempstead counties served on the expo planning committee along with agents from Bowie, Morris, Cass and Red River counties in northeastern Texas.

“We’re proud to partner with Texas A& M AgriLife Extension on this event that has been growing in scope for the past several years,” said John Anderson, director of the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service. “Our collaboration helps us both of our agencies get research and resources for best practices into the hands of those who make their living in the agriculture industry.”

The expo is free, open to the public and includes a hamburger lunch. Texas Restricted Use Applicators can obtain up to five continuing education units (CEUs) at the expo.

Concurrent sessions will begin at 8:30 a.m. and include the following topics and speakers:

8:30 a.m.

• Controlling Biting Flies through Cattle Minerals containing IGRs — Dr. Shane Gadberry, Livestock and Forestry Station director, UADA

• Managing Common Household Pests around the Farmstead — Dr. Jon Zawislak, entomology and plant pathology instructor, UADA

• Native Plants for Pollinators — Phyllis Ballard, Texas Master Gardener

9:45 a.m.

• Growing Cucurbit Crops — Dr. Joe Masabni, assistant professor and extension horticulturist (vegetables), Texas A&M

• Easy Cattle Forage Calculator, Dr. Shane Gadberry, Livestock and Forestry Station  director, UADA

• Corn and Wheat Insect, Disease and Weed Updates — Dr. Jason Kelley, extension wheat and feed grains agronomist, UADA

11 a.m.

• Oak and Loblolly Pine Tree Decline, Dr. Vic Ford, associate vice president of agriculture and natural resources, UADA

• Controlling External Parasites of Livestock — Sonja Swiger, professor and extension Entomologist, Texas A&M Greenhouse Management

• Joe Masabni, assistant professor and extension horticulturist, Texas A&M

1 p.m.

• Mushrooms in the Wild — Dr. Vic Ford, associate vice president of agriculture and natural resources, UADA

• Reversing Declining Forage Stands — Dr. Vanessa Corriher-Olson, professor and extension forage specialist, Texas A&M

• Controlling House Flies around Livestock Barns — Sonja Swiger, professor and extension Entomologist, Texas A&M

2:15 p.m.

• Following the Pesticide Label to Ensure Applicator Safety — Ples Spradley, pesticide assessment specialist, UADA

• Arkansas Restricted Use Pesticide Applicator Training — Jennifer Caraway, Miller County extension agent, UADA

• Texas Auxin Training — Dr. Brian Triplett, Red River County agent, Texas A&M

For more information, visit https://www.uaex.uada.edu/farm-ranch/4-states-ag-expo.aspx.

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. 

Fort Smith baseball team adopts ‘Marshals’ moniker, mascot

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

“Marshals” is the team name and mascot for the Fort Smith baseball team set to begin play in the new Mid America League this spring. The name and logo was unveiled Thursday (Jan. 18) during at event at the U.S. Marshals Museum in downtown Fort Smith.

According to Marshals General Manager Greg Kigar the new name was “easily the most popular” in a naming contest sponsored by the team. Other names considered included Lawmen, Judges, Gunslingers and Outlaws.

“The Marshals name is a great fit for the team, which includes the regional history of Bass Reeves, Judge Parker, and the U.S. Marshals Museum,” Kigar said in a statement. “The primary team cap will incorporate a unique star with an ‘F’ and ’S’ for Fort Smith, and the secondary logo is a rugged image of a marshal with cowboy hat and scarf. An Old West script will be utilized for the uniforms, incorporating Fort Smith on the road jerseys and Marshals on the home uniforms.”

Fort Smith baseball team adopts ‘Marshals’ moniker, mascot

Westerman statement on vote against latest continuing resolution

U.S. Congressman Bruce Westerman

WASHINGTON -  Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) released the following statement on his vote against H.R. 2872, the Further Additional Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act:

“Today, I voted against the temporary spending bill passed by the House to extend the expiration dates for the appropriations process. This was the fourth continuing resolution voted on by the House in the past year. In September, we had the opportunity to pass a solution that would have kept the government open, secured the border, cut reckless government spending, and established a bicameral Fiscal Commission. Every single Democrat, and unfortunately, 21 Republicans voted against it. With the rejection of the conservative spending and border security bill, and the unexpected Speaker election, I voted with my colleagues on alternative approaches to provide ample time for Congress to complete the appropriations process.

"Nearly four months later, the crisis at the border is worse than it’s ever been, and Americans are continuing to struggle to make ends meet due to high prices. Today’s bill to extend the deadline into March means that we will likely be over halfway through the Fiscal Year 2024 before the 2024 funding is approved by Congress. If there is a strategic play to be made on the 2024 budget, it is past time to make it. Because we are currently operating under a staggered CR, the most critical components of government funding including our military and border security do not expire until February 2nd, which gives us two more weeks to pass funding measures or to extend the 2024 CR for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2024, which would take shutdowns off the table while creating the most leverage to finish appropriations or to shift focus and begin work on the 2025 budget and funding bills. I would support either of these approaches, but not kicking the funding can down the road into the second half of the fiscal year.

"I remain committed to working with my colleagues on conservative solutions to cut wasteful government spending, secure the border, and support our men and women in uniform.”

The Further Additional Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act:

• Extends currently enacted government funding expiration dates that Congress passed in November 2023.

• Extends the January 19th date to March 1st for the following appropriations bills: 

  • Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and related agencies

  • Energy and Water Development

  • Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies

  • Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies

• Extends the February 2nd date to March 8th for the following appropriations bills:

  • Commerce, Justice, Science, and related agencies

  • Department of Defense

  • Financial Services and General Government

  • Homeland Security

  • Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies

  • Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies

  • Legislative Branch

  • State and Foreign Operations and Related Programs

Another arctic air blast coming our way; Winter Weather Briefing from the NWS

Pockets of very light freezing rain are expected in portions of central and eastern Arkansas this morning. A light glaze of ice is possible in places. Amounts will be on the order of a trace to a few hundredths of an inch.  A Winter Weather Advisory has been posted. 

Another round of Arctic air will arrive Thursday night/Friday, and will stay with us through the weekend. The magnitude of this surge of cold air will not rival what we have experienced lately, but temperatures will be well below normal. Saturday will be the coldest day with temperatures starting to recover Sunday. 

As Arctic air exits to the east early next week, moisture will increase across the Plains. Rain will likely develop across the region on Monday, and may begin as a period of freezing rain in the morning. At this time, it appears some icing is possible, especially in western sections of the state.

Could be some freezing rain Thursday morning; NWS Weather Briefing for Arkansas

Temperatures are expected to climb above freezing both Wednesday and Thursday helping with the melting process. Whatever melts during the day will freeze again at night leading to some travel impacts.

A weak weather system may bring a little freezing rain to parts of central and east Arkansas early Thursday but only a thin glaze is expected at this time.Temperatures will warm above freezing  later on Thursday, minimal impacts are expected.

Following the brief warming period, another bout of Arctic air is expected to move into the forecast area, bringing back bitter cold overnight temperatures through this coming weekend.

Winter Weather Briefing and road conditions for Arkansas from the National Weather Service and IDriveArkansas

• Snow has let up over most of the northern half of Arkansas. Another round of snow and sleet is expected to develop across the southern half of the state, with additional accumulations of 0.5” to 1” possible through this afternoon.

• Travel impacts (including hazardous road conditions and reduced visibilities) will be possible where snowfall or sleet occurs, including major throughways, bridges/overpasses, and rural roads.

• Bitterly cold temperatures, much below climatological averages, are expected to continue through at least Tuesday night and into Wednesday morning. Temperatures have fallen to single digits to below-zero in portions of northern Arkansas, and daily high temperatures will likely not rise above freezing again until Wednesday afternoon (at the earliest) for most areas of the state.

• Morning minimum wind chill values will remain below zero degrees over a large portion of Arkansas, and persist at hazardous levels through at least Wednesday morning due to abundant Arctic air and breezy conditions.

• A brief reprieve from below-normal temperatures will resume on Wednesday and Thursday, and another shot of Arctic air is forecast to move into the region by late this week, bringing more belownormal temps through this coming weekend.

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

This week, the Arkansas Legislative Council Game and Fish/State Police Subcommittee held a meeting to discuss concealed carry laws in Arkansas.

This meeting was part of a series of meetings held as part of the Arkansas Firearms and Concealed Carry Laws Study. The purpose of the study is to ultimately simplify gun laws in the state and clarify where and when it is legal to carry firearms.

Subcommittee members reviewed a summary of various state statutes addressing concealed carry.  There are more than 30 sections of Arkansas Code addressing concealed carry laws.

The Arkansas Attorney General’s office also presented a series of recommendations for future legislation to expand gun rights and clarify several existing laws. 

The next meeting of the Arkansas Game and Fish/State Police Subcommittee will be held on Wednesday, January 24 at 1:30 p.m. in the MAC building located behind the State Capitol. The January 24 meeting will specifically address concealed carry regulations as promulgated by Arkansas State Police.

On March 11 and March 18 the subcommittee will focus on possession and open carry.

Later in the year, the subcommittee will hear from law enforcement and other armed officers as well as local governments and the business community.

We’ve posted the schedule for the additional hearings at arkansashouse.org.

The public is welcome to attend the meetings and there will be time for public comment.

The subcommittee will submit a final report to the ALC Executive Subcommittee by October 1, 2024. The Executive Subcommittee will then submit a report and possibly begin drafting legislation by the end of this year.

Winter Storm Warning for Arkansas

Winter weather in the form of snowfall and a few days of brutally cold temperatures will soon be upon us. Make needed preparations immediately and have a way to get the latest weather info. Do not wait until the first snowflakes fall or you feel the temperature is cold enough to be a concern, at that point it is too late to begin thinking about preparing. Act now and be ahead of the storm!

Widespread accumulating snow is expected to overspread the state Sunday through Monday. Over a large part of Arkansas, amounts of 2 to 3 inches or less are expected. There could be a narrow corridor of heavier snow which could produce 4 to 6 plus inches. As it stands now, this band is positioned over east-central Arkansas, but could still shift south with time. There is a chance some of the precipitation over southern Arkansas could mix with sleet, if this scenario plays out, actual amounts will be lower. Changes to forecast snow totals are still possible.

Low temperatures are expected to drop overnight and remain well below average for the next several days. Low temperatures are expected to be in the teens to near zero degrees across the state with wind chills feeling much colder.

...WIND CHILL ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON CST TODAY...
...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 6 PM
CST MONDAY...

* WHAT...For the Wind Chill Advisory, very cold wind chills
  expected. Wind chills as low as 5 below zero. For the Winter
  Storm Warning, heavy mixed precipitation expected. Total snow
  accumulations of 1 to 2 inches and ice accumulations of a light
  glaze with locally higher amounts possible.

* WHERE...Portions of southwest Arkansas and southeast Oklahoma.

* WHEN...For the Wind Chill Advisory, from 9 PM this evening to
  noon CST Sunday. For the Winter Storm Warning, from noon
  Sunday to 6 PM CST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous
  conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. The
  cold wind chills could result in hypothermia if precautions
  are not taken.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a
hat, and gloves.

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency.

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

Winter storm moving into Arkansas this weekend

The National Weather Service in Little Rock advises:

• As colder air moves in this morning, rain will continue transitioning to light snow across west/northwest Arkansas, with less than an inch of accumulation at most locations.

• Beginning mid-morning, sustained wind speeds between 25 and 30 mph will be common across the state, with gusts over 45 mph.

• Precipitation will exit the state by Friday evening, with winds settling down by late Friday night.

• By late Saturday, Arctic air will begin to surge into the region from the northwest. This will result in below to much below average temperatures through early next week. Once cold air is in place, it appears that wintry precipitation will become more likely Sunday night into Monday. There is potential for warning criteria snow (several inches or more). Stay tuned for specifics.

Division of Agriculture has three inductees in the 2024 class of the Agriculture Hall of Fame

By the U of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture

LITTLE ROCK — Three of this year’s inductees to the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame — Fred Bourland, Mark Cochran and Charles Looney — have connections to the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

“The selection of these three into the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame truly attests to the quality and national impact of the people we have working for the Division of Agriculture on behalf of Arkansas’ agriculture industry," said Deacue Fields, vice president-agriculture and head of the Division of Agriculture. “There is no greater honor — not only for these men, but also for those of us who work with them.”

Fred Bourland, Charles Looney and Mark Cochran are all to be inducted into the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame in 2024. All have Division of Agriculture connections. (U of A System Division of Agriculture photo)

Fred Bourland is a legend in the cotton industry. Bourland grew up on a farm in northeastern Arkansas and went to the University of Arkansas to escape. It didn’t work.

With Ph.D. in hand in 1978, Bourland went to work as an assistant professor and cotton breeder at Mississippi State University. In 1988, he came back to Arkansas as a professor to breed cotton varieties and teach at the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences. In 1997, Bourland moved to Keiser – roughly 10 miles from his family’s Mississippi County farm – to continue his cotton breeding and research program while serving as director for the Northeast Research and Extension Center. In 2016, he stepped down as director and now focuses on cotton variety development.

His honors include the 2000 Genetics Research Award from the National Cotton Council, the 2010 International Cotton Researcher of the Year from the International Cotton Advisory Committee and the 2015 Cotton Research and Promotion Program Hall of Fame from the Cotton Board and Cotton, Inc., among others.

Mark Cochran spent 40 years working to improve the productivity and profitability of Arkansas farmers and ranchers as a faculty member at the University of Arkansas, including 10 years as vice president of agriculture for the UA System and head of the U of A System Division of Agriculture. He retired in 2021.

Cochran served as chairman of the national Council for Agricultural Science and Technology, from which he earned the President’s Award. One of the most significant accomplishments of Cochran’s career was the creation of the COTMAN program, a computer-based cotton production guide widely used by farmers to help manage costs and improve yield efficiencies.

Cochran also led efforts to obtain funding for the construction of the Don Tyson Center for Agricultural Sciences in Fayetteville, the Northeast Rice Research and Extension Center in Harrisburg and the expansion of the highly successful Arkansas Discovery Farms program, which now encompasses 13 farms and delivers scientific analysis to help determine the effectiveness of on-farm conservation practices.

Cochran came to Arkansas in 1982 to start his teaching career after earning his master’s and Ph.D. in agricultural economics from Michigan State University. He earned a bachelor’s degree from New Mexico State University.

Cattle have been a large part of Charles Looney’s life since he was a young boy in Camden. He is recognized internationally as an expert in cattle genetics and reproductive technologies. He spent 35 years in the industry in Texas before returning to his home state in 2018 as professor of cattle genetics improvement for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. His expertise centers on embryo transfer, in-vitro fertilization, tissue banking for cloning, timed breeding and on-the-farm use of these technologies to improve beef cattle genetics.

Looney has graduate degrees from the University of Arkansas and Louisiana State University. He founded two cattle genetics companies in Texas, namely OvaGenix and Ultimate Genetics, after serving as a scientist and consultant in the field for several years. While he was working for Granada Biosciences, Looney was on the team that produced the first embryo-derived bovine clones. His work at Ultimate Genetics included the world’s first transgenic cloned calves and the first cloned bull.

Looney earned the President’s Award for Outstanding Service from the American Embryo Transfer Association in 2019 and an Award of Distinction from the University of Arkansas in 2014. The Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association presented him with its Producer Education Award in 2022.

“What an amazing group of farmers and those who help our farmers make agriculture Arkansas’ No. 1 business sector,” said Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Chair Debbie Moreland of Roland. “Agriculture is such a critical cultural and economic part of Arkansas. It is what binds so much of our state together."

“These we will induct have made a national impact on rice, soybeans, cattle and cotton and have helped steer the academic and research efforts that underpin Arkansas agriculture."

“I say this often to my friends, and it bears repeating; agriculture is one of the great success stories of our state. The Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame is pleased to bring recognition to these individuals who have impacted our state’s largest industry in such a positive way.”

Class XXXVI induction ceremonies are set for 11:30 a.m. March 1 at the Grand Ballroom of the DoubleTree Hotel in Little Rock. Contact Cindra Jones at 501-228-1609 for ticket information or click here to purchase tickets 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.

CAFF 2024 Beginning Farmer classes start Jan. 18

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The Center for Arkansas Farms and Food will begin its 2024 session of Beginning Farmer classes on Jan. 18 online via Zoom while a series of two-day Small Farm Short Courses will be held in person.

GREEN THUMBS — The Center for Arkansas Farms and Food will start its 2024 Beginning Farmer classes on Jan. 18 and conduct Small Farm Short Courses three times this year. (U of A System Division of Agriculture photo)

The online Beginning Farmer classes are held virtually 6-8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays through the end of February and focus on building a successful, sustainable market farm. Farmers share their experiences and knowledge as part of the classes. The online classes are $10 each and incorporate learning activities with other local service providers.

“You can expect new knowledge and insights even if you’ve taken the course before,” said Heather Friedrich, Center for Arkansas Farms and Food program manager.

Recordings of the online classes will remain available to registrants through Oct. 31. There will be 13 classes in the 2024 session covering a wide variety of topics that include growing produce, marketing, transitioning to organic, agritourism, and consumer supported agriculture, also known as CSA.

To pay the $10 access fee per course, visit the registration page at www.farmandfoodsystems.uada.edu/classes/. An email will be sent to registrants the day before each class and a follow up email will provide links to resources and a recording of the class

Friedrich noted the benefit of attending the classes virtually, rather than watching the recordings, is having the opportunity to ask questions during the class.

Small Farm Short Courses

New in 2024, CAFF is offering three intensive two-day in-person workshops called Small Farm Short Courses. The two-day, in-person workshops will be offered with seasonally relevant content at the Center for Arkansas Farms and Food, 1005 Meade, in Fayetteville.

The first workshop is Feb. 2-3 and addresses transplant production, markets, soil health, setting up systems for success, cultivating community in your food system and a spotlight on CSAs. The second workshop will be May 3-4 with topics including field preparation and building beds, equipment demonstrations, record keeping and messaging, and marketing. The third and final workshop will be held Oct. 18-19 and will focus on developing skills for crop planning, equipment maintenance, understanding costs of production, cover cropping and building farm management skills.

The courses will offer classroom and field instruction 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday and 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Presenters will include CAFF staff, local farmers and representatives from local organizations that work with farmers and small businesses. Lunch, refreshments and snacks will be provided. Registration fees are $200 for each two-day workshop. Scholarships are available for those with limited resources, and historically underserved people.

For more information on the online classes and short courses, please email Friedrich at heatherf@uark.edu.

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.

Hope Baking Co. to expand, add 266 new jobs

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

Hope Baking Co. is investing more than $37 million to expand its food manufacturing facility in Hope. The expansion is expected to create 266 new jobs over two years.

“Hope Baking Company is excited to be reinvigorating the operation of the bakery and equipment located in Hope, Arkansas and looks forward to steady expansion of its employment count,” said Dan Serra, owner of Hope Baking Co.

Hope Baking Company is a division of East Baking Company, which acquired Southern Bakeries in March 2023. Since the acquisition, the company has expanded the facility adding a new production line.

Hope Baking Co. to expand, add 266 new jobs

Second lawsuit filed against former Arkansas religious boarding school

KUAR | By Josie Lenora

Another lawsuit has been filed against a former Arkansas religious boarding school accused of allowing and fostering sexual and physical abuse.

The Lord's Ranch was a therapeutic facility in Warm Springs, near the Missouri border. The school operated from 1976 to 2016 by family members Ted and Shirley Suhl. They are named as defendants in the lawsuit along with Emmet Alden Presley, a counselor who was the Director of Social Services at The Lords Ranch.

The camp claimed to provide services to students with emotional and behavioral problems. Their website when they were operational said “The Lord's Ranch provides a therapeutic treatment plan tailored to meet the needs of each resident.” It went on to talk about the importance of the Bible in their curriculum.

Second lawsuit filed against former Arkansas religious boarding school

Romanucci & Blandin/Courtesy Photo

Owners of a defunct boarding school known as The Lord's Ranch is facing a second lawsuit.

Arkansas Board of Corrections fires prisons chief in escalating dispute with governor

KUAR | By Hunter Field / Arkansas AdvocateFrom the Arkansas Advocate:

Arkansas’ prison oversight board on Wednesday fired Corrections Secretary Joe Profiri — a week after a judge ruled that Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ cabinet appointee served at the pleasure of the board for now.

Attorney General Tim Griffin has pledged to appeal that ruling, so it isn’t clear if Profiri, who came to Arkansas from Arizona a year ago with Sanders when she took office, will be permanently ousted.

Shortly after the ouster, Sanders announced that she would hire Profiri as a senior advisor, calling his termination a political stunt.

Profiri has had a strained relationship with the Board of Corrections since Sanders gave him a $40,000-a-year pay raise shortly after taking office and without the board’s approval. He was paid an annual salary of $210,000.

Arkansas Board of Corrections fires prisons chief in escalating dispute with governor

John Sykes/Arkansas Advocate

Former Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Corrections Joe Profiri, left, listens as Gov.Sarah Huckabee Sanders talks about criminal justice legislation during a news conference at the State Capitol on March 28, 2023.

Public Health Alum Uses Gardening Expertise to Help Address Arkansas’ Food Access Issues

By Kev' Moye

Entire communities having little — or no — access to fresh, healthy foods is a major issue in Arkansas.

There are a multitude of nonprofits, ministries, corporations and citizens working to solve the problem. Jimmy Parks, Dr.PH, an alum of the UAMS Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, is part of a network of people who are teaching and learning about how to grow and share food.

“My community and my family are my life,” Parks said. “It’s not about serving groups or populations. It’s just that being part of a community sometimes involves practical activities that look like service.”

Parks is a self-taught farmer who works with people in many backyard gardens and urban farms in central Arkansas.

Public Health Alum Uses Gardening Expertise to Help Address Arkansas’ Food Access Issues

Jimmy Parks is a self-taught farmer – and an alum of the UAMS Boozman College of Public Health – who works in numerous gardens and urban farms in central Arkansas.

Arctic air means extra care for pets

HARRISBURG, Ark. — When arctic air arrives, pets need extra care, said Craig Allen, Poinsett County extension staff chair for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

The National Weather Service at Little Rock said Wednesday that “by the weekend/early next week, Arctic air will surge into the region from the northwest. This will result in below to much below-average temperatures.”

Lows in Little Rock were expected to fall into the single digits by Monday night, with the forecast high on Tuesday being 27 degrees, the weather service said.

Boston the dog sits in the snow. Taken February 2021. (U of A System Division of Agriculture photo by Kerry Rodtnick)

“Outdoor pets need a sheltered place that is well bedded with dry straw, shavings, blanket strips or other insulating material that traps warm air,” he said. “Check it often and change it whenever it gets wet.

“Be sure to have adequate food and water available. Heated water bowls are handy to have,” Allen said.

Owners need to limit the amount of time indoor pets are exposed to extreme temperatures. Short-haired dog breeds such as greyhounds, Dobermans, boxers, Chihuahuas and miniature breeds “shouldn’t go outside without a sweater or coat, except for short periods to relieve themselves,” Allen said.

Cats, even outdoor cats, will seek warm spots, and sometimes in dangerous ways.

“Cats left outdoors will often crawl into a warm car engine compartment to get warm,” Allen said. “The cat can be seriously injured or killed by the fan blade or fan belt the next time the car is started. Be sure to check for cats or other animals that might have sought out the warmth of your car.”

Schnauzer gets some playtime in the snow in Fayetteville. Taken Jan. 5, 2024. (U of A System Division of Agriculture still courtesy Kwan Seo).

Preparing vehicles for cold weather service can mean adding or changing antifreeze. Pets can be drawn to spilled antifreeze because of its taste, but antifreeze with ethylene glycol is toxic to pets even in very small quantities.

“Promptly clean up any spills,” he said. “Antifreeze is attractive to pets and can be deadly, even in very small amounts.”

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.