Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 150
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 119
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 65
Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 32
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 23
Active Cases Data for Miller County
Total Active Cases: 166
By Ryan McGeeney
U of A System Division of Agriculture
ON THE RISE — As kids across Arkansas head back to school, parents should keep in mind good habits to reduce the spread of COVID, flu and other viruses. (Image courtesy Johns Hopkins University.)
LITTLE ROCK — For as long as there’s been a public school system in the United States, the return to class after summer vacation inevitably brings with it three unpleasantries: The cough, the sniffle and the sneeze.
The Fall 2022 semester will certainly bring back the classics: Millions of children back in close proximity, sharing a host of new germs acquired over summer camp and vacation. Kristen Gibson, director of the Center for Food Safety for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, says that the good news is that for all its disruptions, dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic for more than two years has led most schools to double down on some good habits.
“Everything we did for COVID — the extra protections — the hand-washing, the disinfecting, the masks — all that squelched the transmission of a lot of other viruses commonly seen in schools,” Gibson said.
Gibson received her Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins School of Public Health with a focus on understand pathogen transmission, specifically viral pathogens, in the environment.
The No. 1 tool available to children themselves, she said, is also the most basic.
“Wash. Your. Hands,” Gibson said, with a staccato emphasis. “That’s the number one thing you can do. And it’s one of the best things kids can easily do to control spread and protect themselves from getting sick.”
Bryan Mader, assistant professor and health specialist for the Division of Agriculture, said transmission of COVID-19 is again on the rise in Arkansas and elsewhere.
“There has been a significant uptick in the number of cases nationwide and in Arkansas,” Mader said, noting that within the southeastern region, about 6.8 percent of new cases are among children aged 0-4, 5.2 percent are among children aged 5-11 and 4.3 percent are among children aged 12-17. As of July 22, there were nearly 16,800 active cases in Arkansas.
“Arkansas only has five counties in the ‘low’ category for community spread,” Mader said, noting there were 21 counties in the “medium” category for community spread and that the remaining 49 counties were considered “high” community spread as of July 21.
“The current recommendation for youth and adolescents 6 months and older is to get a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, and children and adolescents aged 5 and older who receive the Pfizer vaccine should get a booster at least 5 months after their second shot,” Mader said.
He noted that only Pfizer and Moderna currently have approval for COVID-19 vaccines for children under age 5.
“The vaccine is the best way to protect children from becoming severely ill or having long-lasting health impacts due to COVID-19,” Mader said. “While children and adolescents are typically at lower risk than adults of becoming severely ill or hospitalized from COVID-19, it is still possible.”
Mader said anyone 6 months old or older should get an annual flu vaccine between September and March.
“Influenza has been a minor issue the last couple of years in Arkansas, due to social distancing and mask-wearing,” he said. “However, with mask and social distancing recommendations relaxed, there is serious concern that influenza could be a major issue for all Arkansans this year.”
Respiratory syncytial virus, commonly known as RSV, can be serious or deadly to children 2 years old and younger. The virus can mimic flu symptoms, Mader said, and should be diagnosed by a doctor.
“As with all respiratory diseases, children should not attend school while sick until released by a doctor or the school nurse,” Mader said. “Other, now-common prevention measures, such as hand-washing, avoiding touching their face, wearing masks, and avoiding contact with those who are diagnosed with a respiratory illness are also top-level recommendations.”
For more recommendations on healthy living for the entire family, visit the Cooperative Extension Service’s Health in Arkansas page at https://www.uaex.uada.edu/life-skills-wellness/health/default.aspx.
LITTLE ROCK— Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge announced filing a lawsuit against Dodge Off Road, and its owner Daniel “Danny” Gaston, for violating the Arkansas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (ADTPA) when the company accepted thousands of dollars from consumers to order aftermarket automotive parts yet never provided the parts, the installation, or a refund to the customer. These parts include lift kits, which raise the ride height of a truck, and stabilizer bars which increase the steering response and stability of a vehicle.
“I’m saddened to see so many hard working Arkansans being taken advantage of by deceptive companies like Dodge Off Road,” said Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. “Contact my office immediately if you believe you have been scammed by Dodge Off Road or another company for their illegal and deceptive practices.”
The Attorney General’s Office has received 45 complaints, each alleging that Dodge Off Road owes the consumer between $150 and $5,000 for unshipped or unsuitable automotive parts.
The lawsuit was filed in Pulaski County Circuit Court. Attorney General Rutledge is seeking restitution for the consumers impacted, in addition to civil penalties up to $10,000 for each violation of the ADTPA.
By Linda Haymes
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) College of Medicine appointed Lindsey Sward, M.D., associate professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, to serve in the newly created position of assistant dean for clinical education.
In her new role, Sward will work to continue and improve the college’s work of producing highly skilled, compassionate physicians for the state.
“With the recent expansion of the UAMS Northwest Regional Campus, the addition of a three-year accelerated M.D. track working to produce more primary care physicians, and our growth across Arkansas, this position will help ensure that we provide consistent and excellent clinical instruction for all of our medical students,” said Executive Vice Chancellor and Dean Susan Smyth, M.D., Ph.D. “Dr. Sward brings exceptional teaching skills and a strong commitment to our educational mission to her new post.”
LITTLE ROCK – Two weeks ago, I passed the gavel to my successor as chair of the National Governors Association, and today I’d like to talk about my year as leader of the NGA and the opportunity to work with other governors on some of our nation’s biggest challenges.
I accepted the gavel virtually in my office at the capitol a year ago during the NGA’s annual summer meeting.
This year, we met in Maine, so I passed the gavel in person to the new chair, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy.
My term as chair offered the opportunity to show off Arkansas and our Computer Science Initiative, which I declared as my Chairman’s Priority. By my final day as chair, 50 governors of states and territories, which was a record, had signed the computer science education compact.
By signing, governors were committing to establish plans to expand computer science in schools and to fund the expansion so that we can create new paths to success after high school.
At the NGA summer meeting, Patrick Gelsinger, the CEO of Intel, spoke about the value of our initiative. Mr. Gelsinger noted that modern life is becoming more digital, and everything digital runs on semiconductors. The manufacturing of semiconductors requires talent and money, which is why we must provide first-rate education for our young people.
He also discussed the federal CHIPS Act, which is the abbreviation for Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors for America. The CHIPS Act would provide about $50 billion in subsidies to support the manufacture of computer chips in the United States. Congress passed the bill, the goal of which is to decrease U.S. dependence on chips that are manufactured overseas. The CHIPS Act had bipartisan support from the governors.
On my first day as chair in July 2021, I reminded my fellow governors that states are laboratories of democracy. I challenged them to innovate, determine what works best, and to share what they have learned.
I suggested that we should lead with civil discourse, respect others in our debates, and rise above party differences to work together. Those words were as relevant today as they were a year ago.
As I reflect on my term as NGA chairman, I am grateful and amazed at the opportunities I have had to serve. I grew up on a farm. My dad was a farmer, and neither of my parents graduated from college. But they gave my siblings and me opportunities they never had. Because of their sacrifice, I’ve had incredible opportunities in life.
In the public arena, I served as United States Attorney under Ronald Reagan and in the United States Congress. In the Bush administration, I served as administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration and undersecretary at Homeland Security. I’ve prosecuted neo-Nazis and criminal organizations. I helped guide the nation after 9-11. I returned to Arkansas, and then eight years later, I ran for governor and won.
I shared with the governors that I have attempted to follow my parents’ example and to live by their faith and work ethic. My hope is that as governors, we will inspire our young people to participate in our democracy and to understand the importance of public service.
Arkansas State 4-H Leader of the Year Named
The Sevier County Extension Office is proud to have another honor!
Each year, one individual from Arkansas is named Leader of the Year. This year, Sevier County was honored to have not just one 4-H Leader recognized, but two. Michelle Sawyer and Patricia Maben were announced during the awards ceremony at UA Fayetteville on Thursday, July 28 as the recipients of the 2022 Arkansas State 4-H Leader of the Year. This was the first time two leaders were honored at the same time.
Many know the sisters through various projects they take part in throughout the county. Both Michelle and Patricia make 4-H meetings a family event by involving parents. They host various family fun days, take part in different community services, and their club thrives from the time they dedicate to it. There is no way to measure the amount of time or effort both Michelle and Patricia have given to 4-H.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact the Sevier County Extension Office as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.
LITTLE ROCK— Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge will host the 3rd annual statewide Elder Abuse Conference at The Church at Rock Creek in Little Rock on September 1, 2022. Attendees will learn about issues faced by loved ones and providers who assist and serve seniors and adults with developmental disabilities.
“All too often our seniors get taken advantage of through financial and physical abuse and it is important to know the signs before it happens to your loved one,” said Attorney General Rutledge. “The annual Elder Abuse Conference empowers family, friends, employers and law enforcement to recognize the signs of abuse and teaches them how to protect victims when abuse is occurring.”
According to the National Council on Aging, one in 10 Americans 60 years and older have experienced some kind of abuse. It is estimated that as many as five million elderly Americans are abused each year.
The conference will cover a broad range of topics including elder maltreatment, senior financial abuse, prescription drug abuse by caregivers and tools for the prevention of elder abuse. Attorney General Leslie Rutledge will be the keynote speaker.
This course has been approved for 6.25 credits of continuing legal education, in addition to 6.25 credits of continuing education for nursing home administrators. Additionally, 6.75 hours of law enforcement (CLEST) credit has been approved. Medical provider credit is pending.
Click here to view a list of upcoming trainings offered by the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office.
By Andrew Vogler
LITTLE ROCK — The family of the late Surinder Gupta, M.D., donated $100,000 to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) to create an award for neurosurgery residents in the College of Medicine.
Gupta’s wife, Urmil, made the gift to establish the Dr. Surinder Nath Gupta Legacy Endowed Resident Award. The award will support one third-year and one fourth-year neurosurgery resident each year, enriching the resident experience at UAMS and rewarding residents who have a strong desire to develop themselves professionally.
Surinder Gupta was the first neurosurgeon to graduate from the newly created neurosurgery residency program at UAMS in 1973. He was proud of his association with UAMS and its commitment to residency training. He went on to establish a well-respected practice in Hot Springs, where he became actively involved in the community and local hospital. Sadly, he passed away at the age of 42 from complications of a misdiagnosed heart problem.
By Linda Satter
LITTLE ROCK — The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine appointed Jessica Snowden, M.D., vice dean for research, effective July 1.
A professor and chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases in the college’s Department of Pediatrics, Snowden is a nationally recognized expert in pediatric infectious diseases and pediatric clinical and translational research.
“Dr. Snowden brings stellar research experience to her new role,” said Susan Smyth, M.D., Ph.D., UAMS’ executive vice chancellor and dean of the College of Medicine.
Since she was recruited to UAMS in 2018, Snowden has held numerous leadership roles at UAMS and Arkansas Children’s, including vice chair for research in the Department of Pediatrics since 2019 and chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases since 2020. She has also served as an associate director for clinical and translational research in the Arkansas Children’s Research Institute since 2019 and is co-director of workforce development in the UAMS Translational Research Institute.
HEAT WAVES — The United States’ cattle inventory has shrunk to its lowest numbers since 2015 thanks to the drought sprawling across the western half of the country.
By the U of A System Division of Agriculture
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The United States’ cattle inventory has shrunk to its lowest numbers since 2015 thanks to the drought sprawling across the western half of the country.
HEAT WAVES — The United States’ cattle inventory has shrunk to its lowest numbers since 2015 thanks to the drought sprawling across the western half of the country.
James Mitchell, extension livestock economist with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said total cattle inventories stood at 98.8 million, “falling below 100 million for the first time since 2015.”
Mitchell said the numbers, which came out the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s June 22 Cattle Inventory Report, were somewhat better than expectations.
“While inventories posted a year-over-year decline, National Agricultural Statistics Service estimates were higher than pre-report expectations, with analysts expecting larger decreases in cattle numbers,” he said, adding that the NASS estimates were not a significant departure from pre-report expectations.
“Drought has been the main factor contributing to the decline in the number of beef cows and replacement heifers,” Mitchell said. “Total beef cow slaughter through June is 14.6 percent higher year over year.”
Mitchell said beef and dairy cow inventories were 2.4 percent and 0.5 percent lower compared to July 2022, respectively.
“The report confirms another year of beef cow herd liquidation with little evidence of anyone looking to expand,” he said.
“Regionally, drought pressure this month has been a big concern in the Southeast,” Mitchell said. “The effects of drought are shown in the auction data. For example, auction receipts for Arkansas show a 20 percent increase in slaughter cattle sales.”
For the first 30 weeks in 2021, 20,942 head of slaughter cattle went to auction. This year that number rose to 25,033.
The full report is available on the USDA-NASS website.
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.
GOVERNOR'S AWARD — Janna Morse, center in white jacket, was named the 2022 Arkansas Governors' Award winner in a ceremony July 27, 2022, in Fayetteville. The award is highest given in the Arkansas 4-H program. From left to right: John Thomas, managing director of the Arkansas 4-H Foundation, Deacue Fields, vice president of agriculture for the UA System; Darlene Baker, 4-H Foundation Board member; Morse; Angie Freel, director of Arkansas 4-H; and Bob Scott, head of the Cooperative Extension Service. (U of A System Division of Agriculture photo by Ryan McGeeney)
By Tracy Courage
U of A System Division of Agriculture
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Janna Morse’s service to others took root in Washington County more than a decade ago and has since expanded far beyond Arkansas’ borders. On Wednesday, the West Fork teen received the 2022 Arkansas 4-H Governor’s Award, the highest honor an Arkansas 4-H member can receive.
Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced Morse, 18, as the winner on July 27 in a recorded message played during the Arkansas 4-H Awards of Excellence ceremony at the University of Arkansas, where more than 300 4-H members from across the state are competing in statewide events.
Magon James, 17, of Arkansas County, and Ethan Wolcott of Sevier County also were finalists for the Governor’s Award.
“This award is given to the individual who best embodies the 4-H spirit,” Hutchinson said. “The three finalists have shown a drive for success, and today we honor them. I’m proud of all three for their commitment to 4-H and their representation of our state.”
The Governor’s Award, started in 1983, is available to former state 4-H record book winners. Applicants are judged based on their project record books, their application and an interview.
Morse, a member of Washington County 4-H, has excelled in her food and nutrition project with a focus on combating food insecurity and hunger. She has represented Arkansas 4-H at the 4-H Healthy Habits Conference and the National 4-H Healthy Living Summit, both in Washington, D.C., as well as at National 4-H Congress in Atlanta.
A self-described “shy child,” Morse said 4-H has taught her to step outside her comfort zone.
“4-H has given me a foundation of confidence and made me an avid goal-setter,” she said.
In Washington County, Morse has shared her diverse American, Asian and Hispanic heritage through food. When the Fayetteville-based M & N Augustine Foundation had to cancel its international food fundraiser due to COVID-19, Morse marketed Eastern cuisines, helping the nonprofit exceed its fundraising goal. She continues to work with the nonprofit, which assists people affected by catastrophic loss.
Morse also created a teen community service group that raised $600 for the Salvation Army, packed 180 meals for the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank, and gathered and distributed feminine products to 100 local women in need.
Morse’s work extends well beyond Arkansas wherever she sees a need. After Sri Lanka experienced its deadliest day of terrorism, Morse organized a wound care supply drive that collected 70 pounds of medical supplies that were sent to Sri Lanka’s National Hospital. Her service group also sent supplies to a rural school in Sri Lanka and made puppets for children in Honduras.
This fall, Morse will attend the University of Arkansas to study international and global relations, with an emphasis on peace, security and human rights. One day, she said she hopes to have a career as a foreign service officer. Her parents are James Morse and Palika Dias-Morse.
Morse received a $3,000 scholarship, an engraved silver tray, and her name will be added to a plaque on permanent display at the C. A. Vines Arkansas 4-H Center. The other finalists each received a $1,000 scholarship and an engraved silver bowl. Both are longtime 4-H member with extensive achievements.
Magon James
Magon James, 18, of Arkansas County showed livestock at the county, district and state levels before switching her project to fashion. She competes in national scholarship pageants and modifies clothing to create one-of-a kind designs. Earlier this year, she was selected to be a runway model at New York Fashion Week to model CharJean Couture. Through her project, she learned to sew and design and has made numerous dolls, pillows and other items for hospital and nursing home patients.
While fashion is her main project, James remains passionate about animals and volunteers with Passionate Paws, a nonprofit that helps abandoned animals. She plans to attend veterinary school and one day have her own veterinary practice with a rescue center for cats and dogs.
Ethan Wolcott
Ethan Wolcott, 18, Sevier County, has been a 4-H member for nine years. He initially had a livestock project but switched his project to leadership and community service, which quickly became his passion — so much that he started the Sevier County Community Changers 4-H Club, which focuses on community service. Wolcott is the club president and looks for ways to serve. Last year, he raised money to buy fans for Sevier County residents without air-conditioning. He’s also organized Santa for Seniors and been involved with numerous food drives, disaster relief and clothing drives.
4-H is the premier youth development program of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service. Programs are offered in every county in Arkansas. To learn more about 4-H, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @AR_Extension.
By Jacqueline Froelich KUAF
A century before Roe v. Wade federally legalized abortion in America, girls and women in Arkansas seeking to prevent or terminate unwanted pregnancies were often required to resort to extreme measures. Independent historian Melanie K. Welch, Ph.D. chronicles the history of contraception and abortion in Arkansas.
J. Froleich/KUAF
Lavender was a common herb consumed by women in the 19th century as an abortifacient.
KUAR | By Ronak Patel
Arkansas lawmakers have been notified by the state Department of Finance and Administration that the U.S Treasury is trying to rescind COVID-19 relief funds that are used by states to supplement tax cuts.
During next month’s special session, legislators will consider Gov. Asa Hutchinson's plan to accelerate the tax cuts passed in 2021 that will lower the personal income tax and the corporate tax rate while including a low-income tax credit.
In an interview with KUAR News, Senate President Pro Tem Jimmy Hickey, R-Texarkana, said lawmakers have been working with state finance officials to find out how much could be rescinded. He said the number has ranged from slightly less than $100 million to $800 million.
Michael Hibblen/KUAR News
Next month, lawmakers will decide whether to accelerate the tax cuts approved in 2021 to lower the income tax rate and corporate tax rate.
KUAR | By Daniel Breen
Advocates for access to affordable healthcare are celebrating the 57th anniversary of the Medicaid program.
Organizers with Arkansas Community Organizations on Wednesday delivered cupcakes to employees of the state Department of Human Services in recognition of the key program. It began under President Lyndon Johnson in 1965 and now serves as many as 74 million low-income and disabled Americans.
Speaking outside the office on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Little Rock, the group's Loriee Evans said it’s important to celebrate the program which provides healthcare coverage for roughly a third of all Arkansans. Evans says as many as 300,000 of the roughly 1 million Arkansans receiving Medicaid could lose coverage if the federal COVID-19 public health emergency ends in October.
Daniel Breen/KUAR News
Volunteers with Arkansas Community Organizations hold signs Wednesday celebrating the anniversary of Medicaid in front of the Arkansas Department of Human Services office on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Little Rock.
KUAR | By Ronak Patel
In next month’s special session of the Arkansas Legislature, Gov. Asa Hutchinson and lawmakers say they will try to provide tax relief for Arkansans struggling with inflation.
One item on the agenda will be making changes to a tax deduction known as Section 179, which is used by businesses to help pay for equipment. Lawmakers want the state’s deduction rate to match the federal government’s.
Currently, Arkansas provides a deduction of up to $25,000 for equipment costing up to $200,000 with a phase out beginning after that point. Scott Hardin, director of communications for the Department of Finance and Administration, said the amount deducted is also determined based on the taxable income of the business.
Arkansas Week/
Gov. Asa Hutchinson says lawmakers are discussing strategies for providing economic relief to Arkansans during next month's special session.
by George Jared (gjared@talkbusiness.net)
The first tangible signs that the beef cattle industry in Arkansas is retracting are now visible. Cattle farmers throughout the South and West are culling herds, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics (NASS) report.
As of July 1, there were an estimated 98.8 million head of cattle nationwide, a 2% drop in total from 2021, the report states. It’s the lowest cattle inventory level in the U.S. since 2015 when the industry endured a severe collapse during the fall of that year.
Drought conditions have spread throughout the South and West and now are impacting nearly every state in the country including Alaska and Hawaii, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. In Arkansas three counties – Fulton, Sharp, and Randolph – are classified as D3 or in extreme drought. The only category that is worse is D4 or exceptional drought.
What’s the state of Arkansas education as a new academic year nears? Schools are emphasizing workforce education opportunities, offering mostly in-person instruction rather than educating students remotely, and trying to be safer and more secure in the wake of the mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas.
The programs are part of an emphasis in Arkansas schools on workforce skills. The state helps fund 30 career center programs like Saline County’s, which is affiliated with Arkansas State University Three Rivers, and Fort Smith’s, which is affiliated with the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith.
When Gov. Asa Hutchinson took office in 2015, 54 school districts were not served by a program. Only one, the Piggott School District, remains, but a satellite center managed by Black River Technical College will offer manufacturing and welding starting in January. Those classes will be especially useful in a part of the state where manufacturing, particularly the steel industry, is growing.
by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)
A day after a Talk Business & Politics report that state finance officials told lawmakers the state could be facing an $800 million clawback provision of federal funds, a new memo seeks to negate that possibility.
Federal officials have outlined guidelines to recoup money sent to the states during the COVID-19 pandemic if those funds were used for tax cut purposes. With Gov. Asa Hutchinson planning an early August special session to accelerate tax cuts, lawmakers have been pressing for more information.
Originally and according to TB&P sources, the Department of Finance and Administration has suggested for months the potential recoupment, or clawback, could be less than $100 million. With a $1.6 billion surplus, the governor and legislators are looking to expedite $500 million in tax cuts by speeding up a reduction in the top tax rate from 5.5% to 4.9%.
LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge announced a new social media campaign called “Wanted Wednesday” in order to highlight the Office of the Attorney General’s most wanted individuals suspected of Medicaid Fraud. On Wednesdays, Rutledge will release a poster on social media featuring the name, description, last known location and a photo of the suspect, in addition to the charges the individual is facing. Anyone with information about the suspect should call the Attorney General’s Office Medicaid Fraud Control Unit at (866) 810-0016.
“In the first four years of my administration alone, the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit secured more convictions than in the 16 years prior,” said Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. “This is due to the hard work and long hours that the men and women of the Attorney General’s Office put into investigating and tracking down those that take advantage of a system designed to help our most vulnerable.”
Since 2015, Attorney General Rutledge’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit led by Deputy Attorney General Lloyd Warford has secured 174 convictions, 173 civil settlements leading to $66,791,963 in restitution, fines and penalties on behalf of the State of Arkansas.
“Thank you to Attorney General Rutledge for her leadership and commitment to prosecuting these serious crimes. This social media campaign will continue to highlight the important work of the Attorney General’s Office,” said Deputy Attorney General Lloyd Warford.
Medicaid fraud occurs when Medicaid providers use the program to obtain money to which they are not entitled. To report Medicaid fraud, abuse or neglect in nursing homes or Social Security disability fraud, call the Attorney General’s Medicaid fraud hotline at (866) 810-0016 or submit a complaint online.
MAKING IT RAIN — Irrigation pivot running in Marvell, Arkansas, on July 17, 2022, as drought deepened in Arkansas. (U of A System Division of Agriculture photo by Mary Hightower)
By Mary Hightower
U of A System Division of Agriculture
STUTTGART, Ark. — If there’s one message Chris Henry has for Arkansas row crop farmers during the drought, it’s “don’t get in a hurry.”
Henry, professor and water management engineer for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, has posted a handout with a variety of tactics aimed at helping farmers get the most crop they can with what irrigation is available. Additional information can be found in a fact sheet series on Arkansas crop irrigation.
“The next 30 days will be critical for many irrigators, as fatigues sets in, and many crops are still at or entering high water demand,” Henry said. “However, there are things that farmers can do to mitigate both the human and plant stress being experienced.”
Arkansas has experienced a broken string of days with highs in the triple digits, with rain in short supply. The U.S. Drought monitor map of July 19 showed all of Arkansas experiencing some form of drought. The Climate Prediction Center’s extended outlook issued July 21 showed most of Arkansas with temperatures well above normal. However, the CPC’s precipitation outlook was more promising, with the northern two-thirds of the state possibly seeing above-average amounts.
Henry’s tactics include:
Using a computerized hole selection program such as Pipe Planner, Rice Irrigation or PHAUCET to help plan water distribution across the field. Henry said use of these programs can reduce pump time by between 10 percent and 50 percent.
Plan to be patient. Henry said water is drawn down from wells and reservoirs, pumps have to lift water further. “Expect to take longer to irrigate a set or flood up a field and adjust accordingly,” he said. “Some alluvial wells can drop off as much as 50 percent and it’s not uncommon for relifts to fall off 30 percent as we get to the bottom.”
Soil sensors are still relevant. “It’s not too late to incorporate sensors into irrigation management,” Henry said. “Using sensors to determine the last irrigation of the season is the largest payback of monitoring soil moisture, it almost always saves at least one irrigation and allows for planning ahead of dwindling irrigation supplies.”
Even with one or two sets of sensors — for less than $500 — estimating the number of irrigations left can be done for the entire enterprise. “In a drought year like 2022, sensors can save both water and profitability,” Henry said.
Irrigate deeply. Instead of flushing fields with limited water, try to fill the profile up when irrigating, Henry said. “This will encourage the roots to go deeper for water and reduce the number of sets for the season-saving on precious labor.”
Check those pumps. Drought is prompting farmers to run their irrigation pumps beyond the typical 800 hours a year.
“For diesel power units, oil changes and greasing propeller shafts may seem obvious, but changing the oil in the gear head is often overlooked,” Henry said. He also urged farmers with electric motors to be sure to use both the correct lubrication and amount. “If the oil in the sight window is black or white, there is a high risk of bearing failure.”
The fact sheet provides additional guidance, tables and example calculations, on how to estimate crop demand and the amount and number of irrigations needed for reservoirs and wells as supplies draw down.
“Heat stress and heat exhaustion awareness are real threats to safely sustaining irrigation, keep ample water to employees and yourself and don’t get in a hurry, it may take more time to do things safely,” Henry 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.
