Arkansas Supreme Court reverses ruling that struck state law banning mask mandates

KUAR | By Hunter Field / Arkansas Advocate

The Arkansas Supreme Court on Thursday overturned a lower court’s decision to strike down Arkansas’ prohibition on government mask mandates.

Thursday’s order tossed Pulaski County Circuit Judge Tim Fox’s 2021 ruling on procedural grounds, and it did not contemplate the merits of the arguments in the case.

Fox’s ruling had struck down Act 1002 of 2021, which prohibited government entities, such as cities and school districts, from requiring individuals to wear face coverings during the COVID-19 pandemic.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2023-01-27/arkansas-supreme-court-reverses-ruling-that-struck-state-law-banning-mask-mandates

Tyson Foods makes another leadership change

by Kim Souza (ksouza@talkbusiness.net)

David Bray, who has managed Tyson Foods’ poultry business since July 2021, is being replaced by Wes Morris. Bray spent 14 years at Tyson Foods, most of them working in the company’s retail business in sales roles.

Tyson said Morris assumed the role of president for the chicken business effective Jan. 27. He has more than 35 years of experience working in poultry and consumer sales. Morris first joined Tyson Foods in 1999 and held several leadership positions, including group vice president of consumer products, and last working as the president of prepared foods operations for four years before retiring in 2017.

“Wes is a recognized leader who will help position us for continued success and the future growth of our chicken segment,” said Tyson Foods CEO Donnie King. “We’re confident his experience will help us continue to strengthen our chicken operations and meet growing consumer demand for Tyson® brand products.”

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/01/tyson-foods-makes-another-leadership-change/

Grant Tennille re-elected as chair of Arkansas Democrats

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

Grant Tennille was re-elected unanimously as chairman of the Democratic Party of Arkansas on Saturday (Jan. 28). He will serve a four-year term.

The meeting, held at Shorter College in North Little Rock, was a reversal of expectations from December when Tennille said he would not seek re-election as chair. Subsequently, he has said that former State Senators Joyce Elliott and Keith Ingram, and others, persuaded him to stay.

“Friends, two months ago, I was as exhausted as I’ve ever been in my life,” said Tennille in a speech following his nomination. “I felt beaten up and beaten down. I was ready for a break. Fortunately, all of us have good friends who spent time talking to me and working with me. They made me understand that this moment in Arkansas is fraught with danger, and with possibility.”

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/01/grant-tennille-re-elected-as-chair-of-arkansas-democrats/

Budget puzzle awaits price tags for education, public safety, healthcare

by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

Closing out the first month of the regular session, legislative leaders have no clarity on Gov. Sarah Sanders administration’s price tag for education, public safety or healthcare, much less a blueprint for the state’s anticipated $6 billion balanced budget.

Sen. Jonathan Dismang, R-Beebe, chairman of the Joint Budget Committee, said he’s waiting to see first drafts of new school policy and prison and sentencing reform legislation.

“I haven’t seen the education plan, so I don’t have any ballpark figures on what that’s going to cost, what we’re going to do. We do know that there is a portion that’s going to be for increasing teacher pay. Again, that’s going to have a direct impact. But again, I have no idea, if I’m just being transparent, on what that’s going to look like, and that’s why you see me being hesitant in regards to the budget,” he said.

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/01/budget-puzzle-awaits-price-tags-for-education-public-safety-healthcare/

U.S. Marshals Museum begins to hire workers ahead of summer opening

by Tina Alvey Dale (tdale@talkbusiness.net)

With a summer opening still on the horizon and an estimated $3 million needed for construction and operational needs, the Fort Smith-based U.S. Marshals Museum is starting the drive to hire employees who will be needed once the doors open to the public.

Museum staff posted a job announcement for a facility sales manager on social media and employment sites like Linkedin on Thursday (Jan. 26). Museum President and CEO Ben Johnson said more employment announcements will be posted in the coming days and weeks as museum administration seeks to fill positions before the museum opens in the summer. The museum employs eight, Johnson said. That number is expected to grow to 20 or more when it is time to open the doors.

“It depends on the interest and applicants we get. It depends on whether we have enough full-time or whether we will need to fill with part-time (employees),” Johnson said.

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/01/u-s-marshals-museum-begins-to-hire-workers-ahead-of-summer-opening/

Arkansas committee hears debate on "bathroom bill"

KUAR | By Josie Lenora

Lawmakers heard questions and comments from members of the public Thursday over a so-called “bathroom bill” currently making its way through the Arkansas Legislature.

House Bill 1156 would ensure no public or charter school student is required to share sleeping quarters, restrooms or changing areas with members of the opposite biological sex. That could lead to problems for transgender or nonbinary students seeking to use facilities consistent with their gender identity. School officials who do not follow the policy could face a 15% reduction in salary under the bill.

The bill was sponsored by Rep. Mary Bentley, R-Perryville. She was joined during the committee meeting by two members of the Conway School Board, Linda Hargis and David Naylor Jr.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2023-01-26/arkansas-committee-hears-debate-on-bathroom-bill

Proclamation on Arkansas Parental Choice Week

WHEREAS:  All children in Arkansas should have access to the highest-quality education possible;

WHEREAS:  Arkansas recognizes the important role that an effective education plays in preparing all students in this state to be successful adults and not trapped in a lifetime of poverty;

WHEREAS:  Quality education is critically important to the economic vitality of Arkansas;

WHEREAS:  Arkansas is home to a multitude of high-quality public and nonpublic schools from which parents can choose for their children, in addition to families who educate their children in the home; 

WHEREAS:  Educational variety not only helps to diversify our economy, but also enhances the vibrancy of our community;

WHEREAS:  Arkansas has many high-quality teaching professionals in all types of school settings who are committed to educating our children;

WHEREAS:  Education reform will be the hallmark of my administration through the Arkansas LEARNS initiative, which prioritizes Literacy, Empowerment, Accountability, Readiness, Networking, and School Safety;

WHEREAS:  In this state, parents can no longer be an afterthought in education because they are the foundation to a child’s success;

WHEREAS:  Parents should have the right to choose the schools that’s best for their child—whether it is public, private, parochial, or homeschool;

WHEREAS:  School Choice Week, which should be called “Parental Choice Week,” is celebrated across the country by millions of students, parents, educators, schools, and organizations to raise awareness of the need for effective educational options; 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, SARAH HUCKABEE SANDERS, acting under the authority vested in me as the Governor of the State of Arkansas, do hereby recognize January 22 through January 28, 2023, as “Arkansas Parental Choice Week,” and I call this observance to the attention of all of our citizens.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and cause the Great Seal of the State of Arkansas to be affixed this 23rd day of January, in the year of our Lord 2023.

Fruehauf, Miles to be inducted into Arkansas Tourism Hall of Fame

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

Benjamin Franklin Fruehauf III and Paula Miles will be inducted into the Arkansas Tourism Hall of Fame on Feb. 27, during the 49th annual Arkansas Governor’s Conference on Tourism to be held Feb. 26-28 in El Dorado.

The Hall of Fame honor is presented annually to an individual or individuals who have been actively involved in Arkansas’s tourism industry for many years and who have made substantial contributions to the betterment of the industry as a whole.

Ben Fruehauf III
Fruehauf III and his father began floating the Illinois River near the Arkansas/Oklahoma border. They soon heard stories of a pristine river known as the Buffalo and in 1970, after a few more visits to the state, Ben’s father purchased land in Gilbert. Since that time, Ben has worked to ensure visitors to Arkansas and the Buffalo have the same captivating experience he first had.

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/01/fruehauf-miles-to-be-inducted-into-arkansas-tourism-hall-of-fame/

Gov. Sanders appoints David Haak to Arkansas Highway Commission

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

Gov. Sarah Sanders announced Thursday (Jan. 26) that she will appoint David Haak to serve as a member of the Arkansas Highway Commission. His term will expire on January 14, 2033.

Haak, a former GOP State Representative from Texarkana, will replace Robert Moore, former Democratic Speaker of the House from Arkansas City.

“Today, I will be appointing David Haak to serve on the Arkansas Highway Commission – someone who will play a critical role in bringing new, high paying jobs to the state while improving the quality of life for all Arkansans,” Sanders said. “David’s lifetime of public service, community involvement, and strong leadership will make him an asset to the commission – and I am confident that together we will ensure that U.S. Highway 82 finally becomes a four-lane interstate, unleashing south Arkansas’ full economic potential.”

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/01/gov-sanders-appoints-david-haak-to-arkansas-highway-commission/

Sam’s Club to build 30 new clubs, expand fulfillment network

by Kim Souza (ksouza@talkbusiness.net)

Sam’s Club announced Thursday (Jan. 26) plans to build 30 new U.S. locations. A timeline was not disclosed, but Sam’s Club CEO Kath McLay said the new clubs will be 160,000 square-feet larger than most stores and have more space for health and foodservice.

The retailer said the first expanded location will open in Florida by 2024. The larger footprint will make space for a seafood/sushi island, a full-service floral department, and walk-in coolers for dairy and fresh foods. There also will be more space allocated for health services to accommodate a patient waiting area, serve suites, private consultation rooms, and dedicated hearing and optical centers. Plans also include more liquor offerings and fuel stations.

As Sam’s e-commerce business also continues to grow, the retailer plans to provide more space for curbside pickup, delivery and ship to home orders in the new clubs.

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/01/sams-club-to-build-30-new-clubs-expand-fulfillment-network/

State of the State 2023: Energy leaders hopeful this year after multiple 2022 surprises

by Jeff Della Rosa (JDellaRosa@nwabj.com)

Energy industry officials look to greater stability, advanced energy investments and beneficial policies after facing multiple unexpected challenges last year. Surprises included Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and price volatility that impacted inflation, consumers and production investments to meet demand.

Still, advanced energy projects endured amid the expiration of an Arkansas rule ensuring solar array owners maintain projected savings. The grandfathering rule for solar projects expired Dec. 31; however, in late December, the Arkansas Public Service Commission issued a rule to extend it. The rule still needs legislative approval.

Lauren Waldrip, executive director for the Arkansas Advanced Energy Association, was surprised by the rule expiration but said she appreciated the commission’s new ruling, which can be referenced in the rulemaking process. If legislators approve the rule, grandfathering would be extended through May 31, 2040.

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/01/state-of-the-state-2023-energy-leaders-hopeful-this-year-after-multiple-2022-surprises/

UA renames Razorbacks basketball practice facility for donors following $5M gift

by Paul Gatling (pgatling@nwabj.com)

The nonprofit Razorback Foundation announced Thursday (Jan. 26) a $5 million donation from the Marty and Marsha Martin family of Little Rock. That donation will secure naming rights to the University of Arkansas’ Basketball Performance Center on the Fayetteville campus.

UA athletics officials will officially unveil the Marsha and Marty Martin Family Basketball Performance Center on March 4 before the Arkansas-Kentucky men’s basketball game at Bud Walton Arena. According to a news release, the University of Arkansas System Board of Trustees approved the name change at Thursday’s regular meeting.

“We are humbled by the generosity of the Martin family for this extraordinary gift,” UA Athletics Director Hunter Yurachek said in a statement. “For more than four decades, the Martins have displayed their passion for our program in numerous ways, including in investing their time and energy into cheering on our teams while also providing the support to help ensure our student-athletes and coaches are positioned for success. Our men’s and women’s basketball teams are fortunate to train and compete in one of the best basketball performance centers in the nation. It is certainly appropriate that this spectacular day-to-day Home of Razorback Basketball will now also honor this special family of Razorback fans.”

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/01/ua-renames-razorbacks-basketball-practice-facility-for-donors-following-5m-gift/

Arkansas executive order further delays ARPA funds distribution

KUAR | By Antoinette Grajeda / Arkansas Advocate

An executive order from Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders prompted the withdrawal Wednesday of more than a dozen requests for federal pandemic relief funds that had been pending for months on a legislative panel’s agenda.

The order issued Tuesday by Sanders abolished the ARPA Steering Committee and the Governor’s Infrastructure Planning Advisory Committee. The steering committee’s job had been to review funding requests under the American Rescue Plan Act and sending approved projects to legislators for consideration.

The governor’s order caused confusion about what action, if any, could be taken on ARPA-related items by the Joint Budget Committee’s Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review subcommittee during its Wednesday meeting.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2023-01-26/arkansas-executive-order-further-delays-arpa-funds-distribution

Arkansas Senate

Sen. Jonathan Dismang reviews documents during a January 2022 budget hearing. Dismang wanted to hold off on approving federal pandemic relief requests on Wednesday following an executive order that abolished the ARPA Steering Committee.

Gov. Sanders names husband to lead outdoors effort

by Steve Brawner (BRAWNERSTEVE@MAC.COM)

Gov. Sarah Sanders signed an executive order Tuesday (Jan. 24) establishing the Natural State Initiative and the Natural State Initiative Advisory Council and said her husband, Bryan, will lead the effort in a volunteer capacity.

The order says the council will advise the governor about promoting outdoor recreation and the outdoor economy.

The order says the first gentleman will chair the council with no compensation. Gov. Sanders will appoint the council’s members, who will serve on a volunteer basis.

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/01/gov-sanders-names-husband-to-lead-outdoors-effort/

Division of Agriculture guides offer latest research on weed, pest and disease management

LITTLE ROCK — The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture has released the 2023 edition of three publications containing updated research-based recommendations for managing pests, weeds and diseases in row crop agriculture as well as fruit, vegetable and garden production.

GUIDES -- Updated weed, disease and pest guides are available at county extension offices. UADA graphic/Oliver Williams

The guides are available online for download, and nearly 20,000 printed copies have been distributed to county extension offices where residents can pick up free copies.

The 2023 publications are:

• MP44 — Recommended Chemicals for Weed and Brush Control

• MP144 — Insecticide Recommendations for Arkansas

• MP154 — Arkansas Plant Disease Control Products

“MP” stands for “miscellaneous publication.”

“These publications provide control methods of pests on crops, livestock, and around the home,” said Victor L. Ford, the Division of Agriculture’s associate vice president for agriculture and natural resources. “These are not only for farmers but also for homeowners, commercial applications and others who need to control pests. The recommendations are based on the best research available and the product label. Both organic and non-organic recommendations are included in the guides.”

MP44, “Recommended Chemicals for Weed and Brush Control” is a useful resource for anyone using herbicides for weed control.

“The 2023 edition of Recommended Chemicals for Weed and Brush Control has been fully updated to include the latest herbicide releases, application guidelines, and other herbicide recommendations for the state of Arkansas,” said Tommy Butts, extension weed scientist for the Division of Agriculture. “This information is the direct result of first-hand research conducted across the state and is possible due to funding from all of our state commodity boards.”

MP144, “Insecticide Recommendations for Arkansas,” contains information on recommended insecticides in row crops, animal agriculture, fruits, nuts, vegetables and household pests. A mobile-friendly edition of MP 144 is available at https://mp144.uada.edu/.

The “Arkansas Plant Disease Control Products Guide” — or MP154 — includes a list of fungicides and nematicides registered for use in Arkansas that are used to control diseases of row crops, vegetables, small fruits, turfgrass and ornamental plants. This year’s edition includes a few new fungicides and updated fungicide efficacy tables for corn, soybean and wheat, extension plant pathologist Travis Faske said. All of the information in the guides is generated by extension plant pathologists who conduct applied research trials across the state. 

To find more extension publications, visit https://pubs.uada.edu/.

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.

Longtime Cooperative Extension Service economist named Farm Foundation Round Table Fellow

By Rebekah Hall
U of A System Division of Agriculture

LITTLE ROCK — Ron Rainey, extension economist, professor and assistant vice president for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, was named a Farm Foundation Round Table Fellow.

RAINEY NAMED ROUND TABLE FELLOW — Ron Rainey, extension economist, professor and assistant vice president for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, will join the Farm Foundation's invitation-only discussion forum as a Round Table Fellow. "This selection means that my contributions to agriculture are relevant and noteworthy," Rainey said. (Division of Agriculture photo.) 

“I am honored to be invited into this select group made up of distinguished U.S. leaders across agriculture and the food value chain,” Rainey said. “The Round Table is part of the Farm Foundation’s programs focused on engaging agricultural stakeholders to navigate a successful future for the industry. This selection means that my contributions to agriculture are relevant and noteworthy.”

The Farm Foundation, founded in 1933, is a nonpartisan, nonprofit group that works to develop solutions to issues in agriculture, including farmer health and sustainability and to implement new technologies. The foundation’s Round Table is an invitation-only discussion forum comprised of leaders in the North American food and agriculture industries.

In addition to his administrative duties and outreach for the Cooperative Extension Service, Rainey is director of the Southern Risk Management Education Center, whose mission is to educate farmers and ranchers to manage the unique risks of producing food for the world's table. 

Rainey said he looks forward to providing his perspective as an “extension economist with 30 years of experience delivering technical assistance and promoting the value of the land-grant system’s three-pronged mission—research, teaching, extension.”

“I will highlight my expertise across risk management and outreach with public and private stakeholders from across the country,” he said. “I also look forward to providing a more diverse perspective to effectively serve all agricultural sectors and rural America.”

The Round Table meets twice a year for discussion and networking among its Fellows and other leaders in government, academic and agribusiness sectors. As a Fellow, Rainey said his role will be to share his expertise and experiences, support and raise awareness of the Farm Foundation and its programs and invite other leaders to take part in Round Table discussions and networking.

“We are pleased that Dr. Rainey has earned this honor and know that he will represent farmers in Arkansas and extension well,” said Bob Scott, senior associate vice president for the Division of Agriculture and director of the Cooperative Extension Service.

Rainey is the second Division of Agriculture faculty member to be involved with the Farm Foundation. Earlier in January, Trey Malone, an agricultural economist with the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, was named Farm Foundation's 2023 Agricultural Economics Fellow. 

To learn more about the Farm Foundation, visit farmfoundation.org.

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.

Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas Awards UAMS 3 Grants To Improve Mental Health Treatment

By Tim Taylor

LITTLE ROCK — The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) recently received three grants from Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas aimed at strengthening programs treating Arkansans with mental illness.

Jessica Coker, M.D., an associate professor in the UAMS College of Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, is the principal investigator in MAPS (Mental Health and Addiction Peer Support), a peer-support model for co-occurring substance use disorders within acute psychiatric units.

Supported by a $122,389 grant from the Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas, Coker, along with Abigail Richison, M.D., will integrate a peer navigator assigned to the inpatient units at the UAMS Psychiatric Research Institute (PRI). The peer navigator will work specifically with patients dealing with substance use disorders.

https://news.uams.edu/2023/01/26/blue-you-foundation-for-a-healthier-arkansas-awards-uams-3-grants-to-improve-mental-health-treatment/

(From left) Jessica Coker, M.D., Abigail Richison, M.D., Nikki Edge, Ph.D., and Tisha Deen, Ph.D., are overseeing studies that received funding from the Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas.

Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

On Tuesday, the House passed HB1150, HB1123, and HB1098.

HB1150 would extend the time period authorized for the registration of a motor vehicle from 30 days to 60 days from the purchase date or from the time an individual becomes a resident of Arkansas.

HB1123 (this bill was brought to me by a constituent from Dist 87) would allow an individual who voluntarily seeks mental health treatment in a mental health institution or facility to petition the court for a license to carry a concealed handgun two years after treatment. 

HB1098 would allow volunteer fire departments to operate a newborn safety device under the Safe Haven Act. The bill states the department is required to be staffed 24 hours a day to qualify. The Safe Haven Act allows a parent to anonymously relinquish custody of an infant. HB1098 would also allow a parent to leave a newborn child with a medical provider staff member after delivery of the newborn.

Proclamation on A Day of Tears in Arkansas

WHEREAS:  On January 22, 1973, the majority of the United States Supreme Court ruled that abortion was a right secured by the United States Constitution; 

WHEREAS:  That decision nullified abortion laws in Arkansas, permitting elective abortion across the state;

WHEREAS:  The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision stood for nearly fifty years before being reversed in 2022;

WHEREAS:  Since January 22, 1973, over two hundred thirty-seven thousand (237,000) unborn children have perished in Arkansas because of abortion; 

WHEREAS:  The ninety-third General Assembly passed H.C.R. 1007 recognizing January 22, in perpetuity, as the “Day of Tears” in Arkansas and encouraging the citizens of Arkansas to mourn the innocent unborn children who have lost their lives to abortion; 

WHEREAS:  On January 22, 2023, hundreds of Arkansans will take part in the annual March for Life to recommit to protecting the most vulnerable among us and to celebrating the dignity of every human life;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, SARAH HUCKABEE SANDERS, acting under the authority vested in me as the Governor of the State of Arkansas, do hereby proclaim January 22, 2023, as: 

“A DAY OF TEARS IN ARKANSAS” and I urge all citizens to join voluntarily in solemn remembrance of the innocent unborn children who have lost their lives to abortion.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and cause the Great Seal of the State of Arkansas to be affixed this 20th day of January, in the year of our Lord 2023.

###

Click here to view the executive order

Winter Forage Conference to focus on coping with drought

By Ryan McGeeney
U of A System Division of Agriculture 

EL PASO, Ark. — Drought conditions in 2022 had an extraordinary impact on the cattle industry in Arkansas as well as much of the country. As water supplies became increasingly scarce throughout the summer, pastures and forage stocks throughout the Mid-South and beyond dwindled, and many producers were forced to cull their herds.

BE PREPARED — On Feb. 2, the Arkansas Forage & Grassland Council will present “Warding Off the Next Drought,” a one-day winter forage conference featuring researchers, agricultural economists and other experts presenting facts and strategies to stay profitable in 2023. (Graphic courtesy Arkansas Forage & Beef Council.)

While the situation can’t be reversed overnight, experts with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture hope to prepare the state’s cattle producers and pasture managers to navigate the year ahead and make the most of whatever hand they may be dealt.

On Feb. 2, the Arkansas Forage & Grassland Council will present “Warding Off the Next Drought,” a one-day winter forage conference featuring researchers, agricultural economists and other experts presenting facts and strategies to stay profitable in 2023.

The conference is scheduled to be held at Crossroads Cowboy Church, located at 3071 Arkansas 5 in El Paso, Arkansas. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. The cost is $25 to attend; students pay only $10.

John Jennings, professor and extension forage specialist for the Division of Agriculture, said the conference will help producers manage their resources in the coming year.

“Drought cannot be stopped,” Jennings said. “But by understanding the seasonal production and needs of your forage operation, you can plan ahead to reduce the impact.”

The conference’s agenda includes:

8:30     Registration   
9:00     Welcome
 Joel Reagan, President, Arkansas Forage and Grassland Council

9:15     How we got ahead of last year’s drought
Shane Gadberry - U of A Professor and Livestock and Forestry Research Station Director

10:00   Using the forage calendar
John Jennings – U of A professor and extension forage specialist

10:30   Break
11:00   Annual forages and using them to your advantage
            Kenny Simon, U of A animal science instructor

11:45   AFGC business meeting

12:00   Lunch / Vendors / Posters

1:00     Managing your fertilizer dollar
Bronc Finch – U of A assistant professor and extension soil fertility specialist

1:30     Fertilizer outlook for 2023
Hunter Biram - U of A assistant professor and extension agricultural economist

2:00     Insuring your forages against the next drought
James Mitchell – U of A assistant professor and extension livestock marketing and management specialist

2:30     What can you do with drones and other emerging technologies
Jason Davis – U of A extension application technologist

3:15     Questions

3:30     Adjourn

For more information or to pre-register, contact Linda McCargo at 501-671-2171.

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.