Proclamation for The 75th Anniversary Year of War Memorial Stadium

WHEREAS:  2023 commemorates the 75th anniversary of War Memorial Stadium, dedicated in 1948 as a tribute to Arkansans who had given their lives in the service of their country during the two world wars;
 
WHEREAS:  Over time, War Memorial Stadium has evolved into an active tribute to all Arkansans who have served and paid the ultimate price for their country;
 
WHEREAS:  In 1947, the state legislature passed Act 249 to purchase $500,000 in stadium commission bonds to help finance the construction of the stadium;
 
WHEREAS:  On September 18, 1948, Medal of Honor recipient and former Razorback, Maurice “Footsie” Britt dedicated the stadium in “the memory of her native sons and daughters who have given so much that we might have our freedom”;
 
WHEREAS:  Over the years, military personnel have been honored at War Memorial Stadium through programs, tributes, and monuments;
 
WHEREAS:  The first event at the stadium in 1948 was a University of Arkansas football game, and the venue has since hosted more than 200 Razorback football games with 152 victories;
 
WHEREAS:  War Memorial Stadium opened with an original seating capacity of 31,000. The stadium’s seating capacity increased to accommodate 53,727 in 1967 and again in 2010 to 54,120;
 
WHEREAS:  War Memorial Stadium has hosted President Harry S. Truman, comedian Bob Hope, and the Reverend Billy Graham;
 
WHEREAS:  War Memorial Stadium has welcomed world-renowned musical artists such as Elton John, Billy Joel, the Eagles, the Rolling Stones, George Strait, N’Sync, and Guns ‘n Roses, drawing tens of thousands of fans for each show;
 
WHEREAS:  War Memorial Stadium was listed on the Arkansas Register of Historic Places in 1998;
 
WHEREAS:  In celebration of the stadium’s 60th anniversary and as part of its rededication, the Sturgis Veterans Plaza opened in 2008 on the stadium’s northwest side as a place of remembrance and reflection. The plaza includes a 25-foot “Stars and Stripes” sculpture designed by Kathleen Caricof;
 
WHEREAS:  In addition to the University of Arkansas, Arkansas State University, the University of Central Arkansas, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, and Hendrix College have hosted sporting events at War Memorial Stadium;
 
WHEREAS:  The Little Rock Rangers soccer team, a member of the National Premier Soccer League, calls War Memorial Stadium its home;
 
WHEREAS:  War Memorial Stadium serves as host to the prestigious NJCAA Football Championships; and
 
WHEREAS:  War Memorial Stadium has played a significant role in the culture of the Natural State as a symbol of the collective pride of Arkansans in their war veterans, as well as collective pride in the State of Arkansas, and the Razorbacks, as its playing field in central Arkansas.
 
NOW, THEREFORE, I, SARAH HUCKABEE SANDERS, Governor of the State of Arkansas, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the laws of the State of Arkansas, do hereby proclaim 2023 as:
 

“THE 75th ANNIVERSARY YEAR OF WAR MEMORIAL STADIUM”

 
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Arkansas to be affixed this 25th day of August, in the year of our Lord 2023.

Sanders Announces Appointments

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.—Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has announced the following appointments to the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy and the State Board of Appraisers, Abstracters, and Home Inspectors.

Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy

Clint Boone, of Little Rock, to the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy. Term expires on June 30, 2029. Replaces Rebecca Mitchell.

Beth Ann Davenport, of Bentonville, to the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy. Term expires on June 30, 2029. Replaces Amy Fore.

State Board of Appraisers, Abstracters, and Home Inspectors

Sara Jane Stephens, of Little Rock, to the State Board of Appraisers, Abstracters, and Home Inspectors. Term expires on August 24, 2026. New position established.

Daniel Storlie, of Batesville, to the State Board of Appraisers, Abstracters, and Home Inspectors. Term expires on August 24, 2026. New position established.

Brian Hester, of Fayetteville, to the State Board of Appraisers, Abstracters, and Home Inspectors. Term expires on August 24, 2026. New position established.

Scott McKennon, of Morrilton, to the State Board of Appraisers, Abstracters, and Home Inspectors. Term expires on August 24, 2026. New position established.

Laney Briggs, of Little Rock, to the State Board of Appraisers, Abstracters, and Home Inspectors. Term expires on August 24, 2026. New position established.

Sara Hawkins, of Imboden, to the State Board of Appraisers, Abstracters, and Home Inspectors. Term expires on August 24, 2026. New position established.

Jim Pender, of Little Rock, to the State Board of Appraisers, Abstracters, and Home Inspectors. Term expires on August 24, 2026. New position established.

Wally Loveless, of Little Rock, to the State Board of Appraisers, Abstracters, and Home Inspectors. Term expires on August 24, 2026. New position established.

Melonworm threatens Arkansas pumpkins, growers should scout now through October

By Sarah Cato
U of A System Division of Agriculture

LITTLE ROCK – With fall approaching, Arkansas pumpkin growers are nearing harvest. But while fruit ripens on the vines, growers should be on the lookout for melonworm.  

CHECK YOUR PUMPKIN PATCH — Melonworm is a pest of cucurbit crops that feeds on plant foliage and fruit, usually etching pumpkin rinds just under the stems or where the fruit contacts the ground. They typically arrive in Arkansas in early to mid-September. (Division of Agriculture photo.)

Melonworm is a pest of cucurbit crops — a family that includes cucumbers and watermelons — that feeds on plant foliage and fruit, usually etching pumpkin rinds just under the stems or where the fruit contacts the ground. Often confused with pickleworm, melonworm is a different, tropical species that migrates to Arkansas from coastal regions. Because melonworm doesn’t overwinter in Arkansas, its arrival varies year to year, typically beginning in early to mid-September, but sometimes as early as late August.

Melonworm moths have white, almost translucent, wings with a brown outline. Larvae are green caterpillars with two longitudinal, white stripes down their back and 4 sets of prolegs.

“When we see melonworm really depends on the climatic conditions for the year,” said Aaron Cato, horticulture integrated pest management specialist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. “In 2021, moths showed up in late August, much earlier than previous years and began multiplying rapidly before pumpkin harvest started.”

Significant damage

This early arrival led to significant damage in pumpkins statewide in 2021.

“By late September, we were seeing a large number of damaged pumpkins and a lot of growers saw a 50 percent yield loss or more by the end of the year,” Cato said. “Melonworm was by far our biggest pumpkin pest in 2021.”

Cato said melonworm larvae will quickly defoliate leaves of pumpkin plants, feed on the rind and burrow under the handle, causing the stem to pull off when grabbed. Feeding on the rind results in the fruit ultimately becoming unmarketable. However, there are warning signs to look out for and treatment options available.

“Seeing moths in the field should be an early sign for growers that an insecticide application may be necessary,” Cato said. “If growers can easily find the white and brown moths flying in plantings, or if they’re seeing larvae on leaves, a pesticide application will be necessary.”

Many effective products for melonworm are available. Although an economic threshold for this pest doesn’t currently exist, research in Arkansas is ongoing.

“Our data from 2021 and 2022 indicates that pesticides containing chlorantraniliprole, such as Coragen or Shenzi, do the best job because they have a long residual,” Cato said. “Pyrethroids like bifenthrin or lambda-cyhalothrin only achieved moderate levels of control and likely aren’t going to get the job done.”

Mention of product names does not imply endorsement by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

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.

Street retires as director of design and construction for Division of Agriculture

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

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — After more than 32 years with the University of Arkansas System, Dan Street is hanging up his hard hat as director of design and construction for the Division of Agriculture. 

CELEBRATING SUCCESS — Dan Street, far right, is retiring as the director of design and construction for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. He stands in this July 2018 photo recognizing Nabholz Construction's Award of Excellence for its work on the Don Tyson Center for Agricultural Sciences. Also pictured are Chris Kotter and Mark Dilday of Nabholz Construction, left; Mark Cochran, then-vice president for agriculture; and David Sargent of WER Architects. (U of A System Division of Agriculture photo)

A drop-in retirement reception for Street will be held 3-5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 30, in Waldrip Hall at the Don Tyson Center for Agricultural Sciences, 1371 W. Altheimer Drive.

Street’s career with the University of Arkansas System began in August 1991 as construction coordinator for facilities management for the University of Arkansas flagship campus in Fayetteville. In 2014 he joined the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, the research arm of the Division of Agriculture, as project/program manager.

He has overseen many construction projects including the Don Tyson Center for Agricultural Sciences, completed in 2017, and the initial stages of construction of the new Northeast Rice Research and Extension Center outside of Harrisburg in northeast Arkansas.

Please join us in celebrating Street’s 32 years of contributions to the University of Arkansas System with the reception, located two miles north of the University of Arkansas campus off Garland Avenue.

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.

‘Keep the air moving, keep the water cool’ to help poultry flocks survive summer heat

By Ryan McGeeney
U of A System Division of Agriculture 

LITTLE ROCK — With the extreme heat felt across much of the United States this summer, agricultural producers need to take measures not just to protect themselves and their laborers, but also their crops and livestock as well.

IN THE HEAT OF THE DAY — Keeping chickens alive through the summer heat comes down to a few basics. (Division of Agriculture photo.)

Zac Williams, extension poultry husbandry and management specialist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said that for both commercial producers and backyard hobbyists, keeping chickens alive through the summer heat comes down to a few basics.

“Keep the air moving and keep the water cool,” Williams said. “For commercial producers, that means making sure your ventilation system, including exhaust fans and evaporative cooling pads, are working properly. For backyard chicken keepers, that means making sure there’s shade available.

“In either instance, chickens need cool water, and plenty of it,” he said. “It’s not enough to just put out adequate amounts of water in the morning. It’s going to get warm, and that’s just not as effective. In commercial houses, managers need to flush those water lines multiple times a day for the same reason.”

Williams said that if backyard chicken keepers want to put out fans for their flocks, that’s fine. They should not, however, bring live poultry into their homes to avail them of the air conditioning.

“You can bring all kinds of diseases into your house doing that,” Williams said. “I’d never recommend anyone bring chickens into their house.”

Ounce of prevention
Williams warned that if chickens do begin suffering from heat stress, producers will begin seeing production losses. It can be very difficult to bring poultry back from a heat-related illness, so it’s best to be proactive.

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” he said. “Chickens are actually kind of hardy. But if it gets up to 100, all you can do is give them the tools they need to survive.”

He also noted that some producers may add electrolytes to their flocks’ water supply, which can help the animals endure the heat of summer.

Commercial chicken houses in Arkansas produced more than 7.3 billion pounds of chicken meat in 2022, and produced $693 million in eggs.

The Division of Agriculture has several free publications available that producers may find useful, including research-proven techniques for Getting Broiler Houses Ready for the Summer and sprinkler systems that help keep flocks cool.

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.

New Sam’s Club CEO has global experience, got an early start in retail

by Kim Souza (ksouza@talkbusiness.net)

Chris Nicholas, incoming Sam’s Club CEO

Chris Nicholas began working in retail at the age of 14, pricing goods and working in back rooms. The stage will get much bigger on Sept. 11 when he steps into the top job at Sam’s Club.

He will leave behind his role as chief operating officer for Walmart U.S., a position he held since October 2021. Nicholas joined Walmart in 2018 and worked for the first three years as the chief financial officer for Walmart International. Then he worked in the U.S. business before Walmart U.S. CEO John Furner tapped him for an operational role as the No. 2 executive for U.S. stores.

“I fell in love with retail very early because I felt we could always make a difference in retail. I grew up in an environment where no one had much money,” Nicholas said a year ago in an episode of “The Huddle” with Furner. “I have worked in retail in nine different countries. I have run businesses, I have been the CFO for different businesses, whether that’s in Europe, in the U.S., or over in Australia, and there is something that’s really common about retail which is that the customers will tell you what they want.”

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/08/new-sams-club-ceo-has-global-experience-got-an-early-start-in-retail/

New Inductees of Arkansas Women's Hall of Fame honored

KUAR | By Maggie Ryan

Seven women and one organization were inducted into the Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame on Thursday.

Former Deputy Director of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art Sandra Keiser Edwards, Chairman of Eagle Bank & Trust Company Cathy Hastings Owen, former Lake City Mayor Pat Steele Qualls, longtime civil activist Nan Snow and retired Judge Joyce Williams Warren are the 2023 contemporary inductees.

The University of Arkansas Women’s Giving Circle, a philanthropic organization that combines resources to fund research and projects that enrich the lives of women in Arkansas, received the group inductee award. Mathematician Dorothy McFadden Hoover and civil rights activist Adolphine Fletcher Terry are this year's historical inductees.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2023-08-25/new-inductees-of-arkansas-womens-hall-of-fame-honored

Maggie Ryan/KUAR

Attendees of Arkansas Women's Hall of Fame gathered at the Statehouse Convention Center in downtown Little Rock

Arkansas Graveler bike tour to showcase northern Arkansas

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

Arkansas tourism officials and Gov. Sarah Sanders announced Thursday (Aug. 24) a new in-state bike tour event to be called the Arkansas Graveler. The six-day, 300-plus mile bike journey across county and forest backroads in northern Arkansas and will take place in June 2024.

The inaugural event, founded by the Ozark Foundation, will begin in Fayetteville on June 23, 2024, and finish in Jonesboro on June 29. The ride will kick-off at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and conclude at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro.

Approximately 400 touring and recreational cyclists from across the country are expected to participate in the 336-mile ride which will include five stops in host communities along the route.

Day 1 – Fayetteville to Oark (55 miles)
Day 2 – Oark to Jasper (56 miles)
Day 3 – Jasper to Marshall (55 miles)
Day 4 – Marshall to Mountain View (51 miles)
Day 5 – Mountain View to Cave City (49 miles)
Day 6 – Cave City to Jonesboro (70 miles)

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/08/arkansas-graveler-bike-tour-to-showcase-northern-arkansas/

Photo courtesy Caleb Yarbrough.

2023 Arkansas Agriculture Profile paints portrait of recovering industry

By Mary Hightower
U of A System Division of Agriculture

The 2023 Arkansas Agriculture Profile shows the state's largest industry recovering from the COVID pandemic. (U of A System Division of Agriculture image)

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The 2023 edition of the Arkansas Agriculture Profile shows that the state’s largest industry is not only making a post-COVID comeback, but it’s also growing, the authors said.

Jennie Popp, an agricultural economist and associate dean of the Honors College at the University of Arkansas, and Leah English, program assistant in agricultural economics and agribusiness, produce the annual overview of Arkansas’ agricultural industry. The two have appointments within the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, which publishes the profile.

“As seen in previous years, broilers, soybeans and rice were the highest-value ag commodities in the state,” Popp said. “Arkansas continues to rank as one of the nation’s top three exporters of rice, broilers and cotton. In 2022, soybeans, cotton and cottonseed were at a five-year high for annual production.”

In 2021, Arkansas’ total cash farm receipt value increased by 21 percent, English said.

“While 2020 saw a drop in cash receipt value for Arkansas’ livestock producers, the sector rebounded in 2021 with values rising higher than pre-pandemic levels for cattle and calves, hogs, broilers, chicken eggs and turkeys,” she said. “This rise was accompanied by a 21 percent increase in cash receipts for feed crops. Food grains, cotton and oil crop values also rose in 2021.”

Ag jobs on the rise

Arkansas’ agriculture sector saw increases in direct jobs and value-added activities in 2021, the authors said.

“Much of the job increase can be attributed to the ag production sector which grew 9.7 percent from 53,516 jobs in 2020 to 58,728 jobs in 2021,” Popp said. “Ag processing jobs also rose slightly — 0.2 percent — from 80,228 in 2020 to 80,357 in 2021.

Direct value-added contributions grew 13.6 percent from $10.3 billion in 2020 to $11.7 billion in 2021. The purchase of materials and services by ag producers from other Arkansas businesses rose by 5.5 percent from $5.3 billion in 2020 to $5.6 billion in 2021.

“Much of this increase was attributed to purchases made from Arkansas wholesalers supplying inputs to ag producers and processors,” Popp said.

Employee spending lower

Induced contributions, which are comprised of employee spending on restaurants, groceries and other items, within the state, appear lower in 2021 than those reported for 2020.

English said the drop is primarily due to analysis limitations that no longer allow the estimation of contributions from state and local government institutions.

“When accounting for this change, induced jobs decreased by 3.2 percent with induced labor income and value added rising by 3.3 percent and 5.8 percent, respectively,” she said.

“Overall, the agricultural sector in Arkansas appears to be recovering and growing following pandemic-related disruptions that occurred in 2020,” English said.

The Arkansas Agricultural Profile, or MP573, is available for download.

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 us on Twitter at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on Twitter at @AgInArk.

Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson reiterates position on former President Trump in debate

KUAR | By Ronak Patel

Last week, the Republican party allowed candidates to present themselves to a national audience and address criticism from their opponents, during a two hour debate that was hosted by Fox News. One of the candidates who was on the stage was former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson.

During the debate, Hutchinson stood out from the rest of the candidates when he was the only candidate not to raise his hand when asked if he would support former president and current frontrunner for the nomination Donald Trump.

In an interview with Arkansas PBS, Hutchinson said he believes the Republican party needs to move on from Trump if the party is to stay competitive in presidential elections.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2023-08-27/former-arkansas-gov-asa-hutchinson-reiterates-position-on-former-president-trump-in-debate

Arkansas PBS' Facebook

During a panel hosted by Arkansas PBS' Arkansas Week, political experts explain why former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson performance at the Republican presidential debate. Hutchinson received the least amount of speaking time amongst the eight candidates that were at the debate.

Ronnel Family Gift Creates First Full-Ride Scholarship in UAMS College of Medicine — First ‘Ronnel Scholar’ Named

By Andrew Vogler

LITTLE ROCK — The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has received a gift from the estate of E. Lee Ronnel to create the Ronnel Family Endowed Chancellor’s Scholarship in the UAMS College of Medicine.

Members of the Ronnel family joined UAMS leadership at an Aug. 24 ceremony to announce the creation of the scholarship. UAMS also announced that Edward Morris of Little Rock will be the inaugural Ronnel Scholar.

The scholarship is the largest gift received by the College of Medicine’s scholarship program. It is the first four-year, full-ride scholarship in the 150-year history of the College of Medicine, covering tuition, fees, housing and meals for the duration of medical school. Recipients of the scholarship will be known as Ronnel Scholars.

https://news.uams.edu/2023/08/24/ronnel-family-gift-creates-first-full-ride-scholarship-in-uams-college-of-medicine-first-ronnel-scholar-named/

From left: Mike Ronnel, Stacey Ronnel, Karen Ronnel Pear, Cam Patterson, Dale Ronnel, G. Richard Smith, Jennifer Ronnel and Steve Ronnel. Image by Bryan Clifton

NIFA Invests $4.7 Million in Agricultural Workforce Training at Community Colleges (AFRI A7601)

The Agricultural Workforce Training at Community Colleges (AWT) program area within the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative seeks to develop a workforce ready for the field as well as industry jobs in the food and agricultural sector. Through the development of new workforce training programs, or the expansion, improvement or renewal of existing workforce training programs at community, junior and technical colleges/institutes, this program will expand job-based, experiential learning opportunities, acquisition of industry-accepted credentials and occupational competencies for students to enable a work-ready labor force for the 21st century.

Explore Funded Projects

2022 Awardees

• California State University, Northridge

• Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas

• CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy

• Houston Community College

• Kingsborough Community College

• Mitchell Technical Institute

• Prince William Sound College

• Rhodes State College

• Tallahassee Community College

• University of Puerto Rico at Utuado

  https://www.nifa.usda.gov/about-nifa/announcements/nifa-invests-47-million-agricultural-workforce-training-community-colleges

Justice Barbara Webb believes her experience qualifies her for Chief Justice role

by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

Arkansas Supreme Court Justice Barbara Webb said her career background has provided her with immense diversity in being the best choice to serve as the state’s next Chief Justice.

Webb, who appeared on this week’s Capitol View program, is seeking the seat held by Chief Justice John Dan Kemp, who is retiring. Justices Karen Baker and Rhonda Wood are also seeking the Chief Justice position.

“I feel like my career path has led me to this opportunity. From being a courtroom attorney in private practice to then being a prosecuting attorney in the courtroom, and then to coming on the court as a Supreme Court Justice, I just feel like the next step or the right step for me where I can give back is to be Chief Justice,” Webb said.

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/08/justice-barbara-webb-believes-her-experience-qualifies-her-for-chief-justice-role/

Justice Barbara Webb.

Farmers for Tomorrow fundraiser set for Sept. 14 at Center for Arkansas Farms and Food

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

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The Center for Arkansas Farms and Food will hold a fundraising event 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14, to support the Farmers for Tomorrow fund, a program to help aspiring farmers start their small farm businesses.

FARMERS FOR TOMORROW — Brian Foster, center left, of Sunny Acres Farms speaks with Farmers for Tomorrow fund supporters at the 2022 fundraising event. (U of A System Division of Agriculture photo)

Dandelion Heart will provide live music, and Chef Haley O’Brien will prepare heavy hors d’oeuvres using ingredients grown by Center for Arkansas Farms and Food, CAFF, students in Fayetteville. Each guest will receive drink tickets for beers from Fossil Cove Brewing Co., Arkansas wines, or cocktails made with blackberries from the farm. A non-alcoholic version of the blackberry drink will also be available.

The event will be at the Milo J. Shult Agricultural Research and Extension Center, 1005 W. Meade St., in Fayetteville. CAFF is a part of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, the research arm of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

Farmers for Tomorrow raised $5,000 at the inaugural fundraiser in 2022. Brian Foster and Frank Ostapowicz, two graduates of CAFF’s Farm School and Apprenticeship programs, received equal portions of the fund to help start their farms.

Foster started Sunny Acres Farms and sells produce at the farmers markets in Fayetteville and Goshen, and through community supported agriculture subscriptions. The former restaurateur also offers recipes with his produce at the markets.

Ostapowicz started Purple Finch Farms in Prairie Grove, selling produce in the region’s markets.

Foster and Ostapowicz were among the first CAFF Farm School and Apprenticeship Program participants in 2021. According to Heather Friedrich, CAFF program manager, the program is designed to strengthen and expand the region’s food and farming system, enhance local communities, and provide opportunities for farmers, food entrepreneurs, and food system leaders.

Ticket purchases and donations are an investment in the community’s regional food system, the local economy and food security, Friedrich added. Through the Farmers for Tomorrow Fund, CAFF aims to raise $10,000 annually to assist new Arkansas farmers.

Once former CAFF Farm School students or apprentices have acquired farmland in Arkansas and are ready to break ground, they can apply for start-up funds from Farmers for Tomorrow, Friedrich said. The funds are designated for purchasing tools, equipment, irrigation materials and seeds.

General admission tickets to the Farmers for Tomorrow fundraiser are $65 per person, or $330 for reserved tables of six people. Event tickets include complimentary food and drinks. Tickets may be purchased in advance at the event website, http://farmersfortomorrow.org/.

For those who may be unable to attend but still wish to support Farmers for Tomorrow, the registration form includes an option to make a donation.

The 2023 event is sponsored by Arkansas Farm Bureau, Adventure Subaru, Farm Credit of Western Arkansas and the Division of Agriculture, allowing all proceeds from the event to go directly to the Farmers for Tomorrow fund.

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.

Arkansas drops AP African American Studies course

KUAR | By Josie Lenora

Just 48 hours before the first day of school, the Arkansas Department of Education announced that Advanced Placement African American Studies wouldn't count towards graduation. They said they’re reviewing the course for possible indoctrination.

Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders went on Fox News to explain her administration's decision to de-prioritize AP African American studies.

“We cannot perpetuate a lie to our students, and push this propaganda leftist agenda, teaching our kids to hate America, and hate one another," she said.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/npr-news/2023-08-23/arkansas-drops-ap-african-american-studies-course

LA Johnson/NPR

The College Board-designed class was scrapped 48 hours before the start of school.

Tyson Foods in recent years sees rapid turnover at top job

by Kim Souza (ksouza@talkbusiness.net)

It’s proven to be a tough job to hold as of late. The Tyson Foods chief executive officer role has turned over four times in seven years since Donnie Smith stepped down. Tyson Foods CEO Donnie King, CEO since June 2021, is the fourth in the job since Smith left in 2016.

Smith held the CEO position through a growth period for Tyson Foods from 2009 through 2016. He oversaw the acquisition of Hillshire Farms in 2014 and is credited with achieving four straight years of record net income and multiplying stock value six times in seven years.

At 57, Smith stepped down as CEO with a hefty retirement package valued at $24 million, which included a three-year consulting agreement that paid him a minimum of $5,800 per hour worked. His exit package also included $3.53 million in severance and restricted shares and stock options valued at $5.5 million. Additional shares, valued at $6.69 million, were to vest if his successor Tom Hayes achieved certain performance goals. Smith also had a minimum of $8.16 million in retirement benefits. Smith logged 36 years with Tyson Foods, joining the company after college graduation.

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/08/tyson-foods-in-recent-years-sees-rapid-turnover-at-top-job/

Keith Stokes remembered as avid supporter of agriculture, for his willingness to serve others

By Mary Hightower
U of A System Division of Agriculture

DARDANELLE, Ark. — The first things you noticed about Keith Stokes were the kind eyes and smile that always shone below the broad brim of his cowboy hat.

And it was hard not to notice. Stokes seemed to be everywhere in Arkansas. He was at field days, groundbreakings and meetings of all sorts — any event where agriculture mattered. Stokes — a farmer, Razorback-mascot-keeper, and aide to Sen. Tom Cotton — passed away on Aug. 18. He was 59.

Keith Stokes, left, leaves a legacy of service to agriculture in Arkansas. Among the jobs closest to his heart was as the caretaker of the Razorback mascot, Tusk. Here, he stands with Kelly Robbins of Arkansas. Rice. The two were attending an event at the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station headquarters in Fayetteville. Taken April 10, 2023. (U of A System Division of Agriculture file photo by Mary Hightower)

“With Keith, the thing that stuck with you was his willingness to serve any time you needed him,” said Deacue Fields, head of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. “He was definitely someone you could depend on and he’d always follow through. And he was always willing to help and support the Division of Agriculture.”

Chuck Culver, director of external relations for the Division of Agriculture, remembered Stokes as a strong advocate not only for the agriculture industry, but also for its people.

“Keith made everyone feel like they were his best friend. He epitomized public service. And he especially loved being an ambassador for agriculture and the Razorbacks,” Culver said.

Cotton said that “our state, its farmers ranchers and foresters, and our Senate office had no better friend and champion than Keith Stokes.”

Sen. John Boozman said, “Cathy and I are heartbroken at the loss of Keith Stokes – Mr. Razorback, as I liked to call him. Humility, passion for agriculture, and dedication to serving U of A as the caretaker of Tusk all defined Keith's life and work, a true Arkansan. Our prayers are with all his loved ones.”

Services for Stokes were held Tuesday at the Dardanelle Community Center.

Read about how Stokes became the Tusk caretaker.

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 us on Twitter at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on Twitter at @AgInArk.

State of the State Mid-Year 2023: Arkansas’ steel industry to bolster overall manufacturing sector

by Michael Tilley (mtilley@talkbusiness.net)

The U.S. manufacturing sector has been soft in recent months, but Arkansas manufacturing job numbers are up more than 5% in the past two years. One sector advocate believes the job numbers would be higher if more people were in the workforce.

Manufacturing employment in Arkansas totaled 165,200 in July, up from 163,400 in July 2022 and above the 162,000 in the pre-pandemic July 2019. Manufacturing, once the state’s largest jobs sector, posted record employment of 247,600 in February 1995.

Among the three Arkansas metro areas with significant manufacturing activity, two have seen manufacturing job growth in the past five years. Manufacturing job numbers are up 6.3% in Northwest Arkansas during the past five years and up 9.3% in the Fort Smith metro. Manufacturing job numbers are down 6.5% in the Little Rock-North Little Rock metro in the past five years.

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/08/state-of-the-state-mid-year-2023-arkansas-steel-industry-to-bolster-overall-manufacturing-sector/

New poultry extension specialist brings love of teaching to Arkansas

By Jessica Wesson
U of A System Division of Agriculture

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Poultry science extension specialist Zac Williams is passionate about education, both in the poultry house and in the classroom.

POULTRY SCIENCE — Zac Williams, poultry science extension specialist and assistant professor, is a new faculty member with the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science. (U of A System Division of Agriculture photo)

“I enjoy teaching, whether that be through extension programming or in the classroom,” Williams said. “Being able to relay knowledge from the scientific community to producers and students makes me feel like I’m making a difference.”

Williams joined the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science and poultry science department as an assistant professor in June. In his new role, Williams provides poultry education and outreach through the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, with a focus on connecting with the commercial poultry industry in Arkansas.

“We are very excited to have Dr. Zac Williams join the faculty in the Department of Poultry Science and Center of Excellence for Poultry Science,” said David Caldwell, poultry science department head and director of the Center for Excellence for Poultry Science. “Thus far in Zac’s career, he has worked closely with the commercial industry in Tennessee and Michigan. We fully expect that he will develop strong relationships with our industry stakeholders here in Arkansas.”

Williams also conducts research for the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station and will teach through the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences. The extension service and experiment station are the outreach and research arms of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. The Division of Agriculture, with the Bumpers College, provides the traditional land grant triad of teaching, outreach and research.

“We look forward to working with Zac as he develops strong, industry-focused research, teaching and outreach programs here,” Caldwell said.

Focus on producers

Williams’ research program will focus on how producers respond to animal diseases coming from outside the United States. He wants to find ways to improve depopulation and composting in affected flocks. His research also includes investigating litter management practices for improved microbial community development and developing on-farm tools that can quickly identify bacterial species.

“I’m really excited about working with the team of faculty, staff and students in the poultry science department and the university and seeing where I can fit in and contribute,” Williams said. “I’m also excited about being so close to a large percentage of poultry production and the challenges and opportunities that will arise.”

Williams received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in poultry science from Mississippi State University. He earned a Ph.D. in poultry science from Auburn University.

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 us on Twitter at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on Twitter at @AgInArk.

University of Arkansas’ $36M chip prototype facility to open in 2025

by Jeff Della Rosa (JDellaRosa@nwabj.com)

Construction has started on a first-of-its-kind semiconductor facility at the University of Arkansas, according to a Monday (Aug. 21) news release. The $36 million chip prototype fabrication facility is expected to be completed in January 2025.

UA and industry leaders and researchers broke ground Friday (Aug. 18) on the 18,660-square-foot Multi-User Silicon Carbide Research and Fabrication Facility, or MUSiC. It will be built at Arkansas Research and Technology Park in south Fayetteville. Designers are Tsoi Kobus and Wittenberg Delony & Davidson Architects. The general contractor is Whiting Turner.

MUSiC will allow the federal government – through national labs – businesses and universities to develop semiconductor prototypes with silicon carbide, a capability that’s currently unavailable. Silicon carbide is a semiconductor that can outperform basic silicon chips, and silicon carbide electronics can operate in extreme environments. At the new facility, chips can go from developmental research to prototyping, testing and fabrication.

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/08/university-of-arkansas-36m-chip-prototype-facility-to-open-in-2025/

Alan Mantooth speaks at the groundbreaking of the Multi-User Silicon Carbide Research and Fabrication Facility.