Poll: Issue 1 sees support; Issues 2 and 3 a mixed bag

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

Three legislative-referred amendment proposals could all pass this November, although one measure has more support than the other two.

A new Talk Business & Politics-Hendrix College Poll of 835 likely Arkansas voters found a plurality of support for Issue 1, which would allow the Arkansas legislature to call itself into special session. Under the current state constitution, only the governor can call for an extraordinary session of the Arkansas General Assembly.

Q: Issue 1, would give the legislature the authority to convene in extraordinary session (special session) by joint proclamation of House and Senate leadership or by written proclamation containing the signatures of at least two-thirds of the members of both the House and Senate. If the election were held today, would you vote for or against Issue 1?

41% For
24% Against
35% Undecided

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/09/poll-issue-1-sees-support-issues-2-and-3-a-mixed-bag/

Group forms to oppose higher threshold for amendment, initiated act passage

by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

A legislative question committee announced its formation Tuesday (Sept. 20) to oppose Issue 2, a legislative-referred constitutional amendment proposal that would require a 60% voting threshold for new amendments or initiatives.

Issue 2, the “Constitutional Amendment and Ballot Initiative Reform Amendment”, would change the number of votes required for approval of initiated acts and constitutional amendments – both proposed by the people and referred by the legislature – to at least 60% of the votes cast.

Protect AR Rights, a citizen-led effort to “preserve Arkansans’ constitutional right to use ballot measures to reform our laws and political process,” has formed a Legislative Question Committee to oppose Ballot Issue 2 this November.

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/09/group-forms-to-oppose-higher-threshold-for-amendment-initiated-act-passage/

UA Cossatot Celebrates the Grand Opening of the Old Lockesburg Middle School

Photos: #1 Blue Darter Museum Artifacts

#2 Dr. Cole leads a tour of the community room

#3 Members of the public tour the museum

#4 Blue Darter athletic awards on display

UA Cossatot hosted an open house on Thursday, September 15, to showcase Phase I completion of the old Lockesburg Middle School restoration project. Visitors toured the Blue Darter Museum, the Community Room, and six classrooms. Dr. Steve Cole, Chancellor of UA Cossatot, was on hand to answer questions about the project and the future plans for the updated facility. New to Lockesburg will be a nursing medical simulation lab and plenty of new classroom space to offer new training and programs.

The Lockesburg restoration project was made possible, in part, by a grant from the Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Council. Phase 2 of the project is scheduled to begin the week of September 19 and will include the south side of the old middle school facility. According to Dr. Cole, when Phase 2 is completed, UA Cossatot plans to ask the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program to name the entire 9.8-acre Lockesburg campus as a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places, with the renovated buildings designated as contributing buildings.

Members of the public who wish to donate money or artifacts to the Blue Darter Museum or the campus beautification effort may contact UA Cossatot Director of Development Dustin Roberts at droberts@cccua.edu or call (870) 584-1172. In addition, bricks, classrooms, and the exterior building are available for naming as part of the Blue Darter Heritage Campaign.

Active COVID-19 Cases in SW Arkansas

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 62

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 38

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 23

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 39

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 11

Active Cases Data for Miller County
Total Active Cases: 106

Tyson Center for Food Animal Wellbeing to host poultry welfare symposium Oct. 12

By Jessica Wesson
Center of Excellence for Poultry Science
U of A System Division of Agriculture

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The Tyson Center for Food Animal Wellbeing will host its 8th annual symposium on Oct. 12 in a hybrid format, with speakers focusing on poultry welfare and what the industry is doing to increase knowledge in this area.

CFAW Symposium 2022 speakers - Amelia Woods. Photo provided by Department of Poultry Science

There is no cost to attend either in-person or online. The Professional Animal Auditor Certification Organization, PAACO, will be offering seven continuing education credits for those in attendance.

The event runs from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The in-person event will be held at the Don Tyson Center for Agricultural Sciences,1371 W. Altheimer Dr. in Fayetteville, and lunch will be provided.

Registration is available online.

“In a state that is one of the nation’s largest producers of broilers and turkeys, poultry health and welfare are top of mind for us,” aid Shawna Weimer, director of the Tyson Center for Food Animal Wellbeing, part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. “Our speakers are bringing a broad set of perspectives on this issue and no matter how long we’ve been in this field, there’s always something we can learn from our colleagues.”

The agenda:

• 9 a.m. — Welcome — David Caldwell, director of Center for Excellence of Poultry Science and Weimer.

• 9:15 a.m. — “Thinking Outside of the Box to Tackle Poultry Welfare: A Nutritional Immunologist's Perspective”— Elizabeth Bobeck, associate professor at Iowa State University.

• 10 a.m. — “Enriching the Environment for Broilers”— Leonie Jacobs, assistant professor at Virginia Tech.

• 11 a.m. — “Birds Flying High: Cage-free Houses and Skeletal Welfare of Laying Hens” — Prafulla Regmi, assistant professor at the University of Georgia.

• 11:45 a.m. — Lunch

• 12:45 p.m. — “Poultry Welfare Adulting: Where, What, How” — Amelia Woods, poultry welfare manager, PAACO.

• 1:45 p.m. — “Current Issues in Turkey Welfare” — Brian Wooming, DVM, Cargill veterinarian.

• 2:45 p.m. — “Communication, Culture, and the Five Domains” — Dallas Wynn, senior manager of animal welfare for Tyson Foods.

• 3:30 p.m. — Poultry Welfare and the Building of Customer Relationships - Whitny Haley, Director of Animal Welfare for Simmons Foods.

• 4:15 p.m. Closing remarks — Weimer.

To learn more about the Center for Food Animal Wellbeing, visit https://foodanimalwellbeing.uada.edu/.

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

About the Tyson Center for Food Animal Wellbeing

The University of Arkansas has a deep-rooted relationship with the food animal industry in the areas of outreach and applied research. The Tyson Center for Food Animal Wellbeing (CFAW) team works closely with three units within the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture: the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science, the Department of Animal Science, and the National Agricultural Law Center. The CFAW goal is to improve animal health, handling, and productivity through husbandry practices that optimize animal welfare.

Poultry Science Department Head Honored as Fellow of the Poultry Science Association

FELLOWSHIP — David Caldwell, department head of the poultry science department and director for the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science, was awarded a Fellowship by the Poultry Science Association in July 2022. (Photo provided by Poultry Science Association)

SAN ANTONIO — Straight out of high school, David Caldwell didn’t envision a career in poultry science, yet he has been honored by the Poultry Science Association as a Fellow for his contributions to the field of poultry science and service to the organization.

The Texas native grew up in the small farming community of Taylor, where he was involved in FFA. Caldwell had broilers and layers but wasn’t convinced that poultry science was his future.

“I didn’t leave high school completely sold on poultry science,” said Caldwell, director of the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science and poultry science department head. “I actually began my undergraduate career as a wildlife biology major at Texas A&M University.”

In his second semester at Texas A&M, Caldwell discovered the job placement rate for his chosen major was not very high, so he decided to switch it up.

“I walked across campus to where the agriculture majors were housed, and that afternoon I became a poultry science major,” Caldwell said. “It stuck. I’ve been here ever since.”

After graduating with his B.S. in poultry science at Texas A&M in 1991, Caldwell pursued his graduate degrees.

“When I was working in the lab as an undergraduate and graduate student, I developed an appreciation and a keen interest in research,” Caldwell said. “That really drove me down the path toward academia and ultimately becoming a faculty member.”

He graduated from Texas A&M in 1997 with his M.S. and Ph.D. in veterinary microbiology. Right after graduation, Caldwell joined the faculty of the Department of Poultry Science at his alma mater.

“It was really nerve-wracking to join as an assistant professor, but I enjoyed the fit,” Caldwell said. “I enjoyed teaching, mentoring graduate students and conducting research that carried impact for our industry stakeholders.”

PSA a resource for success

The Poultry Science Association has played a large role in Caldwell’s professional development and career success. He joined the organization as a college student in 1991, and it has been a resource for him ever since.

“In 2008 I received what was then called the Land O’ Lakes/Purina Mills Teaching Award from the Poultry Science Association,” Caldwell said. “Teaching was always very important to my career. I’ll never forget being recognized with that award.”

Caldwell also served PSA as an at-large director between 2009 and 2012, was elected to the Executive Board in 2013 and served as president of the organization in 2015-2016. On top of all his accomplishments and service in PSA, Caldwell was inducted as a PSA Fellow at the 2022 Annual Meeting in July.

“The highest distinction that is given to a Poultry Science Association member is to be named a PSA Fellow,” said Karen Schwean-Lardner, 2022 Poultry Science Association president. “David Caldwell has contributed so much to this association, in his time given to serve on the Board of Directors, committee assignments and much more. He is also an outstanding scientist and is committed to student teaching throughout his career.”

Caldwell said he was surprised by the award.

“It wasn’t until I attended the PSA Annual Meeting in 1995 in Canada that I noticed Fellows being inducted,” Caldwell said. “I could see how much it meant to those individuals being inducted. It’s nothing I would have ever expected, but I am very honored. It means a great deal to me.”

“We are thrilled for Dr. Caldwell to be recognized by PSA. Dr. Caldwell has contributed enormously to the poultry industry during his career and has provided exemplary leadership to the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science,” said Jean-Francois Meullenet, associate vice president for agriculture for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, director of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station and interim dean for the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences. “I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this honor. Congratulations to him!”

Established in 1908, the Poultry Science Association is a professional organization consisting of approximately 2,000 educators, scientists, extension specialists, industry researchers, administrators, producers, and college students who are committed to advancing the poultry industry.

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.

New Smart Farming Research Facility will enable cutting-edge poultry science

By Jessica Wesson
Center of Excellence for Poultry Science
U of A System Division of Agriculture

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Construction is nearly complete on a state-of-the-art poultry science facility that will open new avenues of research for the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science and the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station.

SMART FARMING — The Poultry Science Smart Farming Research Facility was built by the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science with donations from six regional stakeholders. (U of A System Division of Ag photo)

The Poultry Science Smart Farming Research Facility is located at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s Milo J. Shult Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Fayetteville. The $1 million project will be the most advanced facility for conducting broiler research at the farm once complete, according to David Caldwell, director of the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science and head of the department of poultry science.

“This facility will be equipped with the most technologically advanced, commercially relevant environmental control and rearing equipment available in the commercial industry today,” he said.

Jean-François Meullenet, senior associate vice president for agriculture-research and director of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, said this sophisticated facility was made possible through a generous donation from Aviagen, equipment gifts from Reliable Poultry, Diversified Ag, MTech Systems, and D&F Equipment, and matching funding from Tyson Foods, along with infrastructure funds from the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station.  

“I am very thankful for the amazing private support we have received for the construction of this facility and have no doubt that it will propel our research forward and make our scientists more competitive for extramural funding,” Meullenet said.

“Aviagen is honored and excited to help financially support construction of this unique project and to participate in creating the house design concepts,” said Bryan Fancher, group vice president of Global Technical Operations for Aviagen. “This cutting-edge facility will help generate new research findings and better prepare students for the future of poultry farming.”

David Bray, group president of poultry for Tyson Foods, said, “The spirit of innovation and discovering better ways to work have been fundamental to the success of Tyson Foods for more than 85 years. We’re proud to continue our legacy of supporting agriculture in Arkansas while ensuring students and faculty have the right tools to help lead our industry into the future.”

“We are honored the Department of Poultry Science at the University of Arkansas System asked us to partner with them in equipping this one-of-a-kind research house to allow poultry science students to learn,” said Lisa Kaplan, co-owner of Reliable Poultry. “Donations like these are very important to us because they assist in developing future leaders in the poultry industry, as well as advance new technology in the fast growing, ever-developing industry.”

Caldwell said the new facility will enhance capacity in a number of research focus areas, including broiler nutrition, management, welfare and environmental quality.

“The total dimensions will be 45 feet wide by 350 feet in length,” he said. “The west end will be where large floor pens are equipped with commercially relevant rearing equipment. This side will also be equipped with cutting-edge sensor and data acquisition technology to allow for research projects to be conducted with a real-time, big data approach.”

The other side will be utilized for broiler nutrition research, Caldwell said. “The east end of the facility will be a more standard ‘mini-pen’ research facility that will be very well suited for broiler nutrition and management research applications.” Caldwell added that the facility will allow for more capacity for broiler welfare and environmental quality.

Michael Kidd, professor of poultry nutrition for the Experiment Station, the research arm of the Division of Agriculture, said the Smart Farming Research Facility’s planned smart technology will allow researchers to conduct studies that address emerging industry needs.

“Computer vision and machine learning technologies are becoming realized tools in the poultry industry as well as our research programs, and this facility will help us execute smart-based research strategies that improve broiler breeder and broiler nutrition and welfare,” said Kidd, who also holds the Adisseo Endowed Professorship in Global Sustainable Poultry Nutrition.

Other companies provided pens, electronics and other equipment.

“D&F Equipment Sales, Inc. is extremely proud to be part of the Poultry Science Smart Farming Research Facilities team along with Stewart Stainless in supplying stainless steel pens and structures. Our mission is always to support and grow our industry and to help bring knowledge and a new generation of practitioners into our industry,” said Greg Cagle, president of D&F Equipment Sales, Inc.

“With the poultry industry moving towards more advanced data collection systems, Rotem controllers are the ultimate option to gather valuable data while also controlling all aspects of a house. This allows producers to develop a higher quality product in a more efficient manner,” said Brad Bowen, regional sales manager for Diversified Ag. “Diversified Ag is excited for the opportunity to be part of this project, and we are honored that Aviagen, Tyson, and the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture have put their trust in Diversified Ag and our Rotem controllers.”

NUTRITION — The new Poultry Science Smart Farming Research Facility will also be used to teach students arbout poultry produciton. (U of A System Division of Ag photo)

Caldwell said that the facility will also be used to teach students about poultry production.

Andrew Coburn, sonar project manager for MTech Systems, said “facilities like the Poultry Science Smart Farming Research Facility will produce industry-ready graduates through hands-on educational experiences. MTech Systems is excited to provide real-time data and IOT sensors to help solve emerging and relevant industry problems, with the goal of aiding in research and preparing students for a career in the poultry industry.”

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.

AUDIO: Keeping Tabs on Monkeypox

Dr. Atul Kathari, the medical director of outbreak prevention and response branch at the Arkansas Department of Health, shares the status and expectations of monkeypox in Arkansas.

https://www.kuaf.com/show/ozarks-at-large/2022-09-08/keeping-tabs-on-monkeypox

Courtesy/CDC

New Arkansas Broadband director studying state ‘Affordability Trust Fund’

by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

The state’s new broadband director, Glen Howie, has been on the job for a little over a month and he’s already gauging where Arkansas can excel even further with Internet connectivity. Howie, who comes to Arkansas from Louisiana, says the state has a “great story to tell.”

“Since 2020, the [broadband] office has awarded $392 million in grants, which is fantastic. That’s actually a number that would lead a lot of states and lead the nation in the amount that we’ve given out. But moving forward, we have to do more than that,” he said.

“When I’m on the road and I’m talking with folks and, I’ve said this from the very beginning, we can make Arkansas the most wired state in the country with fiber running to every single home and business across the state. But if our Arkansans can’t afford it, that’s a problem. Likewise, we can run the fiber, we can make it free, but if Arkansans don’t possess the digital literacy skills that they need to properly use the internet and computer and devices, or simply don’t understand the value that it can create for their lives and truly impact them, we need to work on that as well.”

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/09/new-arkansas-broadband-director-studying-state-affordability-trust-fund/

UAFS receives $18.77 million from Windgate Foundation for nursing, arts programs

by Talk Business and Politics (staff@talkbusiness.net)

The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith has received an $18.77 million gift from the Windgate Foundation to expand the university’s nursing and arts programs. The gift is the single largest in the university’s 94-year history.

A Friday (Sept. 9) UAFS press release noted that the money will “dramatically increase nursing graduates and cultivating an immersive arts experience for students and the public through the expansion of the Windgate Art and Design building and its offerings.”

Prior to this gift, the Windgate Foundation awarded more than $25 Million to UAFS in support of the Windgate Art and Design building and endowment, visual arts and design programming, and a comprehensive scholarship endowment for high-need students. Over the past three years, Rickman said, the university and the Windgate Foundation pivoted from discussing a single gift to improve fine art facilities at UAFS to designing the multi-tiered plan to holistically advance the health and wellness of the Fort Smith metro.

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/09/uafs-receives-18-77-million-from-windgate-foundation-for-nursing-arts-programs/

Windgate Art & Design Building on the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith campus

Walmart issues $5 billion in new debt; partners with UnitedHealth Group

Walmart seeks to raise $5 billion in operating capital through four separate bond issues ahead of expected Federal Reserve interest rate hike. Also, the Bentonville-based retailer announced Wednesday (Sept. 7) a partnership with UnitedHealth Group.

A filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission showed the bonds include $1.75 billion at 3.9% due in 2025, $1 billion at 3.95% due in 2027, $1.25 billion at 4.15% due 2032 and $1 billion at 4.5% due 2052. Walmart should net roughly $4.971 billion from the bonds. Walmart debt is rated AA by Standard & Poor’s and Aa2 by Moody’s, each seen as Prime credit level quality.

Other retailers have also issued debt to raise capital ahead of higher interest rates many think are coming when the Federal Open Market Committee meets Sept 20. Wall Street expects the Fed to raise rates 0.75% following the meeting. Target recently issued $1 billion in bonds due in 2032, and McDonald’s announced bond issues totaling $1.5 billion due in 2032 and 2052. In April, Amazon sold $12.75 billion of investment-grade bonds for general corporate purposes.

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/09/walmart-issues-5-billion-in-new-debt-partners-with-unitedhealth-group/

A Walmart Health Clinic coming to Rogers at Store No. 1 at 2110 W. Walnut Street.

Attorney General Rutledge and Bipartisan Coalition reach $438.5 million agreement with JUUL Labs

LITTLE ROCK—Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge announced today a $438.5 million agreement in principle between JUUL Labs and 34 states and territories resolving a two-year bipartisan investigation into the e-cigarette manufacturer’s marketing and sales practices. In addition to the financial terms, the settlement would force JUUL to comply with a series of strict injunctive terms severely limiting their marketing and sales practices. Arkansas will receive $13,553,391.88 over five years.

“It is the fault of companies like JUUL who spread misinformation and incentivized youth to buy vaping products that created this epidemic that continue to be a prevalent problem in our schools and neighborhoods,” said Attorney General Rutledge. “After a two year investigation, I am holding JUUL accountable for their actions with the assurance that they will comply with the law in the future because Arkansans deserve to be protective from deceptive business practices.”

JUUL was, until recently, the dominant player in the vaping market. The multistate investigation revealed that JUUL rose to this position by willfully engaging in an advertising campaign that appealed to youth, even though its e-cigarettes are both illegal for them to purchase and are unhealthy for youth to use. The investigation found that JUUL relentlessly marketed to underage users with launch parties, advertisements using young and trendy-looking models, social media posts and free samples. It marketed a technology-focused, sleek design that could be easily concealed and sold its product in flavors known to be attractive to underage users. JUUL also manipulated the chemical composition of its product to make the vapor less harsh on the throats of the young and inexperienced users. To preserve its young customer base, JUUL relied on age verification techniques that it knew were ineffective.

The investigation further revealed that JUUL’s original packaging was misleading in that it did not clearly disclose that it contained nicotine and implied that it contained a lower concentration of nicotine than it actually did.  Consumers were also misled to believe that consuming one JUUL pod was the equivalent of smoking one pack of combustible cigarettes. The company also misrepresented that its product was a smoking cessation device without FDA approval to make such claims.

The states are in the process of finalizing and executing the settlement documents, a process that takes approximately 3-4 weeks. The $438.5 million would be paid out over a period of six to ten years, with the amounts paid increasing the longer the company takes to make the payments. If JUUL chooses to extend the payment period up to ten years, the final settlement would reach $476.6 million. Both the financial and injunctive terms exceed any prior agreement JUUL has reached with states to date.

As part of the settlement, JUUL has agreed to refrain from:

1. Youth marketing

2. Funding education programs

3. Depicting persons under age 35 in any marketing

4. Use of cartoons

5. Paid product placement

6. Sale of brand name merchandise

7. Sale of flavors not approved by FDA

8. Allowing access to websites without age verification on landing page

9. Representations about nicotine not approved by FDA

10. Misleading representations about nicotine content

11. Sponsorships/naming rights

12. Advertising in outlets unless 85 percent audience is adult

13. Advertising on billboards

14. Public transportation advertising

15. Social media advertising (other than testimonials by individuals over the age of 35, with no health claims)

16. Use of paid influencers

17. Direct-to-consumer ads unless age-verified, and

18. Free samples.

The agreement also includes sales and distribution restrictions, including where the product may be displayed/accessed in stores, online sales limits, retail sales limits, age verification on all sales, and a retail compliance check protocol.

The investigation was led by Connecticut, Texas, and Oregon. Attorneys General in Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Maine, Mississippi,  Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, Wyoming have signed on to the agreement. 

Lockesburg Middle School Restoration Project Open House September 15th

Work is wrapping up on the latest phase of the restoration project at the old Lockesburg Middle School. UA Cossatot will host an open house at the location on Thursday, September 15th from 11:00 AM till 1:00 PM. The public is invited to the event to tour the remodeled facility, which will house a Lockesburg School Museum as well as classrooms for UA Cossatot.

Pasture management key to profit and water quality

By the U of A System Division of Agriculture

LITTLE ROCK — Well-managed pastures can have a positive effect both on water quality and farm budgets. The Cooperative Extension Service, part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, is working with partners and landowners throughout the state to make this potential a reality.

PROTECT AND ENHANCE — John Pennington, extension water quality educator for the Division of Agriculture, is part of a five-year Regional Conservation Partnership Project focused on pasture landowners within the Buffalo National River watershed. (Division of Agriculture photo.)

By re-establishing or invigorating existing pasture forages, farm production and profitability can increase while also protecting water quality.

John Pennington, extension water quality educator for the Division of Agriculture, said that nowhere is this more true than in the Buffalo National River Watershed, where a five-year Regional Conservation Partnership Project is focusing efforts on pasture landowners within the watershed.

The project provides as much as $400,000 in additional conservation practice funding annually for qualifying landowners, in addition to the usual funding allocation to Natural Resources Conservation Service county offices serving the Buffalo River Watershed.  

“The current price of inputs such as fertilizers and fuel make retaining and utilizing existing on-farm nutrients even more important,” Pennington said.

“Controlling and rotating grazing is a critical step to maintaining healthy forage stands and soil health,” he said, adding that “sometimes pastures need fertility improvements, such as lime or simply reseeding, as a result of periods of drought or disease. Keeping the pasture covered with forage is critical to both production and water quality.”

Rotational grazing and other conservation practices can increase farm production and profit while reducing nitrogen, bacteria, phosphorus and sediment in runoff from agricultural lands within the watershed. The practices are also recommended in the voluntary Buffalo River Watershed Management plan.

Rotational grazing has many benefits, including:

• Allowing periods of recovery for the forage and soil

• Distribution of animal nutrients more evenly throughout the fields

• Increased grazing efficiency and

• Increased water and fertilizer retention in the soil

The Cooperative Extension Service works with multiple agencies and organizations, including the Nature Conservancy, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and others to form the Buffalo River Watershed Enhancement Project, which seeks to help watershed residents and landowners reduce erosion on their land and enhance water quality in the Buffalo National River. The partnership makes hundreds of thousands of dollars in grant funding available to landowners participating in the project each year. To learn more, visit https://www.uaex.uada.edu/environment-nature/water/buffalo-river-project.aspx.

For more information on pasture forage establishment, rotational grazing, or water quality check in with your local county extension office, conservation district, or Natural Resource Conservation Service office. To potentially receive funding for pasture management activities visit your local Natural Resource Conservation Service office.

Arkansas lawmakers unable to reach decision on ethics complaint

KUAR | By Michael Hibblen

The Arkansas Senate Ethics Committee will meet again next Thursday to consider a complaint made by one senator against another. It comes despite the intention of the committee chairman to resolve the issue during a marathon meeting on Thursday which was mostly conducted behind closed doors.

The complaint was apparently filed by Sen. Alan Clark, R-Lonsdale, against Sen. Stephanie Flowers, D-Pine Bluff. Clark had been sanctioned by the committee earlier this summer for seeking per diem and travel expenses for a meeting he did not attend. He has since suggested there are problems with the legislature’s ethics rules and that other lawmakers have committed similar violations.

State documents obtained by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette show Flowers reimbursed the state last month nearly $3,000 for travel expenses she had received for meetings attended via Zoom. Sen. Trent Garner, R-El Dorado, also received the payments, which Senate President Jimmy Hickey said he considered “a clerical error.”

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2022-09-02/arkansas-lawmakers-unable-to-reach-decision-on-ethics-complaint

Walmart tries again to improve beef offering in stores

by Kim Souza (ksouza@talkbusiness.net)

Walmart has over the years made several attempts to improve the beef quality it sells. Last week, the retail giant invested a minority stake in Sustainable Beef, a rancher and beef producer-owned company that sells Angus beef into retail.

Walmart did not disclose the amount of the investment but said the deal will increase the amount of quality Angus beef it sells.

The deal calls for Sustainable Beef to open a processing center in North Platte, Neb. They will break ground next month and create about 800 jobs in that community. Lehr said Walmart will get a majority of the beef produced at the new facility which is expected to open in late 2024. With the investment, Walmart also gets a board seat at Sustainable Beef.

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/09/walmart-tries-again-to-improve-beef-offering-in-stores/

Agricultural land values up 4.7% in Arkansas

by George Jared (gjared@talkbusiness.net)

Inflation has impacted consumers for the better part of a year, but it has also led to increased cropland acre values, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service “2022 Land Values Summary” indicates that agriculture acre values in Arkansas are up 4.7% to $3,550 per acre.

Values in the Natural State are slightly lower than the national average. The average farm acre in the U.S. is valued at $3,800, up more than 12% from the previous year. California led the nation with an agri acre value of $12,000, the report states. New Mexico has the least valuable agri acres with an average value of $610 per acre.

Scott Stiles, extension economist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said farmland values in Arkansas have increased four consecutive years, though the rise between the 2021 report and this year’s wasn’t as high as the national average.

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/09/agricultural-land-values-up-4-7-in-arkansas/

Weekly Update from State Representative

Labor Day is a time to reflect on the social and economic achievements of American workers. The labor force in Arkansas and its forecasted potential is worth celebrating. 

The most recent report from the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services (ADWS) shows unemployment in our state at 3.2 percent. The jobless rate nationwide stands at 3.5 percent. 

According to an ADWS report titled Long-Term Industry and Occupational Projections, Arkansas will add 124,387 new jobs by the year 2030. That’s a 9.05% increase.  

Goods-Producing industries are expected to add 14,340 new jobs, while the Services-Providing industries should see most of the growth, with 114,345 new jobs being added. 

Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations is estimated to add 21,219 jobs during the projection period, a 21.11 percent increase, making the major group the top and fastest growing in the state. Restaurant cooks are slated to be the second fastest growing occupation in the major group, increasing employment by 51.77 percent. 

Nurse Practitioners are slated to be the fastest growing occupation statewide, increasing by 54.04 percent. Healthcare Support Occupations is projected to add 11,271 jobs by 2030 and be the second fastest growing major group, increasing the workforce by 20.13 percent. 

Fastest growing occupations by expected percentage changes also include fundraisers, occupational therapy assistants, speech pathologists, and operation research analysts. 

When it comes to the highest paying jobs in the state, Obstetricians and Gynecologists topped the list with an annual salary of $258,940. Anesthesiologists, with an average annual salary of $234,970, ranked second on the Occupations Paying the Most list. Surgeons, physicians, and pediatricians are also in the top 5. 

Whether you are searching for the right job or the right person for the job, the Division of Workforce Services can help. ADWS offers a variety of services, like job search and résumé assistance, career counseling, workforce readiness training, and referrals to employers who are hiring. Learn about the labor market and the occupations that are most in-demand in your area by visiting www.dws.arkansas.gov .

Jeff Tollett of Four States Fiber at De Queen Lions Club

Jeff Tollett, Manager of the Four States Fiber Outside Fiber Plant, updated De Queen Lions Club at Tuesday's noon meeting. As part of the Diamond State network, a coalition of 13 Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, the wholesale broadband provider in the state aims to provide high-speed internet access to 1.25 million rural Arkansans. Southwest Arkansas Electric Cooperative was awarded $53 million in FCC funding to provide high-speed fiber service to over 26,000 homes in Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. The benefits include 100 megabits per second upload/download for $49.95/month and 1 gigabit per second upload/download speeds for $79.95. Tollett also talked about the service reliability focus of Four States Fiber.

ATTORNEY GENERAL ALERT: DON’T GET TACKLED BY A TICKET CON

LITTLE ROCK – As mild temperatures arrive, so do fall sports. When Arkansans decide to take in a live football game at any of our great institutions, it is important they don’t get tackled into buying fake tickets. Oftentimes scammers will try to take advantage of fans by selling tickets that are fake, duplicates or don’t exist at all. They may use high-pressure-sales tactics to scam Arkansans in to buying tickets using deals that seem unbelievable and many times are.

“Enjoying sports is a cherished fall tradition in Arkansas,” said Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. “Everyone deserves to cheer on a favorite team without worrying about trick plays from scammers trying to steal cash.”

Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge issued the following tips to help Arkansans protect themselves when looking to buy game tickets during the upcoming football season.

1. Research the seller or broker with the Better Business Bureau and ensure it is a member of the National Association of Ticket Brokers.

2. A legitimate ticket broker will offer a refund policy. Only buy tickets from a reseller that provides clear details about the terms of the transaction.

3. Always use a credit card to make a ticket purchase because credit card laws provide buyers with some recourse if the tickets are fraudulent.

4. Check the seats before purchasing. Ask for section, row and seat numbers to avoid obstructed views and purchasing tickets that do not exist.

5. Stick with well-known ticket sellers who offer guarantees and policies that protect buyers and have the ability to investigate and restrict accounts of merchants who violate the policies.

6. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Refuse to be rushed. Scam artists often try to hurry prospective buyers into making a decision.

According to AARP, nearly 5 million consumers receive fraudulent concert, sporting event and theme park tickets each year.  We can all do our part by ensuring our neighbors, friends, and families are educated on the deceptive practices of scammers and ways to avoid them.

Consumers who think they may have purchased a counterfeit ticket can contact the National Association of Ticket Brokers at 630-510-4594 or the Arkansas Attorney General’s Public Protection Department.

For more information on other tips to avoid being scammed and other consumer-related issues, visit ArkansasAG.gov or call the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office at 800-482-8982.