Researchers use AI to assist with early detection of autism spectrum disorder

By Hardin Young
University of Arkansas

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Could artificial intelligence be used to assist with the early detection of autism spectrum disorder? That’s a question researchers at the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station and the University of Arkansas are trying to answer. But they’re taking an unusual tack.

FOOD CLUES — Han-Seok Seo, associate professor of food science at the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station.

Han-Seok Seo, an associate professor of food science with the Agricultural Experiment Station, the research arm of the U of A System Division of Agriculture, and Khoa Luu, an assistant professor in computer science and computer engineering at the U of A, will identify sensory cues from various foods in both neurotypical children and those known to be on the spectrum. Machine learning technology will then be used to analyze biometric data and behavioral responses to those smells and tastes as a way of detecting indicators of autism.

There are several behaviors associated with ASD, including difficulties with communication, social interaction or repetitive behaviors. People with ASD are also known to exhibit some abnormal eating behaviors, such as avoidance of some foods, specific mealtime requirements and non-social eating. Food avoidance is particularly concerning, because it can lead to poor nutrition, including vitamin and mineral deficiencies. With that in mind, Seo and Luu intend to identify sensory cues from food items that trigger atypical perceptions or behaviors during ingestion. For instance, odors like peppermint, lemons and cloves are known to evoke stronger reactions from those with ASD than those without, possibly triggering increased levels of anger, surprise or disgust.

Seo is an expert in the areas of sensory science, behavioral neuroscience, biometric data and eating behavior. He is organizing and leading this project, including screening and identifying specific sensory cues that can differentiate autistic children from non-autistic children with respect to perception and behavior.

Luu is an expert in artificial intelligence with specialties in biometric signal processing, machine learning, deep learning and computer vision. He will develop machine learning algorithms for detecting ASD in children based on unique patterns of perception and behavior in response to specific test-samples. 

This is the second year of a three-year, $150,000 grant from the Arkansas Biosciences Institute.

Their goal is to create an algorithm that exhibits equal or better performance in the early detection of autism in children when compared to traditional diagnostic methods, which require trained healthcare and psychological professionals doing evaluations, longer assessment durations, caregiver-submitted questionnaires and additional medical costs. Ideally, they will be able to validate a lower-cost mechanism to assist with the diagnosis of autism.

While their system would not likely be the final word in a diagnosis, it could provide parents with an initial screening tool. Ideally, it would screen out children who are not candidates for ASD while ensuring the most likely candidates pursue a more comprehensive assessment.

Seo said that he became interested in the possibility of using multi-sensory processing to evaluate ASD when two things happened: he began working with a graduate student, Asmita Singh, who had background in working with autistic students, and the birth of his daughter.

Like many first-time parents, Seo paid close attention to his newborn baby, anxious that she be healthy. When he noticed she wouldn’t make eye contact, he did what most nervous parents do — he turned to the internet for an explanation. He learned that avoidance of eye contact was a known characteristic of ASD. 

While his child was not diagnosed with ASD, his curiosity was piqued, particularly about the role sensitivities to smell and taste play in ASD. Further conversations with Singh led him to believe other anxious parents might benefit from an early detection tool — perhaps inexpensively alleviating concerns at the outset.

Later conversations with Luu led the pair to believe that if machine learning, developed by Luu’s graduate student Xuan-Bac Nguyen, could be used to identify normal reactions to food, it could be taught to recognize atypical responses, as well.

Seo is seeking volunteers 5-14 years old to participate in the study. Both neurotypical children and children already diagnosed with ASD are needed for the study. Participants receive a $150 eGift card for participating and are encouraged to contact Seo at hanseok@uark.edu.

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

How to become a vendor at an Arkansas farmers market

By Rebekah Hall
U of A System Division of Agriculture

LITTLE ROCK — Throughout Arkansas, farmers markets are important sources of fresh, local food as well as locations for community gatherings. For budding entrepreneurs, they may offer an opportunity to market their goods and services to that community.

FRESH AND LOCAL — Farmers markets offer a great opportunity for vendors and consumers. (Division of Agriculture photo.)

Rip Weaver, extension program technician for local, regional and safe foods for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said anyone interested in becoming a vendor at their local farmers market should consider the potential success of their product and the effort required to get their product from “farm to market.”

According to Governor Asa Hutchinson’s proclamation of Arkansas Farmers Market Week in June, there are at least 113 farmers markets in Arkansas, with direct-to-consumer sales taking place in nearly all of the state’s 75 counties. Weaver said these markets “play a vital role in community, cultural and economic development.

“Not only are farmers markets places where local residents may find affordable, fresh food, but they’re also where people socialize, discover information and resources, listen to music, see art, spend time outside and feel a sense of belonging,” Weaver said. “Markets provide spaces for folks to come together around their various skills, goods, services and needs, all at a reasonable cost to those involved. It’s a win-win, especially for isolated rural communities and urban centers.”

Weaver said the first step a potential farmers market vendor should take is to consider “what they have to offer to the market customers.

“Does their product provide something that no one else sells, or is it something that customers would want to buy?” Weaver said. “Also, they should consider what efforts and inputs will be required to get their product from ‘farm to market.’ Do they have the time, funding and permits to make this a reality?”

Weaver said “virtually anyone who has something to sell” may participate in a farmers market, including those who offer fresh and packaged food products. However, there are restrictions and permit requirements in place for market vendors in the state of Arkansas. Potential vendors should review the Arkansas Department of Health’s Farmers’ Market Vendor Guide to ensure their product meets these requirements.

A food product falls into one of three allowance categories. The first category is foods that do not require a permit from the ADH, including food that does not require time or temperature control for safety; raw, fresh fruits and vegetables; commercially pre-packaged food; and maple syrup, sorghum or honey.

The second allowance category is food items that must be prepared or manufactured at an ADH permitted and inspected facility, including canned low acid food; smoked, cured or dried meats; sprouted seeds or beans; any food product that must be time and/or temperature controlled for safety, such as dairy products or non-frozen meats; and any ready-to-eat food that is prepared on site or commercially prepared food that is not prepackaged.

The third allowance category is food items that are not allowed to be sold at a farmers market, which include raw milk and wild mushrooms.

“It is incumbent upon the vendor to know which category their food product falls into prior to vending at a market,” Weaver said.

Weaver said he encourages potential vendors to reach out to the manager of their local farmers market, fill out a vendor application, review any required fees, and “visit the market to talk with other vendors and get a sense of customer traffic.” He also said they should consider becoming a member of the Arkansas Farmers Market Association, which provides resources and support for market vendors and managers.

Jeremy Adams, executive director of AFMA, said he encourages farmers markets and vendors to join the organization “for an additional opportunity to promote themselves, their farm or their product.” Adams said AFMA “works hard to promote all its members” and can help clarify state regulations and provide technical assistance.

“Farmers markets are really the front line and storefront for local food,” Adams said. “They are also a great opportunity for a variety of entrepreneurs, and that entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well with many Arkansans. Some of the small businesses launched at farmers markets go on to much bigger markets and distribution.”

“For the community as a whole, farmers markets strengthen relationships, and the revenue generated usually stays in the local community,” he said. “Local food also ensures we will have food available in times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.”  

The organization also hosts an annual conference where market managers, farmers and vendors can “network and learn from each others' experiences at market,” Adams said.

Many farmers markets have long operating seasons and are often open from late March through October and beyond. Weaver said vendors could use the winter months to improve their online presence or brush up on their marketing skills.

“During the winter months, vendors could establish and maintain a website or social media accounts, attend trainings on how to use computer-based tools to manage their business, or even create audio or video resources to market their products,” Weaver said.

Extension’s local, regional and safe foods team, as well as extension county agents, could also direct potential vendors to additional resources.

To find a local farmers market, visit the AFMA’s vendor guide website, which features an interactive map of Arkansas farmers markets and a list of AFMA members. The ADH Arkansas Grown/Arkansas Made program website also has a searchable map of local vendors and growers.

Weaver said potential vendors who may need a required permit for their food product should consider becoming a client at Share Grounds, extension’s commercial kitchen facilities. Share Grounds connects Arkansas growers and food entrepreneurs with the technical assistance and infrastructure needed to start or scale up a food business. Learn more at the Share Grounds website.

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.

Arkansas' Largest United Methodist Church Considers Disaffiliation

By Matthew Moore - KUAF

More than 80 United Methodist Churches in Arkansas are looking to enter the process of disconnecting from the denomination over the issue of "human sexuality." Gary Mueller, the bishop of the Arkansas Annual Conference, says the division breaks his heart, but some churches are upholding what they consider the "biblical view of marriage between a man and woman."

Advocates at Central United Methodist Church in Fayetteville petitioned Bishop Mueller arguing that the petition to disaffiliate from the UMC does not match the narrow circumstances listed in the Book of Discipline that would allow churches to do so. On Monday, Bishop Mueller said, "The pause taken at Central UMC in Fayetteville is to allow everyone to be on the same page in understanding the legislation set forth," and that he does expect this to be a short-term pause. "This pause will give everyone a chance to communicate fairly."

https://www.kuaf.com/show/ozarks-at-large/2022-08-25/arkansas-largest-united-methodist-church-considers-disaffiliation

Ryan Versey/KUAF

Central United Methodist Church in Fayetteville.

Partnership aims to improve health outcomes in marginalized Arkansas communities

KUAR | By Daniel Breen

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences is partnering with two other research institutions on a project to preemptively address health issues that disproportionately affect members of historically disadvantaged communities.

The UAMS Heart Healthy Communities Project is teaming up with the University of California, Los Angeles and Howard University in Washington, D.C. to share information and resources related to improving health outcomes and quality-of-life.

Irion Pursell, director of cardiovascular disease primary prevention at UAMS, says the goal is to proactively engage members of communities typically more at risk of developing certain chronic illnesses.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2022-08-24/partnership-aims-to-improve-health-outcomes-in-marginalized-arkansas-communities

Farmers have decisions to make of crop residue use once harvest is over

by George Jared (gjared@talkbusiness.net)

A severe drought this summer has left at least half of Arkansas’ pasturelands in poor or very poor condition, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This will likely lead to a drop in hay production, which means livestock producers will have to find alternate food sources.

One possible solution would be to collect the crop residues that are left once the harvest is completed. That may help livestock producers, but it could have unintended consequences for row crop fields. Burning fields, a common money-saving practice by many in the Arkansas Delta to clear crop refuse, could also have an impact on field quality and next year’s profitability.

With uncertainty in the market for fertilizer prices over the next year, a University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture soil health expert advised producers at the 2022 Rice Field Day earlier in August to consider the cost of replacing nutrients that will leave their field if they burn crop residue, or sell it for animal forage, after the harvest.

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/08/farmers-have-decisions-to-make-of-crop-residue-use-once-harvest-is-over/

VIDEO: Division of Agriculture’s Caldwell named Fellow for lifetime of dedication to poultry industry

Congratulations to David J. Caldwell of the University of Arkansas on being named a 2022 PSA Fellow.

New president of American Society for Enology and Viticulture has Arkansas ties

By John Lovett
U of A System Division of Agriculture

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — A former University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture fruit extension specialist was recently confirmed as the new president of the American Society for Enology and Viticulture, an organization that supports grape growers and winemakers.

GRAPE MAN — R. Keith Striegler, outreach specialist for E. & J. Gallo Winery and former extension specialist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, was recently named president of the American Society of Enology and Viticulture. (Photo courtesy National Grape Research Alliance)

R. Keith Striegler, grower outreach specialist at E. & J. Gallo Winery in Modesto, California, succeeded Tom Collins of Washington State University as the 2022-2023 president of the national organization on July 1. Striegler earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in horticultural food science from the University of Arkansas before obtaining his doctorate at Michigan State University.

“Keith has a great understanding of grape and wine production in California and the rest of the nation,” Renee Threlfall, research scientist of enology and viticulture with the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, the research arm of the Division of Agriculture. “Keith is very integrated with the industry, and he has experience in not just research but also teaching, extension and the wine and grape growing industry.”

Striegler served as second and then first vice president of the society before his recent advancement to president. He said next year will mark 50 years since he first began working in the grape growing and winemaking industry. It all began, he said, while still in high school working for Justin Morris, the prominent grape and wine researcher with the Agricultural Experiment Station. Morris, who died in 2014, was widely respected and influential throughout his long career.

“One thing he taught me early on is that there is always a response to a practice in the field which impacts the quality of the product. This is true whether you are working with juice, wine or any other of the many uses of grapes,” Striegler said of Morris.

Sara Spayd, a past president of the American Society for Enology and Viticulture, was also a student of Morris.

“Keith is well prepared for the role of president of the American Society for Enology and Viticulture,” Spayd said. “As graduate students at the U of A under the late Dr. Justin Morris, we attended, participated in and learned the value of our professional societies.”

Spayd noted Striegler’s extensive experience with the national grape producer and winemaker industries from the perspective of not only California but also the South, Midwest. and Eastern U.S.

Raised on a family farm near Fayetteville, Arkansas, Striegler has been a member of the American Society for Enology and Viticulture since 1980. He is also a board member of the National Grape Research Alliance as well as holding memberships in the American Society for Horticultural Sciences, the American Pomological Society, the International Society for Horticultural Science, and the Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology.

Striegler said his favorite aspect of working in the grape industry has been the vast array of products that can be made from the fruit. He said that the wide number of uses, and variety of grapes has kept the work challenging and rewarding.

In addition to wine, there are grapes for eating and adding to fruit cocktail. Grapes are also pressed for juices, dried and eaten, and even the leaves are used for the appetizer dolmas.

John R. Clark, Distinguished Professor of horticulture for the University of Arkansas, pointed to Striegler’s skills and style of communication as a major attribute to his success.

“He is not only knowledgeable, but he can convey information in a warm, easy, understandable manner,” Clark said. “That makes him among the best in his profession across the country. When I hear Keith speak, I almost always think of his advisor and mentor, Dr. Justin Morris, who provided Keith with the inspiration that he carries out in his role in viticulture today.”

Clark calls Striegler “one of our national leaders in viticulture in the United States” because he is not only well-versed in viticulture in California, the largest wine-producing state, but he also knows viticulture “inside and out in our much more challenging environment of the Eastern United States.”

Before joining E. & J. Gallo Winery, Striegler worked as an outreach coordinator for the National Clean Plant Network and in various administrative, research, and extension positions at the University of Arkansas, Fresno State University, University of Missouri, and Missouri State University.

Striegler was an extension fruit specialist for the Division of Agriculture from September 1998 to June 2003. From 2011 to 2014, he was the proprietor of Flint Ridge Winegrowing Services in Fayetteville.

The American Society for Enology and Viticulture was officially formed in 1950 and now has about 2,400 members, 100 industrial affiliates and three chapters including the Eastern U.S. Chapter, the Pacific Northwest Chapter and the Japan Chapter, according to the society’s website.

“We are all about information and education to influence, motivate and mentor the next generation of leadership,” Striegler said of the society. “Membership in the American Society for Enology and Viticulture gets you access to scientific results, and if you’re a student it gets you access to scholarships. We link students to senior members of the society for a free exchange of information.”

Library Snippets from Johnye Fisher of the Sevier County Library System

School is back in session, and we have finally gotten some much-needed rain. We hope to be moving into fall soon, so don’t be surprised if you come in and see lots of fall decorations in the library. We just love fall!

September is Library Card Sign-up month, so if you don’t have a library card, stop in and get one. We will tell you just what you have to have. This card entitles you to Books, DVDs, Audio Books, as well as the Libby App to read or listen to books online on your phone, kindle, or tablet. 

Ms. Catherine has moved to Horatio Library, and we miss her but are glad she is still with our system. We will sure miss Kelsie, so please give her a big send-off on her new journey in Dentistry. Also, please welcome Carolyn and Freda. These ladies have been training for a few weeks and are learning to take care of our patrons. Thank you all for your patience. 

This month there will be only one storytime since school has started, and everyone is getting back in the groove of things; it will be September 21st at 4 pm. It will be on Grandparents since Grandparents day is this month.

We still have seeds for checkout to plant. However, we do ask that if you have seeds from your harvest, you share them with us so we can keep our seed program going.

And don’t forget you can access our card catalog anytime at: 

www.seviercountylibrary.com/county-card-catalog.

Don’t forget we have the LIBBYAPP. You can follow the instructions to download the Libby app from our Facebook.com/seviercountylibrary or simply go to your play store on your device. Remember you must search “Arkansas Digital Library Consortium” and hold a valid library card to browse our selection. For more information, you can call 584-4364 

Catherine says so many exciting things are going on at the Horatio Library! We are having our new library dog, Dusty, on September 10th at 10:00 am. We will learn about therapy dogs and what they do, plus the kids will hear a story about another library dog.  Our gigantic book sale is still going on, and you can find some wonderful books that need new homes. Our new outside little free library box has been installed and is just waiting for you. We are continuing to do some rearranging inside, and we hope you will like the changes.  Be sure to check out our new DVD section plus our series DVDs.  Tuesdays are open if your group would like to get together to play cards or games. Just give us a call. We would love to see you check out books or just say "howdy." 

Have you peeked into the Lockesburg Branch Library lately? A new project is underway.  Mz. Wendy is refurbishing the older juvenile hardback books.  “New and clean” or “old and tired-looking,” which would you choose?  By creating new dust jackets with updated fonts and graphics, a new life is being given to these books.  Who knows what real gem may now be discovered that was overlooked because the book looked old and used.  It is an inescapable fact of life; “we do judge a book by its cover.”  If you haven’t visited the Library recently, you need to do so now that school is back in session and find a good read for yourself. Our library is amazing and getting better all the time. Call Mz Wendy at 289-2233 

Hello from Gillham Library!  We want to welcome Mz. Freda Kyles to the Gillham Library. She will be working on Friday afternoons. We hate to lose Kelsie, but you can see her at Smile’s Dentistry. As always, we have some good books for you to check out. David Baldacci’s 6:20 Man, James Patterson’s Shattered, and Catherine Coulter’s Reckoning. For the kids, we have Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and Sing DVDs. We are busy playing dominoes on Tuesday mornings 9-12 if you like to play, come on by. We have Notary services available on Tuesday’s and don’t forget you can make copies.  

Aerial photos of the new Sevier County Medical Center

Photos provided by Monte Bartek of Bartek Recon

Active Cases of COVID-19 for SW Arkansas

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 122

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 47

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 46

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 64

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 17

Active Cases Data for Miller County
Total Active Cases: 178

LIVE VIDEO: Gov. Hutchinson Addresses Efforts to Reduce Violent Crime and Crawford Co. Incident (08.22.22) 130PM

AUDIO: Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | Governors Working Together

LITTLE ROCK – Today I’d like to talk about a recent partnership with the state of Oklahoma. On Wednesday, I joined Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt on the Oklahoma State University-Tulsa campus to sign a Memorandum of Understanding stating that we are working together to make the Arkansas-Oklahoma corridor a center of excellence in advanced mobility. This includes autonomous vehicles, drone deliveries, and electric vehicles.

Arkansas and Oklahoma already lead the nation in advanced mobility, so joining our two sandboxes of innovation together will bolster our competitiveness for the future.

The East and West coasts get a lot of attention as tech centers, but Arkansas and Oklahoma are rich with a history of leading in aviation and transportation.

From the pioneer aviator Wiley Post in Oklahoma to our own Louise Thaden, who set transcontinental speed records, we have set the pace for innovation and new modes of transportation.

This partnership will accelerate work on advanced mobility and further enhance our region’s reputation as a leader in technological innovation.

Oklahoma has been a vital economic partner to the Natural State for many decades, and this MOU will provide an opportunity for our states to continue the partnership we've experienced over the years to make our region a hub for advanced mobility.

Crossing state lines to join forces with other states' governors is not something unfamiliar. Binding our different perspectives and resources with our like-minded goals allows us to produce bigger and better results.

Earlier this year, I was joined again by Governor Stitt and Governor John Bel Edwards of Louisiana to establish a regional hub for the development, production, and use of clean hydrogen as fuel and manufacturing feedstock.

This is a bipartisan agreement that combines our three states to compete for funding from the Infrastructure, Investment, and Jobs Act of 2021. With the portfolios each of our states offer combined, we are competitive due to our ability to uniquely handle the production, storage and distribution, and consumption of hydrogen.

Another example of the cooperation with neighboring states is the I-49 corridor with Missouri. At the end of last year we completed the final stretch of the I-49 Missouri-Arkansas Connector. Joining forces with Missouri and Governor Mike Parson, the I-49 connecter now consists of more than 1,600 miles of roadway, connecting six states: Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa, South Dakota, and North Dakota.

Another example is when a crack was discovered and shut down the I-40 bridge in Memphis in May 2021. Arkansas joined with Tennessee to fix and reopen the bridge because the closure threatened many lives and put a pause on the much-needed movement of commerce.

Governor Bill Lee and I understood the importance of the connector bridge, and we both knew we needed to act quickly. Our two teams developed a plan that emphasized a sense of urgency while keeping safety as the number one priority.

On the front of cybersecurity, Governor John Bel Edwards and I share similar views on the importance of preparing our country for the digital age. Our two states have been on the frontlines of cybersecurity education, in addition to working toward a comprehensive cybersecurity ecosystem. Good stewardship of our resources includes guarding the gates into our systems and protecting information.

States become stronger when they combine their resources and expertise, and it starts with governors who share similar goals bridging the gap.

Rutledge: long-time special agent in charge appointed as safe schools coordinator

Jerry Keefer

LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge applauded the appointment of her long-time Special Agent in Charge (SAC), Jerry Keefer, to the position of Safe Schools Coordinator for the Arkansas Department of Education.

“Special Agent in Charge Keefer’s leadership has been instrumental to the success of my administration’s ability to protect children from online exploitation and those who seek to harm them,” said Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. “SAC Keefer is a well-respected and dedicated member of law enforcement whose expertise will benefit the Department of Education, but more importantly, the schoolchildren of Arkansas.”

“It has been a privilege to serve Attorney General Rutledge for the last seven years,” says Special Agent in Charge Jerry Keefer. “I look forward to working together to provide a safer Arkansas for children.”

Keefer began his tenure at the Attorney General’s office in April 2015 as a Special Agent primarily tasked with providing statewide trainings on active shooter and critical incident scenarios for law enforcement and educators. He also developed and implemented the Metal Theft Prevention Program at the beginning of the Rutledge Administration, which inspected metal scrapyards to ensure compliance with state law. Keefer is also a member of the State’s Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce which specializes in the identification and arrest of online predators. He was promoted to the role of Special Agent in Charge in November 2020 where he supervises a team of special agents who are assigned to the agency’s cybercrimes and Public Integrity Division. In 2022, Keefer served as Attorney General Rutledge’s designee for the Arkansas Safe Schools Commission, where he provided expert feedback on school safety issues.

New collaboration between Ag Law Center, 4-H opens opportunity to explore new career paths

By Mary Hightower
U of A System Division of Agriculture

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — A new collaboration between the National Agricultural Law Center and Arkansas 4-H will enable students to explore potential law careers in food, agriculture and the environment.

“Growing Careers in Ag and Food Law for Pre-College Students,” will kick off with a Sept. 14 webinar that runs from 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. CDT. The hourlong session will include ample time for a question-and-answer period. This is the first of a quarterly series. Online registration is available. 

PRESENTERS — Patrick and Jill Dillon, Iowa attorneys, will present at the first webinar for the Growing Careers series. (Image courtesy Dillon Law)

Patrick and Jill Dillon, both agricultural law attorneys and farmers, will discuss careers in law and agriculture, their individual career paths, and offer insight and advice to pre-college students and others who may be interested in agricultural and food law issues or careers. The two form Dillon Law, with three offices in Iowa.

Patrick Dillon regularly represents clients in district, associate district and magistrate courts for agricultural, real estate, criminal and collection issues. He is a recent past president of the American Agricultural Law Association and current member of the organization’s Board of Directors. He drafts wills and trusts, creates estate plans and helps clients through the probate process.

Jill Dillon is a former assistant Fayette County prosecutor and a certified family law mediator. She still has ties to her family farm operation which includes a dairy herd. Jill Dillon focuses on bankruptcy, adoptions, and mediations.

A unique field of practice

“Agriculture is unlike any other industry and has many nuances and unique legal and policy aspects that require specialized knowledge among attorneys,” said Harrison Pittman, director of the National Agricultural Law Center. “There is a great need to develop a long-term pipeline of talent into the ag and food industry, and this partnership with 4-H is a part of our effort to help do just that.”

Pittman said sessions in the Growing Careers program are perfect for high school students considering a law career, as well as educators preparing students for careers.

Both the National Agricultural Law Center and the Arkansas 4-H program are part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

“Arkansas 4-H is a program that has more than 100,000 participants all over Arkansas and is also part of the Division of Agriculture,” Pittman said. “Working in partnership with 4-H, the state’s premier youth development program, was a natural fit.”

Angie Freel, associate department head – 4-H, said “the Arkansas 4-H program is privileged to partner with the National Ag Law Center on this initiative to further educate 4-H members about the possibilities available to them in the area of agriculture.

“By building their networks now, they can rely on those relationships when they have a firm grasp on their chosen career field,” she said. “We are spreading the word nationwide about this unique opportunity for 4-H members to be involved in a national educational experience.”

 Bridges Initiative

The Growing Careers program is part of the National Agricultural Law Center’s Agricultural & Food Law Bridges Initiative, which is a student-focused, public-private partnership that offers professional development, networking, and increased legal knowledge to pre-college, undergraduate, and law students interested in agricultural and food law issues and/or careers.  

The goal of the Bridges Initiative is to help provide a legal-focused pipeline of talent into the agricultural and food industries while furthering the NALC’s national mission of serving as the nation’s leading source of agricultural and food law research and information. The Bridges Initiative includes a specific focus on minority students and others traditionally underrepresented in the agricultural and food law fields.

For information about the National Agricultural Law Center, visit https://nationalaglawcenter.org/  or follow @Nataglaw on Twitter.

https://www.uaex.uada.edu/media-resources/news/2022/august/08-18-2022-ark-nalc-growing-careers.aspx

UAMS Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health Basks in Two Decades of Success

By Kev' Moye

Standing behind a podium in the Rahn Auditorium, Joseph Bates, M.D., MS., prepared to present an award during the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences’ Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health’s 2022 Convocation.

Bates, the associate dean for Public Health Practice, marveled over how the auditorium was smoke-free and clean. After gazing around, he then addressed the many students, family members, faculty and staff who were in attendance.

“Believe it or not, there was a time in Arkansas where you could smoke anywhere. This auditorium would’ve been filled with smoke. Office buildings, restaurants, even hospitals … people smoked wherever they wanted to. Smoke was always around,” he said.

https://news.uams.edu/2022/08/16/uams-fay-w-boozman-college-of-public-health-basks-in-two-decades-of-success/

Joseph Bates, M.D., speaks to Samantha Wells, a doctoral student in the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, following her Grand Rounds presentation at the Arkansas Department of Health.

Crop quality, progress in Arkansas aided by rains

KUAR | By George Jared/ Talk Business & Politics

It rained very little during the months of June and July throughout most of northern and eastern Arkansas, plunging many parts of the Natural State into a severe drought. In recent weeks, that trend has changed dramatically and it comes at a time that is critical for many row crop farmers.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) about 25% of the state’s corn crop is mature, as compared to the five-year average of 32% by this point in the growing season. There are an estimated 710,000 corn acres in the state.

Nearly 97% of the state’s soybean crop is blooming, which is 2% ahead of the five-year average. Arkansas farmers planted 3.2 million soybean acres, making it the state’s most widely grown crop.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2022-08-15/crop-quality-progress-in-arkansas-aided-by-rains

Conservation education grant funding open for Arkansas schools

KUAR | By Daniel Breen

The state of Arkansas is allocating over three-quarters of a million dollars to help expand conservation education in schools. The $808,146 grant program is a partnership between the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission.

AEDC Director of Rural Services Becca Caldwell says enhancing education about the state’s natural resources is key to their goal of economic development, particularly in rural areas.

“We also manage other grant programs that focus on the infrastructure of these rural communities, but when it comes to the wildlife grants themselves, improving quality of life for the community is a big economic driver,” Caldwell said.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2022-08-18/conservation-education-grant-funding-open-for-arkansas-schools

USDA/McKeand

A grant program from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will make over $800,000 available to schools for conservation education.

U.S. cotton farmers projected to harvest fewest acres since Reconstruction due to drought

by George Jared (gjared@talkbusiness.net)

If the newest harvest projections hold, U.S. farmers will harvest the least number of cotton acres in over 150 years. A crippling drought across many parts of the South and West is causing farmers to abandon fields at a record rate, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“USDA projected this year’s harvested acres at 7.13 million,” said Scott Stiles, extension economist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. “That would be the lowest since 1868.”

Stiles said the USDA’s latest report projected that about 43% of U.S. planted cotton acres are expected to be abandoned this year, “largely due to the extreme drought conditions in the southwest region, which includes Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas.”

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/08/u-s-cotton-farmers-projected-to-harvest-fewest-acres-since-reconstruction-due-to-drought/

Fed governor: Banks looking to get into crypto

by Steve Brawner (BRAWNERSTEVE@MAC.COM)

Banks are wanting to offer cryptotechnology services, so the Federal Reserve is studying how those activities should be supervised while reminding them to manage risks and act legally, said Michelle Bowman, one of the Fed’s seven members of the Board of Governors.

Bowman spoke Wednesday (Aug. 17) in Little Rock at the inaugural VenCent Fintech Summit. The summit is a gathering of banking and information technology professionals sponsored by The Venture Center, an entrepreneur support organization based in Little Rock. “Fintech” stands for “financial technology.” Bowman first spoke and then answered questions from Arkansas State Bank Commissioner Susannah Marshall and from the audience.

Bowman said banks want to better understand and potentially provide cryptotechnology services in light of consumer demand. Deposits are flowing to crypto firms, so banks want to offer those services themselves. But before a bank offers crypto services, it needs to consider the risks to itself and to its customers.

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/08/fed-governor-banks-looking-to-get-into-crypto/

Hospital executives say financial conditions dire, closures imminent if no action

by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

After surviving the pandemic, Arkansas’ hospitals are anything but on a road to recovery. Mounting financial pressures from workforce to reimbursements to inflation are leading to reductions in services and access points and could lead to eventual closures of facilities if conditions don’t improve.

Two Arkansas hospital CEOs – Peggy Abbott, CEO of Ouachita County Medical Center, and Chad Aduddell, market CEO for CHI St. Vincent in Little Rock – said insurance companies and federal reimbursements must step up for the state’s healthcare community to survive.

“We’ve seen our expenses, we’re up more than 10%, which for us, our expenses are up over $100 million versus the pre-COVID year, and yet our revenues and volumes are actually down. So you don’t have to be, you know, a finance leader to know that that math’s not gonna work out, and not going to be sustainable,” said Aduddell.

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/08/hospital-executives-say-financial-conditions-dire-closures-imminent-if-no-action/