Division of Ag, Bumpers College recognize extension, research, teaching excellence at ag awards

By Mary Hightower
U of A System Division of Agriculture

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and the Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food, and Life Sciences on Friday recognized excellence in the three land grant disciplines of extension, research and teaching at their annual Agriculture Awards ceremony.

The recognitions were presented by Deacue Fields, vice president-agriculture for the U of A System and head of the Division of Agriculture; Jean-Francois Meullenet, director of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station and interim dean of the Bumpers College; and Bob Scott, director of the Cooperative Extension Service.

The John W. White Outstanding Team Award - Winning Soil and Water Conservation Virtual Field Trip team. (U of A System Division of Agriculture photo by Mary Hightower)

“These recognitions are a way to showcase excellence in what we do,” Fields said. “We have great people out there doing great things and this is a chance to make sure we recognize them among their peers.”

Meullenet said “it’s a pleasure every year to recognize top performers within the Division of Agriculture, and this year, I get to recognize the best also within the Bumpers College.

“Our researchers continue to produce cutting-edge technology for Arkansas and the world, and our Bumpers faculty do an outstanding job preparing the next generation of ag industry professionals,” he said.

Scott said he believes “it is important for our organization to recognize individuals and teams for their outstanding efforts. I love to see the Cooperative Extension Service represented at the division level and to be a part of this awards ceremony.  

“I applaud those who take the time to nominate their colleagues for these awards and always encourage them to do so whether for internal or external honors. It is important for the overall health of our organization,” Scott said.

Each year, the Division of Agriculture recognizes its best with awards named in honor of John W. White, the organization’s first leader.

• John W. White Outstanding Research Award — Sami Dridi, department of poultry science.

• John W. White Outstanding Teaching Award — Christopher Estepp, department of agricultural education, communications and technology.

• John W. White Outstanding Extension State Faculty Award — Yi Liang, department of biological and agricultural engineering.

• John W. White Outstanding County Educator Award — Mike Andrews, Randolph County Extension Office

• John W. White Outstanding Team Award — Soil and Water Conservation Virtual Field Trip team: Mike Daniels, professor and extension soil and water conservation scientist; Lee Riley, environmental science and crop management program associate; Rita Watson, virtual education program associate for the Division of Agriculture; Mike Hamilton, irrigation educator; Julie Robinson, associate professor of leadership for the Division of Agriculture, Bill Robertson, retired extension cotton agronomist; Kerry Rodtnick, extension videography specialist; Samantha Barker, interactive communication coordinator; and Diedre Young, program manager.

Support personnel within the Division of Agriculture was also recognized:

• Division of Agriculture Non-Classified Support Personnel Award — Ryan Doherty, department of crop, soil and environmental sciences; and Daniela Kidd, department of crop, soil and environmental sciences.

• Division of Agriculture Classified Support Personnel Award — Dianna Watson, department of environmental sciences; Sandy Puckett, department of crop, soil and environmental sciences.

Bumpers College recognized three for their teaching, mentoring and advising excellence:

• Outstanding Honors Thesis Mentor Award — Aubree Hawley, school of human environmental sciences

• Bumpers College Alumni Society Outstanding Advising Award — Leigh Southward, school of human environmental sciences

• Jack G. Justus Award for Teaching Excellence — Adnan Alubraye, department of poultry science.

Also recognized at the ceremony in Waldrip Hall at the Milo J. Shult Agricultural Research and Extension Center, were patents awarded to faculty during the previous year.

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.

NSF awards $750,000 to UA Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research

by George Jared (gjared@talkbusiness.net)

The National Science Foundation has awarded a nearly $750,000 grant to the University of Arkansas’ Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research. The institute, referred to as I³R, is a cross-disciplinary team of consultants, startup companies and university researchers, including those with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

The National Science Foundation Convergence Accelerator grant will fund a project designed to connect regional farmers with institutional buyers and ultimately expand access to healthy and nutritious food.

The project, “Data-driven Agriculture to Bridge Small Farms to Regional Food Supply Chains,” brings Division of Agriculture researchers together with colleagues from the University of Arkansas, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and University of Florida. The team also includes two startups, Cureate and Junction AI Inc., as well as several consultants. The project’s stated goal is to tackle challenges such as food insecurity while offering novel business solutions.

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/01/nsf-awards-750000-to-ua-institute-for-integrative-and-innovative-research/

Electric Coops CEO wrestles with ever-evolving factors to maintain reliability, affordability

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

With energy prices affected by everything from oil and gas supplies to the transportation limitations to the Ukranian conflict and weather, it’s not easy to keep the lights on.

Buddy Hasten, president and CEO of the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas, said Sunday (Jan. 15) on Talk Business & Politics that the U.S. needs an “all of the above” strategy for electricity generation and more investment in the infrastructure to deliver it.

“Every area in the world we talk about today, diversity is a good thing,” Hasten said, noting that coal plants are closing, nuclear plants are on hold, and the most rapidly developing sector of replacement fuel is gas and renewables. “If you go look at what’s being built today, primarily it’s wind and solar and those are great resources. I mean, they’re great because they don’t have a fuel cost, but they have their technical limitations. Meaning you or I don’t control where the wind blows… And then there’s just a natural, the sun rises and the sunsets.”

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/01/electric-coops-ceo-wrestles-with-ever-evolving-factors-to-maintain-reliability-affordability/

Medicaid’s future looms with health care, budget ramifications for legislators, new governor

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

Big factors affecting Arkansas’ Medicaid program loom in the near future and this legislative session will require clear health care and fiscal policy direction from Gov. Sarah Sanders and the new GOP supermajority at the state capitol.

Sen. Missy Irvin, R-Mountain View, the chair of the Senate Public Health Committee, discussed those ramifications in an appearance on this week’s Capitol View program.

For starters, the state’s health care system is fragile right now. Many hospitals, particularly in rural parts of the state, are in critical condition as pandemic funds are drying up, but personnel and supply costs remain extraordinarily costly. Federal Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement rates have remained unchanged for years, to the point that hospital administrators contend Congress has to approve higher rates in order to keep up with inflation and decades of increased costs or else they will have no choice but to close.

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/01/medicaids-future-looms-with-health-care-budget-ramifications-for-legislators-new-governor/

Rules package approved by Arkansas House of Representatives

KUAR | By Josie Lenora

The Arkansas House of Representatives passed a rules package on Thursday. Speaker Matthew Shepherd told reporters afterward, that the early days of the 94th General Assembly have been “fun and enjoyable.”

The 41-minute meeting consisted mostly of preliminary matters. The main item on the agenda was the passage of a rule bill drafted by House Speaker Mathew Shepherd, R-El Dorado. Shepherd said he worked closely with the parliamentarian in drafting the package, which contained a few small changes from the one used in the 93rd General Assembly.

Perhaps the most substantial change governs how bills are scheduled in committee. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, lawmakers were required to ask a chair to schedule their bills in committee. Now, the legislature is reverting to the original system where proposed bills are put straight on a committee’s agenda without the chair first having to schedule it.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2023-01-12/rules-package-approved-by-arkansas-house-of-representatives

Josie Lenora/KUAR News

House Speaker Matthew Shepherd, R-El Dorado, talks about the recently passed rule package with reporters Thursday.

C.A. Vines Arkansas 4-H Center scores in 5 ‘Best of Biz’ categories

By Mary Hightower
U of A System Division of Agriculture

Winning a title five times in a row is no easy feat, but the C.A. Vines Arkansas 4-H Center has managed to win five Best of Biz titles for five consecutive years.

EVENT-WORTHY — The C.A. Vines Arkansas 4-H Center is was named winner in five Best of Biz categories in the annual honors bestowed by Arkansas Business

The awards are given annually by Arkansas Business, and winners are selected based on votes from the public. The awards were announced in December.

The Vines Center has won these categories each year since 2018.

• Best Place for a Special Event

• Best Place for a Business Conference/Meeting

• Best Team Building Center

• Best Place for a Company Retreat

• Best Place for an Employee Outing

“We are honored to be voted the ‘Best of Biz’ in five categories by our clients for the fifth year in a row,” said J.J. Pitman, director of the center. “It is a great feeling to have more than 75 percent of our clients as return customers.

“One of the best things about this is that when people work with the Vines 4-H Center, they make opportunities possible for youth to learn and grow,” he said.

TEAMWORK — Corporate team going through a teamwork competition in this file photo. (U of A System Division of Agriculture photo by Ryan McGeeney).

The center was opened in 1980 as a hub for statewide activities for Arkansas 4-H, a program for youth development managed by the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. The center is owned and operated by the Arkansas 4-H Foundation and its program staff members are extension employees. The center is located in Ferndale in the Ouachita Mountains, just a few miles west of Little Rock.

Rural, not rustic
So how does a facility built with youth in mind score so highly all around?

“While our location is rural, our facilities aren’t rustic,” said Tony Baker, operations manager. “Our center has three motel-style units with private baths and state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment for on-site and hybrid meetings. We have a well-equipped auditorium for large meetings and classrooms for smaller sessions or breakouts. There is also an on-site kitchen that can serve up a variety of hot entrees, sandwiches, and of course, the guest-favorite cinnamon rolls.”

John Thomas, managing director of the Arkansas 4-H Foundation said the recognition is still as exciting now as it was the first time.

“It means so much to our team of professionals at the Vines Center who work very hard to deliver a great experience for every group,” he said. “Thank you to everyone who voted for us, and we can’t wait to see you in 2023!”

Visit the Vines Center online and see some of its amenities.

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.

Farm Foundation names Malone 2023 Agricultural Economics Fellow

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

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Trey Malone, an agricultural economist with the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, has been named Farm Foundation’s 2023 Agricultural Economics Fellow.

FARM FOUNDATION FELLOW — Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station economist Trey Malone attends the Farm Foundation Roundation in Savannah, Georgia, on Jan. 11, 2023. (U of A System Division of Ag photo)

“The Farm Foundation Fellows program is a well-known and highly respected program that brings together some of the brightest minds in our profession to work and learn together on timely and important agricultural policy topics,” said John Anderson, head of the agricultural economics and agribusiness department. “With his broad interests and exceptional knowledge of policy issues and tools, Dr. Malone will be an outstanding addition to the Farm Foundation program. It will be great to have an Arkansas and Mid-South perspective on issues so well represented among this elite group of policy influencers.”

Farm Foundation’s Agricultural Economics Fellow program is a yearlong program for a faculty agricultural economist. Founded in 1933, Farm Foundation is a nonprofit, nonpartisan group that works to find solutions to issues in agriculture, from farmer health and market development to sustainability and implementing new technologies in agriculture. The agricultural economics fellows program started in 2021.

The 2023 fellowship is focused on sustainable food systems and will provide an opportunity to work with diverse stakeholders on integrated systems approaches to building more sustainable food systems, with a special focus on agricultural production approaches.

As a Farm Foundation Agricultural Economics Fellow, Malone will work with diverse stakeholders to build more sustainable food systems. For example, he will meet with staff in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of the Chief Economist and participate in the Farm Foundation and USDA Economics Research Service Ag Scholars program on a recurring basis. He will also meet with other participants in Farm Foundation’s suite of next generation programs as time allows.

Malone’s research for the experiment station, the research arm of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, focuses on agribusiness entrepreneurship and resiliency in agri-food supply chains.

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Malone to our Agricultural Economics Fellowship program,” said Martha King, vice president of programs and projects at Farm Foundation. “His perspectives on agribusiness and consumer behavior will be an invaluable resource and will serve as a unique springboard for collaboration.”

In addition to being mentored by staff in the USDA’s Office of the Chief Economist, Malone in turn will mentor participants in the Farm Foundation and USDA Economic Research Service Agricultural Scholars program, among other engagements.

Malone joined the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station in 2022. In November he was awarded the 2022 Presidential Award for Excellence in Research Communication from the Food Distribution Research Society.

In addition to teaching courses through the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas, Malone serves as co-editor of the Agricultural & Resource Economics Review and managing editor of the International Food & Agribusiness Review.

He holds master’s and doctorate degrees in agricultural economics from Oklahoma State University and a bachelor’s degree from Rockhurst University. 

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 Democrats speak out against new governor's policies

KUAR | By Josie Lenora

The Democratic Party of Arkansas held a press conference Wednesday to respond to Republican policy proposals espoused by the governor and legislature. House Minority Leader Tippi McCullough, D-Little Rock, was joined by Senate Minority Leader Greg Leding, D-Fayetteville, in the former Supreme Court chamber in the Arkansas State Capitol.

Both railed against policies supported by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, in particular those pertaining to education. Sanders has said she wants to be thought of as the “education governor,” and supports school choice policies and voucher programs as well as raising minimum teacher pay.

McCullough and Leding say they support teachers and raising their salaries, but not other more conservative education policies supported by Sanders. McCullough said the governor contradicted herself in the two different speeches she gave at her inauguration Tuesday.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2023-01-11/arkansas-democrats-speak-out-against-new-governors-policies

Josie Lenora/KUAR News

Senate Minority Leader Greg Leding, D-Fayetteville, hosts a press conference alongside House Minority Leader Tippi McCullough, D-Little Rock, at the Arkansas State Capitol Wednesday.

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signs executive orders on first day of term

KUAR | By Josie Lenora

Shortly after her inauguration Tuesday, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed seven executive orders into law. The orders further conservative social causes and seek to limit government regulations.

The first one she signed institutes a promotion and hiring freeze for all state government workers. Another executive order will prevent government agencies from implementing new regulations without her approval.

“We are going to continue to limit the scope of government and empower Arkansans,” Sanders said.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2023-01-11/gov-sarah-huckabee-sanders-signs-executive-orders-on-first-day-of-term

Will Newton/AP

Incoming Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed seven new executive orders into law Tuesday.

Broadband in Arkansas Survey

The State Broadband Office needs your help getting as many people in Arkansas as possible to check the FCC’s new broadband map and challenge any inaccuracies.  They are only accepting these challenges through Friday (1/13).

https://broadband.arkansas.gov/verify/

UAMS Mourns Loss of Susan Smyth, M.D., Ph.D.

Susan Smyth, M.D., Ph.D., died Dec. 31, 2022, after a battle with cancer. Image by Evan Lewis

By Yavonda Chase

Susan Smyth, M.D., discusses cardiology cases with clinical team members. (From left) Divya Nayar, M.D., neurology resident; Abdallah Malkawi, M.D., cardiovascular medicine fellow; and Tushar Tarun, M.D., assistant professor, cardiovascular medicine.Bryan Clifton

LITTLE ROCK — The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) is sad to announce that Susan Smyth, M.D., Ph.D. executive vice chancellor and dean of the College of Medicine, died on Dec. 31, 2022, after a battle with cancer.

“Susan was a remarkable leader, colleague, and friend who will be deeply missed by many across our state, especially those of us fortunate enough to work with her,” wrote Chancellor Cam Patterson, M.D., MBA, in an announcement to UAMS employees and students. “Her death is a great loss for UAMS, our state, and all who knew her.”

She is survived by her husband, Andrew Morris, Ph.D., professor in the UAMS Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, and their sons, Edward and William.

https://news.uams.edu/2023/01/03/uams-mourns-loss-of-susan-smyth-m-d-ph-d/

Governor Hutchinson Appoints Forrest Marks as ASP Colonel

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson today announced his appointment of Lt. Col. Forrest Marks as Colonel of the Arkansas State Police (ASP). Lt. Col. Marks is succeeding Col. Bill Bryant, who will retire on December 31, 2022.

Lt. Col. Marks has served in the Arkansas State Police since he began as a Trooper in 1994. Throughout his time at ASP, Lt. Col. Marks has served as Post Sergeant, Highway Patrol Assistant Troop Commander, Troop Commander, and Division Commander. He currently serves as Acting Lieutenant Colonel for Field Operations.

"I'm grateful for Lt. Col. Marks's nearly 30 years in law enforcement and his dedication to the Arkansas State Police," Governor Hutchinson said. "I appreciate his willingness to serve as Colonel, and I am confident he will lead our State Police with integrity and honesty."

Prior to joining the Arkansas State Police in 1995, Lt. Col. Marks served as a patrolman for the Hot Springs Police Department and as a military police officer for the United States Army.

Lt. Col. Marks's appointment will remain in effect until Governor-Elect Sanders's Colonel Designate, Captain Mike Hagar, assumes the position.

Cooperative Extension Service to co-host Arkansas Business Navigator informational session

BRINKLEY, Ark. — Do you need help growing or expanding your business? Is your business looking for financial assistance, but you don’t know what your options are? Is your inner entrepreneur in need of some guidance? An upcoming event, co-hosted by the Arkansas Procurement Technical Assistance Center, likely has the answers you’re looking for.

FINDING THE WAY — Arkansas Business Navigator is the newest program from the Arkansas Small Business Technology and Development Center, a function of the federal Small Business Administration that works through land grant universities and other institutions. (Division of Agriculture graphic.)

Arkansas Business Navigator is the newest program from the Arkansas Small Business Technology and Development Center, a function of the federal Small Business Administration that works through land grant universities and other institutions.

The informational session will be held Jan. 26 at the Brinkley Chamber of Commerce, located at 217 W. Cypress St. in Brinkley. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the program will begin at 6 p.m. There is no cost to attend.

The program is focused on supporting small business owners and entrepreneurs across Arkansas with an emphasis on support for rural, women-owned, veteran-owned and minority-owned businesses. It’s a joint project of the Cooperative Extension Service’s APTAC, the Monroe and Phillips County extension offices, the Brinkley Chamber of Commerce and East Arkansas Enterprise Community.

Kamelle Gomez, economic development program associate for the Division of Agriculture, said the Cooperative Extension Service — the outreach arm of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture — is one of six partners supporting the program.

“We’re helping to provide no cost, one-on-one business consulting, business planning, market research, access to capital and industry-specific training,” Gomez said. “We want you to come learn how the Arkansas Business Navigator can help your business launch, grow, and plan for success.”

Interested individuals may contact Gomez at 501-671-2158 or kgomez@uada.edu.

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

Follow important safety guidelines to enjoy outdoor activities

By Rebekah Hall
U of A System Division of Agriculture

LITTLE ROCK — During the cooler months in Arkansas, there are many opportunities for outdoor fun, such as hunting, camping and riding all-terrain vehicles. While enjoying these activities in the Natural State, it’s important to follow safety guidelines to avoid accidents and injuries.

ATV AND SHOOTING SAFETY — Jesse Bocksnick, extension 4-h outdoor skills coordinator for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said it's important to ensure youth are of the correct age and size to operate ATVs or firearms. (Division of Agriculture photo.) 

Jesse Bocksnick, extension 4-H outdoor skills coordinator for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said safely operating guns and ATVs can minimize the risk of accidents.

“Accidents happen — we can’t be 100 percent safe all the time,” Bocksnick said. “But the main thing is to practice good, safe operation of ATVs and safe gun handling so that when an accident does happen, we can minimize it and it’s just a scare – not a tragic story that we talk about years later as a teaching tool.”

Proper firearm handling

When it comes to safe gun handling, Bocksnick said three elements are key: muzzle control, action open and trigger control.

The muzzle is the part of the firearm where the bullet exits the gun. Keeping the muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times can help prevent accidents or minimize the damage of an accident.

“Every year it seems like somebody gets hurt with an ‘empty gun,’ and that’s because they think it’s unloaded, and it’s not,” Bocksnick said.

The action on a gun is the part where the ammunition enters the chamber and is then extracted when the gun is fired. By keeping the action open, the user indicates to others that the gun is unloaded until it is time to shoot.

“When that action is closed, nobody knows if there’s a bullet in the chamber,” Bocksnick said. “You just assume that it’s loaded. We assume that all guns are loaded all the time – it just keeps things safer that way.”

Trigger control means “you keep your finger off the trigger until your sight is on the target,” Bocksnick said.

“A lot of folks, especially young folks, when you hand them a firearm, the first thing they do is wrap their hand around the grip and they’ve got a finger on the trigger,” Bocksnick said. “We don’t want to do that.”

For adults who are excited to introduce hunting and shooting sports to the young people in their lives, Bocksnick said it’s important to brush up on safety skills, as many adults develop poor safety habits over time.

“People are usually excited about training young folks and getting them out there,” he said. “It’s a family pastime, and they want to pass that tradition along to their family members, but sometimes they have unsafe habits, or they don’t realize how unsafe they actually are with a firearm. When they’re talking to kids and teaching them the basics of hunting, sometimes they may skip over or take for granted some of those basic firearm controls.”

When training youth on proper firearm handling, Bocksnick said another issue is handing off firearms to young people too soon.

“If they can’t physically work the action, hold the gun up, or handle the recoil, they’re too small,” he said. “You need to wait until the next year, or maybe the year after that. I see a lot of parents push kids too fast. They want them to be that hunting buddy so badly that they give them a little too much responsibility for their age.”

ATV and UTV safety

Riding ATVs and UTVs, or all-terrain and utility task vehicles, can be a fun way to explore the outdoors. But these vehicles can be very dangerous for riders if not handled safely.  

Bocksnick said that for ATVs and UTVs, the “number one thing to remember is to wear a helmet.”

“It is the single most important piece of safety equipment that a person – adult or youth – can wear,” he said. “It must be a Department of Transportation-approved helmet.”

It is also critical to follow the age recommendations of the vehicle’s manufacturer, Bocksnick said.

“Most ATVs and UTVs are 16 years old and up,” Bocksnick said. “Just because a youth can steer a machine or push the throttle doesn't mean they are capable of driving that machine. ATVs are ‘rider active’ machines that require the operator to use their body weight and active movement to properly ride the machine and make it handle properly. With UTVs, if a youth cannot sit in the seat properly with their back against the seat, buckled in, and reach all the controls, they are too young.”

Bocksnick said a common misconception about UTVs is that they are safe for children because they have a roll bar or rollover protective structures. But youth must be buckled in and using the seatbelts or harness systems for these protective measures to work.

“Unfortunately, ATV and UTV accidents are a major cause of head trauma, death and major injuries in the state among youth,” Bocksnick said. “Youth riding machines they are not old enough for, not wearing helmets, or carrying passengers on ATVs increases this problem exponentially.”

Hunting and campfire safety

During hunting season, many people get injured from their deer stands. Becky McPeake, extension professor and wildlife specialist for the Division of Agriculture, said scouting for the proper deer stand location before the hunt is important.

“Find a tree which is strong enough to support your weight,” McPeake said. “Sometimes the tree nearest an opening is smaller in diameter, and it is tempting to use that tree, but don’t. Be safe.”

McPeake said being in good shape is also key to successfully navigating a deer stand, as it takes physical strength to get in and out.

“If there are physical limitations, ground-hunt to be safe,” she said. “You can build your own blind using natural features or purchase a tent blind.”

Wearing a harness is also an “essential safety feature” for those using deer stands, McPeake said.

“Use a climbing rope, climb a little higher than your stand, and slip into the stand,” she said. “Then, use a rope to lift or lower your supplies and your unloaded firearm, and clip yourself in the tree once in place.”

Be sure to get plenty of rest and stay awake while in a deer stand, and let others know when heading out for a hunt.

“Tell your family or friends when you go hunting and when you expect to return,” McPeake said. “Leave them a map of where you will be hunting, since cell service sometimes doesn’t work in remote locations.”

While hunting, camping or simply spending time in the backyard, campfire safety guidelines should also be followed to avoid injury or an out-of-control blaze. Creenna Bocksnick, extension 4-H camping coordinator for the Division of Agriculture, said the first step to a safe campfire is checking the fire regulations in one’s area.

“Some locations don’t allow for open flames, and seasonal burn bans also need to be considered,” Bocksnick said. “Campers also need to remember general fire safety concerns: burns, keeping flammable liquids and materials away from the fire, and not leaning or stepping over the fire.”

Bocksnick said people should also pay close attention to their surroundings for other potential fire hazards, including “dead trees above their fire that can fall, tinder on the ground near their fire that can catch on fire, and tree roots under their fire that can also catch on fire without them knowing.”

People camping in a wilderness setting should also aim to “leave no trace” of their presence at the campsite after leaving.

“Campers should build, douse and cover remnants of their fires so that the next person doesn't know they were there,” Bocksnick said. “They should also not put items in the fire that will not completely burn and turn to ash during their stay.”

For more information about the 4-H shooting sports program and Arkansas 4-H ATV safety, visit the Arkansas 4-H Outdoor Skills website or contact Jesse Bocksnick at jbocksnick@uada.edu.

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

Economists predict ‘mild recession’ as Arkansas gears up for 2023 legislative session

KUAR | By Wesley Brown / Arkansas Advocate

A mild recession and a holiday spending hangover. That’s what economic forecasters predict for 2023 as lawmakers head to the state Capitol in January.

Rising interest rates and persistent inflation will push the economy into a downturn, experts say, and those economic clouds could also cause the 94th General Assembly to consider any robust spending programs in light of a possible nationwide slowdown.

As Gov. Asa Hutchinson winds down his administration, he recently reported to lawmakers that Arkansas’ budget coffers are overflowing with $2.78 billion of reserve funding.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2023-01-04/economists-predict-mild-recession-as-arkansas-gears-up-for-2023-legislative-session

Photo Courtesy Gov. Asa Hutchinson/Arkansasadvocate.Com

Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson (left) and Sen. Jonathan Dismang (R-Beebe) talk before Hutchinson presents his fiscal year 2024 state budget at the Nov. 10, 2022, meeting of the Legislature’s Joint Budget Committee. The budget projects a surplus despite forecasts of a mild recession in 2023.

‘High growth’ in sales tax collections pushes Arkansas tax revenue up 6.4%

by Michael Tilley (mtilley@talkbusiness.net)

If the economy is slowing, no one told Arkansas businesses and consumers. In the December report, fiscal year-to-date Arkansas tax revenue totaled $4.145 billion, up 6.4% compared with the same period in 2021 and 3.3% above forecast.

Individual income tax revenue in the first six months of the fiscal year (July-December) was $1.768 billion, up 4.3% compared with the same period in 2021 and 1.9% above the budget forecast, according to Wednesday’s (Jan. 4) report from the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA). The report said the net available revenue – surplus – at the end of the first six months was $125.2 million.

Sales and use tax revenue in the first six months was $1.691 billion, up 8.7% compared with the same period in 2021 and up 1.2% above the forecast. Corporate income tax revenue in the first six months was $406.9 million, up $34.9 million compared to the same period in 2021 and 20.6% million above the forecast.

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/01/high-growth-in-sales-tax-collections-pushes-arkansas-tax-revenue-up-6-4/

Gov.-elect Sanders selects Stubbs, Penn to top state military posts

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

Gov.-elect Sarah Sanders announced Wednesday (Jan. 4) her intention to nominate Brigadier General Jon Stubbs as Secretary of the Military and The Adjutant General of the Arkansas National Guard, and Major General Kendall Penn as the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Penn now holds the title of Secretary of the Military, while he will replace Nate Todd, the Veterans Affairs secretary.

“I will be appointing two high-caliber individuals with decades of military experience who will lead with honor and integrity – BG Jon Stubbs as The Adjutant General of the Arkansas National Guard and Major General Kendall Penn as the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs,” Sanders said. “BG Stubbs’ extensive Army National Guard experience makes him a clear choice to lead the Department of Military as The Adjutant General, ensuring our airmen and soldiers are standing at the ready to support the state of Arkansas and our nation. Major General Penn has done an excellent job leading our Department of Military, which is why I have asked him to continue to serve and take on the critical role of Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Together, we will ensure that the brave, selfless men and women who have served our country in uniform are always cared for and supported.”

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/01/gov-elect-sanders-selects-stubbs-penn-to-top-state-military-posts/

Five slated to enter Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame

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

The Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame is slated to add five new members to its ranks this year. Class XXXV induction ceremonies are set for 11:30 a.m. March 3 at the Little Rock Convention Center.

Inductees include Arkansas Century Farm owner/operator and philanthropist Ellis Bell of Forrest City; Arkansas State University professor of agricultural economics Bert Greenwalt of Jonesboro; innovative rice farmer Chris Isbell of Humnoke; veteran cotton farmer and industry leader Steve Stevens of Tillar; and the late Jessie (J.D.) Vaught of Horatio, a pioneer in contract livestock production.

“It’s an outstanding class of inductees reflecting the broad and diverse impact of agriculture across Arkansas,” said Hall of Fame’s committee chair Debbie Moreland of Roland. “These five include many different areas of agriculture. Agriculture is one of the great success stories of our state and that is sometimes overlooked. We’re pleased to bring recognition to these individuals who have impacted our state’s largest industry in such a positive way.”

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/01/five-slated-to-enter-arkansas-agriculture-hall-of-fame/

UA Cossatot kicks-Off Spring 2023 Semester

UA Cossatot’s Spring 2023 regular classes will begin on Tuesday, January 17, and registration is open until Thursday, January 19. Two eight-week terms are also offered, one running January-March and the second March-May. The registration deadline for the second eight-week term is March 14.

Various in-person and online courses and career and transfer options are offered. Anyone interested in taking courses, including returning students, is encouraged to stop by UA Cossatot’s Student Services, where a friendly staff member can help with registration and enrollment questions. A complete list of courses and information on scholarships and financial aid can be found at www.cccua.edu. There are also funding opportunities for UA Cossatot students to attend free in spring 2023 through the ArFuture Grant. Arkansas resident students in select technical and high-demand fields such as Agriculture, Industrial Maintenance, EMT, Nursing, Welding, Cybersecurity, Education, and Science can have their tuition and fees paid for through the ArFutures grant. The full list of criteria, rules/regulations, and the online application can be found at https://sams.adhe.edu/Scholarship/Details/ARFUTURE. The application deadline is January 10 for spring 2023 and July 1 for fall 2023.

To speak with Student Services about registering for classes, please call 870-584-4471 or email studentservices@cccua.edu. Walk-ins are always welcome. UA Cossatot campus hours for De Queen, Nashville, and Ashdown are Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

There is still time to apply for medical programs, too. If all program requirements are met by March 1st, students are eligible to apply. All prereqs must be completed or in progress during the spring semester. The program applications and TEAS score must be completed by March 1st. Please review the program requirements for each program at www.cccua.edu/programs-of-study/medical-education. For medical program questions, please contact 870-584-1211 or email ccooper@cccua.edu, rservante@cccua.edu, or mfoster@cccua.edu.

UA Cossatot’s Colts and Lady Colts are also gearing up this semester. They play a pair of home games this Thursday, January 5th, at the UA Cossatot Bank of Lockesburg Gymnasium. At 5 PM, the Lady Colts go head-to-head against Dallas Christian College. Then, at 7 PM, the Colts close out the night versus RA Prep. Contact Athletic Director and Head Coach Stan Asumnu for free season pocket schedules at 870-584-1145 or sasumnu@cccua.edu. ###

AUDIO: Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | W.I.N.S. in 2022

LITTLE ROCK – As 2022 comes to an end, I have been reflecting on my time as Governor and looking forward to what is ahead.

In January, I announced my W.I.N.S. initiative for my final year as Governor. Each letter in W.I.N.S. stands for a pillar that I have focused on to boost Arkansas to success. Workforce Training, Infrastructure, New Economy Jobs, and Strengthening Arkansas Families all aim to push Arkansas to being the best place the state can be – and help Arkansas WIN.

Arkansas has continually grown economically over the past eight years. Thanks to the people of Arkansas, we have made this state one of the premier locations for business owners to put their roots down and conduct business that gives well-paying jobs to hard-working Arkansans and puts more money into our state.

As this year and my term is coming to an end, Arkansas has never been in better financial shape than we are right now. We have lowered taxes, funded services, and we have over $2 billion in reserve accounts.

Even in the face of a pandemic, the state’s economy, like Arkansans themselves, remained resilient. In 2021, Arkansas was ranked number two in the nation for states with the most pandemic-proof small businesses. That speaks not only to the hard work of business owners who have chosen to live in Arkansas, but to the small business environment, workforce support, and resource access our state’s infrastructure had in place, ready to help small businesses.

Arkansas small businesses were rightfully ranked as having the greatest potential to bounce back because they had the least to bounce back from. Arkansas never shut down throughout the pandemic. Our state kept working, and our consistently low unemployment rate over the past few years reflects that. In fact, there are over 120,000 more people employed now than when I took office in January 2015.

The future success of our state demands that we improve the training of our workforce. Now with initiatives like the ‘Ready for Life’ program, it is easier for employees and employers to find each other, and it will offer business leaders a quick snapshot of the employee pool in Arkansas as they recruit talent.

Our infrastructure is the backbone of everyday operations in this state, and it is worth investing in to create a better quality of living. That is why we have invested almost $500 million in rural broadband expansion in our state.

In terms of new economy jobs, we expanded our high-tech jobs from the steel industry to software development, and this growth will continue with the recommendations from the Council on Future Mobility Report.  

Lastly, but certainly not least of the pillars of my W.I.N.S. initiative – strengthening Arkansas families. Over the past year, my focus has been to give families the best chance of success and to protect Arkansas children from child abuse and crime.

In November, I announced a monumental expansion in rural health services with the ARHOME Medicaid program. Thanks to the great work of the teams at the Arkansas Department of Human Services, Life360 HOMEs will address the complex challenges facing many of Arkansas’s most vulnerable residents, including individuals in rural areas with serious mental illness and those in need of addiction services. I look forward to watching the full potential of this transformative program as it unfolds in the months and years to come.

As we conclude 2022, I am grateful for the W.I.N.S. we have had this year in improving our workforce, investing in our infrastructure, creating new economy jobs, and strengthening Arkansas families.