For the Media

March 12, 2010

News Briefs

Green up the March garden with broccoli, chard, spinach plantings

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - As winter reluctantly relinquishes its hold, March is the time to green up the garden with the likes of Swiss chard, mustard, turnips and lettuce plantings, said Dr. Craig Andersen, extension horticulture specialist for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

Herb gardens can be beautiful as well as functional

LITTLE ROCK - Herbs, traditionally viewed only as cooking ingredients, are becoming a popular option for decorative gardens and crafts, said Janet Carson, extension horticulture specialist with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

Basil adds extra 'zip' to dishes

TEXARKANA, Ark. - Basil - that spicy, almost ubiquitous herb - is a great way to add some pep to dinner prep, said Carla Haley, Miller County extension agent for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

Bright, green parsley more than just a garnish

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Parsley's unique ability to blend flavors makes it a popular choice in the kitchen, but it's also prized as an ornamental, said Craig R. Andersen, Ph.D., extension horticulturist-vegetables, for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

Chives a cheery, tasty reminder of spring

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Chives make an excellent addition to the kitchen table or family garden, and they are easy to grow, said Craig R. Andersen, Ph.D., extension horticulturist-vegetables for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

Any way you slice it, onions have culinary appeal

TEXARKANA, Ark. - Onions add a sharp, sweet crunch to just about any dish, and they're nutritious to boot, said Carla Haley, Miller County extension agent with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

New rice variety, Roy J, stands tall and produces high yield

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - 'Roy J,' a new, very high yielding rice variety developed by the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, earned its shot at the seed bins of Arkansas rice growers in part by standing tall through the windiest of weather in field tests over the past five years.

March 5, 2010

News Briefs

Campaign to launch fight against teen prescription drug abuse

LITTLE ROCK - Nearly a quarter of Arkansas high school students say they've abused prescription drugs by the time they're seniors and health experts say communications and vigilance are the best means to reduce the abuse rate.

Teen prescription drug abuse in Arkansas by the numbers

LITTLE ROCK - Statistics related to Arkansas teens and abuse of prescription drugs in Arkansas.

Signs a teen might have a drug abuse problem

LITTLE ROCK - Some of the signs that your teen may have a drug problem.

USDA to develop new framework for animal disease tracking

LITTLE ROCK - The U.S. Agriculture Department will be developing a new framework to track animal disease and take other actions to strengthen disease prevention and response, according to Tom Troxel, Associate Department Head for Animal Science for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

Depression an "invisible" reality for many

MURFREESBORO, Ark. - Depression is more than a temporary mood shift - it's an "invisible disease," said Robbie McKinnon, Pike County extension agent with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.