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For the Media

In the News
August 2008

 

Radio Scripts - August 2008

August 29, 2008

Taking care of your lawn this fall

LITTLE ROCK - The hot, muggy days of summer have many Arkansans looking forward to fall. As the temperatures cool and daylight hours shorten, homeowners need to make adjustments in their lawn care practices to keep their lawns green and healthy.

Pope County calls out the fire (ant) fighters

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. - Fire ants are moving north, but some in Pope County are doing everything possible to make sure they don't gain ground.

Are you storing food safely?

MARION, Ark. - Whether we're storing food in the refrigerator, the freezer or the cabinet, our main goal is to keep our families from becoming sickened by microorganisms such as salmonella, E. coli and botulism.

Cotton growers keeping an eye out for boll rot

LITTLE ROCK - Arkansas cotton growers are keeping an eye on their fields to see if the plentiful rain of the last two weeks has promoted boll rot, said Dr. Tom Barber, extension cotton agronomist with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

Herbicide tolerance sought for southern peas

ALMA, Ark. - Scientists at the University of Arkansas System’s Division of Agriculture are working toward developing southern pea varieties with herbicide tolerance that could bring a new weapon to the battle to control weeds.

The ad read: 'Antique pea-sheller'

BENTONVILLE, Ark. - Hidden deep in the classifieds was an ad: "Antique Pea-Sheller." No price or description was listed, only a phone number. Uncle Clyde, down on a visit from Holts Summit, Mo., caught the ad. An old farm boy from Clay County, he began to reminisce about how every family once grew southern peas and every kid hated the boring task of shelling.

 

August 22, 2008

LeadAR Class 13 members discuss bills; meet the press; visit governor

LITTLE ROCK - Members of LeadAR Class 13 practiced their legislative skills, debated bills, survived media questions and received a pep talk from Gov. Mike Beebe during three days of press and public policy training recently at the state's Capitol.

4-H revamps after-school programs

LITTLE ROCK - As many as 15 million "latchkey kids" return home to an empty house every day after school, according to the U.S. Census Bureau in 2000. Youth not involved in after-school programs face a greater risk for violent crime, substance abuse, antisocial behavior, poor academic performance and dropping out of school.

Extension offers ATV essay competition for youth

LITTLE ROCK - The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture is offering Arkansas youth a chance to show how much they know about ATV safety through an essay contest offered this spring.

Youth Clover College established in Hot Spring County

MALVERN, Ark. - Twenty-six students, ages 5 to 12, attended college for one week this summer in Hot Spring County where they learned a variety of skills, including digital photography and music-making.

For better health, small changes can mean big health payoffs

MURFREESBORO, Ark. - Small changes, plus consistency can equal big health benefits, says Robbie McKinnon, a Pike County extension agent for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
 

Don't lose sight of good eye health

LITTLE ROCK - Many people may fear losing their eyesight more than losing any of their other senses and more than losing their memory and their ability to walk, according to a 2006 American Optometric Association (AOA) survey. With routine eye exams, eye protection and a vision-healthy diet, you can preserve your sight.

Fish, grass clippings a bad combination

BENTONVILLE, Ark. - Fish and grass clippings don't mix, said Trish Ouei, Benton County extension agent and stormwater educator for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

The diversity and endurance of Arkansas fence posts

BENTONVILLE, Ark. - I would wager that, in regards to fences or fence posts, your historical reference point is tied to Abe Lincoln. His oft-told story, after all, has since required that every successful politician make attempts to endear themselves to voters by developing similar grassroots connections.

Aquatic Sciences Day Set for September 18

PINE BLUFF, Ark. - The 7th annual University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) Aquatic Sciences Day for high school students is scheduled for Thursday, September 18, 9:30 a.m. - noon. The event will be held at the UAPB Aquaculture/Fisheries Center Research station, behind the Agricultural Research Center off Oliver Road.

 

August 15, 2008

Goats nibbling their way into hearts of Arkansans

LITTLE ROCK - They won't eat your tin cans, contrary to popular belief, but goats are an excellent source of milk, meat or companionship, said Dr. Jodie Pennington, extension dairy specialist with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

What a difference a year makes in Arkansas wine country

ALTUS, Ark. - It's nearly harvest time in Arkansas' grape country and this year, there will be a substantial amount of grapes and muscadines to bring in from the field.

Home lawn weed control made simple

SEARCY, Ark. - Good cultural practices can provide 60 percent to 70 percent of turfgrass weed control, according to the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

 

Wildfire season poses threat to homes in Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK - Rains across the state have been a welcome change from the oppressive heat and humidity we're all used to during August and September. However, this respite from 100-degree days doesn't mean we're not still in danger of wildfires.

Turfgrass Scientists Focus on Drought Tolerance

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Some grass varieties can go without water in the summer for up to 60 days with no damage and even retain some green color, says turfgrass scientist Mike Richardson, a horticulture professor with the University of Arkansas System’s Division of Agriculture.

Weed warning issued during field day at Marianna

MARIANNA - Pigweed, johnsongrass, horseweed and giant ragweed are all showing resistance to glyphosate herbicides in Arkansas, said Ken Smith, weed scientist for the University of Arkansas System’s Division of Agriculture. 
 

August 8, 2008

Arkansas forestry officials keep an eye out for destructive emerald ash borer

LITTLE ROCK - With the sighting of a destructive insect pest in Missouri, about 50 miles north of Corning, Arkansas forestry officials are keeping an eye out for the emerald ash borer.

Celebrate Catfish Month

PINE BLUFF, Ark. - August is National Catfish Month, and today's U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish are a reason to celebrate. "

Field day features agricultural research, family activities

STUTTGART, Ark. - Small-scale units for making fuel from vegetable oil or animal fat and from residue of crops or other plants will be demonstrated during a field day at the Rice Research and Extension Center August 13.

Concern mounts as bollworms move from Arkansas corn to soybeans

LITTLE ROCK - Bollworms have reared their ugly heads in soybean fields across Arkansas.

Division of Agriculture releases new butterfly bushes

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - The University of Arkansas System's Division of Agriculture has released two new varieties of Buddleja, also known as butterfly bushes because their blooms and nectar attract butterflies.

Healthy landscaping, trees can help sell a home

SEARCY, Ark. -
 Homeowners are looking for ways to add value and beauty to their home at a time when the housing market is sluggish can find a solution in their own back- and front yards, says Sherri Sanders, White County extension agent with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

 

Are the fish in your pond on the 'bucket list?'

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - Some pond owners ponder why many fish in their ponds have "kicked the bucket," said Jimmy Driggers, Garland County extension agent staff chair with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

Sonar? Deadlift? Nosy? What's your melon-pickin' style?

TEXARKANA, Ark. - When it comes to picking a melon, everyone has his or her own style, said Carla Haley, Miller County extension agent with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

Mark your calendar! Small Farm Outreach Field Day September 4

PINE BLUFF, Ark. - The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Lonoke Farm Field Day will be Thursday, September 4, at the UAPB Pearlie S. Reed/Robert L. Cole Small Farm Outreach Wetlands and Water Management Center (SFO-WWMC) on the UAPB farm near Lonoke, Ark.

Procurement advisers hit the road

MALVERN, Ark. - To reduce their driving this month, business operators in Arkansas can meet a professional procurement adviser in person at Harrison, Fort Smith, Wynne or Magnolia. There is no charge and no obligation, just free advice from an expert.

Biological warfare strikes in the Ozarks

BENTONVILLE, Ark. - Bits and pieces of this occurrence filtered to me during the last week. My first reaction was one of surprise because, like most of you, I only see or read of these situations as they occur in other countries. The operative in this case was a 7-year old girl who lives in a neighboring county.

August 1, 2008

Forget about Mexican crab tick; be wary of lone star tick

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Don't believe everything you read - even where giant Mexican crab ticks are concerned.

Heavy backpacks mean chronic back pain

LITTLE ROCK - The beginning of school can bring many hazards: new teachers, difficult classes, notorious cafeteria food. One hazard is often overlooked by parents and children alike: Backpacks.

Back-to-school shouldn't break the bank

MARION, Ark. - It will cost the average family more than $594 to stock up on back-to-school supplies this year - up from last year's $563, according to the National Retail Federation. However, purchasing endless amounts of paper, pens and notebooks shouldn't break your budget, says VeEtta Simmons, Crittenden County extension agent with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

Tests: the stuff of students' nightmares

MURFREESBORO, Ark. - Clammy hands, heart palpitations, dizziness. Not side effects on a medicine label, but symptoms of test anxiety. Students who prepare correctly, however, have nothing to fear, says Robbie McKinnon, Pike County extension agent with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

Listening is Critical to Learning and Academic Success

MURFREESBORO, Ark. - Listening is a vital skill that needs to be developed in children at an early age. Much of what is learned in school or in life comes through listening. Children need to have strong listening abilities in order to perform well in school.

Benton County 4-H'er recognized for outstanding achievement

SPRINGDALE, Ark. - Amanda S. of Benton County has been honored as the recipient of the 2008 Arkansas Governor's Award, the highest honor among 4-H'ers in Arkansas. Amanda received the award at the 62nd Annual Arkansas 4-H Awards of Excellence Banquet during the Arkansas 4-H O-Rama.

New Permanent Disaster Programs "Buy-In" Deadline is September 16

PINE BLUFF, Ark. - New in the 2008 Farm Bill is the creation of permanent disaster relief programs. In the past whenever a widespread natural disaster occurred, producers had to wait for Congress to vote on implementing a disaster relief program. Not so anymore.

Motto for summer: 'Just add water'

MARION, Ark. - Water is the single most important nutrient for maintaining good health. Although it's conveniently available most everywhere, many people fail to drink enough water to stay adequately hydrated. During the hot summer months, it's especially important to drink enough water to support vital bodily functions.

47 teaching dolls made for Arkansas Children's Hospital

SEARCY, Ark. - Nineteen Extension Homemakers from White County used their creativity to help young patients at Arkansas Children's Hospital: making "teaching dolls" used by medical personnel to help youngsters understand the procedures and surgeries they face.

Field Day to Feature Turfgrass Research, Tips, Exhibits

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Anyone who grows grass for fun or profit, or just because it came with the house, will find something of interest at the Turfgrass Field Day Wednesday, August 6, at the Arkansas Agricultural Research and Extension Center.

Super sized cabbage in White County

SEARCY, Ark. - Jessie Thomas Smith of Searcy, Ark., brought this super sized cabbage to the White County Extension Service recently.

Living on the poor farm

BENTONVILLE, Ark. - The photo of the Benton County Poor Farm shown in the Arkansas Postcard Past section of last Saturday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reawakened a variety of thoughts. I'm certainly not one to speak with any authority on the subject and admit my primary connection is simply the farming association involved with this social experiment.
 

 

Additional Stories:

In the News Archives

May 2008 | June 2008 | July 2008 | August 2008 | September 2008 | October 2008

 

 


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