For the Media

May 9, 2008

MALVERN, Ark. - The rising cost of food and gas are obvious drains on a budget, but Cheryl Maxwell, Hot Spring County extension agent for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, says there’s a sneaky - but equally draining - way to kill a budget: impulse purchases.

Select and use credit cards wisely

MARION, Ark. - Comparing credit card offers can save money on interest and fees, says VeEtta Simmons, Crittenden County extension agent for the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service.

Tough times for catfish farmers

PINE BLUFF, Ark. - Faced with soaring feed prices and pressure from cheap Chinese and Vietnamese imports, the numbers of Arkansas catfish farmers and acreage have decreased over the past several years, according to Dr. Carole R. Engle, director of the Aquaculture/Fisheries Center at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

Focus on family relationships during National Family Month

LITTLE ROCK - For most kids, family is their single most important support system. National Family Month was created by KidsPeace and is celebrated annually from Mother’s Day to Father’s Day.

Extension offers ATV essay competition for youth

LITTLE ROCK - Knowing how to correctly operate an ATV can mean the difference between a successful day in the field or a trip to the hospital.
 

Eat healthfully

LITTLE ROCK - Despite claims that high carbohydrate diets will cause your body to store fat by enhancing insulin resistance, it’s excess calories from any source that are stored as fat, says Dr. LaVonna Traywick, extension gerontologist and associate professor with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

Now is the time to vaccinate pets against rabies

MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark. - Now that warm weather has arrived, owners need to vaccinate dogs and cats against rabies, says Mark Keaton, Baxter County extension agent with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

Do something about high food and gas prices!

LEWISVILLE, Ark. - Are you tired of paying high prices for food and energy? You’re not alone!

BENTONVILLE, Ark. - At first, you may think you have bumblebees zipping around near your porch, deck or carport. It’s a simple case of mistaken identity! Because of other similarities, as well as their black and yellow coloring, the carpenter bee is easily mistaken for the more ill-tempered bumblebee.

May 2, 2008

Tiny insects cause big damage, bigger bills

LITTLE ROCK - Late March through mid-May is the peak season for termite swarming in Arkansas. Winged forms of the eastern subterranean termite will leave established colonies in great numbers to mate and will then try to establish new colonies.

Beneficial bugs are garden superheroes

LITTLE ROCK - Those of us who grew up with the Justice League understood that there is good and bad in everything - people, places, beings with superhuman abilities. As we grew older, bought our own homes and decided to plant our own little squares of heaven, we found this childhood cartoon lesson carried over to even the tiniest of beings: insects. Their powers can wreak havoc or maintain harmony just as much as any superhero.

Flood of insects may spell problems for farmers, communities

LITTLE ROCK - Recent flooding along Arkansas rivers is likely to result in a flood of insects affecting major crops and people living in communities near flooded areas, say extension experts with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

Why are grain prices so high?

LITTLE ROCK - The reasons that grain prices are so high and you’re paying more for food at the supermarket are numerous, according to Dr. Bobby Coats, extension economist and professor with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
 

Get Dollars for Conservation by Participating in New SAFE Program

PINE BLUFF, Ark. - Farmers and landowners of marginal cropland seeking to forego the uncertainties of farming for a steady income and to help the environment should consider SAFE - a new conservation program, says Dr. Henry English, director of the Small Farm Program at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB).

Getting something for nearly nothing

BENTONVILLE, Ark. - It's human nature to cut corners and the high price of agriculture inputs has everyone in that mode. I can't fault the urge to stay in the cost-cutting mode 365 days a year.

Investing in the future of your community or region

Research and numerous community experiences have shown that one of the keys to success for communities and regions is the willingness of their citizens, leaders, organizations, and businesses to invest in the individual community and its future.