"Agriculture is part of our foundation and a key part of our future," Governor Hutchinson told attendees at the Agriculture Hall of Fame luncheon, March 2.
The 2018 Young Cattlemen's Leadership Class (YCLC) visited AAD Headquarters among other sites as part of their first session dedicated to learning about agricultural leaders and partner agencies and associations. The AAD is a proud sponsor of this program that provides an educational series on key beef industry topics and leadership skills for cattle farmers.
March, 2018
Help make Arkansas data count ... So far, 44% of Arkansas farmers and ranchers have returned their 2017 Census of Agriculture , which is a bit below the U.S. average. There is still time to respond. Please complete your census questionnaire online or by mail so that Arkansas agriculture is fully represented and receives our fair share of USDA resources. We appreciate all you do!
Urban forestry and Arkansas Firewise program personnel discuss agricultural and forestry career options at the Arkansas Tech University Career Fair.
Nathan Taylor, former summer intern with the Veterinary Diagnostic Lab , was among university students honored at the State Capitol for Arkansas-based research studies conducted in science & math (STEM projects).
Arkansas Ag Resource:

Agriculture industries and landowners across Arkansas use prescribed fire as a management tool for a variety of benefits to forests, grassland, and cropland. Forest landowners and forest industry agencies use prescribed fire to provide enhanced wildlife habitat, improved wildfire safety, site preparation for new seedling growth, and more. Row crop farmers use prescribed fire to eliminate pests and diseases, to help manage problematic crop residue, to remove organic refuse and prepare for replanting, and more.

Find Voluntary Smoke Management Guidelines that help all landowners use prescribed fire safely and responsibly, with sensitivity for populated areas that can be heavily impacted by smoke. Guidelines were developed by a diverse array of agricultural, conservation and forestry agencies and associations.
What is one way the AAD serves Arkansas farmers and ranchers?

The  National Poultry Improvement Plan Division (NPIP) licenses individuals to blood test birds for Salmonella pullorum, which also allows them to fill out 90 Day certificates for tested birds. This licensing enables persons to blood test their own birds, as well as other individuals' birds.

Private individuals wanting to do this testing for county fairs, shows, flea markets, sales, etc. can attend one of our three blood testing schools in Fayetteville, Batesville, and Little Rock. Commercial Blood Testing Schools are held for employees of poultry companies to enable them to blood test the commercial flocks for NPIP programs.

Blood School testing dates are available, here.
The Arkansas Agriculture Department is now a sponsor of the new agriculture-focused microsite of Talk Business and Politics   (the AAD has no part in content generated, but rather, is a partner in supporting agriculture-industry news in Arkansas). See a few of the latest ag-related stories: