Arkansas Department of Agriculture Announces Online Option for Pest Control and Pesticide Program Licensing and Certification Exams |
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The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is pleased to announce that Pest Control Program and Pesticide Program licensing and certification exams are now offered online.
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s (Department) Pest Control Program is responsible for administering 11 different residential and commercial Pest Control Program licenses and certifications which require applicants to successfully pass exams prior to the issuance of the license or certification. The Pesticide Program administers 10 licenses, two of which require exams prior to licensure. These exams have historically been administered only in person.
The online exams are proctored in partnership with Everblue, a technology company that specializes in digitizing and automating processes. Candidates can register online for state Pest Control Program and Pesticide Program exams and will be immediately enrolled into their on-demand test. Exams proctored through Everblue will have an additional proctoring fee of $30 per exam.
“We’re excited to partner with Everblue and offer these exams online to increase accessibility and efficiency,” said Scott Bray, Director of the Department’s Plant Industry Division. “By offering an online option, those unable to travel to Little Rock can now take the exams at home, expanding the availability of our Pest Control and Pesticide programs.”
In addition to the online exams, the Department will continue to offer in-person certification exams at the main office in Little Rock.
“The Department is responsible for administering a total of 44 different licenses and certifications, 22 of which require exams,” said Wes Ward, Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture. “We are working to make more exams available online to increase accessibility to all programs within the Department that require a license or certification.”
Learn more about the Pest Control program online examinations here. Learn more about Pesticide Program licenses here.
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Over $50 Million Provided for Arkansas Water and Wastewater Projects |
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- The City of Danville, Yell County, received a $360,500 loan from the Water, Sewer, and Solid Waste Fund to install ultraviolet disinfection equipment to meet Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality requirements. The current customer base for this project is 786.
- The City of Menifee, Conway County, received a $294,863 loan from the Water Development Fund for waterline replacement. The customer base for this project is 200.
- The City of Monticello, Drew County, received a $2,136,616 loan from the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund to replace and relocate the existing water mains. The water customer base for this project is 4,044.
- The City of Piggott, Clay County, received a $456,994 loan from the Water, Sewer, and Solid Waste Fund for wastewater treatment facility improvements. The customer base is 1,821.
- The City of Prairie Grove, Washington County, received a $2,060,000 loan from the Water, Sewer, and Solid Waste Fund to expand the wastewater treatment facility. The current customer base for this project is 3,202.
- The City of Rogers Water Utilities, Benton County, received a $31,246,250 loan from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund to construct a sludge drying facility capable of producing a Class A biosolids product. The current customer base for this project is 25,068.
- The Southwest White County Public Water Authority received a $14,441,906 loan from the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund to make water system improvements to nine key areas. The customer base for this project is 4,518.
The following projects received emergency funding:
- The City of Eudora, Chicot County, received a $100,000 loan from the Water Development Fund to make emergency repairs to the well pumping station, replace the filter valve actuators, air dryer, and filter valve actuator solenoids. The current customer base for this project is 925.
- The City of Sidney, Sharp County, received a $100,000 loan from the Water Development Fund to make emergency repairs to the water system and pump station. The current customer base for this project is 149.
The following projects received additional funding:
- The Northwest Arkansas Conservation Authority, Benton County, received $2,500,000 in additional funding to their previously approved $82,500,000 loan from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund for wastewater treatment plant improvements due to higher bids than anticipated. The customer base for this project totals 8,543.
- The Greenland Wastewater System, Washington County, received $735,700 in additional funding to their previously approved $2,192,866 loan and $1,617,434 loan with principal forgiveness from the Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund to replace and expand a lift station and replace a force main. The customer base for this project is 482.
More information about the Natural Resource Division’s water and wastewater programs can be found here or by contacting Debby Dickson at [email protected] or 501-682-0548.
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Arkansas Urban & Community Forestry Grants Open for Project Proposals through September 16 |
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The Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division is now accepting applications for the 2022 Urban & Community Forestry Grant through September 16, 2022. Grants are available to fund community projects that develop, improve, and/or promote urban and community trees and forests.
The Forestry Division and the Grant Review Committee of the Arkansas Urban Forestry Council will rank grant proposals and award funds based on criteria that include: improvements to a community’s tree management program; proposed implementation plan for the project; level of community involvement; educational components; and tree care and long-term maintenance planning. Communities that participate in the Tree City USA, Tree Campus Higher Education, Tree Campus K-12, and Tree Line USA programs will receive additional ranking points. Selected grant recipients will be notified the week of September 26, 2022.
Examples of eligible projects include:
- Community tree inventories and management plans
- Parking lot improvements for stormwater runoff
- Tree-friendly streets (allowing for root space and canopy growth, adding tree grates, etc.)
- Park improvements to help reduce sun exposure and cool the air
- Improving tree health with tree maintenance and protection plans, soil amendments, mulching, professional pruning and restoration, watering bags and/or irrigation, etc.
- Greenway development planning and urban stream restoration (including demonstration areas feasibility studies, maps, etc.)
- Communication material that increase public awareness of the benefits of urban forests
- Education and training for tree care workers, volunteers, and the public.
Urban & Community Forestry Grants are administered by the Forestry Division and are funded through a $40,000 grant from the U.S. Forest Service. The maximum federal cost share of any project is 50% of the total project expenditures and cannot exceed $12,000. The nonfederal match may be cash, services, or in-kind contributions. Projects must be completed by August 31, 2024. Complete grant details and an online application are available here or by emailing [email protected]. Learn more about the Arkansas Urban Forestry Council here.
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Farm Service Agency Increasing Livestock Indemnity Program |
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency (FSA) has announced an increase for Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) disaster assistance payment rates for beef, beefalo, bison, and dairy animals less than 250 pounds. These updated payment rates are reflective of the substantial increased cost of these non-adult livestock in 2022. FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux discusses these changes in a farmers.gov blog post, which can be found here.
Livestock and hay producers impacted by drought should contact their USDA Farm Service Agency office to determine their eligibility for several livestock assistance programs, including the Livestock Forage Disaster Program; Livestock Indemnity Program; Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish; and emergency loans.
If any portion of a county has been declared by the U.S. Drought Monitor as D3 during the normal grazing period, producers in the entire county become eligible for FSA assistance. Areas designated as D2 drought level for at least eight consecutive weeks during the normal grazing period also become eligible for assistance.
For more information find your local FSA office here. Here is the link to find your local office: Read more about the disaster assistance programs here.
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The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is Hiring! |
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Are you passionate about Arkansas agriculture? With many new and exciting career opportunities, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture is looking for highly motivated individuals to bring their passion for the Arkansas agriculture industry to the workplace.
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2022 Arkansas Grown
Across the state, students are learning in different types of gardens. Some gardens are in greenhouses, raised beds, or containers, while others are inside a windowsill or sprouting under grow lights. No matter the type of garden, the common thread is youth and hands-on education.
Read more about the magic of a school garden in the 2022 edition of Arkansas Grown. You can view the magazine online here, or find a physical copy at various locations around the state.
The 2023 edition of Arkansas Grown is in the works! If you're interested in purchasing advertising space, please contact Amy Lyman at [email protected].
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The Natural Resources Commission held its quarterly meeting in conjunction with the 85th Annual Arkansas Association of Conservation Districts Conference. At the conference, Secretary Ward presented USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Chief Terry Cosby with an Arkansas Traveler certificate. |
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Secretary Ward chaired the Buffalo River Conservation Committee meeting this morning in Jasper. The committee heard updates on cost-share programs for agriculture, unpaved roads projects, water and wastewater system infrastructure, the Marble Falls Nature Park Development project, and the Buffalo River Watershed Enhancement project. |
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Secretary Ward visited Pool Fisheries in Lonoke with Senator Ricky Hill. Pictured, from left, are Secretary Ward, Landon Pool, Todd Pool, Ronnie Pool, Senator Hill, and Dr. Russ Summers. |
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The Arkansas Farm Bureau President's Leadership Council visited the Department this week to learn about the Livestock & Poultry Division and tour the Veterinary Diagnostic Lab. |
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The Cummings family recently received an Arkansas Champion Tree designation from the Forestry Division for their bitternut hickory tree. This designation marks their tree as the largest bitternut hickory tree in Arkansas. Read more about the Arkansas Champion Tree program here.
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The Anthonyville Fire Department in Crittenden County received a 2002 Ford F450 firefighting truck on August 10, 2022, from Forestry Division’s Rural Fire Protection (RFP) Program. Pictured from left are Forestry’s A/D mechanic supervisor Adam Bartelt, Mayor Leroy Wright Sr, and crew member KC McKenney. |
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The Centerville Fire Department in Faulkner County received 2 new Automatic External Defibrillator’s (AED’s) from the Forestry Division's Rural Fire Protection (RFP) Program. Pictured from left are RFP Administrator Kathryn Mahan-Hooten, Faulkner County Ranger Greg White, and Centerville Fire Chief Nathaniel Ficklen. |
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New Resources, Trainings, & Opportunities |
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New Resources from the National Agricultural Law Center
Upcoming Webinars:
Recent Blog Posts:
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Diversity in Ag Conference |
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The Diversity in Ag conference will be held this September to expand awareness of the diverse career and business opportunities in agriculture. The conference will allow participants to explore opportunities through success stories and networking.
The conference will be held at Four Points Sheraton in Little Rock on September 14. Those interested can register here.
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Secretary Ward Discusses Drought, Inflation |
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Last week, Secretary Wes Ward visited with KARK News in Little Rock to discuss the impacts of inflation and recent drought conditions for Arkansas farmers. With high prices and weather challenges, farmers across the state are struggling. Secretary Ward discusses the affects and assistance options on Capitol View. Find the segment here.
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Sustainable Forestry & African American Land Retention Joint Regional Conference |
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The second annual Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Joint Regional Conference will be held virtually August 30-31. Attendees will learn about timely forestry and conservation topics and receive educational resources that can help solve heirs' property issues.
Guest speakers include U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) deputy assistant secretary for civil rights, USDA undersecretary for natural resources and environment, acting director for the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Dr. Dionne Toombs, and more. Read more about the online conference and how to register here.
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USDA Farm Service Agency 2022 Virtual Outreach Meetings |
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency (USDA-FSA) has finalized their virtual outreach meetings for 2022. These virtual trainings serve as a way for USDA-FSA to get vital program information, such as deadlines, eligibility requirements, and more into the hands of producers.
Thursday, August 25, 10:00 - 11:00 A.M. – Conservation Reserve Program
Special Speaker: Shane Booth, District Forester, Arkansas Department of Agriculture's Forestry Division. Find out how these programs work to address a large number of farming and ranching related conservation issues. Virtual meeting here. For audio only call 202-650-0123 and enter code 980 012 680#.
Thursday, September 29, 10:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. – Beginning Farmer and Heir Property Education
Special Speaker: Rusty Rumley, Senior Staff Attorney, U of A Division of Agriculture. Learn how to obtain a farm number and Heir Property documentation needed. Virtual meeting here. For audio only call 202-650-0123 and enter code 740 167 816#.
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Arkansas Department of Agriculture's
Annual Report
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Fiscal Year 2021 Annual Report provides information about the Department and how it served Arkansas agriculture, our state's largest industry, from July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021. Click here to view the 2021 Annual Report. |
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Weekly Market Summary
Each Friday, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture publishes a comprehensive Weekly Market Summary, which includes the Arkansas Weekly Livestock Auction Summary and Related Individual Market Sale Summaries, National Weekly Rice Summary, Memphis Weekly Feed Report, Weekly Rice, Grain, Cotton, and Feed Futures Trends, Weekly Livestock and Milk Futures Trends, Bid Prices to Farmers, Arkansas Daily Grain Report, Heading Links for Historical Data, and news.
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Follow us on social media!
For the latest in Arkansas agriculture, be sure to follow us on social media! Links to our social media pages can be found here.
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Arkansas AG Facts: Arkansas Catfish Month |
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- August is recognized as Arkansas Catfish Month.
- Arkansas catfish farmers contributed more than $19.5 million to Arkansas's agricultural economy in foodsize fish sales last year.
- Catfish producers in Arkansas had more than 9.6 million foodsize fish in inventory on January 1, 2021.
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There are 3,800 water surface acres used for catfish production in Arkansas.
- Arkansas is considered the birthplace of warm water aquaculture, beginning with the first commercial fish farms built in the 1940s for goldfish production.
- Arkansas is also considered the birthplace of the commercial catfish industry with the first farm-raised catfish sales in the late 1950s.
- There are excellent programs to provide research and support to the aquaculture industry in Arkansas.
- The state enacted a catfish labeling law in 2015 to ensure consumers can accurately identify the country of origin of catfish produced in Arkansas retail establishments.
- Aquaculture is an important sector of Arkansas's broad and diverse agricultural industry that contributes $19 billion to Arkansas's economy annual as the state's top industry.
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Upcoming Agriculture Events |
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Carrol County Fair, August 20
- Northeast Arkansas Weed Technology Field Day, August 23
- Baxter County Fair, August 23
- Hempstead County Fair, August 27
- Arkansas Recreation and Parks Association Annual Conference, August 31
- Arkansas Hospitality Association Conference, September 12
- Bradley County Fair, September 13
- Arkansas County Fair, September 13
- Diversity in Ag Conference, September 14
- American Association of Veterinary State Boards Annual Conference, September 15
- Arkansas Oklahoma River Compact Commission Meeting, September 21-22
- Association of Southeastern Boards of Registration for Foresters Meeting, September 21-23
- Arkansas Oklahoma State Fair, September 23
- Chicot County Fair, September 26
- Prescribed Fire School, September 26-30
- Natural Resources Commission Meeting, September 28
- Rural Fire Show, October 1
- Forestry Commission Meeting, October 14
- Sunbelt Ag Expo, October 17-20
- Arkansas Grown Conference, January 25-28
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