The proclamation highlights the state’s rice industry and its value to Arkansas’s economy and agriculture industry. The full proclamation can be found here.

Governor Hutchinson has also proclaimed September as Hunger Action Month. Following the Rice Month proclamation, it was announced that the Arkansas rice industry will donate nearly 85 tons of rice to the Arkansas Food Bank in honor of Arkansas Rice Month and Hunger Action Month. Learn about Arkansas rice, find recipes, nutritional information, and more on the Arkansas Rice website.

Read more about this industry leading export sale here.

Arkansas Department of Agriculture's Forestry Division is hosting their annual Rural Fire Show on Saturday, October 2, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Conway Expo & Event Center. There will be two ‘Wildland Fire Discussions’ hosted by the Arkansas Rural and Volunteer Firefighters Association (ARVFA).

ARVFA will also provide lunch during the event. Please RSVP by emailing Lisa Clark, [email protected] or call the Rural Fire Protection office at (501) 679-3171. 

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Commission met in Fayetteville on September 15, 2021. Prior to the meeting, Commission members and Department staff toured several projects in the area that were previously approved for funding, including the Northwest Arkansas Conservation Authority Wastewater Treatment Plant and Bentonville Transmission Line, the Siloam Springs Water Intake Point and Water Treatment Plant, and the Riparian Restoration Project at the Course at Sager’s Crossing.

But what does this have to do with forestry? Well… Everything.

In the Southeast, more than 44% of the total water supply, or about 98 trillion gallons, comes through state and private forests before it makes its way into waterbodies. This means that what happens in the forest, doesn’t just stay in the forest. Providing more than half of the available water supply for 14 million people, healthy forests that effectively filter water, recharge aquifers, and prevent erosion are central to supporting our fundamental need for clean water."

Read more of Fox's blog post to learn about how Arkansas and surrounding states are champions for clean water.

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Commission approved $4,055,926 for water and wastewater projects serving 1,095 people in four Arkansas counties on September 15, 2021. The projects are as follows:

Weather conditions in Arkansas are closely monitored for potential fire hazard. Burn bans, a prohibition of any kind of outside burning for a period of up to 60 (sixty) days from the day the ban is issued or until lifted by the County Judge, are issued as needed. Visit the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division webpage: https://www.ark.org/forestry_fire_info/index.php?do:showBurnBans to find burn bans by county. Prescribed Burns and Wildfire Danger Status can also be found at this webpage.

Registration is required to receive the link to the webinar, as well as access to the webinar recording. The deadline to register is October 20 at 11:59 p.m. eastern. Registration can be found here.

The September report was released September 10, and upcoming reports will be released October 12 and November 9. Find the full September report here. For more information about the reports visit the USDA website.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced on September 9 that the USDA is investing $464 million to build or improve renewable energy infrastructure and to help rural communities, agricultural producers, and businesses lower energy costs in 48 states and Puerto Rico.

Read more about the announcement and use of funds here.

It's Arkansas Hunger Action Month! Read about how local foods for local tables fought 2020 pandemic food insecurity in the latest edition of the Arkansas Grown magazine.

With over 20 features about Arkansas agriculture, there’s something for everyone. You can view the magazine online here, find a physical copy at various locations around the state, or request a copy!

The summary is available on the Arkansas Department of Agriculture's Market Reports webpage, as well as each Division's webpage and Facebook page, and you may sign-up to receive the summary by email at Subscribe To Notifications And Publications.

For the latest in Arkansas agriculture, be sure to follow us on social media! Links to our social media pages can be found here.

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. Check out our available positions today on the AR Careers website by searching for "agriculture" or "natural resources."