Arkansas Department of Agriculture Reminds Agriculture Partners about
Safe Prescribed Burning and Smoke Management
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With harvest underway, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture reminds our partners in agriculture and conservation of the importance of safe prescribed burning techniques as a valuable tool in crop management plans.
Row crop farmers use prescribed fire in the fall as part of crop management plans to remove stubble following the harvest of rice, soybeans, corn, and cotton. Prescribed burning is an efficient and economical control method for preparing fields for the next growing season and eliminating pests and diseases. Burning crop residue also allows for no-till or reduced-till planting during the next growing season. Smoke management planning prior to the application of prescribed fires helps to reduce smoke impact on roadways, nearby towns, and sensitive areas like schools, nursing homes, churches, and other facilities. Find the Arkansas Voluntary Smoke Management Guidelines here.
“We want to remind all farmers who are using prescribed burns to make a safe smoke management plan, so we can continue to be good neighbors to all Arkansans,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture, Wes Ward.
- There is a Safe Burning Checklist which farmers complete before applying prescribed fire:
- Take extra precautions for smoke sensitive areas (highways, residents, communities, etc.)
- Report prescribed burns to the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Dispatch Center (1-800-830-8015)
- Check to make sure relative humidity is above 20%
- Check to make sure wind speed is less than 15 mph
- Be sure to follow appropriate Smoke Category Day guidelines
Reporting the burn to the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Dispatch Center provides a full understanding to the farmer of weather conditions, information about other burns in the area, and proximity of nearby smoke sensitive areas like schools, nursing homes, and highways. A smart phone app to help report row crop burns is in final stages of development.
“It is important for farmers to practice responsible stewardship and avoid future regulations and red tape. Prescribed fire is a valuable tool and calling the hotline before burning takes only seconds. Taking these proactive measures today will help us ensure a quality air shed for our families and communities for generations to come,” said David Gairhan, Arkansas Rice Federation Chairman.
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Arkansas Department of Agriculture Reminds Producers of Protections Under the Arkansas Grain Grading Act |
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The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is reminding grain producers of protections offered under the Arkansas Grain Grading Act, which sets minimum standards for grain grading and gives producers an opportunity to dispute an issued grade.
The Arkansas Grain Grading Act was enacted in 2019 and applies to all grain warehouses in Arkansas. Under the Act, grain warehouses and dealers that engage in grain grading must have their programs and graders certified by the Grain Warehouse Section of the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Plant Industries Division.
All grain grading must be conducted according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Official United States Standards for Grain Handbook. A warehouse must grade and sample each delivered load within 24 hours. Warehouses must retain any sample that has received more than a four percent reduction for a minimum of two days.
Producers wishing to dispute an issued grade may have the sample regraded by an official grading agency. If requested, the grain warehouse shall provide the sample to the official grading agency. The resulting grade shall be deemed the official grade of the sample. Those wishing to dispute grades must request a regrade within two days.
More information about the Plant Industries Division’s Grain Grading Program can be found here.
A copy of the Arkansas Grain Grading Act and Rules can be found here.
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Shade Trees on Playgrounds Program Accepting School Applications through October 3 |
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The Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division is accepting applications for the 20-year anniversary of the Shade Trees on Playgrounds (STOP) program through October 3, 2022. Arkansas schools needing additional shade on playgrounds can find the STOP program application and guidelines here.
Selected schools receive up to five native shade trees, mulch, watering supplies, and planting guidelines, through grant funding provided by the U.S. Forest Service. Officials with the Forestry Division will help plant the trees during a ceremony with students this fall.
Urban forestry staff began the STOP program 20 years ago to help lower adult skin cancer risk by reducing childhood exposure to direct sunlight on school playgrounds. Since then, approximately 150 Arkansas schools have received trees. The STOP program also provides teachers with curriculum resources about the environmental benefits of trees, how shade reduces skin cancer risks, and tips for keeping trees healthy.
“The STOP program combines hands-on, outdoor experiences with classroom curriculum about the importance of trees and how to care for trees,” said Urban & Community Forestry Coordinator, Kristine Kimbro. “We hope this program not only improves the health of Arkansas students, but also leaves a lasting impression about the value of community trees and how to be good stewards of our natural resources.”
Trees native to Arkansas are chosen by Forestry Division staff to fit the unique region and conditions of each playground. Sycamores, oaks, tulip poplars, and black gum trees are common species for the program. To participate in the STOP program, a school must meet the following criteria:
• Lack shade on a school playground
• Participate in a virtual STOP workshop on October 7, 2022
• Use provided curriculum resource materials to emphasize the importance of trees during the week(s) leading up to the tree-planting event
• Involve students in tree-related projects that culminate with a school-wide tree-planting ceremony
• Be willing to maintain the trees after planting
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$280 Million in American Rescue Plan Act Funding Approved to Address Statewide Water Needs |
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Funding of $280 million was approved to help address statewide water needs. The approved funding includes $270 million to address water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure projects and $10 million to assist areas in Eastern Arkansas with the transition from groundwater to surface water and help preserve the Sparta and Alluvial aquifers.
Last year, Governor Hutchinson created a Water and Other Infrastructure Working Group to assist the Arkansas American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Steering Committee in identifying water infrastructure projects. The working group conducted a needs survey that identified more than $5 billion in water, wastewater, and stormwater needs across the state. The working group made a subsequent funding proposal which was approved by the Steering Committee in August and by the Arkansas Legislative Council today.
“In January, I laid out my W.I.N.S. in 2022 initiative. One of those initiatives was infrastructure, and I am delighted the Arkansas Legislative Council has approved $280 million to improve our state’s water infrastructure,” Governor Hutchinson said. “I appreciate the Department of Agriculture, Arkansas Natural Resources Commission, ARPA Steering Committee, and members of the General Assembly who have worked diligently to secure this funding for a critical need in our state.”
The $270 million in one-time grant funding for water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure projects will be administered by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture through the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission. Projects will be determined for eligibility consistent with the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) Final Rule. Funding will be limited to a maximum of $5 million per entity for each project type.
Eligible entities must apply for the grant funding by Friday, November 4, 2022. Applications and additional information on the grant program can be found here.
A series of virtual and in-person meetings will be held across the State during the application period to assist entities in completing applications for funding under this program. The date, time, and location of the meetings are as follows:
· September 29, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Arkansas Municipal League, North Little Rock
· September 29, 1:00-3:00 p.m., Arkansas Municipal League, North Little Rock
· October 4, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Dumas Community Center, Dumas
· October 19, 1:00-3:00 p.m., Forrest L. Wood Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center, Jonesboro
· October 26, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Hope Community Center, Hope
· November 1, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m., Virtual Meeting
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Governor Hutchinson Announces Appointments to Agriculture Boards and Commissions |
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On September 9, Governor Hutchinson announced appointments to several boards and commissions within the Arkansas Department of Agriculture and the Arkansas agriculture industry. The appointments are as follows:
Arkansas State Plant Board:
Samuel Stuckey, Clarkedale. Term expires March 17, 2024.
Arkansas Wine Producers Council:
Daniel O’Shea, Greenbrier. Term Expires March 1, 2025.
Arkansas State Board of Registration for Foresters:
Jennifer Cook, Greenbrier. Term expires July 18, 2023.
Arkansas Beef Council:
Sharon Casey, Malvern. Term expires March 30, 2025.
Caleb Plyer, Hope. Term expires March 30, 2025.
Robert Campbell, Witt Springs. Term expires March 30, 2025.
Arkansas Corn and Grain Sorghum Promotion Board:
Jacob Appleberry, McGhee. Term expires June 30, 2024.
Kenny Falwell, Newport. Term expires June 30, 2024.
Jason Felton, Marianna. Term expires June 30, 2024.
Matt Gammill, Tyronza. Term expires July 1, 2023.
Arkansas Catfish Promotion Board:
Dick Baxter, Cabot. Term expires June 30, 2024.
Brad Graham, Portland. Term expires June 30, 2024.
Kenny Francis¸ Corning. Term expires June 30, 2024.
Steve Kueter¸ Paragould. Term expires June 30, 2024.
Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board:
Shannon Davis¸ Bono. Term expires June 30, 2024.
West Higginbothom, Marianna. Term expires June 30, 2024.
Rusty Smith, Des Arc. Term expires June 30, 2024.
John Freeman, Dumas. Term expires June 30, 2023.
Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board:
Joe Christian, Jonesboro. Term expires June 30, 2024.
Jay Coker, Stuttgart. Term expires June 30, 2024.
John King, Helena. Term expires June 30, 2024.
Roger Pohlner, Fisher. Term expires June 30, 2024.
Arkansas Wheat Promotion Board:
Herrick Norcross, Tyronza. Term expires June 30, 2023.
Adam Cloninger¸ Keo. Term expires June 30, 2023.
Terrance Scott, Cotton Plant. Term expires June 30, 2023.
Kenneth Clark, Newport. Term expires June 30, 2023.
Jack Evans¸ Carlisle. Term expires June 30, 2024.
Dusty Hoskyn, England. Term expires June 30, 2024.
Chris Shaefers, Conway. Term expires June 30, 2024.
Find the full list of appointments 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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Feral Hog Eradication Task Force Update |
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The Feral Hog Eradication Task Force continued its efforts in August 2022, removing over 1,225 feral hogs across Arkansas. Additionally, Arkansas residents reported the removal of 53 feral hogs last month.
Learn more about the Task Force and its efforts here.
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Arkansas Department of Agriculture Announces Recipients for the Arkansas Grown Grant for Northwest Arkansas Farmers Pilot Program |
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The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is pleased to announce recipients of the Arkansas Grown Grant for Northwest Arkansas Farmers Pilot Program. This program, created with support from the Walton Family Foundation, offers grant funding to eligible farmers in Benton, Washington, Madison, and Carroll counties who are committed to increasing capacity for wholesale fruit and vegetable production. The overall goal of the pilot program is to increase the amount of locally produced food in the four-county area.
“This pilot program provides funding directly to farmers to improve their operations and increase availability of fresh, locally grown food for consumers,” said Wes Ward, Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture. “The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is honored to assist in the administration of this grant program and looks forward to seeing its positive impacts.”
Grants were awarded for eligible expenses to 26 farming operations in the four-county pilot program area. Recipients for the Arkansas Grown Grant for Northwest Arkansas Farmers Pilot Program are:
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A & A Orchard
Cochran Gardens
dH Farm
Fat Top Farms
Floraison Farms
Gifford Gardens
Greenburrow Farm
GSS Group
Hatch Farm
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Hiatt Blueberry Farm
King Rivers Farm
McGarrah Farm
Middle Fork Farm
Mountain Garden Farm
Neal Family Farm
Omnom
Ozark All Seasons
Peaceful Warrior Garden
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Plant Spirit Farm
Rios Family Farm
Rocky Comfort Natural Farm
Shimizu Farms
Snuggle Bug Farm
Sunny Acres Farm
Sycamore Bend Farm
The Farm
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Photos from the Arkansas Grown Grant for Northwest Arkansas Farmers Pilot Program reception are available here.
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First Public Meeting for Illinois River Watershed Management Plan Set for October |
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The Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Division (NRD), in partnership with the Oklahoma Conservation Commission (OCC), has scheduled the first in a series of public meetings to update the watershed-based management plan for the Illinois River Watershed. The meeting will be held October 11 in Siloam Springs.
The Illinois River and its tributaries have a variety of uses set forth by the Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission (APCEC), including fisheries, recreation, drinking water supply, and agricultural and industrial water supply. The goal of this watershed-based plan is to protect and improve water quality in streams and other waterbodies by addressing non-regulatory issues through voluntary activities or practices.
“The NRD and the OCC are working collaboratively to host a series of stakeholder meetings that will guide the update of the Illinois River Watershed management plan for the next decade,” said Tate Wentz, NRD Water Quality Section Manager. “The two states’ holistic approach to update the plan in unison will better align nonpoint source needs across the entire watershed.”
The meeting is open to the public and will provide an overview of the watershed management planning process. Stakeholders will discuss water quality issues, conservation practices, the current state of the watershed, and the next steps in the development of the management plan.
The meeting is set for October 11 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and will be held at the First Baptist Church located at 2000 Dawn Hill Rd., Siloam Springs, Arkansas, 72761.
For more information about the Illinois River Watershed, visit here.
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2022 Arkansas Grown
Whether you picture agriculture as raising livestock, growing forests, or planting row crops, Arkansas farms are a key element of our landscape and economy. There are over 40,000 farms in our state, but there is a specialized niche of 70 or so farms centered near Lonoke and Prairie counties that is all about raising fish.
Read more about the aquaculture industry in Arkansas 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.
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Secretary Ward (top left) addressed attendees of the Diversity in Agriculture conference on September 14. It was a day of important discussions, presentations, learning, and making connections. The capacity crowd heard from a variety of experts and speakers, including Arkansas farmer and U.S. Department of Agriculture Senior Advisor for Racial Equity Dewayne Goldmon, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Vice President Deacue Fields, rodeo star and inspirational speaker Amberley Snyder, representatives of the The National Agricultural Law Center, and more. Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Evette Browning (top right) spoke at the conference as well and was a member of the event planning committee. Additional photos from the conference can be found here.
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The Forestry Division held a training at the Sharp County Regional Airport where volunteer firefighters learned how to refill Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATS). |
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Plant Industries Division Director Scott Bray (left) and Pest Control Program Manager Seth Dunlap (right) presented at the Arkansas Pest Management Association meeting in Little Rock providing updates from the Arkansas State Plant Board and the Plant Industries Division. |
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The Forestry Division partnered with Camp Robinson to host a collaborative aerial wildland fire suppression training.
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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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The Rural Fire Protection (RFP) program in the Arkansas Department of Agriculture's Forestry Division is hosting the annual Rural Fire Show next month at the Conway Expo Center. The Rural Fire Show is a free appreciation event for Arkansas firefighters and their families. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with other firefighters, visit with vendors, and enter to win door prizes.
Read more about this year's Rural Fire Show, the agenda, and available door prizes here.
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Forge Institute's Annual Cyber Summit |
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The Forge Institute is hosting its 3rd Annual Cyber Summit on October 5-6 in Central Arkansas. There will be discussions about cutting-edge cybersecurity trends, success stories, and enhancing the partnerships that drive collaboration within the state.
Those interested can register here.
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Find more information on the Groundwater Conservation Tax Credit Program here.
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Pollinator Habitat Resources Guide |
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The Pollinator Partnership, in collaboration with conservation partners in each state, has created a Habitat Resources Guide to ensure support to all land stewards. Within this guide, you can find resources specific to Arkansas and beyond that cover plant and insect identification, funding opportunities, technical assistance programs, and much more!
Learn more about Project Wingspan here.
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Pollinator Communications Survey |
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The North American Pollinator Protection Campaign (NAPPC) Pollinator Communications Task Force has put together a survey to help gauge people's understanding and interest in pollinators and their conservation. Would you take 10 minutes and fill it out?
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USDA Farm Service Agency 2022 Virtual Outreach Meeting |
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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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Biden-Harris Administration Announces Historic Investment in Partnerships for 70 Climate-Smart Commodities and Rural Projects |
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To learn more, read the full release here. |
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Last week, Arkansas Department of Agriculture staff and industry stakeholders attended panel discussions led by U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on climate-smart commodities. The event was held at Isbell Farms near England. |
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Arkansas Department of Agriculture's
Annual Report
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Fiscal Year 2022 Annual Report provides information about the Department and how it served Arkansas agriculture, our state's largest industry, from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022. Click here to view the 2022 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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- Agriculture is Arkansas's largest industry contributing more than $19 billion annually to the economy and providing over 243,000 jobs.
- Arkansas consistently ranks in the top 25 nationally in the production of 16 different agricultural commodities.
- Arkansas is home to 12 billion trees on nearly 19 million acres of forestland.
- Arkansas's 42,000 farms and ranches operate on 14 million acres with agricultural operations in all 75 counties.
- Arkansas ranks in the top ten nationally in the production of rice, broilers, catfish, cotton lint, cottonseed, turkey, sweet potatoes, peanuts, and chicken eggs.
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Upcoming Agriculture Events |
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- Chicot County Fair, September 26
- Prescribed Fire School, September 26-30
- Natural Resources Commission Meeting, September 28
- Rural Fire Show, October 1
- Arkansas Youth Expo, October 2
- Water Well Construction Commission Meeting, October 6
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Arkansas State Fair, October 14-23
- Forestry Commission Meeting, October 14
- Sunbelt Ag Expo, October 17-20
- Livestock and Poultry Commission Meeting, October 27
- Red River Compact Engineering/Legal Committee Meeting, October 27
- Veterinary Medical Examining Board- Zoom Meeting, November 15
- Natural Resources Commission Meeting, November 16
- Buffalo River Conservation Committee Meeting, November 18
- Feral Hog Eradication Task Force Meeting, December 6
- Plant Board Meeting, December 15
- Arkansas Grown Conference, January 25-28
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