March 2019

Arkansas Agriculture Week March 10-16 is Arkansas Ag Week and in celebration of this week, the Arkansas Agriculture Department (AAD) is featuring a campaign “We AR Ag.” The AAD will be sharing stories and information every day highlighting different aspects of the fields, processing plants and grocery shelves that is seen every day. Everyone is invited to follow the campaign throughout the week to learn about Arkansas agriculture and help celebrate our state’s number one industry.

Governor Hutchinson proclaimed March 10-16 as Arkansas Agriculture Week during a ceremony, March 12, held at the state capitol in conjunction Farmers Day, with more than 150 farmers, agriculture leaders and industry partners in attendance.

AAD Hosts Young Cattlemen's Leadership Class Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward and AAD staff hosted the Young Cattlemen's Leadership Class (YCLC) of the Arkansas Cattlemen's Association (ACA), February 19, and presented a sponsorship check. Following the class, ACA and YCLC presented the AAD with an appreciation plaque for its past efforts.

Saline County Forester, Bill Chaney, Wins National Forestry Award Bill Chaney was awarded the Wesley R. Meier National Outstanding Inspector of the Year Award from the American Tree Farm System during its annual meeting in Louisville, February 27. This is the first time anyone from Arkansas has won the national award. Read more here or watch the video here.

New Rule for Dicamba Use in 2019 is Now in Effect The new rule for dicamba use became effective Monday, March 11, after being filed with the Secretary of State's Office. The new rule is applicable to all current (Engenia, Fexapan, and Xtendimax) and future dicamba products registered for in-crop use in Arkansas.  Click here for information and resources on the new rule.

Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Arkansas has five opportunities for qualified veterinarians to offset a significant portion of the debt incurred in pursuit of their veterinary medicine degrees in return for their service in certain high-priority veterinary shortage situations. For individuals that commit to at least three years to providing vet services in a designated shortage area, the National Institute of Food and Agriculture may repay up to $25,000 of student loan debt per year. Deadline for applications is April 12. See the shortage areas here and more details on the program here .

Help Smokey Bear Celebrate His 75th Birthday with a “Shout-Out” AAD's Forestry Commission (AFC) is sponsoring a Smokey Bear “Shout-Out” contest through April 19 to celebrate Smokey’s 75th birthday. Smokey is the fictional bear that was designated the symbol for forest fire prevention in 1944 by the U.S. Forest Service and the Ad Council. Elementary classes across Arkansas are invited to record a short video wishing Smokey a happy birthday and to share it on the AFC and the AAD social media sites for a chance to win a birthday party with Smokey.

AAD People and Programs

New Director of Bureau of Standards Meet the new Director of the Bureau of Standards, Nikhil Soman. Nikhil previously worked as the manager for the metrology lab and has worked with the AAD for eight years. In this photo: (l-r) Butch Calhoun, Director of the AAD Plant Board; Nikhil Soman, Director of the Bureau of Standards; and Wes Ward, Secretary of Agriculture. 

Mike Sellers wins the Spencer Fox Award Congratulations to Mike Sellers for winning the Forestry Commission's Spencer Fox Award! Check out all the annual AFC award recipients and photos here . 

Service Awards

Congratulations to Shawn Price, livestock inspector, on the recognition of his 20 years of service! Congratulations to Michael Curtis on the recognition of his 30 years of service!

Century Farm Applications Due May 31 The AAD is now accepting applications for the 2019 Arkansas Century Farm program. This program recognizes Arkansas families who have owned and farmed the same land for at least 100 years. Online and printable applications are available here . There is no cost to apply.

Homegrown by Heroes Scholarships The AAD and Farm Credit are partnering to provide eight, $1,000 Homegrown by Heroes academic scholarships. These scholarships will be awarded to military veterans and active military personnel, and their spouses, children or grandchildren who are pursuing a degree in agriculture. Online applications are available here and are due March 15.

Arkansas News

Senate Adopts Dicamba Rule Changes For Arkansas Farmers, the Future Lies in Conserving Resources Meet the 32nd Class of the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame Livestock, Grain, & Forestry Reports

Food-labeling Bill Clears House Panel Arkansas Corn Market Report Arkansas Broiler Report Rice Farmers Feel the Strain of the Rain as Wet Weather Delays 2019 Season

National News

AGCAST: Blockchain for Ag Business Farm Sector Profits Forecast to Increase in 2019 USDA Announces Action to Prevent African Swine Fever From Entering the U.S. Organic Trade Association Launches Organic Fraud Prevention Solutions Program USDA to Issue New guidelines for Meat, Poultry Recalls Push China on Chicken, Senators Urge

Upcoming Agriculture Events

Arkansas Cattlemen's Association Area Spring Conferences: March 11-26 Galaxy Conference: March 13-15 Arkansas Soil Health Alliance Annual Meeting: March 18 Arbor Day Proclamation at the Governor's Mansion: March 18 New Farmers Academy: March 19 Peanut Month Proclamation at the Capitol: March 21 Livestock and Poultry Commission Meeting: April 18

Arkansas Ag Fact: Aquaculture Around 11,000 acres are devoted to catfish production in Arkansas.  The value of catfish production peaked at $78.1 million in 2007 with 166 farms. Source: Arkansas Farm Bureau Congratulations to Rosemary Baxter for being recognized as the 2019 Arkansas Catfish Farmer of the Year during the Catfish Farmers of America's Annual Convention in Hot Springs, February 22.

Arkansas Grown T-shirts Arkansas Grown t-shirts are $15 and available in sizes YS-Adult XXXL. There is a $2 handling fee for shipped orders. Send your name, size and address to marketing@agriculture.arkansas.gov. .

‌ ‌