Statewide Extension News

While enjoying the Natural State’s many bodies of water this summer, swimmers and boaters need to avoid hazardous wildlife. This includes American alligators, which are present in southern and central Arkansas.

The calls are coming in about melon patches being ruined overnight. Despite their reputation for grabbing small animals, coyotes also love juicy watermelons, especially in dry summer.

Scientists conducting research on tick-transmitted cattle diseases in Arkansas have turned up new samples of the invasive Asian longhorned tick.

Arkansas cattle producers are being urged to check their herds for unusual ticks and take measures to prevent transmission of theileriosis or other tick-related diseases.

The invasive tick can kill its host by swarming the animal but can also transmit a protozoan parasite called Theileria orientalis. One Theileria genotype, Ikeda, can kill cattle by attacking blood cells. Clipping tall grass and using cattle ear tags and rubs, are all good tactics against ticks.

Read the side bar story: Cattle Producers Urged to Monitor Cattle for Ticks

The sweet, tart fruit is the star of many summer dishes, but have you ever had blackberry beer?

We've teamed up with Ritter Farms, the Arkansas Brewer’s Guild, and Stone’s Throw Brewing to create a flavorful batch of blackberry beer!

Come and try the trial batch on July 22 at Stone's Throw Brewing on East 9th St. in Little Rock.

For Arkansas families facing food insecurity, the summer months can be especially difficult.

Children who are eligible for free and reduced-cost meals during the school year may not have access to regular meals during the summer break, but that's where the "Find Meals for Kids" map comes in.

Check out these new web resources and events from our Extension educators!

Visit our website to read more Extension news stories.

University of Arkansas System

Division of Agriculture

Research & Extension | uaex.uada.edu

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