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Articles by Ryan McGeeney
As fall approaches, planning is key for grazing success
As summer turns to fall, forage and pasture experts with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture are encouraging Arkansas farmers to think ahead and take the steps necessary for successful end-of-year grazing.
As Fall Approaches, Planning Is Key For Grazing Success
By Ryan McGeeney As summer turns to fall, forage and pasture experts with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture are encouraging Arkansas farmers to think ahead and take the steps necessary for successful end-of-year grazing.
Extension expanding rural mental health training in Arkansas
It can be tough for anyone to ask for help. Farmers in particular have a reputation for avoiding it, especially when it comes to dealing with mental and emotional stress brought on by a tough year in the field.
UADA hires first extension culinary nutrition, hospitality and tourism instructor
Quadarius Whitson, who joined the Cooperative Extension Service as a culinary nutrition and food safety program associate in 2024, has taken on a new role as extension’s first culinary nutrition, hospitality and tourism instructor.
Recent rains provide relief for parched fields
Portions of Arkansas received much-needed rains recently, with some key pockets enjoying rainfall that replaced a final round of irrigation for soybean fields. According to the National Weather Service office in Little Rock, rainfall from Aug. 22-24 fell predominantly in a north-south pattern over the central third of the state, depositing between 1.5 and 3 inches of precipitation.
Recent rains provide relief for parched fields
Portions of Arkansas received much-needed rains recently, with some key pockets enjoying rainfall that replaced a final round of irrigation for soybean fields. According to the National Weather Service office in Little Rock, rainfall from Aug. 22-24 fell predominantly in a north-south pattern over the central third of the state, depositing between 1.5 and 3 inches of precipitation.
Recent Tariff Suspension On Certain Beef Imports Increases Market Volatility
By Ryan McGeeney Historically small herds, record market prices and the return of the New World Screwworm within U.S. borders have already made 2026 a volatile year for U.S. cattle producers. On Aug. 26, the puzzle became even more complicated when President Donald J. Trump signed a proclamation allowing of up to 300,000 additional metric tons of lean beef trimmings to come into the country at a lower tariff rate during a 90-day window.
UADA researcher examines economic prospects of AI data centers in rural areas
Ryan McGeeney University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture
As wildfire risk covers Arkansas, extension experts urge vigilance
With almost all Arkansas counties under a burn ban as of Thursday and elevated risk of wildfires across the state, experts with the Cooperative Extension Service are urging residents to take precautions to protect their land, property and lives. Jaret Rushing, extension forestry instructor for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, said even residents living in one of the few counties not currently under a burn ban should take wildfire risk seriously.
Rice Research and Extension field day takes frank look at the road ahead
Fast Facts 2026 surveys show lowest rice acreage in Arkansas, U.S. in 50 years High input costs, low market prices driving growers to other crops Continuing drought conditions taking toll STUTTGART, Ark. — Between high stocks, higher input prices and low market prices, rice farmers in Arkansas and elsewhere are feeling the squeeze, as evidenced by the lowest planted acreage in about 50 years. At the 2026 Rice Research and Extension Center field day on Aug.
Bullseye on determination, safety at Arkansas 4-H Shooting Sports Championship
Fast Facts More than 100 participants competed at 2026 championship Shooting sports can be a lifelong pursuit Fastest-growing 4-H program nationwide FERNDALE, Ark. — Not everything is supposed to come easily. For Tessa Herring, 13, the junior shotgun competition at the Arkansas 4-H Shooting Sports Championship in mid-July was downright frustrating. “Terrible,” she said when asked how things had gone. “I missed a lot.” But Tessa’s mother, April Herring, continued to encourage her daughter.
Study weighs economic impact of AI data centers in rural Arkansas
LITTLE ROCK -- Across the country, the explosive growth of massive data centers, many of them meant to power the growth of artificial intelligence, has drawn both criticism and support from communities in both rural and urban areas. As more land is annexed for future data center development, some have questioned the economic costs and benefits of those decisions.
UADA researcher says benefits of artificial intelligence data centers in places like Calhoun and Dallas counties can only go so far
Across the country, the explosive growth of massive data centers, many of them meant to power the growth of artificial intelligence, has drawn both criticism and support from communities in both rural and urban areas. As more land is annexed for future data center development, some have questioned the economic costs and benefits of those decisions.
Bullseye on determination, safety at Arkansas 4-H Shooting Sports Championship
FERNDALE -- Not everything is supposed to come easily. For Tessa Herring, 13, the junior shotgun competition at the Arkansas 4-H Shooting Sports Championship in mid-July was downright frustrating. But Tessa’s mother, April Herring, continued to encourage her daughter. “For Tessa, specifically, this is harder for her than other sports are,” April Herring said. “It’s important that she sticks with it and keeps trying, even though it doesn’t come easy.
Rice Research and Extension field day takes frank look at the road ahead
STUTTGART -- Between high stocks, higher input prices and low market prices, rice farmers in Arkansas and elsewhere are feeling the squeeze, as evidenced by the lowest planted acreage in about 50 years. At the 2026 Rice Research and Extension Center field day on August 6, researchers with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture did their best to shed light on the road ahead.
Ongoing fungicide study supports scouting, deliberate use of fungicide in soybeans
Terry Spurlock, professor and extension plant pathologist for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, recently published an update to an ongoing study of the use of fungicide applications in soybeans. (Division of Agriculture image.) A bedrock principle of efficient farming is scouting your fields before applying pesticides—whether herbicides, insecticides or fungicides. This not only helps farmers save money but reduces the likelihood of pesticide resistance developing as well.
Ongoing Fungicide Study Supports Scouting, Deliberate Use of Fungicide in Soybeans
By Ryan McGeeney A bedrock principle of efficient farming is scouting your fields before applying pesticides — whether herbicides, insecticides or fungicides. This not only helps farmers save money but reduces the likelihood of pesticide resistance developing as well. Terry Spurlock, professor and extension plant pathologist for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, recently published an update on an ongoing study of the use of fungicide applications in soybeans.
UADA sheds light on muscadines and more for grape, wine lovers
LITTLE ROCK — By the time Lee Ann and Russell Matson had reached the end of their first season as vineyard keepers, they knew they needed some help. In 2022, the couple had taken over efforts to cultivate a vineyard belonging to a friend in his early 90s and were wrestling with easily 1,000 feet of vines, Russell Matson said. “There’s a lot to learn,” he said. “How much to trim at the end of the season, how much to leave.
Jackson County Extension Center to host upcoming UADA peanut field day
NEWPORT — Peanut farmers, consultants and other agriculture industry professionals are invited to the 2026 peanut field day on Aug. 5 at the Jackson County Extension Center in Newport, Arkansas. Registration will begin at 4 p.m., and a facility tour will begin at 4:20 p.m. Registration is free, and attendees will be served dinner at 6:30 p.m. kAmp>@?8 E96 E@A:4D D=2E65 7@C 5:D4FDD:@?
Jackson County Extension Center to host upcoming UADA peanut field day
NEWPORT — Peanut farmers, consultants and other agriculture industry professionals are invited to the 2026 peanut field day on Aug. 5 at the Jackson County Extension Center in Newport, Arkansas.
As fall approaches, UADA experts urge cattle farmers to consider cool-season grasses
By Ryan McGeeney University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture experts are urging the state’s pasture managers to gear up for winter by planting cool-season grasses in the fall. Jonathan Kubesch, extension forage specialist for the Division of Agriculture, said that Arkansas offers some unique challenges to farmers, being in a geographical transition zone between North and South.
NEA farmers consider replants after June rainfall event
HARRISBURG — By the time Michael Chaney, Poinsett County extension staff chair for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, emptied 7 inches of rain from the rain gauge at the county extension office on June 22, he knew the area was in for a deluge. “We dumped it out, then somehow got three more inches,” Chaney said. kAm%96 E@CC6?E:2= C2:?72== E92E |@?52J AFE C@H 4C@AD 2?5 C6D:56?E:2= 2C62D F?56C D:8?:7:42?E H2E6C E9C@F89@FE >F49 @7 E96 ?@CE962DE6C?
Extension Income Tax School returns for 2026 season
LITTLE ROCK — As they say, there are only two guarantees in life. The Cooperative Extension Service can help professional tax preparers get ready for at least one of them. The Cooperative Extension Service, the outreach and education arm of the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, will offer four in-person sessions for its annual Income Tax School this November, as well as one online session in December.
Extension Income Tax School returns for 2026 season
By Ryan McGeeney University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture As they say, there are only two guarantees in life. The Cooperative Extension Service can help professional tax preparers get ready for at least one of them. The Cooperative Extension Service, the outreach and education arm of the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, will offer four in-person sessions for its annual Income Tax School this November, as well as one online session in December.
Extension Income Tax School returns for 2026 season
As they say, there are only two guarantees in life. The Cooperative Extension Service can help professional tax preparers get ready for at least one of them. The Cooperative Extension Service, the outreach and education arm of the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, will offer four in-person sessions for its annual Income Tax School this November, as well as one online session in December.
UADA sanitation, Listeria workshop aims to make food service facilities safer
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Food industry professionals can learn the latest in sanitation practices and Listeria prevention at an upcoming three-day workshop hosted by the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. The workshop, scheduled for Aug. 18-20, will take place at the Don Tyson Center for Agricultural Sciences, 1371 W. Altheimer Drive in Fayetteville.
NEA farmers consider replants after recent heavy rainfall
HARRISBURG — By the time Michael Chaney, Poinsett County extension staff chair for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, emptied 7 inches of rain from the rain gauge at the county extension office on June 22, he knew the area was in for a deluge. “We dumped it out, then somehow got three more inches,” Chaney said. kAm%96 E@CC6?E:2= C2:?72== E92E |@?52J AFE C@H 4C@AD 2?5 C6D:56?E:2= 2C62D F?56C D:8?:7:42?E H2E6C E9C@F89@FE >F49 @7 E96 ?@CE962DE6C?
NEA farmers consider replants after June rainfall event
HARRISBURG — By the time Michael Chaney, Poinsett County extension staff chair for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, emptied 7 inches of rain from the rain gauge at the county extension office on June 22, he knew the area was in for a deluge. “We dumped it out, then somehow got three more inches,” Chaney said. The torrential rainfall that Monday put row crops and residential areas under significant water throughout much of the northeastern corner of Arkansas.
As drought continues, cattle farmers must manage heat stress in herds, pastures
LONG-TERM DROUGHT — According to the U.S. Drought Monitor as of July 2, more than two-thirds of Arkansas is currently in moderate to severe drought. Parts of more than a dozen counties in the northeastern, central and southeastern portions of the state are in extreme drought and portions of at least six counties—including nearly all of Drew County—are in extreme drought.
Northeast Arkansas Farmers Consider Replants After June Rainfall Event
By Ryan McGeeney By the time Michael Chaney, Poinsett County extension staff chair for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, emptied 7 inches of rain from the rain gauge at the county extension office on June 22, he knew the area was in for a deluge. “We dumped it out, then somehow got three more inches,” Chaney said. The torrential rainfall that Monday put row crops and residential areas under significant water throughout much of the northeastern corner of Arkansas.
As drought continues, cattle farmers must manage heat stress in herds, pastures
LONG-TERM DROUGHT — According to the U.S. Drought Monitor as of July 2, more than two-thirds of Arkansas is currently in moderate to severe drought. Parts of more than a dozen counties in the northeastern, central and southeastern portions of the state are in extreme drought and portions of at least six counties—including nearly all of Drew County—are in extreme drought.
Drought, Heat Taking Toll On Arkansas Timber Industry
By Ryan McGeeney, UA Division of Agriculture MONTICELLO, Ark. — The drought that has affected Arkansas and surrounding states for more than a year has had an impact on every sector of the region’s agriculture, including timber stands throughout the South. According to the Arkansas Department of Agriculture, Arkansas is home to more than 18 million acres of forestland, containing more than 11 billion trees and covering about 55 percent of the state.
As drought continues, cattle farmers must manage heat stress in herds, pastures
As the high summer temperatures compound long-term drought conditions, taking steps to protect both cattle and the pastures that feed them is key to profitability and survivability for Arkansas farmers. Jonathan Kubesch, assistant professor of forages for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, said drought conditions appear to be easing somewhat in the northern and northwestern areas of the state, while drought conditions are intensifying in southeastern and northeastern corners.
Drought, heat taking toll on trees, markets in Arkansas timber industry
Got news? Email it to news@magnoliareporter.com The drought that has affected Arkansas and surrounding states for more than a year has had an impact on every sector of the region’s agriculture, including timber stands throughout the South. According to the Arkansas Department of Agriculture, Arkansas is home to more than 18 million acres of forestland, containing more than 11 billion trees and covering about 55 percent of the state.
Arkansas soybeans look strong entering critical stage of summer
Compared with 2025’s tumultuous planting season, this year’s soybean planting efforts have been relatively smooth sailing. But farmers are bracing for July and August, which can make or break a crop with unpredictable weather changes. Jeremy Ross, Extension soybean agronomist for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, said that as mid-June passes, the state’s soybean crop is looking strong.
Drought, heat taking toll on trees, markets in Arkansas timber industry
MONTICELLO, Ark. — The drought that has affected Arkansas and surrounding states for more than a year has had an impact on every sector of the region’s agriculture, including timber stands throughout the South. According to the Arkansas Department of Agriculture, Arkansas is home to more than 18 million acres of forestland, containing more than 11 billion trees and covering about 55 percent of the state.
Arkansas soybean farmers cross fingers as July approaches
Compared to the tumultuous planting season of 2025, this year’s soybean planting efforts have been relatively smooth sailing. But farmers are bracing for July and August, the months that can make or break a crop with unpredictable weather changes. Jeremy Ross, extension soybean agronomist for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, said that as the midpoint of June passes, the state’s soybean crop is looking strong.
Upcoming UADA workshop to address poultry house ventilation
JONESBORO — Arkansas poultry farm managers will have the opportunity to learn about the latest in ventilation technology and techniques at the Ventilation Practices and Principles workshop from the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. The workshop is scheduled for July 9, from 11:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Craighead County Extension Office at 611 E. Washington Ave. in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Lunch will be provided. kAm+24 (:==:2>D[ 6IE6?D:@?
Upcoming UADA Workshop to Address Poultry House Ventilation
By Ryan McGeeney Arkansas poultry farm managers will have the opportunity to learn about the latest in ventilation technology and techniques at the Ventilation Practices and Principles workshop from the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. The workshop is scheduled for July 9, from 11:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Craighead County Extension Office at 611 E. Washington Ave. in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Lunch will be provided.
Arkansas Soybean Farmers Cross Fingers as July Approaches
By Ryan McGeeney Compared to the tumultuous planting season of 2025, this year’s soybean planting efforts have been relatively smooth sailing. But farmers are bracing for July and August, the months that can make or break a crop with unpredictable weather changes. “Some of the late fields probably need an herbicide application just to get them through the canopy closure,” Ross said. “But overall, the crop looks really good.
Persistent Wind, Rain to Make Rice Fertilization a ‘Spoon-Feeding’ Affair
By Ryan McGeeney Ongoing weather concerns will likely mean many Arkansas rice farmers will need to dole out nitrogen fertilizer throughout the growing season, rather than apply it prior to flood this year. Jarrod Hardke, extension rice agronomist for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, said that after winter-long drought conditions through much of the Delta, farmers are hoping to make up for lost time with late-spring rains without being completely gully-washed.
Persistent wind, rain to make rice fertilization a ‘spoon-feeding’ affair
LITTLE ROCK — Ongoing weather concerns will likely mean many Arkansas rice farmers will need to dole out nitrogen fertilizer throughout the growing season, rather than apply it prior to flood this year. Jarrod Hardke, extension rice agronomist for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, said that after winter-long drought conditions through much of the Delta, farmers are hoping to make up for lost time with late-spring rains without being completely gully-washed.
Screwworm detected in Texas; Arkansas ranchers advised to watch herds closely
Posted 6/10/26 LITTLE ROCK — The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Wednesday that the presence of a New World Screwworm was confirmed in a calf in Zavala County, Texas, about 15 miles from the U.S.-Mexico … This item is available in full to subscribers. E-mail Password Print and web subscribers If you're a print and web subscriber, but do not yet have an online account, click here to create one.
New World Screwworm detected in south Texas; Arkansas ranchers advised to watch herds closely
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced last week that the presence of a New World Screwworm was confirmed in a calf in Zavala County, Texas, about 15 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border. The area is about 450 miles southwest of Texarkana. A 20-kilometer containment area has been established around the detection, halting the movement of livestock in and out of the area.
With planting nearly complete, Arkansas rice faces challenges
Rice planting in Arkansas, which provides about half of the country’s total crop, is always a weather-dependent process. Whether the preceding winter is harsh or mild, the spring wet or dry, every turn of the calendar page presents a new challenge. But in 2026, this real battle began after most of the crop was in the ground.
The science of barbecuing: grilling, smoking and beyond
By Ryan McGeeney University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture “Barbecue,” as anyone in the South can tell you, is a loaded word. “It means different things to different people,” said Janeal Yancey, extension animal science instructor for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. But, she said, one thing ought to be clear: “Barbecuing” is not for hamburgers. “I grew up in Texas, and in my mind, ‘barbecuing’ is a low and slow smoking process,” Yancey said.
With planting nearly complete, Arkansas rice faces a challenging spring
Rice planting in Arkansas, which provides about half of the country’s total crop, is always a weather-dependent process. Whether the preceding winter is harsh or mild, the spring wet or dry, every turn of the calendar page presents a new challenge. But in 2026, this real battle began after most of the crop was in the ground.
The science of barbecuing: grilling, smoking and beyond
“Barbecue,” as anyone in the South can tell you, is a loaded word. “It means different things to different people,” said Janeal Yancey, extension animal science instructor for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. But, she said, one thing ought to be clear: “Barbecuing” is not for hamburgers. “I grew up in Texas, and in my mind, ‘barbecuing’ is a low and slow smoking process,” Yancey said. “I would never say I’m ‘barbecuing’ a hamburger.
Extension to host May 22 webinar addressing Theileria, Asian longhorned tick
Got news? Email it to news@magnoliareporter.com Researchers with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture will host a free webinar on May 22 addressing the prevalence of Theileria, a tick-borne pathogen affecting cattle, and the Asian longhorned tick, which is known to carry it.
Extension to host May 22 webinar addressing Theileria, Asian longhorned tick
LITTLE ROCK — Researchers with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture will host a free webinar on May 22 addressing the prevalence of Theileria, a tick-borne pathogen affecting cattle, and the Asian longhorned tick, which is known to carry it. The webinar, which will stream at 11:30 a.m. CDT, will be hosted by Kelly Loftin, extension entomologist, and Kirsten Midkiff, extension animal health and wellbeing specialist, both of the Division of Agriculture.
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