All posts in Features

By Ryan McGeeneyUniversity of Arkansas Division of Agriculture 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. 6, researchers…

For a brief period during the Great Depression and World War II, a stretch of southwest Arkansas became the center of an industry that today is almost entirely forgotten. Miners dug into the Ouachita foothills in search of cinnabar, the bright red ore from which mercury could be extracted. Investors arrived. Mining companies formed. Communities…

By Rebekah HallUniversity of Arkansas Division of Agriculture LITTLE ROCK — Consumers may have noticed more electrolyte water or alkaline water drinks being sold in stores or advertised online, but what benefits do these products actually provide? Extension health experts say that electrolyte beverages can be helpful following prolonged physical activity, excessive sweating, or illness…

Welcome back, everyone. It’s Dr. Biggers with BCMC Rural Health Clinic. Due to the recent heat wave we’ve been experiencing here in South Arkansas, I thought it would be pertinent to discuss how to recognize and treat heat-related injuries. During the summer, sweating and feeling tired after working outdoors may seem normal. However, heat-related illness…

By Rebekah HallUniversity of Arkansas Division of Agriculture LITTLE ROCK — As families prepare for a new school year, an extension expert says it’s important for parents to instill resilience and respect in their children to help them cope with new challenges and difficult feelings. “The concept of resilience means that you can bounce back…

By Mary HightowerUniversity of Arkansas Division of Agriculture LITTLE ROCK — We’ve all been there. You want to eat healthier, but cooking dinner after finishing a long, hard day of work sounds impossible. Signing up for a meal kit service suddenly seems like a good solution. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Meal kits…

By Rebekah HallUniversity of Arkansas Division of Agriculture LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas families planning for back-to-school shopping can take advantage of the 2026 Arkansas Sales Tax Holiday, which runs Aug. 1-2. This year’s sales tax holiday will begin at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 1, and end at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 2. All…

By John LovettUniversity of Arkansas Division of Agriculture FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The Center for Arkansas Farms and Food recently opened applications for its 2027 class of Farm School, a nine-month program that provides foundational knowledge, skills and hands-on experience to aspiring specialty crop farmers. The Farm School is designed for beginning farmers of fruits, vegetables, flowers…

By Rebekah HallUniversity of Arkansas Division of Agriculture LITTLE ROCK — For families with teenagers starting high school this fall, the transition to new social pressures and academic responsibilities can feel intimidating for both parents and children. Brittney Schrick, extension associate professor and family life specialist for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, said…

By Rebekah HallUniversity of Arkansas Division of Agriculture LITTLE ROCK — When it comes to adding healthy sources of protein to your diet, an expert with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture said consumers need to first understand the science behind protein and how it affects our bodies. “When we think about ‘What is…

By Sarah Cato  University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture LITTLE ROCK — The Cyclosporiasis outbreaks happening across the U.S. may sound scary, but there are simple steps families can take to minimize risk of infection. Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, also known as Cyclospora. As of July 13, 2026, CDC had received reports of…

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – As summer temperatures continue to climb, Entergy Arkansas is expanding in-person customer care events across the state, including an additional event in Little Rock at the Watershed Family Resource Center where a limited number of free fans will be available to help customers stay cool during the hottest months of the…

By Rebekah HallUniversity of Arkansas Division of Agriculture LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas families planning for back-to-school shopping can take advantage of the 2026 Arkansas Sales Tax Holiday, which runs Aug. 1-2. This year’s sales tax holiday will begin at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 1, and end at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 2. All…

By Rebekah HallUniversity of Arkansas Division of Agriculture LITTLE ROCK — As kids prepare to return to school, parents should talk to their children’s doctors about routine vaccinations, which can help keep children healthy and safe throughout the school year. “Back-to-school preparation is about more than buying supplies,” said Heather Wingo, extension immunization educator for…

By Rebekah HallUniversity of Arkansas Division of Agriculture LITTLE ROCK — Though it can be tempting to buy inexpensive clothes from fast fashion retailers during the back-to-school shopping season, an extension expert suggests visiting thrift stores and preserving your existing wardrobe instead. “Fast fashion is a business model where clothing brands quickly mass-produce inexpensive, trendy…

Today, the United States turns 250 years old. That is a birthday worth celebrating. It is worth celebrating with flags on porches, red, white and blue shirts, fireworks after dark, families gathered in backyards and somebody standing over a grill acting like the fate of the republic depends on getting the burgers right. It is…

LITTLE ROCK — Though diet alone cannot prevent the onset of dementia, choosing heart-healthy foods — such as leafy greens, beans, whole grains and healthy fats — also supports the brain, affecting cognitive function over time. “Nutrition is one important, modifiable lifestyle factor that may help support brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive…

LITTLE ROCK — To help parents determine if their child is ready to stay at home alone, an extension family life expert says it is critical to focus on maturity, emergency preparedness and teaching children age-appropriate independence. Brittney Schrick, extension associate professor and family life specialist for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, said…

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Mid-America Science Museum will host Tesla Fest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 11. The annual event celebrates the life and scientific legacy of Nikola Tesla, whose innovations in electricity and engineering continue to influence modern technology. Tesla Fest is held on the Saturday closest to Tesla’s birthday, July…