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New Machine Learning Model Offers Simple Solution to Predicting Crop Yield
A new machine-learning model for predicting crop yield using environmental data and genetic information can be used to develop new, higher-performing crop varieties. Igor Fernandes, a statistics and analytics master’s student at the University of Arkansas…
2024 Avian Influenza Summit to Address Virus’ Impacts on Global Health Beyond Poultry
While surges in colds, flu and even COVID may come and go, agricultural producers are always on the lookout for avian influenza — and not just in poultry flocks. In 2024, highly pathogenic avian influenza has been detected not only in birds, but cattle, swine and humans as well…
August 2024 Arkansas Ag Research Report
A monthly round-up of top stories from the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station. IN THIS ISSUE: Hydroponics and controlled environment research to control pests and pathogens, Getting a closer look at the state’s forests, Generative AI and agriculture meet in the classroom…
WATCH: Natalie Clay – Exploring Hidden Worlds | Behind the Discovery
Every day, most of us walk through — and on top of — incredible worlds that we don’t even know exist. Natalie Clay studies these hidden worlds with an aim to understand the insect and plant interactions in forest ecosystems…
Unique Chicken Line Advances Research on Autoimmune Disease that Affects Humans
A unique chicken breed is helping researchers better understand vitiligo, an autoimmune disease that affects 1-2 percent of the world’s population. In vitiligo (pronounced vit-ih-LIE-go), the immune system attacks cells called melanocytes, causing skin pigment to disappear…
Sowing Support: Farmers for Tomorrow Fundraiser to Benefit Aspiring Farmers
Starting a farm from scratch is no easy task, especially for first-generation farmers. The costs for tools, equipment, seeds, and storage can quickly become overwhelming. To help ease this burden, the Center for Arkansas Farms and Food, CAFF, created the Farmers for Tomorrow Fund …
LISTEN: Better Rice – Boosting Food Security, Profits without Increasing Yield
Arkansas could produce an estimated 1 to 3.5 million more servings of rice per year. That’s according to recent research analyzing rice quality in the state. In this episode of Food, Farms and Forests, Dr. Lanier Nalley explains his research on the impacts of improving rice milling quality…
Aug. 30 Grand Opening Set for NE Rice Research and Extension Center
VIPs from the agriculture industry and academia will be cutting the ribbon for the Aug. 30 grand opening of the Northeast Rice Research and Extension Center. Presentation of the colors will begin at 10:20 a.m. followed by the formal program at 10:30 a.m…
WATCH: Tomi Obe – Controlling Foodborne Pathogens | Behind the Discovery
Tomi Obe is passionate about the intersection of food safety and poultry processing. Tomi is an assistant professor with the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science and is eager to find ways to identify and control foodborne pathogens in the poultry industry…
Study Shows Successful Use of ChatGPT in Ag Education
Artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT show promise as a useful means in agriculture to write simple computer programs for microcontrollers, according to a study published this month. Microcontrollers are small computers…
USDA-NIFA Awards $300K to Study Food Safety, Plant Pathogens and Pests in Hydroponics
As controlled environment agriculture and vertical farming gain a greater foothold in modern agriculture, a new $300,000 grant aims to enhance hydroponic lettuce production. Kristen Gibson…
2024 Southern Soybean Breeders Tour to Spotlight Mid-South’s Opportunities, Challenges
The Arkansas Soybean Breeding program invites all breeders, researchers, growers, and industry professionals to the 2024 Southern Soybean Breeders Tour for an in-depth exploration of the latest research, trials and innovations in soybean breeding…
Northeast Rice Research and Extension Center Hosts Inaugural Rice Field Day
The new Northeast Rice Research and Extension Center in Harrisburg welcomed more than 250 attendees to its inaugural rice field day to hear region-specific updates from researchers and extension specialists…
LISTEN: Building REDI-NET: A Defense Against Emerging Pathogens
In this episode, we talk to Dr. Emily McDermott, assistant professor of medical and veterinary entomology, and Dr. Cameron Osborne, a postdoctoral fellow, to discuss the REDI-NET project and how their research is contributing to building the database for the Department of Defense…
2024 Rice Field Day Updates Producers on Latest Research, Rice Breeding
More than 350 people attended the 2024 Rice Field Day at RREC on Aug. 1 to hear research updates on rice breeding, precision agriculture and weed control. Arkansas remains the nation’s top rice producer, with over 1.4 million acres of rice this year…
Machine Learning Leads to a First in Forestry Management Tools
A new dataset is providing a bird’s-eye view of Arkansas’ forests 1 meter at a time. An Arkansas researcher has developed the first high-resolution forest canopy cover dataset for an entire state, providing valuable insights for forest managemen…
‘New’ Herbicides in Blackberry Production Could Soon Be an Option for Growers
Two “new” herbicide options could soon be available for blackberry growers during the 2025 growing season. Recent research by weed scientist Matt Bertucci shows that the herbicides 2,4-D choline and glufosinate are safe and effective…
July 2024 Arkansas Ag Research Report
A monthly round-up of top stories from the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station. IN THIS ISSUE: New seed funding program promotes Engineering Applications in Agriculture. From Kenya to Arkansas, one food science grad student is making a difference…
WATCH: Cengiz Koparan – Engineering for Tomorrow | Behind the Discovery
Cutting-edge technology is revolutionizing agriculture, and Cengiz Koparan is at the forefront. As a precision agriculture researcher, Cengiz aims to enhance farming practices with computer-assisted technologies…
LISTEN: “New” Herbicides Could Soon Be An Option for Blackberry Growers
In this episode of Food, Farms & Forests, Dr. Matt Bertucci, an assistant professor in the horticulture department, discusses his recent research on using herbicides normally used in row crops in blackberry production…