Amid Unseasonably Cool Temperatures, Watch for “Thrippy” Cotton

BY SCOTT AKIN, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR & EXTENSION ENTOMOLOGIST, ON MAY 17TH, 2011

The entire state of Arkansas has been going through a cool snap over the last several days. Thus, many growers may already be dealing with rough-looking cotton even without thrips pressure. One thing we already know about young cotton and cool weather is that young plants can be more susceptible to thrips injury as a result of the plant being unable to “outrun” thrips numbers. Click here to read entire article.

Nitrogen Management for Flooded Soils

BY LEO ESPINOZA, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR & EXTENSION SOIL SCIENTIST, ON MAY 9TH, 2011

As the floodwater begins to recede, corn and grain sorghum producers begin to wonder what management practices, particularly in relation to nitrogen, are appropriate. The magnitude of the loss of nitrogen will depend on soil type, field topography, fertilizer source, and time of nitrogen application among others. Click here to read the full article.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance Available

Release Date: May 17, 2011
Release Number: 1972/1983-005

CLINTON, Miss. – Mississippians who live or work in 40 counties and became unemployed because of the floods, storms or tornadoes may qualify for disaster unemployment assistance. This program helps people who don't qualify for standard unemployment compensation programs, such as the self-employed, farmers and seasonal workers. Click here to read the full article.

Late Planting Cotton and Projecting Yield Loss

BY TOM BARBER, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR & COTTON AGRONOMIST, ON MAY 5TH, 2011

Recent updates reported May 2nd from the Arkansas Agricultural Statistics Service estimate 6% of the cotton crop to be planted. This is well behind last year’s 26% and the five-year average of 25%.

To read more, click here.

Understanding Soybean Seed Quality

BY JEREMY ROSS, EXTENSION AGRONOMIST - SOYBEANS, ON MAY 5TH, 2011

What is Seed Quality?

Seed quality is complex. Several factors influence seed quality including variety, purity, weather, insects, diseases, harvest moisture, handling, and storage.

Germination and vigor are quick and inexpensive lab tests that provide information about seed quality.

To read more, click here.

Disaster Assistance Available for Producers

Disaster Assistance Available for Producers

FSA Administrator Reminds Affected Farmers and Ranchers of FSA Programs

WASHINGTON, April 28, 2011 — USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting Administrator Val Dolcini today reminded crop and livestock producers throughout states that have recently experienced severe damage from flooding, wildfires and tornadoes that FSA programs may be available to assist with recovery. Click here to read more.

Double-Cropped Cotton and Wheat

Arkansas wheat producers have recently increased acreage due to higher market prices and value of wheat production. Similarly, increases in market prices for cotton have spurred producers’ interest in considering double-cropping cotton after wheat harvest.