Howard Co. UAEX Ag & Natural Resources

04/29/2026

You should start noticing these orange tents popping up around the county. These traps are used to detect spongy moths, a devastating forest defoliator. Much of Arkansas is prime habitat for these moths, with extensive hardwood trees and lots of traffic into the state. This detection program is our most vital defense in keeping these moths from becoming established in Arkansas.

04/10/2026

Worked with a producer in the county on calibrating a sprayer. He is getting ready to spray his pastures for broadleaf weeds using a recommendation based off of a demonstration I conducted last year. If you have any questions about herbicides or need help calibrating your sprayer, give me a call at 870-845-7517.

04/03/2026

I was asked by the Nevada County Master Gardeners to present a rain barrel program on Monday, March 30th. This group got to learn about some of the benefits of using rain barrels, how to assemble rain barrels, and some general maintenance. Some of them have already built and put up their own rain barrels at home! Check out this fact sheet or call the office at 870-845-7517 if you have any questions regarding building and using rain barrels.

03/17/2026

Spent some time this morning setting up a small plot Pelletized Lime Demonstration. This demo is demonstrating the effect of pelletized lime applied at reduced rates. This morning, I measured off the plot and took a soil sample from the area. The next step is to apply lime at the reduced rates and monitor the soil pH throughout the following year.

03/09/2026

01/29/2026

The Homesteading Conference is less than a month away. If you haven't signed up yet, now is the time. Use the QR code or the link below to register.

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01/14/2026

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Get signed up for the Homesteading Conference this year. There is going to be some great educational programs offered,. Click the link or use the QR Code to register.

01/05/2026

The Howard County Extension Office will be conducting a Pesticide Applicator Training on Friday, January 16th at the EH House. The training will start at 9:00 AM. Cost is $20. Call the office at 870-845-7517 to register.

08/13/2025

Spent the morning at a producer's farm weighing some hay bales. Several factors can change the final weight of a bale, including baler settings, forage species, storage conditions, and how tightly they are packed. Bale weight can be important when it comes to buying/selling hay and making sure you have enough to make it through the winter. Proper planning of your livestock's forage needs is essential for keeping costs low, reducing waste, and keeping your animals healthy.

05/28/2025

If you have been by the EH House any the last couple of weeks you may have noticed some new color out front. These new plants are part of the 2025 Arkansas Diamond Trials. This program is a partnership of the Arkansas Green Industry Association, the Division of Agriculture, local growers, and independent garden centers designed to identify and promote plants that grow well in Arkansas’ climate. The plants are: "Pink Delicious" tomato, "Quick Fire" ornamental pepper, "Solarscape Salmon Glow" sunpatien, and "Bonanza Flame" French marigold. If you stop by the courthouse any this summer, make sure you go across the street to check out these plants and their progression throughout the year.

04/25/2025

There will be a lot of great topics and information at this production meeting. Make sure you get signed up!