Agriculture

A research team at the University of Arkansas at Monticello is working on a $3.7 million grant project from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to restore Arkansas' bottomland hardwood forests.

Poultry is one of Arkansas' leading economic industries - it's also one of the biggest drivers of pollution, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. One company in northwest Arkansas is trying to spin that chicken litter into carbon-negative gold

On today's show, Arkansas is the most food-insecure state in the nation. Groups are working on solutions to combat those statistics. Also, the challenges and futures of micropolitan areas. Plus, a quick history of Arkansas political ads.

Pete speaks to Heather Friedrich with the Center for Arkansas Farms and Food about the Farmers for Tomorrow Fundraiser.

Delta Dirt Distillery in Helena creates vodka, gin and more from sweet potatoes and vegetables from land farmed for more than a century. Their spirits will be in the spotlight at the annual “Evening of Historical Spirits,” benefitting the Rogers Historical Museum at the Metroplex Events Center in Rogers. Ozarks at Large's Kyle Kellams called Thomas Williams, the head distiller at Delta Dirt, and asked him about the generational connections embedded in the business.

Census data show women farmers now comprise around 40% of agricultural sales and farmland operations across the U.S. Ozarks at Large's Jacqueline Froelich visited with ten women farmers in northwest Arkansas about this trend, including two scholars at the University of Arkansas Agricultural Research Station's Center for Arkansas Farms and Food in Fayetteville.

On today's show, women-owned farms are on the rise, both nationally and in northwest Arkansas. Also, a major investment in oncology technology at Mercy in Rogers. Plus, it's been 25 years since once of the biggest football wins ever in Fayetteville.

Dry, hot conditions are continuing throughout Arkansas, and some of north Arkansas is experiencing a moderate drought. Ozarks at Large’s Jack Travis reached out to the Department of Agriculture’s director of emergency management to learn how the state mitigates fire risk and how landowners can help that effort.

On today's show, we head out to the Farm to learn more about the research at the University of Arkansas away from Old Main. Also, a friendship of two poets— one in Fayetteville, one in Gaza. Plus, the similarities between creating software and music.

Pete speaks with Ronnie Horn with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.