By John Lovett
As tight margins continue to challenge Arkansas farmers, University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture researchers are focused on providing recommendations that improve profitability and long-term resilience.
That message was front and center on July 30 as more than 200 people gathered for the 2026 Rice and Soybean Field Day at the Division of Agriculture’s Northeast Rice Research and Extension Center.
“Every penny counts right now,” said Deacue Fields, head of the Division of Agriculture. “Our job is to take the guesswork out of what you do in the field.”
Speaking to farmers, crop consultants, industry representatives and researchers, Fields said the annual field day exemplifies the Division of Agriculture’s land-grant mission by connecting producers directly with scientists who develop practical, research-based recommendations for Arkansas farms.
“The specialists who were on all of the stops today, they’re actually doing what our mission says,” Fields said. “We’re trying to get science-based research adopted and have those best practices put into practice in the real world.”
The field day featured presentations and field demonstrations spanning soybean and rice breeding, precision nutrient management, weed control, irrigation, planting dates and aerial application technologies — all aimed at helping producers make more informed management decisions.
Source : uada.edu