UAEX Van Buren County

08/26/2026

It is important to be prepared to recognize the signs in individuals that need help. Our Youth Need Us!Van Buren County 4-HUAEX Van Buren County FCSVan Buren County TODAY.

08/07/2026

Carroll, Stone and Van Buren County's Pigweed Control Demonstration in Onia, Arkansas. Pigweed is easy to kill with herbicides but very difficult to keep from coming back all summer long from seed in the soil. First step in control is trying to kill it before it gets a chance to produce seed. Second step in control for longer periods is using a chemical that has some residual affect that can assist in keeping seeds from germinating throughout the growing season. All products that we used, except for Remedy had that ability. We utilized Remedy due to we had it on hand and we knew it was a chemical that did not have residual ability. Look through the pictures and each one is labeled with product and its effectiveness. UADA Stone County 4-H AR Eye on Van Buren County

08/04/2026

We have a second option for training to become a Van Buren County Master Gardener. Maybe your schedule doesn't allow you to do five 8 hour days in October and November. You can opt to do this online version of the same training at your pace. You just have to have it completed by Dec. 11 2026. Applications are available for this training also.

08/04/2026

We are now taking applications for our Fall Master Gardener Zoom Training.

07/24/2026

07/21/2026

Copied and reposted. Good reminder as we get into fair season.

If you want to find the biggest bullies at a county fair, don't look in the show ring.

Look in the stands.

I'm not talking about the kids. I'm talking about the adults.

Today I texted my friend to congratulate her on her family's success at their county fair. Her son earned Supreme Champion Heifer. She told me that immediately after his win, a woman walked up to him, looked him in the eye, and told him he didn't deserve it.

Think about that for a minute.

An adult. Speaking to a child. Trying to take away one of the biggest moments of his young life.

That makes my blood boil.

Let's be honest. Livestock judging has always been subjective. There isn't a single judge who has ever pleased everyone standing around the ring. That's part of showing livestock.

Telling a child they didn't deserve to win is not.

If you have a problem with the results, have that conversation with your spouse on the drive home. Talk to your friends over a hamburger after the show.

But leave the kids out of it.

One of the things I love most about 4-H is its pledge: “…My Head to clearer thinking, My Heart to greater loyalty, My Hands to larger service, and My Health to better living….”

Choosing to tear down a young exhibitor doesn't demonstrate clearer thinking. It doesn't show greater loyalty to our youth. It isn't service. And it certainly doesn't help create the kind of positive environment 4-H works so hard to build.

So here's my challenge.

If you're an adult at a livestock show, act like one. The kids are watching every conversation, every Facebook post, every eye roll, and every comment you make under your breath. Whether we realize it or not, we're teaching them what sportsmanship looks like.

And if you feel the need to bully someone, at least pick on somebody your own age.

Actually, here's an even better idea.

Don't pick on anyone at all.

County fairs should be where kids build confidence, friendships, and memories they'll carry for the rest of their lives. Let's make sure the adults aren't the reason those memories are ruined.

07/21/2026

07/21/2026

Congratulations to Danny & Kathy and the whole Newland Family!