U Of A Cooperative Extension -Yell County

08/11/2026

Nitrates, Toxic Plants and Prussic Acid. Learn more about these late summer problems in our Summer Newsletter.

07/22/2026

Time to start scouting. I’m getting reports of worms across the county.

07/20/2026

Cattle Market Notes Weekly.

How Much Should You Pay for a Replacement Heifer? With cattle prices at historical highs, few investments carry more weight for a cow-calf operation than the decision to add replacement females. A producer has several options: they can buy a bred heifer to add to their herd or retain and develop a h...

07/02/2026

06/17/2026

Congratulations to John and Becky Shumake. 2026 Yell County Farm Family of the Year.

For many years, John and Becky have gone far beyond the responsibilities of operating a farm. They have dedicated countless hours to serving the youth and families of Yell County through their unwavering support of 4-H and FFA programs.

As longtime 4-H leaders of the Little Johns 4-H club, they have opened their farm to young people throughout our community. They provide housing and care for livestock projects for 4-H members who otherwise would not have the opportunity to participate in animal projects. Each year, they host a livestock workshop on their farm, helping 4-H and FFA members gain valuable knowledge and hands-on experience.

John and Becky are passionate advocates for youth development and work diligently to encourage participation from all young people, including minority youth interested in livestock projects. They generously share their expertise in animal nutrition, health, and management, while also providing transportation for youth and animals to livestock shows and events.

In addition to her many contributions to 4-H, Becky serves on the Yell County Fair Board and as the Rabbit Superintendent for the Yell County Fair, helping ensure the success of one of our county’s most cherished traditions.

Their commitment to agriculture, youth development, and community service has made a lasting impact on countless lives across Yell County. We are fortunate to have leaders like John and Becky who exemplify the very best of what it means to serve others.

Congratulations, John and Becky Shumake, on this well-deserved honor! We are proud to recognize you as the 2026 Yell County Farm Family of the Year.

06/05/2026

The first detection of New World Screwworm (NWS) has occurred in Zavala County, Texas, on a 3-week-old calf in the umbilical area. This detection was confirmed yesterday by USDA-APHIS.

Want to learn more about the pest and the current response? Here are some links to some helpful links:

🔘Official APHIS announcement of NWS case: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/news/agency-announcements/usda-confirms-presence-new-world-screwworm-united-states

🔘Unified Government website for most accurate and up to date NWS information: screwworm.gov

🔘USDA New World Screwworm Playbook and Supplemental materials: www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/nws-response-playbook.pdf

🔘U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Animal Drugs for New World Screwworm: https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/safety-health/new-world-screwworm-information-veterinarians

🔘USDA APHIS Pesticides for Control of New World Screwworm: www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/pesticides-for-nws.pdf

🔘NCBA resources including posters and handouts (will be updated in coming days): www.bqa.org/screwworm

🔘NCBA Cattlemen’s Webinar on “New World Screwworm - Regulations, Readiness & Response”: https://youtu.be/Xv6TfIoUEfM?si=iejH3ZmG9LUpCnL1

06/01/2026

🌾 Forage Friday 🌾
Some forages are dependable and tough, but they come with a watch-out sign. This week’s spotlight is on a grass that’s productive in Arkansas pastures but needs careful management at times.

📸 This week’s feature:
👉 Dallisgrass
🔍 Dallisgrass is a perennial forage with good drought tolerance
⚠️ Warning: It can produce ergot on the seedhead, which is toxic to livestock if consumed
📍 Found throughout the entire state of Arkansas
💬 For more information check out fact sheet:https://www.uaex.uada.edu/publications/pdf/fsa-2139.pdf

🌱 Strong and hardy, Dallisgrass can be a good option, just keep an eye out for seedhead issues. Have you seen it in your pastures?

05/26/2026

Great people!

🐄🌾 Richie Gray has faithfully served the Yell County Farm Bureau Board of Directors for decades, dedicating his time and leadership to supporting agriculture and local farm families. Richie has served on the Board since 1998 and currently serves as President, while Divella has faithfully served as Secretary for more than 15 years. Together, their passion for agriculture and community has made a lasting impact across Yell County. ❤️🚜

Richie and Divella own R & D Farms, located in Dardanelle, Arkansas, is a family-owned cow-calf operation built on generations of agricultural influence and hard work. Inspired by grandparents who farmed and Divella’s upbringing on a dairy farm, Richie and Divella turned their lifelong love for agriculture into a thriving operation in the Arkansas River Valley. 🌱🐮

In 1997, they purchased their first 46-acre farm in the Centerville area of Yell County. Through dedication and stewardship, the operation has expanded to nearly 200 acres today. R & D Farms consists of both commercial and registered Angus cattle, with every animal raised and developed directly on the farm. Their cattle are never given added growth hormones, reflecting their commitment to quality and care. 🐂🌾

R & D Farms proudly markets finished beef, bred heifers, and registered Angus bulls. Their mission is simple: provide the highest quality product possible—whether feeding a family, improving a customer’s herd, or supplying dependable replacement heifers. Beef products are USDA processed through Cypress Valley Meats in Pottsville, with quarters, halves, and whole beef options also available through Cypress Valley Meats or Miller Processing in Centerville. 🥩🇺🇸

The farm utilizes ratational grazing and carefully managed nutrition programs that include pasture, grain, and high-quality Bermuda hay from local producers. Their pastures feature fescue, Bermuda, crab grass, and winter rye to ensure healthy cattle year-round. 🌿☀️

Through their farm, leadership, and service, Richie and Divella continue to represent the heart of Arkansas agriculture—faith, family, hard work, and a commitment to serving others. 🚜❤️

04/14/2026