UAEX is training agents in COMET conversation skills and adding Youth Mental Health First Aid district sessions starting December — useful wrap-around support for SEARK farm and 4-H families.
UAEX economists cite USDA-NASS September crop report: corn 188 bu/acre and soybeans 57 bu/acre — both record forecasts. Cotton and peanut outlooks were trimmed amid heat and drought.
U.S. Drought Monitor put Warren in D3 extreme drought and much of Bradley/Drew in severe drought. Check burn bans and water restrictions before outdoor burning or irrigation changes.
Arkansas activated the interstate forest-fire compact as drought drives wildfires statewide. SE Arkansas residents should verify county burn bans before outdoor burning.
University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture says soybean harvest hit a record pace for the date; rice is more than half done. Delta growers should watch milling yields and diesel costs.
Arkansas finance and DHS leaders told lawmakers Medicaid spent about $400M more year-over-year and secured $200M in restricted reserves — a coverage watch item for SE Arkansas clinics and households.
DHS asked CMS for a two-year grace period after a verbal denial of a longer ARHOME extension. More than 200,000 expansion adults — including SE Arkansas workers — remain in the watch window.
