Food, Farms and Forests

Welcome to the audio version of our monthly newsletter, the Arkansas Ag Research Report: a monthly round-up of the top stories from the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station.Story LinksBIG NEWSTwo new varieties of muscadines set for fall release, expand growing season TOP NOTCHKariyat holds Clyde H. Sites Endowed Professorship in International Crop Physiology Arkansas Research Alliance awards additional funding for essential research  NEW FACESNew Arkansas Ag Experiment Station administrator eyes continuous improvement on impactful research and development  RESEARCH SPOTLIGHTSProbiotics prove to be powerful chick hatchery disinfectantLook to the data, not the marketing: Turfgrass research shows no differences in ‘penetrant’ and ‘retainer’ wetting agentsHow do I store beef in the freezer?Refining Nanotechnology to Enhance Absorption of Meds, Probiotics WATCH Elvis Elli – Increasing Productivity & SustainabilityLISTENWhat’s the best way to store beef in the freezer? A new study has the answer.HOT OFF THE PRESSArkansas Corn and Grain Sorghum Research Studies 2024Sign up for our monthly newsletter!

In this episode of Food, Farms & Forests, we spoke with Derico Setyabrata, assistant professor of meat science and muscle biology with the animal science department, about a recent study looking at how to optimize long-term storage of beef in the freezer.After comparing three cuts of meat, in whole sections and cut into steaks, with freeze-thawing cycles in industrial blast freezers and two types of freezers found in most homes, Setyabrata found that the size and cut of beef matters.We also discussed his previous work looking for ways to reduce waste coming from the dry aging process.📑 Read the study: Impact of Product Size and Subsequent Consumer Freezing Practices on Meat Quality and Palatability of Different Beef MusclesRelated Links:Animal Science DepartmentBumpers CollegeArkansas Agricultural Experiment StationArkansas Cooperative Extension ServiceU of A System Division of Agriculture

Welcome to the audio version of our monthly newsletter, the Arkansas Ag Research Report: a monthly round-up of the top stories from the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station.Story LinksAI in Ag:Hyperspectral sensor pushes weed science a wave furtherSpace lasers and AI used by geospatial scientist to measure forest biomassTOP NOTCH: Muenich receives Purdue University Outstanding Alumni AwardNEW FACES: Grain processing engineer Kaushik Luthra joins bio and ag engineering facultyRESEARCH SPOTLIGHTS:‘What’s wrong with my lawn?’ Research points toward possible answerBeer gets a boost from Arkansas rice thanks to new researchSorghum proteins offer resilient 3D-printable ‘bioink’ baseWATCH: Michael Popp - Economics on the FarmHOT OFF THE PRESS: Summaries of Arkansas Cotton Research 2024Sign up for our monthly newsletter!

Welcome to the audio version of our monthly newsletter, the Arkansas Ag Research Report: a monthly round-up of the top stories from the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station.Story LinksBIG NEWS: Research team homes in on genetics behind blackberry thornsTOP NOTCH: Jason Norsworthy honored by Weed Science Society of AmericaNEW FACES:Justin Chlapecka served as county extension agent before doctoral studiesKristiina Ala-Kokko to join agricultural economics and agribusiness departmentIN MEMORIAM: Charles Maxwell had global reputation for research, student engagementRESEARCH SPOTLIGHTS:Study on rice lab mills shows differences in yield based on several factorsSoil fertility research publication tracks results of soil testing samples from across the stateSolar power system installations impact less than 1 percent of Arkansas’ ag landDog owners willing to pay more for food labeled for certain health attributesWATCH: Trenton Roberts – Optimizing Soil FertilityHOT OFF THE PRESS: International Rice Baseline Report, 2024-2034

In this episode of Food, Farms & Forests, Don Johnson, a University Professor in the Department of Agricultural Education, Communications and Technology, joins us to discuss the intersection of agriculture, technology and education. Johnson addresses the importance of agricultural education, the challenges and successes in the field, and how ag education is evolving to include concepts like artificial intelligence and microcontrollers.Johnson also highlights a recent USDA grant project aimed at integrating microcontrollers into high school agricultural education curricula, emphasizing the need to attract more students to the field and prepare them for technological advancements in agriculture.Related links:WATCH: Donald Johnson – The Future of Agriculture | Behind the DiscoveryTeaching Method Increases Students’ Interest in Programming and BreadboardingStudy Shows Successful Use of ChatGPT in Ag Education

In this episode of Food, Farms & Forests, Dr. Tim Burcham joins us to discuss the recently completed Northeast Rice Research and Extension Center — also known as NERREC. Dr. Burcham shares NERREC's mission to help farmers achieve greater profitability and sustainability and to educate the public about the importance of rice and agriculture in Arkansas.He discusses the significance of NERREC's location and agronomic characteristics, the importance of sustainability in rice production, and highlights some of the educational aims of the Center.Learn more about NERREC:NERREC Home PageNearly 400 Attend Grand Opening for NE Rice Research and Extension CenterNortheast Rice Research and Extension Center Hosts Inaugural Rice Field DayOther related links:Arkansas Agricultural Experiment StationArkansas Cooperative Extension Service U of A System Division of Agriculture 

“I love research and being a part of … this process of being able to help faculty get funding for their research,” said Dr. Keith Berry Jr.In this Food, Farms & Forest episode, we are joined by the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station’s first-ever research development specialist. Berry shares an overview of the proposal writing process and provides some quick tips for finding greater funding success.Listen in to learn how Berry is helping Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station faculty find funding for innovations in food and agriculture. Learn more about Berry: https://aaes.uada.edu/news/improve-funding-chances/ Related links: Arkansas Agricultural Experiment StationU of A System Division of Agriculture Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural Food Life Science   

“We’re introducing a new fruit,” said Dr. Renee Threlfall. In this episode of Food, Farms & Forests, Dr. Renee Threlfall shares her work on a USDA-funded project to develop a new generation of muscadine grapes. Known for their resilience and unique flavor, muscadines are being hybridized with bunch grapes to combine each species' best qualities. Threlfall, who leads the quality team, explains the science behind creating a grape that balances durability with consumer appeal.Threlfall discusses how consumer preferences, from packaging to taste, guide decisions about sweetness, texture, and appearance. She explains how advanced testing methods are helping the research team with the breeding process to meet these demands and create a grape that’s both flavorful and resilient.The Vitis x Muscadinia project is supported by the Specialty Crop Research Initiative, USDA-NIFA project award no. 2024-51181-43236. Related Links: LISTEN: A Berry Big Deal — Merging Traits for Taste and Toughness Vitis Vinifera and Muscadines: Grape Breeders Seek the Best of Both Grapes USDA-Agricultural Research Service’s Plant Disease Action Plan for 2022-2026 USDA Invests Nearly $121M in Specialty Crops Research and Organic Agriculture Production Arkansas Agricultural Experiment StationArkansas Cooperative Extension Service U of A System Division of Agriculture  

New research is exploring combining the best traits of traditional table grapes with muscadines to create disease-resistant, flavorful grapes consumers will love.  In this episode of Food, Farms & Forests, Dr. Margaret Worthington, associate professor of horticulture and researcher at the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, explains the project she co-leads to create a new grape variety. Worthington and an interdisciplinary team of 31 researchers from 12 institutions across the country are working on a research project to develop hybrids between two very different types of grapes: the classic table grape, Vitis vinifera, and the southeastern native, Muscadinia rotundifolia, better known as muscadine. Muscadines have exceptional disease resistance and thrive in the Southeastern U.S., while Vitis vinifera grapes have the textures and flavors consumers love. Worthington shares some history of efforts that began over a century ago to bring together the best traits from both grape types. She explains that one unique aspect of this research is the unprecedented level of collaboration between the traditional Vitis vinifera and muscadine grape breeding communities. Worthington—who grew up enjoying the fruit in North Carolina—hopes to elevate muscadines to a nationwide “fifth berry category,” joining the ranks of strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries. This project is funded by a $7 million USDA-NIFA grant. Related Links:Vitis Vinifera and Muscadines: Grape Breeders Seek the Best of Both Grapes USDA-Agricultural Research Service’s Plant Disease Action Plan for 2022-2026 USDA Invests Nearly $121M in Specialty Crops Research and Organic Agriculture ProductionThe Vitis x Muscadinia project is supported by the Specialty Crop Research Initiative, USDA-NIFA project award no. 2024-51181-43236.

Duck hunting season takes place in November and December in Arkansas and duck hunters and experts are watching for birds coming into the area in October, a group often referred to as "Halloween ducks". Dr. Doug Osborne, professor in the College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, and researcher for the experiment station, explains mallards' migration patterns, the challenges faced by waterfowl populations, and the importance of creating optimal habitats for these birds. The duck population has declined over the years; Osborne says understanding waterfowl behaviors can better inform decisions to help those numbers rebound by ensuring healthy habitat management to provide diverse food sources and environments.Osborne discusses how his research into waterfowl behavior is helping inform habitat management and restoration efforts. He discusses the benefits and significance of his research and protecting waterfowl habitats both for wildlife and human benefits, including the wetlands' role in water quality and flood management, carbon sequestration, providing essential nutrients for waterfowl,  and the cultural and economic importance of duck hunting in Arkansas. Related Links: Doug Osborne's Research Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural RecoursesUniversity of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture 

In this episode of Food, Farms, and Forests, Dr. Jada Thompson, associate professor of agricultural economics and agribusiness breaks down the economic factors affecting turkey and egg prices for the upcoming holiday season. She discusses the highly pathogenic avian influenza and avian metapneumovirus, or aMPV, how producers adjust supply in response to potential outbreaks, and the impacts of biosecurity measures and backyard poultry. Tune in as Thompson dives deeper into the economic dynamics behind the prices we pay at the grocery store. Related links: Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Department Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural Food Life Science Arkansas Agricultural Experiment StationArkansas Cooperative Extension Service U of A System Division of Agriculture 

In this episode of Food, Farms & Forests, Dr. Natalie Clay, an associate professor in the entomology and plant pathology department, talks about her research on decomposition in Brazil's dry tropical forests supported by the Fulbright Scholar Program, the world's largest and most diverse international education exchange program.Clay’s research investigates how changes in land use affect nutrient cycling, soil health, and decomposition rates, revealing unexpected results about sodium levels in farmed and forested lands.Clay says this research and its results are applicable in other parts of the world because dryland ecosystems make up over a third of Earth's surface."It's ultimately tied to carbon cycling at a very big global scale," Clay said. "Especially in these dryland ecosystems, even small changes in the rates of decomposition can have big effects on atmospheric carbon levels. So understanding that from a carbon cycling perspective is important."Related links:Arkansas Agricultural Experiment StationArkansas Cooperative Extension Service U of A System Division of Agriculture Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food & Life Science

In this episode of Arkansas Food, Farms & Forests, we explore the Restoring Bottomland Hardwood Forests project with principal investigator Dr. Nana Tian, a researcher for the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station and associate professor at the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Planting begins this fall, and over the next 3 to 5 years, this project aims to restore approximately 600 acres of Arkansas bottomland forests by planting oak species and other hardwoods. With a $3.71 million grant from the USDA’s Climate-Smart Commodities program, the project is set to make a lasting impact on Arkansas' ecosystem and economy.Dr. Tian discusses the importance of bottomland hardwood forests, which provide vital ecosystem services like timber production, wildlife habitat, water regulation, and carbon sequestration. Her research focuses on quantifying both the ecological and economic benefits of this restoration project. Dr. Tian counts on the help of her team of researchers at UAM, as well as collaborators from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and Texas A&M University.  Join the conversation for an in-depth look at how scientific research, ecological restoration, and economic opportunity are intertwined in the effort to restore Arkansas' valuable bottomland hardwood forests. Related links:Arkansas Agricultural Experiment StationCollege of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources University of Arkansas at Monticello Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service U of A System Division of Agriculture 

In this Food, Farms & Forests episode, we travel to the University of Arkansas at Monticello to explore efforts to restore bottomland hardwood forests in Arkansas. Dr. Michael Blazier, Dean of the College of Forestry, Agriculture, and Natural Resources at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, discusses the Restoring Bottomland Hardwood Forests project, a $3.7 million initiative that plans to convert idle farmland into thriving ecosystems.  Funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Climate Smart Program, this initiative is part of a nationwide effort to enhance carbon sequestration, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve water quality and give small underserved landowners an opportunity to restore their land.Blazier explains how this project is helping underserved landowners across Arkansas, especially those with smaller plots, to revitalize their lands while contributing to climate goals.Dr. Nana Tian, an assistant professor at the College of Forestry, Agriculture, and Natural Resources and researcher with the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, is the principal investigator leading this initiative.Read more about the project: Restoring Bottomland Hardwood Forests.Related Links:University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff 

Arkansas could produce an estimated 1 to 3.5 million more servings of rice per year. That’s according to recent research analyzing rice quality in the state.In this episode of Food, Farms and Forests, Dr. Lanier Nalley, interim department head and professor in the agricultural economics and agribusiness department, explains his research on the impacts of improving rice milling quality. Dr. Nalley and Dr. Alvaro Durand-Morat conducted a study titled "Feeding More With The Same Output: How Enhanced Rice Quality Genetics Can Lead to Increased Food Security and Producer Profitability." This research explores how enhancing the genetic quality of rice can significantly increase the amount of rice available for human consumption without increasing the yield.Nalley explains how improving rice quality can reduce the percentage of broken rice kernels during milling, which often end up as pet food or brewing ingredients rather than on people's plates. By ensuring more rice kernels remain whole, Arkansas could produce an estimated 1 to 3.5 million additional servings of rice per year, contributing to greater food security locally and globally.   Nalley also discusses the collaborative efforts and hard work of the Arkansas Rice Breeding Program in achieving these results. Read the Research: Feeding More With The Same Output: How Enhanced Rice Quality Genetics Can Lead to Increased Food Security and Producer Profitability Related Links:Improved Rice Milling Quality May Help Combat Food InsecurityStudy: 1 Percent Increase in Unbroken Rice Could Help Feed Millions More, Boost Producers ProfitU of A System Division of AgricultureArkansas Agricultural Experiment StationAgricultural Economics and Agribusiness DepartmentDale Bumpers College of Agricultural Food Life ScienceArkansas Cooperative Extension Service 

In this episode of Food, Farms, and Forests Podcast, we talk to Dr. Emily McDermott, assistant professor of medical and veterinary entomology, and Dr. Cameron Osborne, a postdoctoral fellow, to discuss the REDI-NET project and how their research is contributing to building the database for the Department of Defense. REDI-NET, which stands for Remote Emerging Disease Intelligence Network, is a collaborative initiative involving the University of Arkansas, the University of Notre Dame, and the Department of Defense. Its main goal is to “detect, predict, and contain” potential infectious diseases that could emerge in animals and be passed on to humans.   Dr. McDermott and Dr. Osborne explain how their work is helping develop standardized pathogen surveillance protocols to enhance the Department of Defense's readiness against emerging diseases. They discuss the project's objectives, the metagenomic approach used for disease detection, and the challenges and successes they’ve encountered along the way. Tune in to learn how their research is shaping the future of global pathogen surveillance and protection.Learn more about REDI-NET.This work is supported by the US Army Medical Research and Development Command under Contract No.W81XWH-21-C-0001, W81XWH-22-C-0093 and HT9425-23-C-0059. The views, opinions and/or findings contained in this report are those of the author(s) and should not be construed as an official Department of the Army or Navy position, policy or decision unless so designated by other documentation. Related links: Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural Food Life ScienceEntomology and Plant Pathology Department Arkansas Agricultural Experiment StationU of A System Division of Agriculture Mpala Research Centre Protocols.io 

In this episode of Food, Farms & Forests, Dr. Matt Bertucci, an assistant professor in the horticulture department, discusses his recent research on using herbicides normally used in row crops in blackberry production.   The data supports the safety and effectiveness of 2,4-D choline and glufosinate in blackberry growing systems. Bertucci hopes to see regulatory approvals for these herbicides soon, allowing blackberry growers to benefit from these "new" weed management options.This research was made possible by the USDA IR-4 Project, which supports the registration of pesticides for specialty crops, ensuring that smaller but economically valuable crops like blackberries receive the resources needed to advance research and practical applications in the field. Read the Research: https://smallfruits.org/2024/04/testing-new-herbicides-in-blackberry-production/ Related Links: Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station Department of Horticulture Fruit Research Station, Clarksville U A Division of Agriculture Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural Food Life Science    

In this episode of  Arkansas Food, Farms and Forests, we discuss a study on the interaction of trellising type and spray coverage in blackberries.Aaron Cato, an extension specialist in the horticulture department focusing on integrated pest management, shared details about his latest research and related studies that looked at the impact of the rotating cross-arm trellis on pest management in blackberries focusing on the spotted wing drosophila infestation. The research found that the RCA trellis provided better pest control than the traditional t-trellis. The data also revealed insights into the effects of microclimate on pest infestation and emphasized the need for cultural controls alongside insecticides.Read the Research: Impact of trellising on spray coverage and spotted-wing drosophila infestation: comparing the rotating cross-arm trellis to the T-trellisRelated Studies: Rotating Cross-Arm Trellis Offers Improved Yields, Quality for BlackberriesRelated Links:Recommendations for RCA Trellis for Blackberries Department of Horticulture Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural Food Life ScienceArkansas Agricultural Experiment StationArkansas Cooperative Extension Service U of A System Division of Agriculture 

In this Food, Farms & Forest episode, we learn about the development of the first agricultural communications program in the United Kingdom.Jenifer Fouch speaks with Dr. Jeff Miller, a professor in the agricultural education, communications, and technology department, who’s helping establish the very first ag communications curriculum at Scotland’s Rural College based on his years of research on the topic.   Miller discusses his findings, the importance of agriculture communications and academic training in the field. Tune in to learn how agricultural communications is evolving and its impact on the industry both in the U.S. and abroad. Read the Research: Perceptions of Professionals, Faculty, and Students Regarding the Implementation of an Agricultural Communications Degree Program in the United Kingdom. Related publications: Characteristics of U.S. Agricultural Communications Undergraduate Programs Related links: Agricultural Education, Communications and TechnologyDale Bumpers College of Agricultural Food Life Science Arkansas Agricultural Experiment StationArkansas Cooperative Extension Service U of A System Division of Agriculture    

May 2024 Arkansas Agricultural Research Report: a monthly round-up of the top stories from the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station. In this edition:Find out who was recently named a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.Low-frequency microwaves destroy weed seeds underground, prompting further studies as a broad-spectrum application.A new soil prediction model was developed to provide speedier options.What makes a chicken more water efficient than others, and why does it matter?Keith Berry Jr. joins the experiment station as its first-ever research development specialist.BIG NEWSResearchers uncover what makes some chickens more water efficient than others: https://aaes.uada.edu/news/make-chickens-more-water-efficient/TOP NOTCHPoultry scientist honored as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science: https://aaes.uada.edu/news/wayne-kuenzel-aaas-fellow/ USDA-NIFA grant supports microwave tech to zap weed seeds: https://aaes.uada.edu/news/microwave-weed-killer/NEW FACESNew role aims to help faculty improve chances at grant funding: https://aaes.uada.edu/news/improve-funding-chances/ RESEARCH SPOTLIGHTSSoil testing time saver predicts key soil health characteristics: https://aaes.uada.edu/news/soil-texture-prediction-model/Slow-growth diet before breeding offered better long-range health in pigs: https://aaes.uada.edu/news/improving-sow-performance/ Be sure to sign up for our newsletter: https://aaes.uada.edu/category/news/And don't forget to subscribe to  Food, Farms & Forest  for the latest news from the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station.

In this episode, we learn about research that shows pesticide use can increase productivity and profits for producers, and alleviate pressure on water, land, and energy resources per unit of crop produced.  Marty Matlock, professor of ecological engineering with the biological and agricultural engineering department, shares an update on a recent life cycle assessment that found pesticide use helps advance sustainable agriculture.A life cycle assessment is a tedious accounting of the environmental impact of every step in the process of producing a product, Matlock said. In this case, he and his collaborators considered what would happen if pesticides were taken out of the equation in the production of corn, soybean and cotton.As the global population grows to 10 billion in the coming years, Matlock’s report found that pesticides will be critical to producing the food we need.Publication: Life cycle assessment of impacts of eliminating chemical pesticides used in the production of U.S. corn, soybeans, and cotton  Bio & Ag Engineering: https://bio-ag-engineering.uark.eduArkansas Agricultural Experiment Station: https://aaes.uada.eduArkansas Cooperative Extension Service: https://www.uaex.uada.eduU of A System Division of Agriculture: https://uada.eduUniversity of Arkansas College of Engineering: https://engineering.uark.edu 

Two recent studies have revealed that mowing silverleaf nightshade, a poisonous and noxious weed, enhances its fitness and defenses, making it more robust and resistant to insect predation.  Rupesh Kariyat, an associate professor in the department of entomology and plant pathology, has provided valuable insights into this research, shedding light on the properties of this weed, which is also known as white horse nettle, tomato weed, or bull nettle.First study: Local adaptation to continuous mowing makes the noxious weed Solanum elaeagnifolium a superweed candidate by improving fitness and defense traits -https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-85789-zSecond study: Continuous mowing differentially affects floral defenses in the noxious and invasive weed Solanum elaeagnifolium in its native range - https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-58672-w

FRST is an interactive online tool that provides soil testing data to farmers and scientists. This resource is free and aims to offer better and more information to farmers so that they can decide how to best treat their soil.Nathan Slaton, associate vice president for agriculture and assistant director of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, was the principal investigator on the project. He explains the benefits of this online soil testing database, the first of its kind where scientists and universities from across the country can contribute data to continuously improve it.This project was made possible by U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service and Agricultural Research Service grants. Nearly 100 soil science and agronomic professionals from almost 50 universities, four USDA divisions, several nonprofit organizations, and one private-sector partner participated in developing FRST.For more information about FRST, visit https://soiltestfrst.orgYou can read more about this project here: https://aaes.uada.edu/news/frst-released 

Scott Lafontaine, flavor chemist and assistant professor in the food science department, explains the science behind malted rice and how it could become another tool for the beer brewing industry. As climate change and rising costs threaten barley, this novel research shows how malted rice could provide a viable alternative. For consumers, malted rice beer offers a gluten-free option and a variety of unique flavor profiles. And since Arkansas produces about half of the rice in the U.S., local brewers can leverage a domestic agricultural product and present local farmers with another economic opportunity.Read more about this research here:   https://aaes.uada.edu/news/malted-rice-study-lafontaine/  Find Scott Lafontaine on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-lafontaine/ and on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ScottLafontain 

In our first episode of 2022, Nick Kordsmeier, director of Arkansas Ag Experiment Station Communications, spoke with Scott Osborn, associate professor of biological and agricultural engineering, about his improved method for carbonating beer and how it’s helping a local brewery speed up production. Then, Science Writer John Lovett tells the story of nocturnal pollinating moths and some recent research that indicates they may be more beneficial for pollinating food than previously recognized. And last, Science Editor Fred Miller, has a conversation with Nilda Burgos, Professor of Weed Physiology and Molecular Biology, about the state of weedy rice research.Visit https://aaes.uada.edu/news for more of our stories.

In this episode, Science Writer John Lovett shares the story of how ARoma 17, an aromatic rice variety developed by the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, came to be used as the base for an award-winning gin. And Nick Kordsmeier, director of AAES communications, sat down with John Clark, distinguished professor of horticulture and fruit breeding for the experiment station, to talk about the Arkansas  Fruit Breeding Program and how fruit breeding works.

In the inaugural episode of the Arkansas Food, Farms and Forests podcast, Science Writer John Lovett spoke with the Center for Arkansas Farms and Food about their apprenticeship program; AAES Director of Communications Nick Kordsmeier invited food safety expert Jennifer Acuff to share some food safety tips ahead of Thanksgiving; and Science Editor Fred Miller sat down with the Novus International Professor of Poultry Science, Casey Owens, to discuss her research program and the progress she's made towards fighting chicken meat quality defects.