Nine Oaks Farm

It was the last field trip of Agricultural

Communication class. So, we all decided to go and visit Nine Oaks Farm at Brookland, Arkansas. It is a farm company which manufactures Beef products. Honestly telling, I never eat beef, but I was deeply interested what is different between the beef products that are found at Oka farm and other ordinary markets. In our culture we worship Cow as a symbol of mother. And we always respect the cow in Hindu religion. Despite that I went to know why people use the beef as their main products. Why not other cattle such as lamb, goat, chicken, or deer.

When I see others farm land around Nebraska and Texas, I usually see thousands of cows in a small farm land. But when I saw the farm land of Nine Oak, I was surprised.

Then I asked the farm person, why they have only few cattle’s. In answers he replies that “this is the difference between other farms and Nine Oak”. “We only breed few selected cattle’s and take care of their health and everything

they are feed” he added, “we never feed any kinds of chemicals rather we feed the cows green grass and cotton seed which has high protein.

They usually check every cattle’s in regular basis. In a farm land they never put the cattle more than a dozen. They believes that doing so, cows can easily use the green grass and they can move freely where they could be more active and the taste of meat is different.

Since 1960s’ nine oaks are serving the beef products, despites during the established period they used to sell dairy products. They only sell their meat products to certain restaurant and certain market. And they sell some of their products to different costumers

and they deliver to home. If you could not find their beef product then you may visit to Farmers market at Arkansas State University.

Arkansas Suitable for Bio-Energy

Are you paying high for gas in Arkansas? Do not worry Arkansas State University Assistant agriculture scientists’ finds out that Arkansas is suitable place for bio-energy. In co-ordination with Dr. Kevin Humphrey and Dr. Steven Green demonstrated how the bio-energy crops are grown and process from it.

Dr. Steven Green explains that now day’s different country like Brazil, Canada and different European countries are aware of alternative energy. So, they are extracting ethanol form the different grasses. Different kinds of grass such as Sky skippers, Gamaya grass, Sugarcane usually produce high bio-fuels.

Soil scientist Dr. Green is experimenting different bio-fuel crops usind different kinds of fertilizers. “All of the bio-fuels crops can be successfully grown at Arkansas, this place is suitable to grow the

crops” Dr. Green said. During the field visit of Agricultural communication class Dr. Green also explains that there are several procedures to extract fuels from crops which might cost a lot. “So due to these reasons farmers of Arkansas might not get the suitable market” Dr. Green explained. But recently, Paragould bio-en

Likewise, Dr. Kevin Humphrey said “In all regions of Mississippi Delta regions bio-energy crops such as Miscgnthaious, Sky-skippers can be grown”. Director of agriculture lab Dr. Humphrey demonstrated the class of agricultural communication how the bio-fuels are extracted from the grass and run the vehicles.

Dr. Humphrey seems to be unsatisfied with the government behavior to produce and said that “due to the political interfere in alternative source of energy it is taking long time to come in the market for the costumers”. Not only the sky skipper’s soybean, Camel ion and other different crops can be also use for bio-energy.

During the field visit by agricultural communication class to agricultural lab Dr. Green also explains how the fertilizers are used and what is different between the natural fertilizer and the chemical fertilizer. “If the farmers do not have the proper knowledge of fertilizes then they might spoil the land and crops too”.

Dr. Green added that the waste materials from human are good fertilizers for the cultivated land. Even provides the example of Tyson production. Tyson uses the chicken manure on certain land at the edge on river which creates the problem in the area of river like people cannot get fresh water, fishes in the rivers are killed and there also problem for irrigation due to the amount of high fertilizers.

Crowley's Nature Center ... You must visit and experience ones...

Earthquake, cold, rainy and thrilling sound... Wow! I enjoyed each and every second and pals that I have spend today at Crowley’s’ Nature center, Jonesboro, Arkansas. Lots of information did not expect so much. Snakes, ducks, beer, deer, alligator, and other lots animals.

If you are in Jonesboro, this is the place you should not miss to go. Since, 2008 I am here, but I never knew this place. Go ahead straight to Stadium Blv, then take right turn at Lawson road. It is about 1-2 miles ahead you will find this nature center.

I was really hurry and I need to reach somewhere at 4 p.m. When I reached nature center everyone my colleagues were there. I took some snaps, and played a shooting game with Amanda, Azz, Rae and other my friends.

During the visit I saw lots of animals dummy on the center.Even I saw many snakes inside the glass. When I saw those snakes inside the glass I feel myself inside the cage tight with ropes so I cannot move. I feel very guilty being human beings. But I cannot do anything. Always the same food and same limited place alone…with lonely eyes.. inside the cage… ohhh I realize snakes are having hard time.

Meanwhile, we went to a small theater. Where I got experience about lots of things. I had listen about the 4D movies where I can feel. But today I realized how I can feel while watching videos. Nature center always shows the video every 30 minutes. During the video even I feel some storm, earthquake, and rain.

Video describes about the Crowley’s’ area and how it was formed. From the point of agriculture, this area is very productive because the land soils are the fertile soil that was brought by Mississippi river thousand years ago.

During the civilization period people start to hunt and live in a community in this area. Likewise, when people from other country came they settle in this area. Even this area was the main point of transit of north and south too. People use horses and start to cultivate cotton and soybeans in the earlier period. Now it is famous for cow, rice and cotton. But sometimes this region has been affected by natural disasters.

During short time period this video provides lot of information about the Crowley’s area. I really enjoyed this show and the center.

USDA Generates a new Concept of Agro Forestry

Perhaps no one could imagine about the agriculture forestry. Had any one imagine about the agriculture forestry? Did anyone of us expect that people earn far more in Agra forestry?

Agro forestry seems a word designed for the benefit of both agriculture and forest. It is the term, which is defined as a unique land management approach of working trees. Agro forestry technologies if used appropriately it can help in environmental, economic, and social benefits. Agro forestry deals with different aspects such as reduces input of energy and chemicals, improve

water quality, increase productivity. Along with this reconnects agriculture, people and communities. Agro forestry is seen more advantageous over the conventional method of agriculture and forestry and is being more familiar with the people nowadays.

As, Agra forestry has been implemented by the farmers of the United States where USDA has provided the different facilities for the shake of development of agriculture in the United States. USDA conducts even hundreds of research activities.

Agro forestry is also the process to manage the farmland with protection for topsoil and wildlife. Recently, from 2011-2016, a five years program for the development of Agra forests USAD has design a general economic planning. Here are the economic models of agriculture forestry are general resources planning, economic planning, crop, energy, headquarters, irrigation, wildlife, watershed protection etc.

Even USDA is continuously organizing several kinds of program that supports Agra forestry in the United States. For instances healthy forestry initiative is one of the program, which helps reducing the risk of catastrophic fire. This program also provides for more timely responses to disease and insect infestations that threaten to devastate forests.

Research has been part of the Forest Service mission since the agency's inception in 1905 USAD. According to USDA, “today, some 500-plus Forest Service researchers work in a range of biological, physical, and social science fields to promote sustainable management of Nation's diverse forests and rangelands”. Their research covers a lot of territory, with programs in all 50 states, U.S. territories, and commonwealths. The federal government may fund up to 75% of project costs, with at least 25% coming from private, State or local sources for agro forestry. In addition to gains associated with the sale or donation of property rights, many landowners also benefit from reduced taxes associated with limits placed on land use.

Approximately forty-five percent of all forestland in the United States, or 354 million acres is under nonindustrial

private ownership, contributing significantly to America's clean water and air, wildlife habitat, recreational resources and timber supplies. By the help of USDA owners are encouraged and enable active long-term forest management. USDA also provides technical assistance, through State forestry agency partners, to nonindustrial private forest owners to encourage and enable active long-term forest management. A primary focus of the Program is the development of comprehensive, multi-resource management plans that provide landowners with the information they need to manage their forests for a variety of products and services.

Overall USDA main goal to focus on Agro Forestry is to increase the use of agro forestry by landowners and communities, advance the understanding of tool and application for agro forestry, and incorporate agro forestry into all lands approach to conservation and economic development.

Farmers market: A unique experience..

Red Tomatoes, Peaches, Blueberries, Corn, Sunflowers, Beef, Potatoes, Cucumber, and local farmers at Farmers Market! Have you ever been their???? If No, then go ahead.... cut your one day at Wall-Mart or Kroger... Drive towards Arkansas State University Farm land.. You will see a hut lying on the ground.

Everything fresh, taste different then you find in Wall Mart or Kroger...

If you are ready to have only organic food free from frozen and using the less amount of pesticides which are grown in farm then Farmers market is the best place to find such food. Framers market, which is located inside Arkansas State University, is a great contribution of the University and the local farmers.

Every week Tuesday and Thursday during the afternoon after 2:00-6:00 pm and Saturday from 7:00 am- 1:00 pm the market is open to all public. Farmers from Northeast Arkansas bring their product to sell for the good price.

From Beef to Potatoes, Cucumbers to Peaches, Okra to Flowers everything is available in less cost and with fresh food. Dr. Pitcock who is also in charge of this market explains that in coordination with farmers of Northeast Arkansas and Arkansas State University they are planning to extend more.

Due to the high participation of local people this decision was made up.

This a a regional Farmer's Market created by Arkansans State University. It is a no-profit entity for the purpose of developing and operating a locally owned and operated farmers' market in Jonesboro and the surrounding area.

The agriculture products that are found within 100 mile radius of Jonesboro or with in the state of Arkansas it is found here.

There are several activities done throughout the season such as market Music, market Chefs, health and wellness program. Even this market has been a medium to communicate with the local farmers by different agricultural researcher.

Increase in Mosquito on Northeast Arkansas might cause viral diseases

Are you walking at evening time, working in farm, or are you playing with your dog? Beware! There are lots of infected mosquitos in Northeast Arkansas.

Aftermath of flood and heavy rain earlier month in Arkansas has increased in the number of mosquito growth. Arkansas State University Entomologist Dr. Tanja Mckay (Dr. Mckay Website) explains different kinds of diseases like Malaria, Dengue etc. are highly chances to be spread through Northeast Arkansas.

Female mosquitoes are those which bite the human

beings and animals. To prevent for the different diseases Assistant Professor McKay explains several prevention techniques. Firstly, she explains the biological way to control the mosquito. If some fish are leave in the water they usually eat up the larva and pupa. So, this way biological we can control the mosquito. Secondly, she explains to use some chemicals such as Larviciding.

Dr. Mckay suggested the resident of Northeast Arkansas to use the net while sleeping and to use different chemicals and lotions that are available in the market. During her presentation she explains the life cycle of the mosquito and explains the some of the diseases caused by the mosquito such as Malaria, Dengue etc. Mosquito, which are more likely to grow in silent water, are dangerous rather than useful.

She says “among those mosquitoes more than 73% of them were found at the kennel of people houses”. “Firstly, infected mosquitoes bite the dogs and leave the worm. The worms reach to the heart of dog and die after some days by ‘heart-worm’” she explained to the class.

She added that to treat such diseases is very danger and it is very tough. Dogs should be kept in hospital more than a month and for several days dogs are not allowed to move their body.

Likewise, McKay shares that different kinds of lotions found in the market also prevent bite from the mosquito. Meanwhile, during the night time net is the most effective tool to prevent from the mosquito. If we sleep inside the net it prevents from the mosquito bite and several diseases too, she explained.

Hayride at agriculture Farm

It was really interesting day today. Early morning class for agricultural communication was really great. We went for hay riding. It was so fun. One hour passed out like a five minutes. Lots of information’s and interesting facts were shared by expertise of agricultural.

We all get together around 7:45 am at Arkansas State University agricultural farm lab, and we waited for Dr. Pitcock. As, Dr. Pitcock arrives her introduce us to different persons who are taking care of the animals and farms.

Firstly, we went to petty zoo, where we find several animals, which we use, in our daily life. Rabbit, Sheep, goat, rosters, donkey, bull, etc were found at petty zoo. As, we completed visiting the petty zoo, and then Dr. Pitcock offer us for the hayride. Big tractor, and long trailer with hay…. And agricultural communication class in the trailer… wow! What an experience.

Mike Johnson was the in charge of the hayride. He did a brilliant job showing around the agricultural farm and providing the information. Despite some of the bad smell from the breeding place of pigs, we really enjoyed.

When I had a hay ride I remember back to my home. We usually have a hay ride on the back of cart and the cart is pulled by ox. I recall those moment and feel happy. Director of Farm Mr. Johnson shows the old chicken house which is now class and bio-energy lab. He told us that those classes were recently build.

After riding few minutes, we came near to the pigs breeding center. As, I knew it by smell from a miles distance. We saw some huge pigs and very nasty too. It was really good. Then after few distance we came to sheep breeding center. Wow! Sheep andLamb I love those.When we came to the back of the petty zoo I saw the several trees. I came to know that those trees were grown to know the impact on the crops. So, does the certain type of tree is helpful for agriculture or not? So, it is a kind of research done by the department of agriculture.

Likewise, we keep on moving to the different places there was floriculture room too. Beautiful flowers and early morning weather, I love it. Likewise we move on towards to the equacenter where we can find plenty of horses. According to Mike Johnson every week more than thousand of people come to this center to see the different horses. And evey they buy and sell their horses. A price of good horses costs around $1000 dollar.

So, after the ride we all get some new experiences and some more knowledge. I really appreciate Dr. Fears and Dr. Pitcock for this opportunity to learn some thing new.

Some Information about Mike Johnson and Agricultural lab

"Mike Johnson has worked at the ASU farm for the past 28 years - the last 7 years as Farm Director. The main ASU farm (off Aggie Road) consists of 230 acres and employs seven full-time and two part-time workers. They spend most of their time caring for the livestock on the farm which includes 65 Black Angus cows, 45 calves, 3 Black Angus bulls, 55 Yorkshire-Hampshire cross sows, 2 Yorkshire boars, several litters of pigs, and a total of 65 Hamp cross sheep and Hair sheep. The cattle graze on a 300 day rotation to help cut down on hay cost. To help defray feed costs, the farm cuts and bales on average 400 round and 2500 square bales every year of pure Bermuda grass. Their irrigation system enables them to harvest four to five cuttings per year.

Approximately 12 to 15 of the farm’s sows have pigs every month. A feed study is currently being conducted on the pigs ranging from 40 pounds to 250 pound. The farm’s sheep are raised for wool and meat production. Throughout the school year, Animal Science classes receive hands-on experience by vaccinating the animals. But livestock isn’t all the farm has to offer. The land that borders Stadium Boulevard contains plots of corn, soybeans, and milo for Plant Science research. In addition, the ASU Horticulture program has a Display Garden across from the Petting Zoo barn.

Across from the Equine Center on East Johnson, there is 26 acres housing 14 Quarter horses. Another 50 acres called the Gipson farm is located off Highway 351 which grazes 24 Black Angus pairs (cows with calves). There is also a farm at Walcott, Arkansas, consisting of a total of 520 acres. 380 acres is precision leveled for ease of irrigation and produces row crops: corn, soybeans, and rice.

The ASU farm helps the environment and cuts down fuel cost by producing their own fuel using soybeans produced on the farm. They produce biofuel at a rate of 50 gallons per 24 hours."

------------- Source Arkansas State University, Agriculture Farm