Life Sciences Commons^™

Origin, Rise And Development Of American Upland Cotton And Their Status At Present. Second Edition, Ed. By F.M. Bourland, J. O. Ware

Research Reports and Research Bulletins

American Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) is a Dixie product. Although the stocks of the species were brought from elsewhere, new types (through series of adaptational changes) formed this distinctive group—the final characteristics of which are a product of the Cotton Belt of the United States. These biological processes were considerably aided by man and the steps of development possibly were about as follows: (a) natural selection took place in the earlier introductions, (b) seed were saved from the more choice stocks, (c) series of subsequent introductions were obtained from the better sources, (d) these were acclimatized and the superior ones …

International Rice Outlook: International Rice Baseline Projections 2022-2032, A. Durand-Morat, S. Bairagi, W. Mulimbi

Research Reports and Research Bulletins

Rice prices in Asia increased since the Summer of 2022 mainly due to worries about a reduction in rice production in India caused by an abnormal monsoon season (Fig. 1). The upward trend in export prices solidified after India implemented a 20% export tariff on brown and milled long-grain rice, and a complete ban on exports of broken rice, in September 2022 to curve down exports and release the pressure on domestic rice prices. India’s rice export prices increased since then and proportionally to the value of the export tax. The latest estimates put rice production at 128 million metric …

International Rice Outlook: International Rice Baseline Projections 2021–2031, A. Durand-Morat, S. Bairagi

Research Reports and Research Bulletins

The war in Ukraine and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are pushing input costs to record levels. Although rice prices have increased some in the last several months, production costs have increased more than proportionally, undermining rice profitability.

We project global rice production will surpass global rice consumption for most of the coming decade, with a small deficit developing by the end of the projected period.

The projected growth in production is almost exclusively due to productivity gains since the global rice area is projected to increase only marginally by 2029–2031.

The projected growth in global rice consumption …

International Rice Outlook: International Rice Baseline Projections 2020-2030, A. Durand-Morat, S. Bairagi

Research Reports and Research Bulletins

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and subsequent lockdowns impacted all economies worldwide and created an economic recession far graver than the Great Recession, contracting the global growth of gross domestic product (GDP) nearly by 4.0% in 2020, compared to -2.0% in 2009 (IHS Markit database). COVID-19 disrupted global and local food supply chains, and resulted in a significant increase in food prices (FAO, 2021). Both global and domestic rice prices increased, driven primarily by temporary export restrictions imposed by several leading rice exporters, such as Vietnam and Myanmar. The market uncertainty also created in panic-buying and hoarding; consequently, the rice demand …

The Benefits Of The Arkansas Rice Check-Off Program, B. Peterson-Wilhelm, L. L. Nalley, A. Durand-Morat, A. Shew, R. Parajuli, G. Thoma

Research Reports and Research Bulletins

As margins are reducing for agricultural producers there is a concerted effort to analyze all costs. One such cost for rice producers in Arkansas is their contribution to the Rice Check-off Program. This study analyzes the cost-benefit ratio of funds contributed by Arkansas rice producers and the holistic (both economic and environmental) benefits they receive. This study analyzes just five of the many programs the Rice Check-off Program invests in through the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture (UASDA) and suggests that every dollar invested generated an average return of $28.49 between 2002–2018 ($70.45 when ecosystem benefits are included). …

Marketing Options For Grapes And Grape Products, Pamela Brady, Michael Thomsen, Justin R. Morris

Research Reports and Research Bulletins

Many owners of small- and medium-size farms in Arkansas and across the U.S. have begun to explore the potential of juice and wine grapes as an alternative crop to increase the profitability and stability of their farming operations. Grapes are unique in that they are not only well-suited for marketing through traditional commercial channels but also are popular in direct marketing venues such as produce stands, farmers markets, community sponsored agricultural ventures, and pick-your-own operations. This publication provides an overview of the various types of market channels available for grape growers and explores their potential as outlets for regional grape …

Good Agricultural And Handling Practices For Grapes And Other Fresh Produce, Pamela L. Brady, Justin R. Morris

Research Reports and Research Bulletins

In recent years consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables has increased dramatically. This trend has increased the amount of produce being purchased at farmer’s markets, road-side stands, and neighborhood markets since consumers say they feel that the direct contact with growers at these markets makes them better able to assess the quality and safety of the produce. This buying trend has opened new markets to small- and medium-sized farms, which sell at these local outlets.

Considerations For Starting A Winery, Justin R. Morris

Research Reports and Research Bulletins

This publication is for anyone who has ever considered entering the wine industry. The goal of this publication is to provide information about requirements and procedures for starting a winery. It is not a “how-to” manual but rather is designed to serve as a starting point to investigate the many aspects of owning and operating a winery. Although the manuscript frequently refers to procedures for starting a winery in Arkansas, the concepts presented are applicable throughout the U.S. Detailed economic information on starting a winery is covered in a companion publication. Both publications are part of a project supported by …

The Muscadine Experience: Adding Value To Enhance Profits, Justin R. Morris, Pamela L. Brady

Research Reports and Research Bulletins

The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture received a grant from the National Research Initiative (NRI), CSREES USDA. The purpose was to help small- and medium-sized farmers and entrepreneurs enhance the viability of their farms through the establishment of vineyards, on-farm wineries, and production of value-added products from grapes and grape by-products. This publication looks at efforts by the UA Grape and Wine Research Program to enhance the profitability of muscadine grapes. Included are discussions of research designed to develop the market potential of muscadines as fresh fruit and as value-added products such as juice, wine, sweet spreads, vinegar, and …

The Muscadine Experience: Adding Value To Enhance Profits, Justin R. Morris, Pamela L. Brady

Research Reports and Research Bulletins

The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture received a grant from the USDA’s Initiative for Future Agriculture and Food Systems (IFAFS) program. The purpose was to help small- and medium-sized farmers and entrepreneurs become more profitable and therefore add stability to the family farm. One approach to doing this is to investigate opportunities to enhance profits by adding value to traditional raw products.

Evaluation Of Small Grain Forage Crops And Cultivars Of Soft Red Winter Wheat For Stocker Cattle, L. B. Daniels, K. F. Harrison, D. S. Hubbell Iii, E. B. Kegley, D. Hellwig, Z. B. Johnson

Research Reports and Research Bulletins

Use of small grain forage crops for stocker cattle production was extensively evaluated in two separate three-year research projects at the Livestock and Forestry Branch Research Station near Batesville, Ark. The first section of this Research Report presents results of a study in which 216 commercial crossbred steers (Avg. body weights 463 lb) grazed forage of wheat, oats, rye, ryegrass, wheat + rye, wheat + ryegrass, rye + ryegrass, and wheat + rye + ryegrass during the winter and spring months from 1999 through 2002. Grazing of these forages during the winter and spring provides excellent gains in stocker cattle …