UAEX Washington County

What are ways you can celebrate making life beautiful today? Share your ideas below and visit these sites for other suggestions: https://connect.extension.org/g/mental-health-and-well-being/blog/time-in-nature-improves-mental https://extension.illinois.edu/everyones-mental-health-matters/self-compassion

What are ways you can celebrate making life beautiful today? Share your ideas below and visit these sites for other suggestions: https://extension.usu.edu/mentalhealth/articles/nature-and-mental-health
https://extension.illinois.edu/everyones-mental-health-matters/self-compassion

Today is National Herb and Spice Day! Click here to check out fun, healthy recipes and videos. Make memories with your family. https://www.nutrition.gov/.../shopping.../recipe-collection

Today is National Herb and Spice Day! Click here to check out fun, healthy recipes and videos. Make memories with your family. https://www.nutrition.gov/topics/shopping-cooking-and-meal-planning/recipe-collection

Join the NWA EFNEP Team! We are looking for a bilingual nutrition educator to teach nutrition and cooking classes to families in Northwest Arkansas. To read about the position or to apply, go to https://uada.edu/jobs and search for Posting . If you would like additional information, call Cathy at 479-271-1060 or email [email protected].

We are having the last PAT class for the spring on Thursday May 23. It will be at 2:00pm at the Washington County Extension Office.

Join us for 4-H Night at the Naturals!

It's almost time to PLAY BALL and support the 4-H Program!

Again, this year, we have the chance to raise money for Washington County 4-H, recruit new members and enjoy a fun family outing! Make plans to join us on Sunday, June 9th for 4-H Night at the Naturals Baseball Game. The first pitch is 2:05 PM and we will be playing Wichita Wind Surge - AA Affiliate - Minnesota Twins.

You can buy tickets at the Washington County Extension Office. 4-H gets to keep a portion of all our ticket sales. The more tickets we sell, the larger portion of the ticket sales we get to keep! This money is what helps support our summer camps, workshops and all the fun things we do in the county!

Tickets are $10 each and must be ordered at the Extension Office by Thursday, May 23rd by 4:30 pm.

If you have any questions you can contact Lauren at [email protected]

Do you want to learn more about Food Preservation? Each year we offer a Zoom session on Food Preservation Basics via Zoom! We plan to offer it again this year live on May 13th from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.. Whether you are an experienced canner needing some updates and reminders or just trying to decide which preservation m**hod works best for you, join us as we go over the basics of canning and other preservation m**hods. We will cover the science behind food preservation as well. This is a prerequisite to our hands-on classes we will have coming up this summer. Stay tuned for more on those. Sign up to attend: https://uada.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJckceusqDkiGNJWo_dH2LGeoLn4ukwi0vdV?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3bq6L6odbirt0Pf0O6YzZjwTR6k6jXZSGoN87OyUp8w630sNo6zbt04lA_aem_ARuPxyuvahNSSz5N7WaaYIlwwLgpIWSd817y5FpGppG_QDffPNX8FtJr9Ldog_EModEu6PVEKKsKZbhEK3Av9haa #/registration

Each year we offer a Zoom session on Food Preservation Basics via Zoom! We plan to offer it again this year live on May 13th from 6:00pm - 7:30pm. Whether you are an experienced canner needing some updates and reminders or just trying to decide which preservation m**hod works best for you, join us as we go over the basics of canning and other preservation m**hods. We will cover the science behind food preservation as well. This is a prerequisite to our hands-on classes we will have coming up this summer. Stay tuned for more on those.
https://uada.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJckceusqDkiGNJWo_dH2LGeoLn4ukwi0vdV

SEE YOU TOMORROW: We will be at Harps, 1274 N. Colorado Dr., for Drug Take Back Day from 10AM-2PM this Saturday, April 27!
Bring by any unused, expired, or unwanted medication for destruction, no questions asked.
Help us keep prescription medication out of our environment and out of the wrong hands!

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and the National Agricultural Law Center are facilitating a series of workshops called Plan. Produce. Profit. Workshop participants will learn how to operate under the Arkansas Food Freedom Act for selling homemade food items to the public. Attendees will be eligible for a free pH meter for producing food products that need pH testing. More info and see the flyer at https://wordpressua.uark.edu/cffse/33678-2/

If you are showing Steers at the Arkansas State Fair. The deadline to order DNA kits/840 Eid Tag( if you have a 840 tag you do not have to order one) and have them Mailed is April 19th. The deadline to order kits and you pick them up at the State Fairgrounds in Little Rock is May 6th. If you are going to the State Fair Spring Livestock show on May 3-4 you can validate the steer then.
They will mail the kits to you.

Please contact me to set up a time for me come and pull DNA and Sign the envelope.

All kits must be Post Marked by May 6th.

Contact me at 479-444-1755
Email [email protected]

It’s ! Today we’re focused on the easiest way to save. What is it? To !
Today, we encourage you to do the following (if you haven’t already):
➡️Set up automatic savings, either through your employer or financial institution
➡️Revisit the amount you contribute, if you have already established automatic savings
➡️Assess whether you have the best possible account for your savings and consider switching to a high-yield savings account to get the most out of savings

It’s ! Today we’re focused on the easiest way to save. What is it? To ! Check out this blog post to learn how to get started! America Saves
https://americasaves.org/resource-center/insights/saving-automatically/?fbclid=IwAR2RhWWFrxIWxMt2MLk6EYgrm--muNEZoMb5ajStZpbGcGm5iiKCmHzipP4_aem_AfaluR9oL_EcqNU5pC4XR4M6uROk4Ovq3ewIfRMHBB9DIERMvmTSxz186VKqbonyrMmgUa_lnQOz6Sp5sOcMUpfj

I have been seeing yellow flowers in pastures and hayfields. This time of the year it can get confused with Butter cup.
It is called Yellow Rocket, it is a member of the mustard family. It is a winter annual that form a rosette in the fall. In the spring it shoots up a long slender stem with yellow flowers. It can be up to two foot tall. It is not as concentrated as butter cup. Buttercup is much shorter and the flowers are different.

🌞🌑 Are you ready for the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8, 2024? Safety is key when witnessing this event! 🌑🌞
Here are some essential safety and preparation tips to ensure you enjoy the eclipse totality to the fullest:
🕶Use Proper Eye Protection: Never look directly at the sun during the eclipse's partial phases without certified solar viewing glasses or handheld solar viewers. Regular sunglasses are NOT sufficient to protect your eyes.
📸Check Equipment: If you're using telescopes or cameras to view or photograph the eclipse, make sure you have the appropriate solar filters installed to prevent damage to your equipment and eyes.
🗒✏️Plan Ahead: Determine the best viewing location well in advance, considering factors such as weather, accessibility, and safety. Arrive early to secure your spot and avoid last-minute crowds.
🌦Stay Informed: Keep an eye on weather forecasts and any updates regarding the eclipse event. Be prepared to adjust your plans accordingly if adverse weather conditions are expected.
☀️Protect Your Skin: Even during a solar eclipse, UV rays can still pose a risk to your skin. Apply sunscreen with a high SPF rating and wear protective clothing to shield yourself from the sun's harmful rays.
🧠🚗Be Mindful of Traffic: Expect increased traffic and congestion, especially in areas along the path of totality. Plan your travel route in advance, and consider carpooling to minimize traffic congestion and environmental impact.
Remember, safety should always come first when viewing a solar eclipse. By following these tips and guidelines, you can safely experience the magic of totality without any risks to yourself or your equipment. Happy eclipse watching! 🌞🌑

🌞🌑 Are you ready for the upcoming solar eclipse? Safety is key when witnessing this awe-inspiring event! 🌑🌞

Here are some essential safety and preparation tips to ensure you enjoy the eclipse totality to the fullest:

🕶Use Proper Eye Protection: Never look directly at the sun during the eclipse's partial phases without certified solar viewing glasses or handheld solar viewers. Regular sunglasses are NOT sufficient to protect your eyes.

📸Check Equipment: If you're using telescopes or cameras to view or photograph the eclipse, make sure you have the appropriate solar filters installed to prevent damage to your equipment and eyes.

🗒✏️Plan Ahead: Determine the best viewing location well in advance, considering factors such as weather, accessibility, and safety. Arrive early to secure your spot and avoid last-minute crowds.

🌦Stay Informed: Keep an eye on weather forecasts and any updates regarding the eclipse event. Be prepared to adjust your plans accordingly if adverse weather conditions are expected.

☀️Protect Your Skin: Even during a solar eclipse, UV rays can still pose a risk to your skin. Apply sunscreen with a high SPF rating and wear protective clothing to shield yourself from the sun's harmful rays.

🧠🚗Be Mindful of Traffic: Expect increased traffic and congestion, especially in areas along the path of totality. Plan your travel route in advance, and consider carpooling or using public transportation to minimize traffic congestion and environmental impact.

Remember, safety should always come first when viewing a solar eclipse. By following these tips and guidelines, you can safely experience the magic of totality without any risks to yourself or your equipment. Happy eclipse watching! 🌞🌑

Last weekend I stopped at the barn to unload feed. There is a Cedar tree next to the drive. I could see it was covered with a bright orange jelly like structure. It is called Cedar Apple Rust. It is a fungus that uses Cedar and apples tree to survive. It will not harm the Cedar tree but can cause significant damage Apple trees by causing leaf drop and poor quality fruit.

Get on your tennis shoes and water bottle filled! We are going walking with Walk Across AR! Are you with me?! This free 8-week program is a great way to get out and move! It runs from March 11 to May 12 this year.
Registration for is open NOW!!! Register online at https://walk.uada.edu/walk/
We look forward to seeing your fun and positive team names as you get more active. All types of activity that increases your heartrate counts, indoor or outdoor.

Get your tennis shoes and drink a glass of water! We are going walking with Walk Across AR! Are you with me?! This free 8-week program is a great way to get out and move! It runs from March 11 to May 12 this year.

Registration for is open until March 10. Register online at https://walk.uada.edu/walk/

Are you interested in the science behind tree grafting? Join our Ozark Green Thumbs Lunch & Learn on April 10th with Searcy Co. Staff Chair Clyde Fenton. Clyde will demonstrate grafting techniques and walk you through the process of a successful graft. Attendees will leave with their own grafted apple tree.

This session is limited to 15 participants and will last two hours for a fee of $10 per person.

Be sure to check out and register for other Lunch & Learn topics this Spring and Summer. Our first Lunch & Learn starts tomorrow with seed starting!

You can register for any or all of this series at the following link:
https://uada.formstack.com/forms/green_thumbs_lunch_learn

It's Election Day in Arkansas. We are choosing candidates for president, local justices of the peace, who will be the next chief justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court and more!

Voting centers are open until 7:30 p.m.

Arkansas has become known for its low voter turnout. Make a difference by casting your ballot. Find YOUR sample ballot and voting locations at https://www.voterview.ar-nova.org/VoterView

Early voting continues through Monday. Then elections take place Tuesday when the polls are open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Voting in Arkansas requires showing election workers your photo ID before they hand you a ballot. What qualifies as a photo ID under state law?
- Driver's license
- ID card
- U.S. passport
- Concealed carry license
- University IDs issued by Arkansas institutions
- Public assistance cards
- U.S. military ID
- County-issued voter id card

Find your sample ballot at https://www.voterview.ar-nova.org/VoterView


Questions about voting? Call 479-444-1711 or visit the Washington County Clerk's webpage: https://www.washingtoncountyar.gov/government/departments-a-e/county-clerk

I will be hosting a Small Ruminants Parasite clinic

Instructor: Dr. Eva Wray Parasitologist

Where: Prairie Gove High School Ag Building

When April 6th, 2024 11:00 am -1:00pm

Will will provide hands on opportunity to Learn how to do F***l Egg Counts

Please RSVP to Ronnie Horn
479-444-1755
[email protected]

We need a head count for lunch count and for supplies needed to teach the class

Today is the last day for our survey and your chance to win front-row Razorback football tickets, a hotel stay, or other great prizes!

Tell us what we can do for you at https://bit.ly/UADA-Stakeholder-Survey.

Just a quick reminder. We are having a PAT (private Pesticide Applicators class) tomorrow here at the office. It starts at 5:00pm cost $20 to take the class.

Steer weigh in for the Washington County Fair steer gain ability contest will be at the Faytown Showdown on April 6th at the Washington County Fairgrounds. We will weigh in from 8 to 10 am that morning.

Reminder - Early Childhood Educators - Sign up for Best Care Free Training to earn PDR Credit on Saturday, February 24.
Register now: https://uaex.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_50XhnGmGHc2jdhY
Enjoy the hands on, interactive lessons and door prizes.
Don Tyson Center for Agricultural Sciences, 1371 W. Altheimer Drive, Fayetteville, AR 72704 on
Doors open at 7:30 a.m. & class starts at 8 a.m.
Bring Your Own Lunch
Lessons include: Fun Ways to Teach Math, Wiggles & Giggles, Diversity & Inclusion, Loose Parts
For more information: [email protected] or 479-841-1212