Wes Ward
John Brown University Announces Promotions in Leadership (Movers & Shakers)
Jim Krall has been promoted to senior vice president for university advancement at John Brown University in Siloam Springs. Kim Hadley has been promoted from vice president to executive vice president at JBU. read more >
The New Red Scare (Editorial)
Casting unfounded suspicion on companies doing business in Arkansas is a bad look for the state. read more >
Painted Red: Foreign Ownership Claims in Arkansas Disputed
Recent allegations of illegal foreign ownership of commercial properties proved unfounded in two prominent cases, triggering criticism of the state’s process for enforcing a 2023 law meant to halt Chinese stakes in Arkansas real estate. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
‘Super Chicken’ Venture Sold Out of Bankruptcy
The bankruptcy sale capped the fall of Cooks Venture, which touted its mission to build a better food system and liked to show off pictures of its Pioneer breed chickens foraging widely over the Decatur acreage. read more >
State Approves $42M in Loans for Water Infrastructure Projects
Helena-West Helena, where the water system has failed twice in less than a year, will receive more than $11 million in funding. read more >
Governor Announces Review of State Levee System
Historic flooding in 2019 led to the creation of a levee task force, but it's unclear how many of the group's recommendations have been implemented. read more >
State Does About-Face On China
Arkansas was one of numerous states that took part in a frenzy of activity aimed at bringing over Chinese companies to set up operations. But a new state law makes clear that such investments are now viewed with suspicion. read more >
by Lara Farrar -
State Reviews 2 Companies’ Possible Ties to China
Arkansas Department of Agriculture Secretary Wes Ward has asked Attorney General Tim Griffin to investigate two companies’ possible ties to the Chinese government under a new state law that bans […] read more >
NWA Farmers Receive Arkansas Grown Grants
The program offers $15,000 grants to eligible farmers in four counties. read more >
Meat Processors in Jonesboro, Hope are First Licensed by State
The program, which received federal approval last fall, aims to expand the market for cattlemen by allowing state-certified facilities to sell beef within the state. read more >
Sanders to Reappoint Wes Ward as Agriculture Secretary
Ward, who is also a U.S. Marine Corps reservist, was first appointed to the position in March 2015 by outgoing Gov. Asa Hutchinson. read more >
State Confirms Avian Flu in Third Poultry Flock
The virus was found in a backyard flock in Arkansas County. read more >
Downtown Little Rock Partnership Hires 2 New Directors (Movers & Shakers)
Kyle Leyenberger is the new director of communications, and Tori Rogers is the new director of events. read more >
State Finds Avian Flu in Madison County Flock
The state Department of Agriculture confirms a case of avian influenza on an Arkansas poultry farm in Madison County and is working to contain it. read more >
Arkansas Department of Agriculture Launches New Website
This website aims to connect farmers, producers and schools with each other and allow them to form partnerships. read more >
Arkansas Department of Agriculture Awards $1.8M to Fairs
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture recently provided nearly $1.8 million to fairs across the state. read more >
Arkansas Grown, Arkansas Made Campaign Widens Its Pitch
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is opening up its Arkansas Grown and Arkansas Made branding effort to all grower and producer members. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
A-State College of Agriculture Receives $500K Grant
The College of Agriculture at Arkansas State University has been awarded a $500,000 Arkansas Meat and Poultry Processing grant to expand and improve laboratory space devoted to livestock research. read more >
Small Meat Processors in Arkansas Get $5M in CARES Grants
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture announces the recipients of the $5 million in funding provided by the Arkansas CARES Act Steering Committee and the Arkansas Legislative Council for the Arkansas Meat Processing Grant Program. read more >
Farming Industry Hopes Trade War Is Ebbing
Cautious optimism comes after moves made to normalize trade relations with China. read more >
by Marty Cook -
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