Aug. 27, 2007 |
1. Northeast Center Observes 50th Anniversary
2. New Faculty Members and Students Begin Fall Semester
3. Back to School Bash Next Thursday - Sept. 6
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1. Northeast Research and Extension Center Observes 50th Anniversary
The Northeast Research and Extension Center at Keiser celebrated its 50th Anniversary with a field day Thursday, Aug. 23. Presentations by 16 Division of Agriculture researchers included discussion of changes over the past 50 years.
The field day included tours of crop research plots and an indoor program with a talk by State Senator Steve Bryles of Blytheville.
An historical perspective on "What it takes to make a living on cotton," was presented by agricultural economist Bruce Ahrendsen, and plant breeder Robert Bacon discussed "Wheat Varieties, Now and Then."
A look at the future of the impact of biofuels on Arkansas agriculture was provided in a presentation on "The Future of Renewable Fuels in Arkansas," by Mike Shook of Patriot Biofuels, and "Biofuels: A Perspective for Arkansas," by agricultural economist Michael Popp.
Research plots at NEREC include sunflower and switchgrass for study as potential energy crops.
Center Director Fred Bourland said NEREC was established on 655 acres at Keiser in 1957 as an expansion of the Alfalfa Substation established in 1948 at Osceola.
The station was expanded to 766 acres, and a resident faculty was appointed when it became the Northeast Research and Extension Center in 1980. It is one of five regional Division of Agriculture centers with a resident faculty.
Bourland said the Keiser location was chosen primarily to provide for cotton research on its clay soils, which are typical of many soils found east of Crowley's Ridge.
In addition to Bourland, who is also a cotton breeder, the resident faculty at NEREC, all with doctoral degrees, includes Glenn Studebaker, entomology; Rob Hogan, agricultural economics; and Daniel Stephenson, agronomy.
The center's history is outlined in a 50th Anniversary commemorative brochure available online at http://aaes.uark.edu/nerec.html.
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2. New Faculty Members and Students Begin Fall Semester
Fall semester classes began on Monday, Aug. 20, with eight new or recently appointed Bumpers College faculty members.
Those who participated in New Faculty Orientation Aug. 14, included Leslie Edgar, Agricultural and Extension Education; Robert Harrington, Human Environmental Sciences; Jody Lingbeck, Food Science; Yi Liang, Biological & Agri Engineering; Aaron Patton, Horticultuure; Charles Ogbeide, Food, Human Nutrition and Hospitality; W. Scott Monfort, Plant Pathology; and Dirk Philipp, Animal Science.
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3. 'Carnival of Clubs' Next Thursday
New and returning students, faculty and staff and their families are invited to the "Carnival of Clubs" next Thursday, Sept. 6, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Agri Park, sponsored by Bumpers College Student Ambasadors and student organizations.
Festivities will include a cookout and booths and activities sponsored by student clubs in a carnival atmosphere.
AAES and Bumpers College Web sites:
http://aaes.uark.edu/
http://bumperscollege.uark.edu/