USDA/1890 scholars deadline March 1
The application deadline for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)/1890 National Scholars Program is March 1, said Belinda Demmings, USDA liaison for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
The program awards scholarships to students attending one of 19 historically black land-grant universities. High school seniors entering their freshman year of college and rising college sophomores and juniors are eligible to apply, according to a news release.
USDA/1890 National Scholars receive full tuition towards a bachelor’s degree, books and the cost of room and board, Demmings said. During the summer months while in college, the students will receive an internship with a USDA agency, including employee benefits. After graduation, the scholars are employed by their selected agency and must commit to at least one year of service to USDA for each year of financial assistance provided.
National scholars must major in agriculture or related sciences which include agronomy, animal sciences, botany, food sciences and technology, forestry, home economics and nutrition, horticulture, natural resources management, soil conservation, farm and range management, pre-veterinary medicine and computer science.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
“The USDA 1890 National Scholars Program helps to create a pipeline of skilled employees for USDA and the U.S. agriculture sector,” Lisa Ramirez, director of the USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement, said in a press release. “By introducing young people to the array of needs and priorities in food, agriculture and natural resources, the program supports USDA’s efforts to provide career opportunities for the next generation of leaders in food and agriculture.”
Applicants must apply using the e-application form at this web address: https://www.usda.gov/partnerships/1890NationalScholars.
ARDOT needs input on rail plan
The Arkansas Department of Transportation seeks public input on the development of a state rail plan. The purpose of the plan is to provide a guide for future investments in freight and passenger rail infrastructure and services in Arkansas and to position the state for competitive railroad funding opportunities.
While ARDOT does not finance, own, operate, or maintain any rail infrastructure or services, the Highways and Transportation Act of 1977 requires ARDOT to develop a state rail plan, according to a news release.
The public is invited to review an online presentation regarding freight and passenger rail in Arkansas and to complete a survey. The survey will be available Sunday through Feb. 13.
The online presentation is available at this link starting Sunday https://ardot-public-notice-state-rail-plan-ardot.hub.arcgis.com/
Details: ARDOT Planning Division, (501) 569-2201 or planning@ardot.gov.
PBSD names new food service provider
Pine Bluff School District has a new dining services partnership with K-12 by Elior where nine schools with a total enrollment of 3,700 will be served. The company began its service Jan. 2, according to a news release.
“K-12 by Elior was selected for its reputation in serving high-quality food options and culinary experiences to k12 schools in Arkansas and surrounding states, including letters of recommendation from Nashville Schools in Arkansas and the Madison County School District in Mississippi,” said Fannie Austin, director of Child Nutrition for Pine Bluff schools.
The company appointed Julie Smith as the district’s new general manager. K-12 by Elior will serve breakfast and lunch. Catering will be offered to administration, faculty events and meetings. The agency will be introduced during an upcoming January school board meeting. Details: k12byelior.com.
Local crop insurance workshops set
Upcoming workshops in Pine Bluff and Forrest City, Arkansas will give small and underserved farmers the opportunity to learn about crop insurance programs, said Henry English, director of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Small Farm Program. The workshops are part of a series of Cooperative Extension Service workshops addressing federal crop insurance.
The Pine Bluff workshop will be held on Jan. 22 at the S.J. Parker 1890 Extension Complex auditorium, 2300 L.A. “Prexy” Davis Drive at UAPB. The Forrest City workshop will be held on Jan. 30 at the East Arkansas Enterprise Community conference center. The workshops will get underway at 9 a.m. and end at 1 p.m.
“Understanding crop insurance is essential considering the changes in weather patterns we are currently seeing,” English said. “Crop insurance provides protection against production losses due to natural disasters such as drought, excessive moisture and decreases in revenue. This kind of crop insurance training is rarely held in Arkansas, so I encourage all producers to attend these timely meetings.”
Hunter Biram, agricultural economist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, will be hosting the workshops. There is a topic relevant for any operation regardless of whether a producer raises cattle, grows cash crops or produces fruits and vegetables, he said. Workbooks covering these and other topics will be provided to registrants.
The workshops are free to attend, and lunch will be provided. To participate, register online at www.uaex.uada.edu. To have the registration form emailed to you, contact Karen Lee at leek@uapb.edu or (870) 575-7225.