Dirt to Data

University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture

Dirt to Data is the official podcast of Mississippi County Extension, bringing research-based information and practical insights directly to Arkansas producers, landowners, and agricultural professionals. Each episode covers timely topics in crop production, livestock management, forage systems, farm management, and emerging agricultural issues. Featuring Extension specialists, industry experts, and local producers, Dirt to Data connects the science happening behind the scenes with real-world decisions made on the farm every day. From the field to the future, we're turning dirt into data and data into decisions.

Episodes

  1. Aug 14

    Episode Five: From Field Trials to Farm Decisions: Research That Matters

    🌾 FROM RESEARCH PLOTS TO REAL FARMS: THE DATA BEHIND THE DIRT 🚜 More than 200 farmers, crop consultants, researchers, and agricultural professionals gathered in Harrisburg for the 2026 Rice & Soybean Field Day at the Northeast Rice Research and Extension Center—and there was plenty of research worth talking about! 🎙️ In the latest episode of Dirt to Data, we’re digging into: 🌱 New possibilities for herbicide-resistant barnyardgrass — including a potential new mode of action currently under regulatory review. 🌾 Tougher soybeans — researchers are working on drought tolerance, root-knot nematode resistance, and varieties better suited for Arkansas conditions. 🚁 Spray drones — researchers are looking at how speed and application practices can impact spray coverage and, ultimately, disease control. 💰 Knowing when NOT to spray — five years and 53 on-farm fungicide trials show why scouting fields and making informed decisions can help protect both yields and the bottom line. 👨‍🌾 Research on real farms — because the best data is data that makes its way from the research plot back to the producer’s field. And we also highlight the career and legacy of Tim Burcham, whose journey from a pickup truck, rubber boots, and a shovel helped lay the groundwork for the Northeast Rice Research and Extension Center. At the end of the day, research isn't just about numbers. It’s about making better decisions in the field. 🌱 🎧 Tune in to the latest episode of Dirt to Data and dig into the research, innovation, and real-world results shaping Arkansas agriculture. 👇 Give it a listen, share it with a farmer or fellow ag professional, and let us know what research you’d like to hear about next! #DirtToData #ArkansasAgriculture #RiceResearch #SoybeanResearch #AgResearch #Extension #Farmers #CropProduction #AgInnovation #ArkansasFarmers Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: PLQRA8DXZGNKMZIE

  2. Aug 11

    Episode Three: Beyond the Field: Managing Stress and Finding Support in Arkansas Agriculture

    Farming is about more than crops, cattle, and markets—it's about the people behind the operation. In this episode of **Dirt to Data**, we're taking a step back from production agriculture to have an honest conversation about something that affects every farm: **stress**. From unpredictable weather and rising input costs to long days during planting and harvest, agriculture can take a toll on both physical and mental well-being. We'll discuss: 🌾 Common signs of farm stress 🚜 Simple ways to manage stress during busy seasons 🤝 The importance of community and checking in on one another 📚 How the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service can connect producers with valuable resources and support No matter what you raise or grow, remember this: **Healthy farms begin with healthy farmers.** 🎧 Listen to the latest episode of **Dirt to Data** and join the conversation. If this episode speaks to you, share it with a fellow producer, friend, or family member. You never know who might need the reminder that they don't have to carry the load alone. #DirtToData #ArkansasAgriculture #FarmStress #MentalHealthMatters #Extension #UADA #FarmLife #ArkansasFarmers #SupportRuralCommunities #HealthyFarmHealthyFarmer Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: DUJEXA7IVVMI5SDY Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.

  3. Aug 11

    Episode Two: Mid-Season Check-In: Crop Scouting, Cattle Markets, and Summer Forages

    🌾 Mid-Season Check-In: Crop Scouting, Cattle Markets & Summer Forages | Dirt to Data Podcast Summer is a critical time for Arkansas agriculture, and the decisions producers make now can have a lasting impact on the rest of the season. In this episode of Dirt to Data, we cover timely topics affecting row crop and livestock producers across Arkansas. Learn why regular crop scouting is essential for protecting yield potential, what insects, diseases, weeds, and weather-related challenges producers may be encountering, and how to make informed management decisions based on field conditions. We also discuss the current outlook for Arkansas's cattle industry, including herd management considerations, market trends, and the importance of staying informed about the New World screwworm. Plus, we share practical forage and pasture management strategies to help maintain productive grazing systems throughout the summer. Whether you're growing rice, soybeans, corn, cotton, or peanuts, raising beef cattle, or simply interested in Arkansas agriculture, this episode is packed with research-based information and practical recommendations from Extension. In this episode: 🌱 Why mid-season crop scouting matters🐛 Common insects, diseases, and weed concerns💧 Irrigation and weather considerations🐄 Arkansas cattle industry update🚨 New World screwworm awareness🌿 Summer forage and pasture management📊 Preparing your operation for the remainder of the growing seasonSubscribe to Dirt to Data for research-based discussions on Arkansas agriculture, including row crop production, livestock management, forage systems, agricultural technology, market updates, and Extension recommendations from the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service. #DirtToData #ArkansasAgriculture #ArkansasExtension #CropScouting #RowCrops #Rice #Soybeans #Corn #Cotton #Peanuts #BeefCattle #ForageManagement #PastureManagement #NewWorldScrewworm #AgriculturePodcast #ExtensionService #FarmPodcast #ArkansasFarmers Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: KFFC6B6YYR3OML2A

About

Dirt to Data is the official podcast of Mississippi County Extension, bringing research-based information and practical insights directly to Arkansas producers, landowners, and agricultural professionals. Each episode covers timely topics in crop production, livestock management, forage systems, farm management, and emerging agricultural issues. Featuring Extension specialists, industry experts, and local producers, Dirt to Data connects the science happening behind the scenes with real-world decisions made on the farm every day. From the field to the future, we're turning dirt into data and data into decisions.