News

LITTLE ROCK– The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is announcing several new and expanded opportunities for climate-smart agriculture in 2022. Updates include nationwide availability of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Conservation Incentive Contracts (CIC) option, a new and streamlined EQIP Cover Crop Initiative (CCI) and added flexibilities for producers to easily re-enroll in the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). These improvements to NRCS’ working lands conservation programs, combined with continued program opportunities in Arkansas, are part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s broader effort to support climate-smart agriculture.

YELLVILLE– Arvest Bank announced today that its mortgage division originated record volume in 2021, the third consecutive year it has set a new mark. Arvest’s total 2021 mortgage loan volume of more than $4.77 billion eclipses the previous record of $4.68 billion set in 2020.

Ivan Reitman died peacefully in his sleep Saturday February 12, 2022, at his home in Montecito, California. He was born in Komárno, Czechoslovakia, in October 27, 1946. The son of Klara (Raab) and Ladislav “Leslie” Reitman. Where his father owned the country’s biggest vinegar factory. His mother had survived Auschwitz and his father was in the resistance.

Washington- Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) today continued his efforts to hold Russia accountable for its escalating aggression and destabilizing behavior by cosponsoring the Never Yielding Europe’s Territory (NYET) Act. The legislation provides critical support Ukraine needs to defend itself and deter threats while also imposing real consequences on the Kremlin for its malign efforts.

Washington– U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) is pressing the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources to take up his legislation designating Arkansas’s historic Butterfield Overland Trail as a National Historic Trail.