Izard County Cooperative Extension Service

10/02/2026

2026 Arkansas Voter Guides Are Available!

The Izard County Extension Office now has copies of the 2026 Voter Guide – Arkansas Ballot Issues available for pickup.

2026 Arkansas Ballot Issues
General Election — November 3, 2026

These guides provide information about the ballot issues that will appear in the upcoming General Election.

Pick up your copy at:
Izard County Extension Office
79 Municipal Drive
Melbourne, AR 72556

Stop by and take one with you! Copies are available while supplies last.

09/28/2026

Understanding the “Pop” When Canning

The “pop” is not a 100% guarantee of a sealed jar.

Hearing the familiar pop as a jar cools is reassuring and exciting, but it is not the only way to determine whether a jar has sealed properly. A jar may form a safe seal even if you do not hear the popping sound.

How to Check the Seal

After jars have cooled completely—12 to 24 hours—check each jar carefully:
Look at the lid: The center of the lid should be slightly concave, or curved downward.
Press the center: The lid should not flex or spring up and down when pressed.
Check the seal: A properly sealed lid should remain firmly attached to the jar.

Remember: The sound of the “pop” is an indication that the lid may be sealing, but the seal should always be checked after the jars have cooled.

The Izard County Extension offers food safety and food preservation classes through out the year! We will post upcoming events as they are scheduled.

09/25/2026

Last weekend, the Show of Champions brought an exciting display of horsemanship and talent to the Izard County Fairgrounds. Horse trailers and families traveled from throughout the surrounding area and neighboring states to participate in and enjoy this outstanding event. Events such as this bring visitors to our community while providing families with opportunities to enjoy competition, fellowship and time together.

One of the traditions during the weekend is a delicious breakfast prepared and served by the Izard County Fair Association and volunteers. The breakfast is available for purchase to participants, families and visitors attending the show and provides a welcoming place for everyone to gather, enjoy a good meal and visit with friends. This year, on Sunday morning, the Izard County Extension Homemakers (EHC) generously gave their time to assist with the breakfast. The EHC ladies worked together to help prepare and serve the meal, continuing their long-standing tradition of supporting community activities through the Izard County Fair Association. Joining the EHC ladies in the kitchen and on the grill was Mr. George Cook, an Izard County Fair Board member, who helped keep the grill going and worked alongside the volunteers to make sure everyone was well fed.

The Izard County Extension Homemakers are honored to donate their time and talents to worthwhile community projects. Their willingness to volunteer is just one example of the many individuals and the EHC clubs compassion for community.

09/25/2026

I am so excited to partner with Baxter County Family and Consumer Science Agent LeeAnn Blevins for this amazing event! You don't want to miss out on this day of Homesteading Information!

Call 870-425-2335 to register so we can get a head count on lunch.

09/24/2026

Great opportunity to sew tote bags with Izard County Family and Consumer Science Agent Elizabeth Daigle and Baxter County Family and Consumer Science Agent LeeAnn Blevins on October 15th! Choose what time best fits your schedule 2:00 pm or 6:00 pm and get register because there is limited space, by calling 870-368-4323.

09/21/2026

A HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR POULTRY CHAIN SUPPORTERS!

As another poultry chain year comes to a close, we want to take a moment to say THANK YOU to everyone who helped make this year a success!

Your support provides our youth with valuable opportunities to learn responsibility, animal care, record keeping, teamwork, and so much more. Most importantly, your encouragement helps our young people grow in confidence and develop skills they can carry with them for years to come.

Thank you to everyone who:
Purchased poultry, Supported our youth, Donated or sponsored, Volunteered their time, Encouraged a 4-H member, Helped behind the scenes

Rayburn Finley, Ronnie Guthrie, Ron Morris, Miller Poultry and Cattle (JD Miller), Farm Bureau, Rebecca Cagle, Sonja Wiles, Susan Smith, Merle Lindsey, William Frishy, Melbourne Equipment, Mr. Wahl, County Judge Eric Smith, Kara Byers, and FNBC.

It truly takes a community to support our 4-H youth, and we are so grateful for ours!

Thank you for believing in our young people and continuing to support the 4-H Poultry Chain!

09/17/2026

Join us for a Fall Producer Field Day on October 8th at 10:00 AM, located at Miller Poultry and Cattle!

Pre-Register by October 5th by calling 870-368-4323. Meal and event is sponsored by Melbourne Equipment.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gather with fellow producers and learn something new!

09/17/2026

4-H Chili Cookoff registration now until September 24th! Cookoff event is October 3rd. Get your team registered now 870-368-4323.

09/16/2026

Reminder to register for this great 4-H Opportunity to develop those adulting skills! Call to register at 870-368-4323.

Great 4-H Opportunity to develop those adulting skills! Call to register at 870-368-4323.

09/11/2026

So excited to partner with Mrs. Megan and the Horseshoe Bend Public Library!

🧀🍇 Charcuterie Class at the Library! 🍇🧀

We’re excited to be hosting another fun, hands-on class with the Izard County Cooperative Extension Service! After everyone enjoyed last year’s Instant Pot workshop, we’re looking forward to trying something new!

Join us on October 29th at 2:00 PM to learn how to create your own charcuterie board. And the best part? You’ll get to take your creation home with you! ❤️

💲 $20 per person
📅 Registration & payment due by October 20th
📍 Horseshoe Bend Public Library

Be sure to get signed up!

Mark your calendars and come join us for an afternoon of food, fun, and learning! 🧀🥖🍇