Pick up know-how for tackling diseases, pests and weeds.
Farm bill, farm marketing, agribusiness webinars, & farm policy.
Find tactics for healthy livestock and sound forages.
Scheduling and methods of irrigation.
Explore our Extension locations around the state.
Commercial row crop production in Arkansas.
Agriculture weed management resources.
Use virtual and real tools to improve critical calculations for farms and ranches.
Learn to ID forages and more.
Explore our research locations around the state.
Get the latest research results from our county agents.
Our programs include aquaculture, diagnostics, and energy conservation.
Keep our food, fiber and fuel supplies safe from disaster.
Private, Commercial & Non-commercial training and education.
Specialty crops including turfgrass, vegetables, fruits, and ornamentals.
Find educational resources and get youth engaged in agriculture.
Gaining garden smarts and sharing skills.
Creating beauty in and around the home.
Maintenance calendar, and best practices.
Coaxing the best produce from asparagus to zucchini.
What’s wrong with my plants? The clinic can help.
Featured trees, vines, shrubs and flowers.
Ask our experts plant, animal, or insect questions.
Enjoying the sweet fruits of your labor.
Herbs, native plants, & reference desk QA.
Growing together from youth to maturity.
Crapemyrtles, hydrangeas, hort glossary, and weed ID databases.
Get beekeeping, honey production, and class information.
Grow a pollinator-friendly garden.
Schedule these timely events on your gardening calendar.
Equipping individuals to lead organizations, communities, and regions.
Guiding communities and regions toward vibrant and sustainable futures.
Guiding entrepreneurs from concept to profit.
Position your business to compete for government contracts.
Find trends, opportunities and impacts.
Providing unbiased information to enable educated votes on critical issues.
Increase your knowledge of public issues & get involved.
Research-based connection to government and policy issues.
Support Arkansas local food initiatives.
Read about our efforts.
Preparing for and recovering from disasters.
Licensing for forestry and wildlife professionals.
Preserving water quality and quantity.
Cleaner air for healthier living.
Firewood & bioenergy resources.
Managing a complex forest ecosystem.
Read about nature across Arkansas and the U.S.
Learn to manage wildlife on your land.
Soil quality and its use here in Arkansas.
Learn to ID unwanted plant and animal visitors.
Timely updates from our specialists.
Eating right and staying healthy.
Ensuring safe meals.
Take charge of your well-being.
Cooking with Arkansas foods.
Making the most of your money.
Making sound choices for families and ourselves.
Nurturing our future.
Get tips for food, fitness, finance, and more!
Understanding aging and its effects.
Giving back to the community.
Managing safely when disaster strikes.
Listen to our latest episode!
INDUCTED -- Bradley County Extension Staff Chairman John Gavin, left, and former Bradley County Chamber of Commerce Director Buddy McCaskill, right, were inducted into the Pink Tomato Hall of Fame on June 14, 2014. (U of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture photo illustration by Martha Sartor)
(376 words)
Fast Facts
WARREN, Ark. -- The Bradley County Pink Tomato Festival, running continuously since 1956, has inducted Bradley County Extension Staff Chair John Gavin and former chamber of commerce director Buddy McCaskill into its Hall of Fame.
“John is an unsung hero that without him, things wouldn’t get done, but nobody really knows,” said David King, executive director for Bradley County Chamber of Commerce.
The weeklong festival, which includes food, shopping, arts, crafts, contests, live music, parade, and auctions, is a celebration of Bradley County’s most famous product - the tomato. With about 30,000 people attending each year, this is one of the biggest festivals in Arkansas. The chamber looks at those who contribute to the festival and chooses two inductees each year. The induction was held last Saturday.
Gavin was chosen because he chaired the festival in 2010, has handled the tomato packing contests for many years, and has been the person in charge of finding tomatoes for the festival, King said.
“That has been a major part of the festival,” King said.
“It’s really an honor to me especially when I look back and see the people that have been named in the Hall of Fame,” Gavin said.
McCaskill, who was the director of chamber for 28 years, did a lot of behind the scenes work that people often take for granted, King said. He served in the festival most of its 58 years.
“It’s really gratifying to be placed in the same caliber,” Gavin said. “I couldn't be more pleased to be inducted with McCaskill.”
The Hall of Fame recognition started in 2010 and the inductees are honored at the All-Tomato Luncheon event. The luncheon works to gather politicians and gather money through auctions to support the annual festival.
In addition to their unique pinkish color and taste, the Bradley County tomatoes are known for being allowed to ripen in the field.
“We pick tomatoes that have already started the natural ripening process on the vine,” Gavin said, as opposed to a lot of tomatoes that are forced to ripen in the cooler.
Although Florida, Tennessee, New Jersey, have bigger tomato fresh market productions, ours are timed almost perfectly when the other markets end, he said.
To learn more about Bradley County Pink Tomato Festival, visit http://www.pinktomatofestival.com.
For more information about crop production and agricultural economics, visit www.uaex.uada.edu or contact your county extension office.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status, and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
By Kezia NandaFor the Cooperative Extension ServiceU of A System Division of Agriculture
Media Contact: Mary HightowerDir. of Communication ServicesU of A Division of AgricultureCooperative Extension Service(501) 671-2126mhightower@uada.edu
Related Links