Division of Agriculture hosts high tunnel workshop May 3
April 12, 2018
Fast Facts:
- High tunnel workshop set for May 3, 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
- Focus on fruit and vegetable production
- Workshop concludes with tours of high tunnel farm
(227 words)
Download PHOTO: https://flic.kr/p/GrM28i
FAYETTEVILLE — The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture will host a one-day high-tunnel workshop May 3 at the Lonoke County Cooperative Extension Office.
COVERED — Research high tunnels for blackberries and raspberries at the Arkansas Agricultural Research and Extension Center.
Division of Agriculture photo by Fred Miller
High tunnels, or hoophouses, are unheated greenhouses that can help commercial fruit and vegetable farmers extend their growing season and improve the profitability and productivity of their farms, saidAmanda McWhirt, extension horticultural crop specialist for the Division of Agriculture. High tunnels are becoming an integral part of local food production systems in many parts of the United States.
The workshop begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 4:15 p.m. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and a $20 fee includes the workshop,handouts, lunch and a farm tour. Pre-registration is encouraged as space is limited and registration is currently available online: https://survey.uada.edu/AGNR/Horticulture/hightunnel.aspx
McWhirt will open the workshop with an introduction to high tunnels. Other division research and extension scientists will cover fruit and vegetable production, integrated pest management, economics and maintaining quality during harvest and storage in high tunnel systems.
Other sessions will cover National Resource Conservation Service cost-share programs and National Center for Appropriate Technology programs.
The workshop will conclude with a tour of a local diversified farm that produces strawberries, grapes and vegetables in several acres of high-tunnels.
For more information, contact Amanda McWhirt at amcwhirt@uada.edu, or 501-671-2229
The Lonoke County Extension Office is located at 2001 Hwy. 70 East in Lonoke.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs to all eligible persons without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
By Fred Miller
Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Media Contact: Fred Miller
U of A Division of Agriculture
(479) 575-5647
fmiller@uark.edu
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