High tunnel workshop offers to cover basics, advanced horticulture production topics
March 16, 2023
By the U of A System Division of Agriculture
Fast Facts:
- Workshop to cover many aspects of high tunnel production
- No cost to attend; March 20 deadline to register
- Register online at https://bit.ly/Ark-High-Tunnel-23
- Find this and other events on our event calendar
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(Newsrooms: Download art of a high tunnel and event flyer)
HOPE, Ark. — Arkansans interested in taking their horticultural cultivation skills
in a new direction are invited to attend a free workshop covering the basics of high
tunnel production.
The Hempstead County Cooperative Extension Service office will present the workshop at the Southwest Research and Extension Center in Hope, Arkansas, on Thursday, March 23.
The Cooperative Extension Service is the educational outreach wing of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
High tunnel production offers several benefits, including protecting horticultural crops from temperature extremes and the overall extension of the growing season.
Division of Agriculture specialists will speak on crop selection, soil fertility, insect, weed and disease management, safe harvest and handling of produce. There will be a grower discussion session for attendees to ask questions of extension specialists and fellow growers. Attendees will also tour an assembled tunnel to learn about construction and tunnel structure.
Kimberly Rowe, Hempstead County extension agriculture agent, said the workshop will appeal to growers of all skill and experience levels.
"This workshop is a great opportunity for those who are interested in investing in a high tunnel to learn the aspects of production, or for those who already have a high tunnel to learn how to manage it more efficiently and make the most of their production potential,” Rowe said.
“High tunnels, also called hoop houses, require a different approach than growing an in-ground garden or growing in a greenhouse,” she said. “High tunnels allow growers to extend their growing season by several months, which is advantageous when selling for local markets. Their popularity is increasing and for good reason, but it's important to know what high tunnel management entails and this workshop will give people a great overview."
Representatives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and Farm Credit Services will also be present to speak on their funding programs. Farm Credit Services of Western Arkansas will provide lunch.
Call the Hempstead County Extension Office at 870-777-5771 to register or register online at https://bit.ly/Ark-High-Tunnel-23. The deadline to register is March 20.
To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu/. Follow on Twitter at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on Twitter at @AgInArk.
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 is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact Kimberly Rowe at 870-777-5771 as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.
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Media Contact:
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