Upcoming high tunnel production workshops offer insight for veteran growers, newbies alike
June 6, 2025
By Ryan McGeeney
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Fast Facts:
- Extension offering two high tunnel production workshops in June, a third in September
- No cost to attend, registration required
- See event registration opportunities online
(455 words)
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LITTLE ROCK — The Cooperative Extension Service will host a series of high tunnel workshops beginning in June, helping growers get a running start on the summer production season.
Taunya Ernst, extension high tunnel and urban agriculture educator for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said each workshop will offer attendees the chance to learn different aspects of high tunnel production.
“Each meetup offers something a little different, but all give attendees the chance to connect with an experienced high tunnel grower and take part in a hands-on tour of a producing high tunnel,” Ernst said.
“Common topics we cover include soil health, fertility programs, planting schedules, pest management and irrigation practices,” she said. “At upcoming events, we’ll also be demonstrating specific techniques such as pest management strategies and how to install a drip irrigation system inside a tunnel.”
The first upcoming workshop, covering summer high tunnel management, is scheduled for June 12 at WSBZ Farms in Little Rock. The second workshop, covering drip irrigation and soil management in high tunnels, is scheduled for June 17 in at the BWG Herbal Tea farm Casscoe. Both workshops take place from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
A third workshop, covering bed preparation and methods of transplant production, is scheduled for September 17 at the St. Joseph Farmstead in Little Rock from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. Registration for this event will be forthcoming.
“We scheduled it later in the year for a couple of reasons,” Ernst said. “Mainly because September is when many growers transition from summer crops to cool-season crops, so it’s a great time to talk about bed prep and transplant production. Plus, July and August are just too hot to be in a tunnel for long in Arkansas.”
Ernst said attendees do not necessarily need to have prior high tunnel production experience to benefit from the workshops.
“While we usually have one or two main topics planned for each meetup, the format is flexible,” she said. “We encourage participants to ask questions that help guide the conversation based on their interests and experience level. We've had attendees ranging from brand-new growers to those just exploring the idea of tunnel production.”
Ernst said the summer workshop series reflects a growing interest in high tunnel production throughout Arkansas.
“High tunnels help protect crops from harsh weather, like heavy rain or hail, which can wipe out field-grown crops,” she said. “When used effectively, they also extend the growing season. Some Arkansas growers are even producing year-round, which helps increase their farm income and market presence.
“These shorter, regional events allow us to reach more growers across the state and respond to the increasing interest in high tunnel production.”
Attendance for each workshop is free, but attendance is limited.
To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on X 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 X at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on X 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 three campuses.
Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is an equal opportunity institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact Taunya Ernst at ternst@uada.edu as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.
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Media Contact:
Ryan McGeeney
rmcgeeney@uada.edu
@Ryan_McG44
501-671-2120