More than 300 attendees gathered at the Agriculture Farm Field Day to hear from agricultural scientists, researchers and faculty. The event was held recently at the Pearlie S. Reed/Robert L. Cole Small Farm Outreach Wetlands and Water Management Center on the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Farm in Lonoke.
Tractor-pulled trailers brought participants on a tour of the farm, during which they learned about UAPB’s 4-H and fisheries programs, as well as topics such as honeybees and pollinators, rice row crops, high tunnels, forestry and cowpea breeding.
They also had the chance to check out the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s mobile fish tank and learn about the U.S. Geological Survey’s ground water alluvial aquifer and UAPB’s Sweet Potato Foundation Seed Program.
Amanda Mathis, state conservationist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service in Little Rock, addressed attendees during the event’s luncheon.
Scott Henderson traveled from his farm in West Texas to attend the field day.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
“I’m very grateful to the event planners here and enjoyed the program and facility immensely,” he said. “I attended to gain ideas on small farm planning and research for cash crops.”
Ty Davis, director for the Arkansas Farm Service Agency, said he attended the field day to support his clientele. “It is my responsibility to oversee the implementation and administration of our programs, including commodities, conservation, loans and disaster assistance programs,” he said. “My job is to make sure that the money comes out on time and take care of producers such as the farmers present at the field day.”
Karen Lee, extension assistant for UAPB’s Small Farm Program, said the impact of the field day extends well beyond the program itself.
“The seeds we have sown together will yield lasting results, strengthening the visibility and sustainability of UAPB within the community for generations to come,” she said. “While we identified areas for future improvement, the efforts of UAPB’s School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences were deeply appreciated and played a critical role in the success of one of our signature events.”
Will Hehemann is an extension specialist for communications at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences.