An area commercial vegetable production clinic is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 18, at the Lon Mann Cotton Research Station at Marianna. Sponsored by the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Small Farm Program, the clinic will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Although targeted for commercial growers in Lee, Monroe, Phillips and St. Francis counties, those selling at farmers markets, local gardeners and Master Gardeners are welcome to attend, said Henry English, director of the UAPB Small Farm Program.
Topics will include the Stewardship Management Plan; Farm Service Agency and Lee County Conservation District updates; and insect, weed and disease management for cucurbits (squash, watermelons and cucumbers) southern peas, sweet potatoes, bell peppers and greens.
U.S. Department of Agriculture assistance to small business in agriculture will also be covered.
The complimentary lunch will feature Barry Colley of Seven Harvest Inc. as the luncheon speaker. He will discuss the benefits of hoop house vegetable production.
Other presenters include representatives from the Arkansas Forestry Commission, the Farm Service Agency, and the USDA; Cooperative Extension specialists; and University of Arkansas Fayetteville and UAPB professors.
Contact Ernest Bradley, UAPB multi-county agent, 870-295-7720 to preregister and be included in the meal count or if you have special needs.