Arkansas's Blackberry Discovery Farm
Research-based recommendations and trainings for specialty crops in Arkansas have previously been lacking, and horticulture crop producers frequently struggle with efficiently managing irrigation, implementing new practices, and determining best cultivars. In order to develop better practices for specialty crops, this horticulture discovery farm was established in 2022 in conjunction with Ritter Farms in Judsonia, Arkansas.
Horticulture Discovery Farm Goals
- Develop cultivar and fertility recommendations for large-scale production and shipping
- Learn the effectiveness of the use of low tunnels and shade cloths as supplemental practices
- Determine best-practices of utilizing high tunnels for production
- Provide specialty crop growers with an on-farm demonstration of improved practices
Project Leads
Dr. Amanda McWhirt
Horticulture Production Extension Specialist
501-671-2229
Lizzy Herrera
Program Associate- Horticulture
501-671-2392
Farm Collaborators
Ritter Farms, located in Judsonia, Arkansas, is a family-owned operation and the state’s leading blackberry producer. Spanning 100 acres, the farm yields approximately one million pounds of blackberries annually. In addition to blackberries, Ritter Farms cultivates blueberries, strawberries, muscadines, peonies, and sunflowers, complemented by an on-site retail store featuring Arkansas-made products such as jams, jellies, candles, and soaps.
Founded in 1886 as part of Ritter Agribusiness, the farm expanded its focus in 2018 by acquiring Gillam Farms, enabling it to diversify into specialty crops for both local and national markets. Under the leadership of Matt Wilson, director of Ritter Farms and president of the Arkansas Blackberry Growers Association, the farm exemplifies innovation, sustainability, and community engagement. These qualities make Ritter Farms an outstanding candidate to become Arkansas's third horticultural discovery farm, providing a platform to educate growers, extension agents, and agricultural professionals on sustainable blackberry production and management practices.
Learn more about Ritter Farms' History
Video interview from 2020 with Arkansas Farm Bureau
Resources
- Arkansas Discovery Farms Program
- Arkansas Blackberry School
- Rotating Cross-Arm Trellis System for Blackberry Production
- Getting Started with Commercial Blackberry Production
- 2023 Arkansas Small Fruit Management Schedule
This project is supported by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture's
Specialty Crop Block Program
