2026 Mid-South Berry Conference
Join the UADA Fruit and Vegetable Production team in Fayetteville, Arkansas, on Jan. 22-24, 2026, for the Mid-South Berry Conference. Hosted by local berry growers associations and University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture with support from the Arkansas Farm Bureau Foundation, this three-day event brings together berry growers, researchers, and industry leaders to share the latest insights on strawberries, blackberries, grapes & MORE!
When: Jan. 22-24, 2026
Where: Don Tyson Center for Agriculture, 1371 W. Altheimer Dr., Fayetteville, AR 72704
Cost: $100 for association members, $150 for non-members (Before December 12th)
A registration fee of $100 for dues-paying members of the following associations or $150 for non-members will be due by Dec. 12, 2025. This fee covers the full conference program and all provided meals. Registrations received after Dec. 12 will result in a $50 late fee.
Members of the Mid-American Strawberry Growers Association (MASGA), Arkansas Blackberry Growers Association (ABGA), and Arkansas Association of Grape Growers (AAGG) qualify for the Association Member Rate.
If you are interested in becoming a member of one of these associations, please contact:
-
MASGA – masga2020@outlook.com
If you are a student and would like to attend the conference, please reach out to Lesley Carr at lcarr@uada.edu.
Berry Basics for New Growers Workshop: Introduction to Strawberry, Blueberry and Blackberry Production
As a special add-on to your conference registration, you can opt to participate in an additional two-hour workshop focused on getting started with berry production. Led by Drs. Amanda McWhirt and Aaron Cato, regional experts in strawberry, blueberry, and blackberry production, this session will cover key topics such as variety selection, site preparation, pest management, and how to get started. The workshop is $50 per person and limited to 25 participants.
Agenda at a Glance
Thursday, January 22
1 - 7 p.m.
- Grapes (wine, table, and muscadine)
- New Grower Berry Workshop (additional fee of $50 per person)
- Welcome reception (refreshments and appetizers provided)
Friday, January 23
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Strawberry
- Blackberry
- Blueberry
- High Tunnels
- Mid America Strawberry Growers Association Meeting
- Coffee breaks and lunch provided
Saturday, January 24
8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- Arkansas Blackberry Growers Association Meeting
- Strawberry
- Blackberry
- Farm Profile
- Coffee breaks provided
Event Organizers:
With support from:
Additional Resources
- Don Tyson Center for Agricultural Sciences
- Address: 1371 W. Altheimer Dr., Fayetteville, AR 72704
- Free parking
- Free wifi for event guests
These hotels are within walking distance of each other, but a 5-10 minute drive to the conference venue:
- Comfort Inn and Suites
- 1234 Steamboat Drive, Fayetteville, AR, 72704
- Phone: 479-435-7660
- Estimated Cost: $119.00/night; breakfast included
- Holiday Inn Express
- 1251 North Shiloh Drive, Fayetteville, AR
- Phone: 479-444-6006
- Estimated Cost: $123.00/night; breakfast included
- Homewood Suites by Hilton
- 1305 N Palak Dr, Fayetteville, AR, 72704
- Phone: 479-442-3000
- Estimated Cost: $131.00/night; breakfast included
- Hilton Garden Inn
- 1325 North Palak Drive, Fayetteville, AR 72704
- Phone: 479-444-6006
- Estimated Cost: $144.00/night
- The closest airport is Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (XNA) about 20 miles from the UA System. Attendees will need to use a ride service, taxi, or rental car to get from the airport to the hotel.
- Other airport locations include Tulsa international Airport (TUL) which is 111 miles or Little Rock Airport (LIT) which is 150 miles from our meeting location.
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