Centennial celebration/field day set for Sept. 25
PINE BLUFF, Ark. -- The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Cooperative Extension in conjunction with its Lonoke Farm Field Day, Sept. 25 at the Pearlie S. Reed/Robert L. Cole Small Farm Outreach Wetlands and Water Management Center in Lonoke.
The Smith-Lever Act of 1914 created Cooperative Extension and provided funding for outreach programs and activities at land-grant universities founded by the Morrill Act of 1862. On August 30, 1890, Congress passed the Second Morrill of 1890. It provided for the establishment of Negro land-grant colleges in the southern states. The 1890 Cooperative Extension Program at UAPB partners with the 1862 University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service in extending university research to Arkansans.
Lonoke farm field day registration begins at 7:30 a.m. with welcoming remarks at 8:30 a.m. Centennial activities, an antique tractor display and educational tours begin at 8:45 a.m.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) computer generated program, Phaucet, will be showcased. Originally designed with Best Management Practices in mind to improve furrow irrigation on soybeans, Phaucet improves irrigation by reducing field runoff, pumping time and water usage up to 25 percent.
Other tour stops and topics include native tall prairie grasses, alternative crops, University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service weed science studies, Arkansas Forestry Commission progeny testing and the U.S. Geological Survey long-range study on groundwater reduction initiated at the UAPB Lonoke Farm.
The farm is located at 235 West O’Cain Road, off Highway 31, 2.8 miles from I-40 Exit 175, in Lonoke. For more information, contact Charlie Cummings at 501 676-4470.
The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Program offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
By Carol Sanders, writer/editor
UAPB School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences
(870) 575-7238
sandersc@uapb.edu
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