July 17, 2020
Looking ahead to fall: Cooperative Extension Service webinar offers guidance for farmers planning fall activities
By Tracy Courage
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Fast facts:
- Online webinar offers tips to farm operators planning fall festivities
- Discussion set for July 20 at 2:30 p.m. via Zoom
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LITTLE ROCK — Though summer is in full force, many farm managers are planning now for how to safely offer fall activities such as corn mazes, pumpkin patches, hayrides and other fall festivities amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Nearly 300 farms in Arkansas have agritourism activities, which generate about $4.7 million in annual income, according to the 2017 Census of Agriculture, the most recent source of data.
The Cooperative Extension Service, part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, will offer a free webinar on July 20 to discuss how farm operators can prepare to safely offer fall events. Jeff Jackson with the Arkansas Department of Health and Ruth Pepler with Dogwood Hills Guest Farm will provide information on guidance, restrictions and safety measures.
The webinar is offered through extension’s Local, Regional & Safe Foods Team, led by Dr. Amanda Philyaw Perez. The open discussions are a place for owners of small farms, food businesses, small groceries, nonprofits, farmers markets, farm stands and other local food stakeholders, to share resources and seek technical support while navigating COVID-19.
Discussions are recorded and will be available to view after the meeting date. For more information, contact Rip Weaver at rweaver@uada.edu.
To learn more about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Twitter at @AR_Extension.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to 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.
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Media contact:
Tracy Courage
Director, Communications Services
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2126
tcourage@uada.edu