Workshop to cover basics of high tunnel production
Sept. 20, 2024
By Tracy Courage
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Fast Facts
- Workshop set for Oct. 10 at Greene County Extension
- Includes instruction, management strategies, visit to high tunnel, grower panel
- Oct. 5 deadline to register at https://uada.formstack.com/forms/high_tunnel
- $20 registration fee includes lunch
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(Newsrooms: High Tunnel photo
PARAGOULD, Ark. — The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service is hosting a workshop to teach growers and gardeners how to use high tunnels to extend their growing season.
The High Tunnel Workshop is scheduled for Oct. 10, from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., in the Greene County Extension meeting room at 4410 Fairview Road, Paragould. The cost is $20, which includes lunch. Registration is open through Oct. 5 at https://uada.formstack.com/forms/high_tunnel.
“Whether you are a beginning grower or an experienced one, a backyard gardener or a large producer, this workshop can benefit you,” said Taunya Ernst, extension high tunnel and urban agriculture educator for the Division of Agriculture. “Those who attend will walk away with an understanding of how a high tunnel can be incorporated into and benefit their existing operation, no matter how big that operation is. While high tunnel production can present some challenges, the management strategies presented at this workshop will help make high tunnel production successful.”
Ernst said she is seeing an increased interest in high tunnel production basics across the state. High tunnels, often called hoop houses, protect crops from temperature extremes and can extend the growing season for fruits and vegetables.
The workshop will focus on high tunnel basics as well as soil health and conservation.
Workshop participants will visit a high tunnel and hear from other growers who are effectively using high tunnels.
“We have three experienced high tunnel growers who will participate in a grower panel discussion,” Ernst said. “Attendees will be able to hear about their experiences and ask questions.”
Workshop Schedule
- High Tunnel Production Must-Knows — Taunya Ernst, High Tunnel and Urban Ag Instructor, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture
- Managing Soil and Soil Health in High Tunnels — Amanda McWhirt, Extension Horticulture Production Specialist, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture
- Conservation with High Tunnels — Katy Brantley, State Urban Conservationist, USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service, Arkansas
High Tunnel Grower Panel
Brandon Emmons — B & C Buckin' Blooms
Rex Barnhill — Barnhill Orchards
Tasha Pillow — Pine Knot Family Farms
The workshop is funded by the Natural Resources Conservation Service. For more information, contact Taunya Ernst at ternst@uada.edu
To learn about high tunnels, visit https://www.uaex.uada.edu/farm-ranch/crops-commercial-horticulture/horticulture/high-tunnel-production.aspx or contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on X and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu. Follow on X at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on X at @AgInArk.
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 is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact Taunya Ernst as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.
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