Mid-South Berry Conference set for Jan. 22-24
Dec. 9, 2025
By Sarah Cato
Fast facts
- Mid-South Berry Conference to be held Jan. 22-24 in Fayetteville.
- Research updates, networking opportunities for berry growers
- Registration and more information available online.
(358 words)
NEWSROOMS download conference logo.
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Strawberry, blackberry, blueberry and grape growers in the Mid-South will have the opportunity to network with and hear updates from fellow growers, researchers and industry leaders at the 2026 Mid-South Berry Conference in Fayetteville.
The conference, hosted by local growers’ associations and the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture with support from Arkansas Farm Bureau, will kick off at 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22 and run through noon Saturday, Jan. 24.
“We’re so excited to get our berry growers together with others from the Mid-South region this winter to give research updates, share updated recommendations and provide insights in how to be successful with berry production in the region,” said Amanda McWhirt, horticulture production specialist for the Division of Agriculture.
“Conferences like these give us a chance to hear about research that is specific to our region and our crops,” said Dennis McGarrah Jr. of McGarrah Farms, Rivercrest Orchards. “But really the networking is the most valuable part. Talking with other growers and seeing what works and doesn’t work on their farm is so helpful to us.”
The conference will be held at the Don Tyson Center for Agriculture in Fayetteville. Registration for the conference is required with a $100 fee for growers’ association members and $150 for non-members. More information for joining local growers’ association can be found on the conference webpage.
Berry Basics: Workshop for new growers
For an additional $50, beginning growers can attend a special add-on workshop focused on getting started in berry production. This two-hour workshop will cover key topics such as variety selection, site preparation, pest management and more. Registration is limited to 25 participants.
Conference agenda overview
Thursday, Jan. 22: 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Grapes (wine grapes, table grapes and muscadines)
- Berry Basics New Grower Workshop (additional fee)
- Welcome reception
Friday, Jan. 23: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Strawberry
- Blackberry
- Blueberry
- High tunnels
- Mid-America Strawberry Growers Association meeting
- Coffee breaks and lunch provided
Saturday, Jan. 24: 1:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Arkansas Blackberry Growers Association Meeting
- Strawberry
- Blackberry
- Farm Profile: Gooberbuds, Justin, TX
- Coffee breaks provided
Registration, a full agenda and more information can be found on the conference webpage.
To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu. Follow on Twitter at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on Twitter at @AgInArk. To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu.
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 institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact Amanda McWhirt at amcwhirt@uada.edu as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.