Extension to offer cut flower short course Nov. 17
Nov. 10, 2026
By Tracy Courage
University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture
Fast Facts
- Course open to new and experienced cut flower growers
- Topics: Variety selection, drip irrigation, pest and fertility management, soil testing
- Registration deadline is Nov. 13
- Cost is $25 and includes lunch
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LITTLE ROCK — The Cooperative Extension Service will host a one-day course Nov. 17 for people interested in growing cut flowers as a specialty crop.
The course will be offered 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Extension’s state headquarters in Little Rock, 2301 S. University Ave. The cost is $25 and includes lunch and resources. Online registration is available through Nov. 13.
“Interest in locally grown cut flowers is growing across Arkansas, and growers need practical, research-based information to build profitable operations,” said Anthony Bowden, extension nursery and greenhouse production specialist for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. “This course puts that information in one place, from irrigation and soil fertility to pest management and record keeping.”
The course is open to new and experienced cut flower growers. Experts from the Division of Agriculture will lead sessions on the following topics:
- Production basics and cultivar selection – Anthony Bowden, extension nursery and greenhouse production specialist
- Integrated pest management basics – Aaron Cato, extension horticulture/IPM specialist
- Proper soil testing methods and how to read a soil test – Bronc Finch, extension soil fertility specialist
- Basics of on-farm record keeping – Ryan Loy, extension agricultural economist
- Drip irrigation – Taunya Ernst, extension high tunnel and urban agriculture educator
Ernst will also provide a demonstration of drip irrigation, which plays an important role in efficient water and nutrient management for specialty crop production.
For more information about the Cut Flower Short Course, contact Anthony Bowden at ab218@uark.edu.
To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit uada.edu. To learn more about ag and food research in Arkansas, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station at aaes.uada.edu.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas 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 three system campuses.
The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture is an equal opportunity institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact Anthony Bowden at 501-671-2153 as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.
Media Contact: Tracy Courage
Director of Communications-Extension
U of A Division of Agriculture
tcourage@uark.edu