More than 165 participants recently took part in Agriculture Farm Field Day at the Pearlie S. Reed/Robert L. Cole Small Farm Outreach Wetlands and Water Management Center (SFO-WWMC) on the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) Farm in Lonoke, Arkansas. Tractor-pulled trailers brought them to different learning stations, where they heard from scientists, researchers and faculty reporting on timely agricultural projects.
Dr. Obadiah Njue, assistant dean for Extension and outreach at UAPB, said the field day was held to strengthen UAPB’s rural partnerships by collaborating with multi-agency groups of scientists – including engineers, professors and community-based organizations – on the shared goal of the efficient and effective use of water and wetlands by farmers.
“UAPB’s Lonoke Farm site demonstrates the important role of honeybees in fruit crops and vegetable production, as well as the importance of aquaculture biosecurity for the exclusion, eradication or effective management of risks posed by infectious pathogens to aquatic animals in culture,” he said. “The field day was also a great way to showcase UAPB’s involvement in 4-H and youth programming, including the incorporation of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) topics to promote healthy living. The farm uses cutting-edge technologies in irrigation water and environmental management in crop production including rice, sweet potatoes, southern cowpeas and soybeans.”
After the farm tour, visitors convened for a luncheon and speech given by Mike Sullivan, Arkansas state conservationist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service.
The SFO-WWMC was created on the 871-acre UAPB farm to address critical groundwater issues facing Arkansas and the economic plight of small-scale, limited resource farmers. Research and demonstration projects are underway at the center to improve the use of surface and underground water.
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff 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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