Recently, our University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Research and Extension LeadAR group held one of its seminars in northwest Arkansas. There is nothing better than getting an opportunity to show off things happening in our hometown and surrounding community.
We started out in Fayetteville at the Center for Farms and Food. We were able to hear speakers talk about the training producers receive from the center. Our group also listened to a speaker from the ED Spring Creek Food Hub. This is a way local producers can get produce into local markets. The final speaker shared information about the prescription vegetable program through the Community Clinic NWA. This is a program that puts nutritious foods into the hands of local community members who need it to promote a healthier diet and lifestyle.
Our group then traveled to Honest Dirt Farm, also in Fayetteville. We were able to meet with producers and a spokesperson from the NWA Land Trust. Together, they have formed a partnership to lease a half-acre of Land Trust land to two young farmers who provide food to the local farmer’s market and other local grocers. It was a unique learning opportunity to see and hear from small scale producers who make a large impact on our community.
From here we traveled north into Benton County where we discovered something new – an agrihood in the middle of Bentonville. Red Barn Agri Hood is a unique living community where the amenities aren’t tennis courts and swimming pools. Instead, this urban environment is home to a large community garden and farm stand. It was one of the most unique stops on our seminar. There was a terrific amount of organization and science happening at Red Barn – from coffee grinding to growing local mushrooms and other produce throughout the year. It was a beautiful location with a unique sense of urban farm community.
We had a rare dining experience at a local restaurant, Crepes Paulette. When I think of crepes, I think of a sweet breakfast or dessert. These crepes were interesting as they were filled with sandwich fillings with many savory offerings. As our large group descended on the restaurant during lunchtime, it was fun to try something new.
Our first day ended at Crystal Bridges. Our group was treated to a discussion about how to bring more urban art experiences to adults and children in rural areas. We were able to explore current art exhibitions inside the museum. We dined inside the museum for dinner and had great conversations with LeadAR alumni from the local area. Our evening concluded with exploration through the Listening Forest exhibit – an outdoor light and sound art exhibition at Crystal Bridges along the trail system.
Our final day took us to Gentry where we were able to tour a state-of-the-art poultry production facility. We were able to learn more about the processing of poultry from beginning to end. The facility is a large employer in Benton County and provides a lot of upward mobility inside the organization for its employees. From there, we headed to Elkins for lunch at a local restaurant – Tequila Grill. After lunch we met with a panel of local poultry growers to understand the challenges of that side of the poultry industry.
I may be well into my 40s, but I enjoy learning new things especially as it relates to agriculture. As we enter the Christmas season, this is a great opportunity to share in the challenges and joys presented in our chosen field of agriculture. I hope this season, you find new learning experiences too, neighbor.
Jody Harris is a freelance communications specialist, gardener, ranch wife and mother of four. She and her family raise Angus beef cattle and other critters on their northwest Arkansas ranch. She is a graduate of Missouri State University. To contact Jody, go to ozarksfn.com and click on ‘Contact Us.’
