In July, I had an opportunity to travel to Stuttgart, Ark. When I joined the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Research & Extension LeadAR program, I was looking forward to making my first visit to south Arkansas. The theme of this seminar was going to be row crops.
As I drove down for the seminar, I could appreciate the view. I now understand why people who come from this part of the state are so proud of their hometowns and counties. There were fields and fields of various row crows. The cotton and rice fields were simply showing off, they were lovely. I was not prepared for the stunning fields of sunflowers as I edged closer to my destination. I know these are planted to prepare for dove hunting season, but all those giant yellow flowers pointing toward the sun were like a floral chorus. I was enchanted.
The first night, our group stayed at Boyd Farmhouse Inn in Dewitte. It was simply charming and had a nice restaurant. The rooms were spacious and clean and provided a nice view of the farmland in the community.
On the first day of our seminar, our group met at the Stuttgart Junior High School gym and boarded a school bus. From there we departed for Dabbs Discovery Farm. It was here we learned more about rice and other crop research and partnerships between the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Research & Extensions partnerships with local growers. We were able to see a water conservation presentation by a local extension agent working closely with the Dabbs Family Farm.
Our next stop was at Five Oaks Lodge. Here we met with George Dunklin. Many hunters enjoy Five Oaks Lodge during duck hunting season. We were able to learn more about the conservation and education initiatives happening on the property. We learned more about duck migration, diets and habits from a researcher working there. We were also able to hear a presentation on how this organization supports conservation for children in local school districts in the surrounding area. Camp Five Oaks is quickly becoming more popular and is feeding future generations of hunters, fishermen and conservationists to preserve this land that is loved very much.
We were able to take a break at the Arkansas County Farm Bureau office for lunch. I learned that down south, they put white rice in their chicken poppyseed casserole. I cannot wait to try that spin on an old favorite recipe in my own household.
Our final stop of the day was the Bayou Meto Pumping Station. This facility, finished in 2015, is just one pumping station that will eventually distribute water to nearly 268,000 square miles of farmland in the region. The project will help replenish the alluvial aquifer that continues to be in decline.
Our trip concluded with our hilarious bus driver passing out “write up” slips to three of my colleagues. We laughed and laughed at this humorous gesture. I was thankful to have gotten to take part in part of this great seminar. Row crop agriculture is vital to the Arkansas economy. I had to cut out a day early and tend to our youngest son who was having an outpatient procedure the following day. It was great to see the great “duck hunting” capital of the state that I have heard so many friends boast about over my time living in Arkansas. I love meeting people who are just as proud of where they are from as I am, 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.’
