Workshop to cover basics of high tunnel production

Fast Facts

Workshop set for Oct. 10 at Greene County Extension
Includes instruction, management strategies, visit to high tunnel, grower panel
Oct. 5 deadline to register at https://uada.formstack.com/forms/high_tunnel
$20 registration fee includes lunch

PARAGOULD — The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service is hosting a workshop to teach growers and gardeners how to use high tunnels to extend their growing season.
The High Tunnel Workshop is scheduled for Oct. 10, from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., in the Greene County Extension meeting room at 4410 Fairview Road, Paragould. The cost is $20, which includes lunch. Registration is open through Oct. 5 at https://uada.formstack.com/forms/high_tunnel.
“Whether you are a beginning grower or an experienced one, a backyard gardener or a large producer, this workshop can benefit you,” said Taunya Ernst, extension high tunnel and urban agriculture educator for the Division of Agriculture. “Those who attend will walk away with an understanding of how a high tunnel can be incorporated into and benefit their existing operation, no matter how big that operation is. While high tunnel production can present some challenges, the management strategies presented at this workshop will help make high tunnel production successful.”
Ernst said she is seeing an increased interest in high tunnel production basics across the state. High tunnels, often called hoop houses, protect crops from temperature extremes and can extend the growing season for fruits and vegetables.
The workshop will focus on high tunnel basics as well as soil health and conservation.

Workshop participants will visit a high tunnel and hear from other growers who are effectively using high tunnels.
“We have three experienced high tunnel growers who will participate in a grower panel discussion,” Ernst said. “Attendees will be able to hear about their experiences and ask questions.”
Workshop Schedule
High Tunnel Production Must-Knows — Taunya Ernst, High Tunnel and Urban Ag Instructor, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture
Managing Soil and Soil Health in High Tunnels — Amanda McWhirt, Extension Horticulture Production Specialist, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture
Conservation with High Tunnels — Katy Brantley, State Urban Conservationist, USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service, Arkansas
High Tunnel Grower Panel
Brandon Emmons — B & C Buckin' Blooms
Rex Barnhill — Barnhill Orchards
Tasha Pillow — Pine Knot Family Farms
The workshop is funded by the Natural Resources Conservation Service. For more information, contact Taunya Ernst at ternst@uada.edu