Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Tomato Field Day Set For May 27

Growers can learn the latest research on varieties, diseases and marketing at the Tomato Field Day set for May 27 in the heart of southern Arkansas' tomato producing area.

The field day is being conducted by the Southwest Research and Extension Center located at the University of Arkansas at Monticello. It is being hosted by the Roger Pace Farm, located about two miles north of Monticello on Arkansas Highway 35.

"We normally have anywhere from 40 to 100 folks at this event." says Bradley County Extension agent John Gavin. "We have tomato producers from all over the state and adjoining states coming."

On the program are Extension horticulture specialist Paul Cooper, who will discuss study comparing varieties; Extension plant pathologist Cliff Coker will talk about fungicides and a disease control study; Extension entomlogist Charles Allen will discuss insect control and spotted wilt virus; and Kelly Bryant, extension farm management specialist, will give a tomato marketing update.

"After the main program, there will be an opportunity to visit with the researchers for a one-on-one question and answer session," Gavin says. "There also will be an opportunity to tour the plots."

Arkansas tomatoes are no small potatoes.

"Last year, we produced about 1.2 million boxes and averaged about $7 a box," Gavin said. "Tomatoes were grown on about 900 to 1,000 acres in Bradley, Drew and Ashley counties."

For more information about the tomato field day, call the Bradley County Extension office at 870-226-8410.