Virtual Field Trip

Broadcast live from the Sta-N-Step farm, presenters included UA Division faculty: Sherri Sanders (CEA-Agri/White County); Dr. Terry Kirkpatrick; Dr. John Clark, Dr. Donn Johnson; Dr. Jennie Popp; Leah English; and growers Todd Gibson from Ritter Farms (White County), Eric Lum with Moss Springs Berry Farms in New Boston, Texas, and Les Dozier with Sta N Step farm in Tontitown, Arkansas. This multidisciplinary broadcast was supported by a production team including Mary Poling, Vonda Nutt, Kerry Rodtnick, Nick Kordsmeier, Karen Ballard, Julie Robinson, Amanda McWhirt and Jackie Lee. Key instructional content included: 1. an explanation of the differences between primocane and floricane crops, 2. general primocane management practices, 3. implications of product use to suppress disease and pests through early- to mid- season, potential consumer acceptance issues with white-washed berries, 4. the use of farm planning and budgeting tools, and 5. production observations from the grower’s perspective