[westd27]

I want to start my own small produce farm somwhere in southern Arkansas. Is there a lot of that in that part of the state? We want to live in a town where there are nice friendly Christian people with conservative values. A nearby farmers market or other place to sell crops and produce is certainly a big plus. What would be a good place to look with fairly inexpensive yet decent land for farming? I ain't lookin for nothin fancy, just a good honest decent place to live and work. Any input would be helpful. Thanks........

[SwinerBock]

There are quite a few places throughout south Arkansas where someone who has a farm has thrown up a little road-side stand on their property to sell some of their excess produce.

El Dorado used to have a seasonal farmers market that ran a couple of days a week in the summer on the square, but I haven't seen it this year. There is a large farm that currently sets up a couple of days a week in El Do to sell seasonal produce, but they do it on College Avenue instead of on the square.

In Hampton, there is a large fruit farm that allows you to come and pick your own.

Over near Texarkana is what you would call some industrial farm land. Huge swaths of corn and soybean being grown over there.

Even if you don't get a large garden going, you will still find plenty of neighbors and friends down here that may have their own, and you will probably wind up swapping produce with them every once in a while.

[SwinerBock]

Incidentally, what is primarily grown down here are potatos, corn, tomatos, onions, peppers of all varieties, watermelons, peas and beans. At least, that is what I see the most of. You'll come across strawberries, blackberries and peaches as well.

And then of course there is the local favorite, the mayhaw.

[Mems]

What's a mayhaw??? (Am I setting myself up here???)!

[luvarkansas]

Originally Posted by westd27

I want to start my own small produce farm somwhere in southern Arkansas.

Is there any certain reason you want southern Arkansas? Have you been to Arkansas? Because there are many, many places in Arkansas that are much prettier than the southern part, but would still be good for a small farm. Just wonderin'.

[luvarkansas]

Originally Posted by Mems

What's a mayhaw??? (Am I setting myself up here???)!

A mayhaw is a fruit. It's made into jelly in the South. Has a good taste.

[RogMar]

Originally Posted by SwinerBock

Incidentally, what is primarily grown down here are potatos, corn, tomatos, onions, peppers of all varieties, watermelons, peas and beans. At least, that is what I see the most of. You'll come across strawberries, blackberries and peaches as well.

And then of course there is the local favorite, the mayhaw.

Peaches. Lot's of 'Peaches' signs out this year.

If I were the OP, and I actually wanted to make some money instead of merely grabbing ag status, I would do you-pick blueberries.

I wish I would have kept a clear field and done that now. 4 or 5 acres of blueberries.

There is a you-pick-em farm not far from me. It is not easy to find, it does not advertise.

They were offering pick-service, at a slightly higher price, until this year. The owner told me that there is so much business that he has no time to pick and doesn't want to hire extra help.

Good return after initial build-out.

[Mems]

I've never heard of that but will need to find one and try it sometime. Thank-you.

[SwinerBock]

Originally Posted by Mems

I've never heard of that but will need to find one and try it sometime. Thank-you.

One won't fill you up. They are about the size of cranberries. And I don't believe they are to be eaten raw. You will have to gather up a gallon or so of them to make jelly with. I've heard a wine can be made as well.

Found in the south in and around lakes and river bottoms.

[SwinerBock]

Originally Posted by luvarkansas

Is there any certain reason you want southern Arkansas? Have you been to Arkansas? Because there are many, many places in Arkansas that are much prettier than the southern part, but would still be good for a small farm. Just wonderin'.

Please don't take this the wrong way, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder. While I agree that there are many other parts of Arkansas with its own unique beauty, I personally find the ol' Piney Woods down here in south Arkansas ranks at the top of my personal list.