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In the News - April 2008
Homespun advice from a veteran county agent
Welcome to, or there goes, the neighborhood
BENTONVILLE, Ark. - Change, such as is occurring throughout northwest
Arkansas, seems to bring an equal portion of problems and opportunities.
The traffic and construction, coupled with related economic conditions within
every municipality, are easy to register. Similar changes occurring in rural
areas follow the same pattern but seem to fly below the radar.
Advice I give farmers attending each pesticide class is to know the property
owner next door. Historically, if herbicide drift just happened to control
thistle in the next field, it was no big deal. This year, however, there may be
a nice home with a $20,000 landscape on that property. Although the new neighbor
may use the same, or even harsher chemicals on the lawn, if it happens to arrive
as drift from your sprayer, the situation can get sticky.
Therein is the importance of knowing the neighborhood because the lack of
communication is still the No. 1 problem affecting relationships. Regardless of
place of residence, some people communicate effectively, while some must find
other methods. In that case, consider the following information.
Small farm data from the last agriculture census provides tidbits about the
new rural community. The data reveals that our small acreage neighbors may have
on hand, or are producing: alpacas, angora goats, beef cattle, brush goats,
burros, ducks, emus, geese, hogs, horses, llamas, meat goats, milk cows, milk
goats, ostriches, pheasants, pigeons, quail, sheep and other miscellaneous
livestock and poultry.
I’ve noted only animal-based entrepreneurs, but a case could be made in
regards to the increasing status of horticulture. My point is that increased
growth within our rural communities that includes any resident with agriculture
interests is a positive thing.
So the next time you happen to bump into your new neighbor at the farm supply
store, take a minute to ask about his alpaca or Boer goats. Some of these new
animals are professed to eat thistle, chase coyotes and make strange sounds in
the night. You could learn a few things, and vice versa. 'Til next time!
For more information about herbicide use or animal production, contact your
county extension agent with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
April 11, 2008
By: Robert Seay
Benton County Extension Agent Staff Chair
Media Contact: Lamar James
Extension Communications Specialist
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2187 or (501) 753-0207
ljames@uaex.edu
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