By Rebekah Hall
University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture
LITTLE ROCK — In response to the growing popularity of homesteading and sustainability efforts among Arkansans, the Cooperative Extension Service will host three events this month offering research-based information on food preservation, vegetable gardening, composting and more.
John D. Anderson, director of the Cooperative Extension Service for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said these educational trainings strengthen agriculture, communities and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices.
"One of our goals within the Division of Agriculture is to improve the overall health of Arkansans, and increasing food security is a big part of the picture," Anderson said. "Our extension agents work in every county of the state, teaching Arkansans how to grow, preserve and prepare food, manage resources, increase self-sufficiency, and ultimately become more food secure.”
Hands-on Homesteading in Fulton County
Fulton County Extension will host Hands-on Homesteading on Feb. 18. The half-day event will take place from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Fulton County Fairgrounds at 124 Arena Lane in Salem. The cost is $10 and includes lunch. Attendees should register online by Feb. 11.
Anna Barnett, Fulton County extension agriculture agent for the Division of Agriculture, said this is the first time the county has hosted a large-scale event focused on homesteading and sustainable living.
“Homesteading and sustainability have become increasingly popular topics in our community,” Barnett said. “We’ve seen a noticeable rise in people asking for resources on gardening, food preservation, backyard livestock and self-sufficiency. I would attribute this increased interest largely to more people moving to the Natural State for its rural opportunities, who want to learn how to live more intentionally, connect with the land and make the most of what their property can offer.”
The Hands-on Homesteading event will include information sessions on herb gardening, pasture management and fencing, building a rain barrel, canning and more.
“It is important for Fulton County to share extension resources because we provide research-based, practical information that helps people make informed decisions for their homes, farms and families,” Barnett said. “These resources empower individuals with skills that can improve food security, save money, promote sustainability and strengthen communities.
“By sharing this knowledge, extension helps Arkansans become more confident, capable and resilient,” she said.
Barnett said she encourages people to attend the event and take advantage of “hands-on learning opportunities that are both practical and applicable to everyday life.”
“Participants will gain real-world skills, learn from knowledgeable instructors and have the chance to ask questions and connect with others who share similar interests,” she said. “Whether someone is just starting out or already homesteading, they will leave with useful information, new ideas and resources they can immediately put into practice at home.”
Arkansas Vegetable Growers Conference
The 2026 Arkansas Vegetable Growers Conference will take place Feb. 19-20 at the Cooperative Extension Service state office at 2301 S. University Ave. in Little Rock. The conference will include a drip irrigation demonstration and talks covering pest control, food safety, soil health and more.
The event will also feature two panels, including a question-and-answer panel with experienced Arkansas vegetable growers. The second panel will feature representatives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and Farm Service Agency, the Division of Agriculture, the Southern Risk Management Education Center and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff in discussion about resources available to Arkansas vegetable growers.
The cost to attend is $40 before Feb. 10, after which the fee increases to $50. Register online or in person on the day of the event.
Southwest Arkansas Homesteading Conference
For the second year in a row, extension staff in Howard and Pike counties will host the Southwest Arkansas Homesteading Conference on Feb. 21. The one-day event will be held 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. at the University of Arkansas Cossatot Community College Nashville Campus, at 1558 US-371 in Nashville, Arkansas.
The cost to attend is $30, which includes lunch. The event will also include a Kids Camp program for youth ages 5-19, which costs an additional $25 and includes lunch and snacks. Register online by Feb. 15 for guaranteed meal choice.
Samantha Horn, Howard County extension staff chair, said Howard and Pike counties collaborate on the event because “our counties face a lot of the same problems and challenges.”
“Our clients are asking the same questions,” Horn said. “With us standing together as one force, I think it makes a stronger impact on others. We have a great program planned for everyone in the family. I encourage folks to attend, as they are sure to walk away having had a great time and with a lot of new, relevant information.”
The Southwest Arkansas Homesteading Conference will include information sessions on high tunnel and greenhouse management, water bath and pressure canning, composting, forestry and more. During the Kids Camp, youth will learn to make candles, mini barn quilts and more.
“We have seen a rise in interest in homesteading and sustainability, especially since the COVID pandemic,” Horn said. “Even our youth have expressed interest. I think people want to have the freedom to make sure they are prepared to be self-sustainable.”
Extension homesteading resources
To find all extension homesteading resources in one place, visit the Homesteading in Arkansas page on the Cooperative Extension Service website.
For more information about food canning, pickling, drying and more, visit the Arkansas Food Preservation Resources page.
The Division of Agriculture YouTube channel also features the Preserving for You series, which includes several food preservation demonstrations and recipes.
To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit uada.edu. To learn more about ag and food research in Arkansas, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station at aaes.uada.edu.
