Released April 11, 2008

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.

-30-

http://www.uaex.edu/news/april2008/0411seay.htm

Contact: Lamar James, (501) 671-2187 or (501) 753-0207, ljames@uaex.edu