What the Peanut Field Day Is
The Peanut Field Day is an evening meeting at the Jackson County Extension Center in Newport, where the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture keeps most of its peanut small plot research. The 2026 edition was held on August 5. It is written for peanut farmers, consultants and other agriculture industry professionals, and it is deliberately informal. Organizer Tom Barber, an extension Distinguished Professor of crop, soil and environmental sciences, says the relaxed format lets growers ask questions that do not fit standard categories.
How It Works: The Timeline
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| 4:00 p.m. | Onsite registration begins |
| 4:20 p.m. | Facility tour begins |
| 6:30 p.m. | Dinner is served |
The tour showcases the peanut research plots at the Extension Center. Zachary Treadway, extension peanut and cotton agronomist, was on hand to discuss the crop's outlook.
Topics Covered
- Managing a failed inoculation
- Use of growth regulators
- Weed control programs
- Disease management
- Insect concerns and control
Why This Year Mattered
Peanut acreage fell sharply in 2026. USDA's June 30 Acreage report put U.S. peanut acreage down 22 percent, to about 1.53 million acres. Arkansas planted 31,000 acres, down more than 35 percent from 2025. Treadway notes that peanuts have been becoming more common in Arkansas, that acreage had grown every year until 2026, and that the state has two shelling plants. A field day gives growers a chance to compare notes on what is working in a tougher year.
Who Can Attend and What It Costs
The field day is open to growers, consultants and industry professionals. Registration is free and takes place onsite; no advance sign-up process is described. Dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. after the tour and discussion.
Where
Jackson County Extension Center, Newport, Arkansas. Plan to arrive by 4:00 p.m. to register before the 4:20 p.m. tour.
Accommodations
Anyone needing a disability accommodation to take part can contact organizer Tom Barber at 501-944-0549. Arkansas Relay users can dial 711.
Questions
Do I need to sign up beforehand?
No. Registration is onsite and free.
Will I get to see research plots?
Yes. The Extension Center hosts most of the Division of Agriculture's peanut small plot research, and the tour showcases that work.
Is dinner provided?
Yes, dinner is served at 6:30 p.m.
Who do I call with other questions?
The Division of Agriculture state office in Little Rock, 501-671-2000 (toll-free 888-884-5565).
Official Links
- Division of Agriculture announcement: 2026 schedule, topics and contacts
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Arkansas Pecan Festival
Pecan festival on Main Street in Keo, scheduled for December 5, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Main Street, Keo, AR 72083 Official event details - Arkansas Rice Festival
Rice-themed festival in downtown Weiner, scheduled for October 9, 2027.
Weiner, AR Official event details - Arkansas Farm Bureau Annual Convention
Held each year; the most recent dates were December 3-5, 2025 (91st convention). Includes a public trade show with 180+ vendors, a farmers market, workshops and elections of state leaders.
- Four States Agricultural Expo
Annual research and best-practices expo for area growers, held at the Four States Fair and Rodeo grounds in Texarkana; the most recent date was February 12, 2026.
- Defeat the Beast Rodeo
Fourth annual two-night rodeo at Barton Coliseum in Little Rock hosted by local Arkansans; the most recent dates were March 27-28, 2026, with shows at 7 p.m.
2600 Howard St., Little Rock, AR Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.