HOPE – You are cordially invited to attend the 2026 Southwest Arkansas Small Farms Conference, taking place on Thursday, April 30, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Hempstead Hall at the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana, Hempstead Hall, 2500 S. Main Street, Hope, Arkansas.
This conference will bring together producers, landowners, and partners from across the region for a full day of learning, networking, and resource sharing designed to strengthen small farm operations and rural communities.
The conference will open with O’Brennan Moss, Director of Grow Sumthin Challenge Gardens, Inc., who will set the tone with an engaging presentation titled “Harvesting Hope: Building Food Security Through Community Agriculture.” Mr. Moss will be followed by Attorney Rusty Rumley, Senior Staff Attorney at the National Ag Law Center, presenting “Protecting the Future of Family Land.”
Throughout the day, participants may choose from a variety of concurrent sessions focused on community development and wellness, youth development, technology, agriculture and food systems, heirs’ property, genealogy, estate planning, asset protection, forestry supply chain, forestry management, conservation, and natural resources.
Our luncheon speaker, Kesha Cobb, CEO of The Sustainability Project Inc. and Agribusiness and Conservation Consultant, will share insights on how community-driven approaches to agriculture can strengthen local food systems and improve food security. Drawing from her experience in urban agriculture, conservation, and agribusiness development, she will highlight practical strategies for building resilient, sustainable food networks that create economic opportunities and empower communities.
To increase accessibility, the Heirs’ Property and Natural Resources tracks will also be available virtually for those unable to attend in person.
Whether you are an experienced producer, new landowner, or community partner, this conference offers valuable insights and practical tools to help you sustain and grow your operation while protecting your land and legacy.
We look forward to your participation in this impactful event.
For additional information or to register, please contact Hailey Wilkins at wilkinsha@uapb.edu or call 870.575.8161 or Kandi Williams at williamska@uapb.edu or call 870.571.9428.
*This event is being sponsored by UA Hope-Texarkana, UA Division of Agriculture – Hempstead County, and UAPB Small Farm Program.