One of the things I love most about living in Arkansas is how many diverse programs and events there are around the state; programs that not only aim to entertain but programs that aim to educate Arkansans as well as those who don’t live here. The passion that is put forth and the knowledge that is shared generates enthusiasm that is contagious.
I was honored to be invited to one such event this last Tuesday. The Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board (ASPB) sponsored a day-long educational soybean program called Bean2Blog and was hosted at The Garden Home of Arkansas’ own lifestyle guru, P. Allen Smith at Moss Mountain Farm in Roland, Arkansas.
I, along with seventeen other bloggers from around the state, joined P. Allen for a tour of his garden home and later in the afternoon we heard from ASPB member West Higginbothom, a third generation Arkansas farmer. West shared with us the importance of the soybean industry in Arkansas. He stressed that the family farm is just as important now as it was in the past, and even more so as food production will need to double by the year 2050. Not only is soybean production beneficial for our food supply, it also is used in animal agriculture {as feed} and is valued at $2 billion. Billion with a B, friends. That’s a hot commodity for Arkansas, wouldn’t you say?
Soybean production is not only a healthy, beneficial food source; its oil is used in the production of biodiesel, personal hygiene products such as lotions and lip balms, an it’s also used in products like soy candles.
In fact, we were able to meet with a LockStars, a family owned soy-candle making business. While we had to forgo the candle-making demonstration because of the weather, it was fun to take a look at the all the different scents available for purchase {also-we came home with 2 candles hidden in a snazzy gift bag! Thanks, LockStars!}.
I’m so glad I was able to get to learn more about Arkansas soybeans. I take pride in my adopted home state and consider myself lucky to be able to live here.
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| We helped plant some soybeans in the raised bed vegetable gardens. |
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| I’d love to return in the fall and see how my little beans turned out. |
I’ll have more on the Bean2Blog event tomorrow. You won’t want to miss the lovely garden and home tour.
For more information on Arkansas soybeans:
Visit the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board on the web
Follow the ASPB on Twitter
Or, like them on Facebook
See more of my pictures from B2B here.
Read more about Moss Mountain Farm here.
**disclosure** This is not a compensated post. While I did receive promotional Arkansas soybean items and free candles, I was not asked to blog about the event or the items. All opinions are my own.
LOVELY picture dear!!
Arkansas soybeans (and cotton) put me through college:)) T.
As a vegetarian, I use quite a few soy products.
An Arkies Musings