Blueberry farm to bolster ag program
A&M-Commerce plans to use a newly-acquired property to strengthen academics in food science and solve problems through research. The 12.5 acre property is, oddly enough, a blueberry farm.
Twin Oaks Blueberry Farm is located a few miles from the university, down Highway 24, and was previously owned by Joe and Jean Richards. When the Richards sold the property to A&M-Commerce on Jan. 15, 2010, it also included a large two-story frame house, a small one-story frame house, a pole barn, an already-established blueberry field, pecan trees and a pond for irrigation.
According to Jim Heitholt, head of the agricultural sciences department, the property neighbors the existing University Farm, and its purchase should empower the university to improve several programs.
"In the short-term, student and faculty projects at this blueberry site will positively impact the health and well-being of the region's citizens," Heitholt said. "In the long-term, a strong academic program focused on fruit and vegetable production will ultimately improve nutritional programs and provide economic benefits for northeast Texas and beyond."
Blueberries are ripe for picking around the first of June, according to pickyourown.org. Students can make arrangements with faculty and staff in the agricultural department to visit Twin Oaks.
"The university will sell ‘pick-your-own' blueberries to the public on selected days, as did the previous owners," Heitholt said. "From time to time, we will bring a few pints of fresh berries up to the student center for summer visitors."
Heitholt said the revenue from sales will provide the farm with funds to cover production costs and initiate new educational products. This includes maintenance on a tractor, shredder and other farm implements the previous owner housed at the site, which were purchased along with the property.
"Fruit and vegetable production is a relatively new discipline for us," Heitholt said.
The agricultural sciences department is often better-known for its strong programs in animal science, agricultural education, ornamental horticulture, agribusiness and agronomy, but they have been working to improve fruit and vegetable production. It's a goal that has greatly progressed since the department began establishing plots and working with the Commerce Community Garden Association about a year ago.
"We are excited, because the blueberry site will enhance our ability to deliver a quality teaching and research program in fruit and vegetable production," Heitholt said.
Get Top Stories Delivered Weekly
Recent The East Texan News Articles
Discuss This Article
GET TOP STORIES DELIVERED WEEKLY
FOLLOW OUR NEWSPAPER
LATEST THE EAST TEXAN NEWS
- 'Expendables 2' epitomizes dumb but fun action
- 'The Bourne Legacy' disappoints with same old thrills
- Tasteless 'Total Recall' remake leaves audiences underwhelmed
- Actor chemistry saves 'The Watch' from being boring waste
- Batman goes out strong in final 'Dark Knight' film
- 'Ted' marks promising film career for McFarlane
- Stylistic choices sink 'Savages'
RECENT THE EAST TEXAN CLASSIFIEDS
OUTSIDE THE LINES
- Tips to “Yard Your Way” This Spring
- Upgraded Upstate Power Grid Will Deliver a Smarter,...
- A Story To Sing About
- The Gap in Gum Care: Why Caring For Your Teeth’s F...
- Top Tips for Signature Scents and Better-Smelling Laundry
- A Dog Trainer’s Top Tips to Support Pets Through Life S...
- Clear the Air of Indoor Pollutants This Spring
- Stroke & Dementia in Black Men: Tips for Staying Healthy...
- Hispanics and African Americans at Higher Risk for Eye...
- African Americans at Higher Risk for Eye Disease
FROM AROUND THE WEB
- New Expo Showcases AI Innovation
- Self-Care and Mental Health Tips for Caregivers
- Adventure Awaits: Discover the Playset that Brings...
- Need Auto Glass Repair? Don’t Despair
- Pioneering Fast and Affordable Broadband for the Underserved
- 7 Reasons Renting an RV Should Be On Every Family’s S...
- Don’t Let Diabetes Shortchange Your Golden Years
- No Child is Forgotten By Marine Toys for Tots
- Sweeten Your Springtime Salads With Healthy Chilean Grapes
- Young Author Translates 4,000-Year-Old Text to Reveal...
COLLEGE PRESS RELEASES
- Guidenar Launches New Career Test for Gen Z
- GotIt! Education Offers MathGPT Free to All State & Community Colleges
- Shoff Promotions Comic Book & Sports Card Show
- Semiconductor Research Corp unveils 2024 Research Call, $13.8M Funding
- Charles River Associates Opens Second Scholarship Cycle, Expands to the UK