Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Lions Club Makes Donations

John Gavin and Tommy Burrow

The Warren Lions club made three donations to worthy organizations during the Club's April 8th meeting.  In addition to the check presentations, the members heard from John Gavin, County Agent-Agriculture, Staff Chair, for the extension service as he updated them on the status of the tomato crop in the region.

The following contributions were made:
$1000.00 to the Bradley County Ministerial Alliance for programs to help those in need
Receiving the check was Rev. David Richey

$1000.00 to the Arkansas Food Bank for use in Bradley County
Receiving the check was Jean Adams

$3000.00 to Warren Forward to be used to repair the Railroad Depot.
Receiving the check was David King


Mr. Gavin told the club that there will be around 500-600 acres of tomatoes grown in Bradley County this year and some 200-300 acres in the Drew County/Ashley county area.  He said the weather has been unusual but the farmers are optimistic.  Gavin informed those in attendance that some farmers do their own marketing while a number use the Warren Tomato market and others the Hensley or Clanton markets.  He also said new varieties are being introduced and heirloom tomatoes are becoming more popular.  The driving force in moving to new varieties is the ongoing effort to resist disease while maintaining a tasty fruit.

Mr. Gavin said that a number of states raise tomatoes including many southern states, California, Florida, Texas and most of the east coast states.  New Jersey is a big producer.

The tomato industry continues to be a major contributor to the Warren, Bradley County and South Arkansas economy.

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