Specialized Agriculture

The New Albany AEST Concepts of Agriscience classes got to experience specialized agriculture in Union County. The students visited Mr. Robert Hayes at Hayes’ Blackberry Farm. The farm located in the Pleasant Ridge community started as a hobby, but has blossomed into a thriving business venture for Mr. Hayes. Students were shown how to grow, maintain, water, and propagate the plants. Additionally, Mr. Hayes discussed with students the pros and cons of being an independent specialty farmer. While the crop can be profitable, it is also very labor intensive and a producer must find outlets for his product. The AEST program is under the direction of Mr. Damon Ladner.