Texarkana College now has an experimental farm for agriculture students. Dr. Royce Granberry, director of the Agriculture Science Division at TC, said the official opening is tentatively set for Dec. 30, hopefully with U.S. Rep. Wright Patman attending the ceremonies.
The 400-acre farm is located just southeast of Lake Elliot on the grounds of Red River Army Depot. The land is all pine timber and bids are being taken for clearing the trees.
Plans for development are spread over a 5-6 year period. They include a forestry and woodlands plot, forage production plots, a swine operation, a small poultry operation, a herd of beef cattle, and possibly a small flock of sheep. A laboratory is also planned in the future.
Dr. Granberry said the farm would not be ready for use next semester but looks for full use by students within a year. He also said the farm would be open to the biology department.
Students in the agriculture and zoology classes as well as members of the Agriculture Science Club will help in the clearing and clean-up operations.