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Ribbon is Cut to Open New Judd Hill Farmers’ Market Building at A-State

08/21/2023

Ribbon-Cutting at Judd Hill Farmers' Market
Participants in the Judd Hill Farmers’ Market ribbon cutting ceremony included (front, from left) Chancellor Todd Shields, Mayor Harold Copenhaver, Dean of Agriculture Mickey LaTour, Judd Hill Foundation Trustee Mike Gibson, Marsha Gibson, Vice Chancellor Len Frey, and Vice Chancellor Erika Chudy; (back) ASU System Trustee Paul Rowton, Chief Financial Officer Russ Hannah, County Judge Marvin Day, Vice Chancellor Lonnie Williams, Vice Chancellor Jeff Purinton, and Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Calvin White Jr.

JONESBORO – Officials from Arkansas State University and the College of Agriculture celebrated the ribbon-cutting for the new building at the Judd Hill Farmers' Market on the A-State campus.

The new building adds indoor spaces, classroom facilities and other amenities to significantly expand the operations of the Judd Hill Farmers’ Market.

The Judd Hill Foundation’s combined support for planning and construction provided more than $2.4 million for the facility expansion, which doubles the space at the market.

In recognition of gifts in support of College of Agriculture projects, the Arkansas State University System Board of Trustees named the Judd Hill Farmers’ Market in March 2021.

The new facility extends the ability of the operation to be open more weekends per year, as well as provide the opportunity for student-based products, educational outreach and other agri-business entrepreneurial projects to have a home on the A-State University Farm.

The building is adjacent to the previously erected open-air structure. The market began operations in 2006 and quickly developed into a seasonal fixture of Northeast Arkansas.

The Judd Hill Foundation was created in 1991 after the death of Mrs. Esther Hill Chapin to establish a legacy for her family.  Named for her father, the Judd Hill Foundation’s mission is to create a perpetual benefit to the family’s native Poinsett County and the region, particularly through supporting educational and agricultural pursuits.  Former ASU System Board of Trustees member Mike Gibson has served as the trustee of the Judd Hill Foundation since its inception.