By Kiara Syph
Greensburg, LA — On a warm Tuesday morning, June 10, 2025, nearly 100 farmers, gardeners, educators, and agriculture enthusiasts gathered at 2192 Highway 1042 in Greensburg for the Warner Hall Farm’s Spring Field Day. The sun rose over rows of okra, tomatoes, and watermelon, just as it has for decades on this storied piece of land. Hosted by veteran farmer and living legend Mr. Warner Hall, the day offered more than a dozen opportunities to learn, connect, and celebrate the grit and wisdom of small-scale Southern agriculture.
The event began promptly at 9 a.m. with Edith Gross calling the group to order, followed by a heartfelt prayer. Mrs. Gross then welcomed guests to the farm before the day’s educational sessions began.
Mr. Hall, who is still out in the field harvesting two bushels of okra at over 70 years old, took the time afterward to reflect on the success of the day.
“It was a real success,” he said with a soft chuckle. “People came from all over.”
From Ranching to Rows
Mr. Hall’s story is as rooted as the crops he grows. A former rancher, he transitioned away from cattle in 2009 and began focusing on vegetables back in 2005. Today, he grows watermelon and okra as his primary crops, expanding from just two acres to a full-fledged production that draws visitors from across the country.
As a boy, Mr. Hall walked 10 to 20 miles behind mules and horses to cultivate and plant.
Back then, local farms thrived with 40 acres of beans, corn, and greens that were sold wholesale. Today, many have shifted to pine tree production—but not Mr. Hall. His soil still tells a different story.
Lessons from the Land
The Field Day was rich with practical, hands-on knowledge led by experts from the LSU and SU AgCenters. Topics spanned everything from watermelon varieties to financial record-keeping.
- Dr. Mary Helen Ferguson opened the field sessions with “Watermelons in the Home Garden,” highlighting varieties such as Orange Crush, Padre, Star Bright, and the high-yielding Jubilee Improved.
- Jessie Hoover followed with a guide to Cover Crops in Home Gardens. Mr. Hall, however, prefers his tried-and-true method: crop rotation. “Watermelon, then greens, then back again,” he shared. “Helps keep the diseases down.”
- Dr. Alessandro Holzapfel taught attendees about Herbicides in Home Gardens. Mr. Hall uses a herbicide called Pre-Merger on beans, peas, and corn. To keep weeds away from his peppers and tomatoes, he uses black plastic sheeting—a technique he swears by.
- Retired Agent Annie Coco brought the flavor with her talk on Tomato Varieties, highlighting the red Celebrity Plus and yellow Lemon Boy Plus, which Mr. Hall has grown for over a decade. “It may not sell as much, but it sure tastes better,” he said.
- Mila Berhane, a senior researcher, gave a live demonstration on Canning Garden Vegetables. Guests harvested cucumbers and squash and then learned how to preserve them. A local farmer shared homemade hibiscus tea, and Berhane stirred up a refreshing garden drink to cool everyone down.
- Cornelius Jackson tackled the critical issue of Farm Record Keeping. Many farmers, he explained, miss out on government aid from the Farm Service Agency (FSA) due to poor documentation. To help, he distributed calendar books so farmers could track their sales and harvests.
- A representative for Dr. Gary Hay provided guidance on Soil Testing, a step Mr. Hall takes annually to ensure his soil stays balanced and productive.
- Michelle Estay shared opportunities through the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program and Specialty Crop Block Grant. Last year, seniors received $50 in vouchers, and many signed up on the spot to participate again.
- Isabel Zebeck closed out the learning with a Farm Fresh Food Demonstration under the SNAP-Ed program. Farmers learned they could sell to schools and grocery stores with subsidies from the Department of Agriculture.
After the final session, Mr. Hall led a personal tour of his thriving garden, sharing stories, tips, and wisdom from his decades of experience in the soil. In his high tunnel, he grows tomatoes, peppers, and butter beans—choosing crops that withstand Louisiana’s heavy rainfall and resist disease. He even mixes his own fertilizer and forms rows using his trusty tractor.
A Day Rooted in Legacy
Following Mr. Hall’s closing remarks, guests gathered once more, blessed the food, and enjoyed a well-earned meal—cooked with ingredients grown just feet away.
For many, the highlight wasn’t just the learning or the food. It was the chance to see Mr. Hall in his element—stooped in the rows, smiling with a hoe in hand, embodying the enduring spirit of the small Southern farmer.
“I may be older now,” he says, “but I’m still picking okra…for now.”
View more photos from this event here. All photos are courtesy of Deroxlyn Spencer.
