Lincoln University Joins Joplinites for National Seed Swap Day

Two outreach specialists from Lincoln University of Missouri's (LU) Innovative Small Farmers' Outreach Program joined over 700 Joplinites on Jan. 31 in celebrating National Seed Swap Day at Joplin's Empire Market.

Jack "JJ" Spurlin and Lesa Queen, who serve as outreach workers for Missouri's southwest region, represented Lincoln at the event.

According to Spurlin, National Seed Swap Day is a nationwide event where gardeners and communities come together to exchange seeds, promote biodiversity and share gardening knowledge. In Joplin, the event was held at Empire Market, a vibrant, four-season public market housed in a historic 1907 building.

Spurlin said Empire Market is a cornerstone of the Joplin community, bringing 30-35 vendors each week offering fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, artisan crafts and more.

"It's a hub for local farmers and artisans, and it's become the 'third place' for many in Joplin," Spurlin said.

Spurlin has attended the event many times before as a master gardener and naturalist, but this was his first year representing Lincoln. He and Queen used the opportunity to network and share information on the resources Lincoln offers to support local farmers and gardeners.

"It's a key part of our mission in the Innovative Small Farmers' Outreach Program to be present at every event that connects to farming, gardening or anything that helps people grow and sustain their agricultural efforts," Spurlin said. "We're there not only to provide expertise and resources, but to build relationships that strengthen our local agricultural community."

Spurlin said a total of 751 people attended the event at Empire Market, all coming to swap seeds, learn about agriculture and build connections. Attendees gave and received a variety of seeds, including those for native plants, pollinator plants, herbs, fruits and vegetables.

The event also featured live music from local artists and goods from many of the market's typical vendors.

Spurlin said his favorite part of the event was the incredible energy of the people in attendance. He said the people he spoke to were excited to learn, share and grow together.

"I'm driven to introduce Lincoln to tens of thousands who may not know it yet - educating, spreading the word and building connections through seminars, conversations or just being out on the farms," Spurlin said. "I take pride in representing an HBCU, and I'm committed to putting Lincoln on the map in southwest Missouri, one conversation at a time."

Learn more about the Innovative Small Farmers' Outreach Program here.

Find other events at Empire Market here.