WVU Organic Farm to host field day Aug. 4
Join researchers from West Virginia University for the annual Organic Field Day from 1 7 p.m. Thurs., Aug. 4.
Hosted by the Organic Research Farm, a multidisciplinary team from Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design and WVU Extension, Field Day is an annual event that helps illustrate the latest research in organic production methods through intensive workshops and wagon tours of research plots.
The needs of organic growers are constantly evolving and our research helps address the new opportunities and emerging problems they face, said Jim Kotcon, associate professor plant pathology.
New this year will be a symposium on organic management for Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, and a project on sheep health and nutrition.
The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug is an introduced pest that is spreading rapidly throughout West Virginia. In some cases, the damage to crops is so severe that it threatens the economic survival of farmers, Kotcon explained. Few conventional methods are available for managing this pest, and organic growers have even fewer tactics available. Understanding the biology and host range of the pest is important to avoid damage.
Other workshop topics include high omega eggs from organic and pastured poultry, a beginners guide to organic gardening, pasture management, low tunnels and pest management for fruits and vegetables, disease identification and management, organic herd health, attracting native pollinators, and information on reading a soil test report.
Although anyone who has an interest in organic production will benefit from the information shared, the event is particularly attractive to organic growers, home gardeners, agriculture teachers, veterinarians, extension agents and crop advisers.
Field Day is the perfect opportunity for anyone interested in organic farming to learn about some of the practices used and the research being conducted at WVU, Kotcon said. We enjoy putting together this event every year and hope participants do as well. We encourage you to ask questions, walk around and take pictures.
Gates open at 1 p.m. with workshops beginning at 1:30 p.m. Wagon tours begin at 4 p.m. Dinner featuring lamb burger, veggie quiche, fried green tomatoes, sautéed squash, salad, bread and peaches will be served at 6 p.m.
The event is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is appreciated. To register, e-mail plantandsoil@mail.wvu.edu or contact Tessy Warnick at 304-293-2961.
Similar Posts:
- International students host Ethnos culture show, Nov. 12-13
- Feb 27, Online applied statistics degree | Master degree statistics
- Free Live Video Class December 3: Become a Project Management Minimalist!
- Pulitzer Prize-Winning Composer Will Perform at Baylor March 1-2
- Baylor University Center for Professional Selling Celebrates 25 Years of Excellence
