Agricultural News
OSU and Noble Foundation Field Day Focuses on Assisting New Agricultural Producers
Thu, 06 Oct 2011 08:51:23 CDT
The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation and the Oklahoma State University (OSU) Cooperative Extension Service will co-host a special Basic AG Field Day to assist new producers in learning key agricultural skills necessary for success.
The Basic AG Field Day will take place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday, Oct. 21, at Will Rogers Park and Gardens, 3400 NW 36th (located on the SW corner of NW 36th at Grand Boulevard), Oklahoma City. The event, which is open to the public and costs $15 (lunch included), focuses on the region's most pressing issue drought. Producers in Oklahoma and Texas have endured one of the most extreme droughts since the Dust Bowl, and the forecast calls for continued dry, hot weather into next year.
"This field day's agenda was assembled with one question in mind: 'How should new producers handle the ongoing drought?'" said Hugh Aljoe, Noble Foundation consultation program manager. "New agricultural producers need a foundation of information from which to build on, and we're going to provide a wealth of usable information in just a few hours."
The upcoming field day will cover the fundamentals of properly managing ponds, wildlife pest management, soil testing and producing quality forages for hay and livestock. There will also be breakout sessions on gardening, marketing of fresh produce, horse health, and building proper structures and fencing for horses.
"While the program is geared toward small acreage producers and those new to agriculture, the field day provides quality information that can assist even seasoned producers," said Ray Ridlen, OSU extension agent for Oklahoma County. "We all need to learn to do the basics better and work smarter."
The field day is part of Basic AG, a Noble Foundation educational program designed to benefit those new to agriculture. The series provides practical, foundational knowledge that can be used in everyday operations.
The events offer information and provide new tools to achieve specific agriculture-related goals, as well as the occasional hands-on experience. Basic AG events frequently incorporate speakers from state and federal agricultural organizations. The upcoming field day includes speakers from the USDA Wildlife Services, OK Farm to School and the Crooked Willow Foundation as well as a presentation from a Canadian County DVM.
"The Basic AG program provides quality, timely information presented in a clear and concise format," Aljoe said. "Each event holds the potential to immediately enhance a new producer's operation."
To register, please contact Tracy Cumbie at 580.224.6411 or register online by clicking here.
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