Since its inception in 1979, Ag Expo has become a critical part of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resource (CANR) programming, and an excellent opportunity for MSU Extension staff members to interact with farmers from throughout the state. In this, the event’s 30th year, our presence has never been stronger. Here are some of the highlights:
Nearly 500 exhibitors, legislatures, commodity group leaders and special guests joined us for the VIP breakfast.
The Animal Ag and the Environment Team and the Beef Team worked together to present Profitable Environmental Options for Livestock Producers, a one-day event at the Beef Research and Teaching Center that welcomed more than 150 producers to seven targeted workshops.
Steve Harsh has been packing them in the CANR tent. In the first two days he’s had more than 180 people join in his discussion about farm- and community-based wind-energy projects. I expect that number to go up by at least another one-third today when he gives his final talk.
Guests in the CANR tent have also been treated to demonstrations on:
- preparing raw foods with Samone Jones,
- square-foot gardening with horticulture specialist Dixie Sanford,
- a great youth entrepreneurship panel organized by Laura Allen and Erica Tobe,
- a discussion of using kitchen incubators to develop food products by Huron CED and Product Center educator Frank Gublo, and
- the Enviroweather system with field operations manager Steve Marquie.
In addition, our educators facilitated numerous other demonstrations including:
- milk marketing with Fred Hinckley,
- soybean research with Dave Pratt,
- commodity market outlook with Jim Hilker and Roger Betz, and
- pasture-based dairy management with Mat Haan.
And, of course, a plethora of ag educators were on sight to answer questions and help in various booths. Now here’s the problem with publically recognizing people regarding an event of this magnitude: you know I’m going to forget somebody! Did you see an MSU Extension team member do a great job at Ag Expo? Tell me about it in the comments section!
Steve Harsh's wind-energy workshop was a big hit during Ag Expo. Beth Stuever photo.
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July 24, 2009 at 7:01 am
The Equine Team presented “Horsekeeping on a Budget”at Ag Expo. Despite the rain, over 40 people learned how to set up portable fence to improve pasture utilization, general cost saving tips and Body Condition Scoring. The Eaton County Draft Horse Club also provided a team of Percherons and Mules for people to “test drive”. Special thanks to team members Matt Shane, Judy Marteniuk, Kristin Linderman and Sara Malone for their efforst throughout the week!