Join researchers from West Virginia University for the annual Organic Field Day from 1 – 7 p.m. Thurs., Aug. 9.
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 preliminary results on organic management for Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, a workshop on biodegradable pots and an equipment roundtable.
Other intensive workshops led by WVU faculty and graduate students will be conducted on insects, disease and weed identification and management, livestock, poultry, and pasture management, and farm productivity.
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 organic produce grown on the farm 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.
For more information on the day’s events, contact Kotcon at 304-293-8822 or jkotcon@wvu.edu.
-WVU-
law/07/26/12
CONTACT: Jim Kotcon; Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design
304.293.8822; James.Kotcon@mail.wvu.edu
Follow @WVUToday on Twitter.