Delta Farm Forum Set for Saturday, March 3rd

Rex Wrigley

From the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Cooperative Extension Service

This premier agricultural event will be held at the Delta High School small gymnasium on Saturday, March 3rd beginning at 9:00 a.m. and adjourning at 3:30 p.m. Producers and professional from Delta and around the State will be presenting information on a variety of agricultural related topics at the Delta Farm Forum.

Fresh IGA doughnuts and hot coffee will be served during the morning session. Several ag-related businesses will set up in the hallway to provide information and answer questions during the forum. The local 4-H group, DJ Saddletramps, will act as Master of Ceremony and assist with the program.

First speaker will be Dr. P.J. Ford Slack, Superintendent of Delta-Greely School District, she will be delivering the “Welcome” address. Chad Padgett –State Executive Director Farm Service Agency will discuss FSA issue concerning local producers for 2007, followed by Economist Hans Geier, UAF Cooperative Extension Service and School of Natural Resources and Agricultural Science who will present information on Canola in Alaska. Special Projects Representative, Karen Dearlove with USDA will speak on Renewable Energy and the Energy Efficiency Program, plus the Value Added Producers Grant.

After the first break Natural Resource Conservation Service, District Conservationist, Catherine Hadley will update the audience on their Pest Management Program. Next on the agenda a representative for the State Of Alaska, Division of Agriculture will follow with the “Division of Ag Update”.

The Potluck Luncheon, a highlight of the forum, will begin around noon. Main meat dishes, scalloped potatoes, and rolls will be provided through donations and guests are asked to follow this schedule when choosing a dish: A-G = Desserts, H-M = Vegetables, N-S = Potatoes, Pasta, Rice, and T-Z = Salads. Please be sure to put your name on utensils or serving containers you want to keep. Otherwise, check with the extension office for items left behind.

The afternoon session begins with Weed Scientist Steven Seefeldt, Agricultural Research Service with Herbicide Trials in the Delta Area. Followed by Agricultural Extension Agent, Phil Kaspari with CES – Delta giving a talk on the Weed Free Forage Program.

Proceeding the afternoon break the Salcha-Delta Soil and Water Conservation District Chairperson Rex Wrigley will be giving the districts Annual Report; followed by the SDSWCD Speech Winner and Cooperator of the Year. This year’s feature presentation will be a historical overview of the2006 Farm Family of the Year Wrigley Farms, their operation and current practices. Last presentation of the day will be delivered by Chair Person – Carol McNabb – Friends of Delta Ag with an overview of 2006 Activities with emphasis on the tractor pull and lumber jack competitions.

Come listen to the latest in agricultural developments and other topics of interest from around the state. Join the crowd for the best potluck luncheon of the year; while visiting with folks who travel near and far for the 2007 Delta Farm Forum on Saturday, March 3rd.

The 2007 Delta Farm Forum is co-sponsored by the Cooperative Extension Service (CES), Delta District @ 895-4215 and the Salcha-Delta Soil and Water Conservation District (SDSWCD) @ 895-2679 both are located in the Jarvis Office Center in Delta Junction.