Three-day ag conference to focus on produce, organic farming and ranching and small acreage management

2/2/2006 - Colorado Agriculture Big and Small, a three-day conference at Island Grove Park in Greeley, will provide workshops, seminars and a trade show on a variety of agricultural topics. The conference, presented by Colorado State University Cooperative Extension, includes a focus on Colorado produce on March 2, a focus on organic farming and ranching on March 3, and a focus on small acreage management on March 4.

  “This is the first time we’ve brought all these agricultural topics together and we think there will be something new for everyone, as well as a great opportunity for groups and individuals to network and learn from each other,” said Tom McBride, Colorado State Cooperative Extension Director in Adams County.

  The produce conference begins March 2 at 7:30 a.m., with sessions on Colorado water law, comparison of irrigation methods, effects of water quality on crops and soil, applications of precision agriculture for vegetable crop production, alternative weed management, vegetable crop varieties for Colorado and more, ending at 4:40 p.m. and followed by a meeting of the Colorado Organic Producers Association (COPA) at 6 p.m.

  The organic conference begins at 7:30 a.m. on March 3, with sessions on health benefits of various foods, market overview, food and agriculture policy in Colorado, bee populations and implications for fruiting crops, raw milk production, table and wine grape production, alternative approaches to livestock health care and more, ending at 4:40 p.m.

  The small acreage conference begins at 8:30 a.m. on March 4 with sessions on small acreage in the West, living on the land, water quality and septic systems, horse management, farm safety and more, ending at 3:45 p.m.

  Cost is $35 a day or $50 for two or three days. The fee includes a gourmet lunch buffet each day prepared by Chef Aran Essig of the University of Northern Colorado, with an emphasis on organic foods and Colorado raised meats, grains and produce. The trade show will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day and admission for that is free. For more information and a registration brochure, call (303) 637-8100.

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Colorado State University Cooperative Extension provides unbiased, research-based information about family and consumer issues, horticulture, natural resources, agriculture and 4-H youth development. As part of a nation-wide system, Cooperative Extension brings the research and resources of the University to the community. For more information visit www.ext.colostate.edu or www.AnswerLink.info, where answers to everyday questions are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.