For Immediate Release
Sarah Denkler
Horticulture Educator
January 18, 2009

Free Educational Programs at Ag Expo

In addition to all the great events at the 2009 Ag Expo, there will be featured educational programs throughout both days.  These events start on Friday, January 23 and finish up on Saturday, January 24 at the Black River Coliseum in downtown Poplar Bluff.  Educational seminars will cover a variety of topics and interests. Each presenter has prepared to answer questions from the attendees so come ready to learn.  Admission is free to the Ag Expo and to all events.

Educational topics on Friday begin at 3:00 p.m. with “Smoothies: A great source of health on the go” presented by Maude Harris, Nutrition/Health Education Specialist, University of Missouri Extension.  Over the last several years, smoothies have become increasingly popular. Smoothies are made from a variety of fruits, juices or dairy products and ice.  They are tasty, refreshing and, if made with the right ingredients, nutritious. They are easy to concoct with ingredients you likely have on hand and can be a great choice for a snack or mini-meal.  While the sky is the limit when it comes to creating a smoothie, this workshop will review a few things you can do to maximize both nutrition and flavor.  A sample smoothie will be prepared during this workshop.

Vicki Dennis, Farm Loan Manager from Butler County Farm Service Agency will give a brief overview of “Agriculture loans available from the Farm Service Agency” and conduct a question and answer session on those farm loans.  This discussion will begin at 5:00 p.m. with handouts available.

At 6:00 p.m. Melvin Brees, Extension Associate in Farm Business Management from the University of Missouri Extension will present “2008 Market Outlook and Selling Strategies”.  This presentation will cover farm commodity marketing programs including outlooks on grain and livestock prices.  Any updates on the USDA farm program rules and policies will also be addressed.

The final educational presentation on Friday is “Missouri Department of Agriculture’s Animal Agriculture Emergency Planning Presentation for Producers” starting at 7:00 p.m.  As the state of Missouri is a leading agricultural producer and an important link in the nation’s food supply chain, the Missouri Department of Agriculture is taking steps to help farmers and ranchers prepare for potential agricultural emergencies, including livestock disease outbreak.  This presentation is intended to educate producers about local and state efforts as they relate to agricultural emergency planning, including roles and responsibilities, reportable symptoms, biosecurity, and possible impacts and recovery related to agricultural emergencies.  All livestock producers and others involved with Missouri agriculture are welcome to attend.

Saturdays Educational Seminars will start off at 9:00 a.m. with “Healthy Yards for Healthy Streams”.  Thousands of acres of land drain into the rivers of Missouri.  Poplar Bluff incorporates both the Black River and the St. Francois River into the city.  This puts in our hands, the responsibility of keeping streams clean.  Sarah Denkler from University of Missouri Extension will present some basic and simple practices that can be done in our yards to ensure clear streams in our future.  Stop by this presentation to see what you can do to help keep our yards healthy and in turn our streams.

Many may find themselves wondering how to attract wildlife, or perhaps what type of wildlife they could attract to their land.  Matt Bowyer is a wildlife management biologist with the Missouri Department of Conservation.  At 10:00 a.m. he will discuss what types of plants attract wildlife and what plants can provide appropriate habitat to keep wildlife in your area.  Visit with Matt as he discusses “Growing Food for Wildlife” and get answers for creating wildlife habitat on your land.

“Horticulture Therapy” can be practiced by anyone who can garden if given the correct tools.  Without realizing it, plants provide therapy to all who garden, both emotional and physical.  At 11:00 a.m. Angela Cochran of the Parks and Recreation Department will discuss how easily gardening can be incorporated into a point of relaxation in each of our lives. 

Emerald Ash Borer was first discovered in the United States in Michigan during June of 2002.  It has now been found in Missouri at the Greenville Recreation Area in Wayne County.  At 12:00 p.m., Kyle Cunningham from the University of Missouri Extension will give a presentation on what EAB is, how to identify it, how it affects our local forests and what landowners can do.  Meet Kyle for the first time as he presents “Emerald Ash Borer” and give him a big welcome.

Given the turbulent and wide-ranging year of weather we have endured, preparation for these conditions has moved to the forefront of our thoughts.  At 1:00 p.m., Christina Wielgos of the National Weather Service will acquaint us with “Weather Alerts and Storm Preparedness”.   Learn what you need to know to be prepared for and react to weather alerts when they happen.

Saturday will also include a children’s activity from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. entitled “Garden Adventures for Kids”.  This will be hosted by the Poplar Bluff Master Gardeners and include several hands on treats for children.  Stop by and take a break with your kids to enjoy these great activities.  If you are interested in the Master Gardener Program, this would be a great time to sign up as well.

Remember the dates for the Ag Expo are January 23 and 24, 2009 at the Black River Coliseum in Poplar Bluff, Mo. with free admission to all programs and events.   For more information call the Poplar Bluff Extension office at 573-686-8064.

The Extension office is located in Kennett, Missouri at 101 South Main Street (the old bank) on the 2^nd floor.  Open Monday – Friday or you can call 573-888-4722 if you have a question.  http://extension.missouri.edu/dunklin/  University of Missouri Extension programs are open to all. 

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Sarah Denkler, Horticulture Educator University of Missouri Extension P.O. Box 160, Kennett, MO 63857 573-888-4722   Denklers@missouri.edu