Delta Farm Forum March 1 2008

Delta Farm Forum Set for Saturday,
March 1st From the University of Alaska Fairbanks,
Cooperative Extension Service

This annual agricultural event will be held at the Delta High School small gymnasium on Saturday, March 1st beginning at 9:00 a.m. and adjourning at 3:00 p.m.
Producers and professionals from Delta and around the State will be presenting information on a variety of agricultural related topics at the Delta Farm Forum.
The local 4-H group, DJ Saddletramps, will act as Master of Ceremony and assist with the program. Fresh doughnuts provided by the local IGA and hot coffee will be served during the morning session. Several ag-related businesses and special interest groups will set up in the hallway to provide information and answer questions during the forum.The first speaker has yet to be confirmed, however they will be delivering the “Welcome” address.

Geographic Information System Program Manager Collin Barnard with the Salcha-Delta Soil and Water Conservation District will discuss the results of the geographic information system in farm management, followed by Agricultural Extension Agent Phil Kaspari, UAF Cooperative Extension Service who will present information on the fertilizer forecast for 2008 and the weed free forage and straw program. After the first break a panel tentatively consisting of Peter Fellman, Bryce Wrigley, Phil Kaspari, and Jeff Durham (all local producers and/or professionals) will host a brainstorming session in regard to the Alaska State farm bill. Next on the agenda Director Franci Havemeister with the State Of Alaska, Division of Agriculture will give an update on the Division of Ag.A highlight of the forum is the potluck luncheon, which will begin around 11:30.

Main meat dishes, scalloped potatoes, and rolls will be provided through donations. Guests are asked to follow this schedule when choosing a dish: A-F = Potatoes or equivalent, G-L = Salads, M-R = Desserts, S-Z = Vegetable. 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 after the forum.

The afternoon session begins with 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 – to be announced. Next on the agenda this year’s feature presentation will be an update from the 2007 Salcha-Delta Soil & Water Conservation District Cooperator of the Year, their operation, current practices, and what’s in store for the future.

Kyle Buse, manager of the new milk processing plant in the Mat Valley will follow with an update on South Central’s dairy situation.Proceeding the afternoon break District Manager Bryce Wrigley - SDSWCD, will present information on barley stoves. The forum is scheduled to adjourn at 3:00 p.m.The Forget-Me-Knot Quilters Guild will have their fabulous quilts on display throughout the day for the enjoyment of the audience.

The Fairbanks – Tanana District CES Home Economics Department is putting together a “ladies day out” which will be held in a classroom as a breakout session – topics to be announced. Check with extension if you are interested and to sign up. Seating will be limited. Contact the CES office at 895-4215 to reserve your space and for additional information.The Calico Cow fabric shop is offering a pillow making class at the school, they will have kits available – for a fee – and will keep to an agricultural theme. Call the Calico Cow at 895-9895 for information.

There’s lots to do and things to see so come join the crowd for the best potluck luncheon of the year; while visiting with folks who travel near and far for the 2008 Delta Farm Forum on Saturday, March 1st. Come listen to the latest in agricultural developments and other topics of interest from around the state.The 2008 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) @ 895-6279 both are located in the Jarvis Office Center in Delta Junction.