Sustainable Ag Field Day focuses on Small-Scale Vegetable Production
Nearly 150 farmers, crop advisers, home gardeners, and others interested in Mississippi agriculture had an opportunity to hear about current research and demonstration projects of small-scale vegetable production during the annual Alcorn State University Sustainable Agriculture Field Day, June 8 in Preston, Mississippi.
The event was sponsored by the Extension Program of the School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences in collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service and the Small Farm Incubator Center.
“The Ag Field Day provided an excellent opportunity to learn about sustainable tools, techniques, and approaches that can be integrated into vegetable production systems” said Dr. Franklin Chukwuma, interim assistant extension director.
According to Chukwuma, participants stated that they were shown practices that could help them grow their vegetable crops and overcome certain mid-summer production problems. This year’s event featured small-scale production systems, cropping practices, and the necessary tools and equipment required.
NRCS Supervisory District Conservationist Kevin Jackson, discussed funding opportunities for seasoned high tunnel and other USDA-NRCS cost share programs. Participants were later divided into groups to hear Alcorn State researchers and extension professionals discuss shiitake log production, farm financial management, and to observe a soil health rainfall simulator demonstration.
For additional details on the Small Farm Incubator Center, contact Leroy Hickman, assistant farm manager, at 662-773-7128 or [email protected]
