Organic Research to be Revealed at July 10 Workshop and Field Day

Oklahoma boasts many top-quality public agricultural research facilities, but only one studies organic farming.

The Lane Ag Center will share the results of its 5-year-old organic agriculture research program at a workshop and field day Thursday, July 10.

The free dual event, sponsored by the Kerr Center, offers something for anyone interested in learning about sustainable and organic gardening and farming practices, from current and future organic farmers to the general public.

“Vegetables can be grown organically in southeast Oklahoma,” says Dr. Jim Shrefler, an OSU Extension Horticulturist stationed at Lane. However, he advises, there is a learning curve. Lane’s programs try to minimize that curve.

From 2 – 7, Shrefler and other organic agriculture specialists will share a day of discussion and learning at the Center, where vegetable production plots began the 3-year process of organic certification in 2003.

A soil-building workshop begins the day at 2. It will address converting land for organic production, and challenges to organic fertility. It will focus on soil building techniques, including compost for soil improvement and ways to prevent erosion.

The field day follows at 5. It will feature Lane’s organic vegetable production practices. Visitors will view planted crops, and hear presentations by specialists from the Wes Watkins Research Center, the Kerr Center, and the USDA Agricultural Research Service.

Field day presentations will cover getting and keeping organic certification, drip irrigation, and challenges in organic production, such as diseases, weeds, and pests.

Registration, due by July 7, is free but required to reserve a place at dinner. To register, call 918.647.9123.

The tour will be held rain or shine. Bring a lawn chair, and wear shoes appropriate for walking in fields.

In addition to the Kerr Center, event sponsors include the USDA Risk Management Agency, Wes Watkins Agricultural Research and Extension Center, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, and the Oklahoma Farm to School Program.

The Lane Agriculture Center is located 10 miles east of Atoka on Highway 3. For more information, call 580.889.7343.

Other upcoming events for farmers and gardeners include the Future Farms 2008 conference/farm tours August 5 and 6, and a hoop house workshop on September 14. For more information on these and other upcoming events related to sustainable agriculture, visit the Kerr Center's online events calendar at www.kerrcenter.com/HTML/events.html