Organic Field Day Set for July 14

Oklahoma’s only certified organic public agricultural research facility will once again open its fields to visitors. The Lane Ag Center will share the results of its six-year old organic agriculture research program at a workshop and field day beginning at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14.

The free event 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.

Lane’s organic vegetable research programs, which began the three-year process of organic certification in 2003, demonstrate that vegetables can be grown organically in southeast Oklahoma. They have also identified some potential pitfalls, as well as ways of avoiding or minimizing them.

The field day begins with a workshop on manure use and soil fertility, as well as food safety concerns, followed by a light meal. At 5:30, visitors will begin a tour featuring organic research and demonstration projects, including herbs, tomatoes, and cucurbits, crop rotation, and disease control methods.

Registration is free but required to reserve a place at dinner. To register, call 918.647.9123 or email jcastillo@kerrcenter.com.

The field day 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 Wes Watkins Agricultural Research and Extension Center, and the USDA Agricultural Research Service.

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

For more information on the Lane Agriculture Center’s organic research program, visit www.lane-ag.org/osu/Organic/index.htm.

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