West Virginia University will celebrate pioneering work in organic farming during its Organic Field Day from 3–7 p.m. Aug. 27 at the Organic Research, Education and Outreach Center.
The WVU Organic Research, Education and Outreach Center compares organic farming systems to assist growers in the transition from conventional to organic farming methods.
On the 144-acre farm, a multidisciplinary team from the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design and WVU Extension Service studies field crops, livestock, organic pasture management, vegetable production, weed, insect and disease management and soil quality.
“Organic farming continues to be one of the fastest growing sectors in American agriculture,” said Jim Kotcon, associate professor of plant and soil sciences. “Part of our mission is to provide best-practice recommendations to help growers succeed, and one surefire way to do that is by hosting our annual field day event.”
Organic Field Day helps illustrate the latest research in organic production methods through workshops, tours of research plots and hands-on activities.
WVU faculty, staff and students will be available to guide visitors through the farm and discuss their individual research programs. Family activities such as the WVU Insect Zoo will be available. A dinner made from organic produce grown on the farm will also be offered.
This year, Organic Field Day will feature a brand-new series on Pasture Ecology, with presentations on plants, insects and soil microorganisms that make pastures more diverse. Other featured presentation topics include organic sheep management, insect pests, soil microorganisms and vegetable production.
“The needs of organic growers are constantly evolving and our research helps address the new opportunities and emerging problems they face,” he said.
Gates open at 2 p.m. with events beginning at 3 p.m. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m.
For those who wish to avoid crowds, many of the projects will be available on the Organic Field Day website as posters or video presentations.
For more information or to see a detailed schedule, contact Kotcon at jkotcon@wvu.edu or by phone at 304-293-8822.
