UMCA News Release
University of Missouri Center for Agroforestry workshop to introduce agroforestry
September 15, 2008
COLUMBIA, Mo. - Learn about sustainable agriculture. Land stewardship. Diversified farm income. New market opportunities. The University of Missouri Center for Agroforestry, one of the world's leading centers contributing to the science underlying agroforestry, will present a workshop Friday, Nov. 7, at Straight Home on Rt. 100, north of Hardin, Ill.
The free event, with lunch provided, will include an overview of the five practices of agroforestry, with more detailed presentations on silvopasture - the intentional combination of trees, forage and livestock managed as a single integrated practice; biomass for energy production and conservation; medicinal herbs and mushrooms; and nut production. Paul Easley, niche sawyer, will be the featured luncheon speaker, discussing how to successfully market specialty wood products.
Other presenters include Mike Gold, associate director, and Dusty Walter, technology transfer specialist, both with the MU Center for Agroforestry.
Registration begins at 9:30 a.m., with the program running from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Each speaker will provide time for questions.
"Agroforestry practices are designed to fit specific niches within the farm to meet specific landowner objectives," Gold said. "We feel any landowner, educator or natural resource professional would benefit from learning the basics of this intensive land-use management technique, which combines trees and/or shrubs with crops and/or livestock.
"Agroforestry practices can help landowners diversify products, markets and farm income; improve soil and water quality; and reduce erosion, non-point source pollution and damage due to flooding."
Registration for the workshop is necessary by Friday, Oct. 31. Contact Two Rivers RC&D at 217-285-4114 or the Calhoun County Soil and Water Conservation District at 618-576-2717 ext. 3. Space is limited so please reserve early.
This workshop is funded with a grant from the USDA NC-SARE PDP program. Workshop sponsors include the University of Missouri Center for Agroforestry, Calhoun County Soil and Water Conservation District, Two Rivers RC&D, University of Illinois Extension, Calhoun County Farm Bureau, McCully Heritage Project and USDA NRCS.
Learn more about the University of Missouri Center for Agroforestry and the five practices of agroforestry - alley cropping, forest farming, riparian buffers, silvopasture and windbreaks -- at http://www.centerforagroforestry.org
Paul Easley's story can be found online at http://www.pauleasleysawyer.com/
--Michelle Hall
Senior Information Specialist
Center for Agroforestry
University of Missouri
(573) 882-9866
hallmich@missouri.edu
Sources:
Mike Gold, 573-884-1448
