Alcorn State University Extension Program
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

Small Farm Incubator in Preston  Holds Spring Vegetable Field Day
 
         For decades, Alcorn State University’s Ag Field Day has been an opportunity for members of the public to learn about and participate in agriculture programs. On Thursday May 13, 2010 Alcorn State University Extension Program (ASUEP) built on the continued vision and tradition of serving the community, at the Small Farm Incubator in Preston, MS.


            “Approximately one-hundred and seventy people attended this great occasion. It was a great source of satisfaction of mine,” said Dr. Franklin Chukwuma, off-campus centers coordinator, who was, also, instrumental in the planning of the Ag Field Day activities.  “This satisfaction reflects my belief that solving societal problems requires cooperation among many disciplines.”     

The event was comprised of many lectures and informational demonstrations that were aimed at helping the small farmers be as efficient and effective with their crops as possible. There were a host of individuals in attendance from farmers to Mississippi state legislators. The Honorable Senator Sampson Jackson welcomed us to his district while Senator Giles Ward and Representatives Russ Nowell gave legislative greetings.

ASUEP works to facilitate the needs of Mississippi communities in many ways. The Ag Field Day activities are just a small part of what Alcorn hopes to do in order to help not only the small farmer, but the State of Mississippi flourish.

“Farmers and other citizens often complain that academic disciplinary research is too often an inch wide and a mile deep,” said Chukwuma.

“A broad perspective on our cropping system research and extension is geared toward sustainable production of alternative enterprise, he said. “Therefore, the emphasis on this field day was placed on sustainable vegetable production practices such as varieties, planting dates, cultural practices, and harvesting schedules.”

Information was provided on soil sampling techniques, different market outlets, farm and financial management, chemical pesticides, and the environment seasonal high tunnel cropping system. Also, alternative enterprise ventures such as pasture poultry production and USDA/NRCS programs were, also, discussed.

The field day was concluded with a farm tour and lunch.

Alcorn State University has a vested interest in the small farmers and communities in the State of Mississippi. The sponsored Ag Day activities are a means for ASU to insure that the future of so many Mississippians is bright and continues for generations to come, said Chukwuma.

Dr. Dalton McAfee, serves as Extension administrator.  For more information about the Small Farm Incubator in Preston, contact Farm Manager Phil Luke at (662) 773-7128. 

   Article written by the Office of AREAS Communications, School of AREAS, Alcorn State University 


 


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