U of M coming to Farmfest

Date Modified: 08/13/2012 10:41 AM

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MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL — Visitors to Farmfest will have a number of opportunities to celebrate farmers and agriculture as well as learn from University of Minnesota experts about solutions to specific agricultural challenges such as this summer's drought.

The U of M tent will have educational displays and experts available for all three days to provide solutions to three issues —managing herbicide resistant weeds; controlling invasive species including soybean aphid, brown marmorated stick bug and emerald ash borer; and reducing damage from Goss's wilt in corn and soybean cyst nematode in soybeans. The U of M tent also will include opportunities for youth to share what they love about Minnesota agriculture; their answers will be displayed in the tent and via social media. Noted climatologist Mark Seeley also will be on hand on Aug. 8.

University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler will lead a panel of experts discussing agricultural innovation at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 9 in the Forum tent. The panel will include university experts in economics, plant and animal sciences and public health.

In addition, 76 Farm Families of the Year will be honored Aug. 9 for their contributions to agriculture and their local communities.