Below is an invitation I received from the Land Stewardship Project, a message I want to share with you.
The West Central Research and Outreach Center near Morris is celebrating 100 years of agricultural research on Friday, July 16 at their "Summer Centennial Center Day" and we hope you'll join Land Stewardship Project in attending this event.
Land Stewardship Project and sustainable family farmers from across this region have a long and rich relationship with the Center. From Dennis Johnson's career focus on how family, low input and grass based dairy farms can work for farmers and rural communities and now his organic dairy herd to the Alternative Swine Housing Systems Program headed by Dr. Yuzhi Li with an advisory task force of area hog farmers, WCROC has been a leader in sustainable agricultural research and support. And the organic dairy herd and alternative swine systems center happened in significant part because area farmers, LSP and others lead the way in setting the agenda through state appropriations. Most recently, WCROC, with the University of Minnesota Morris, is expanding research and demonstration in the renewable energy area. By being part of their celebration we can voice our appreciation for the past and help ensure the Center?s programs and research efforts continue down a path that supports viable family farms and vibrant rural communities.
The day begins with tours and presentations of the research and demonstration projects starting at 7:30 AM. At 11:30 lunch will be served (you need to preregister and pay-call 320-589-1711 if you want to have lunch.).
The Centennial Program begins at 12:45 and runs till 3:30. It features a panel, "A Path to a Viable Agriculture in 2110" that includes LSP Executive Director George Boody talking about the role of diversity and Jude Capper, an Associate Professor of Animal Science at Washington State University discussing the role of intensive agriculture for our future. We expect a lively and informative debate!
