Page 22 - Agriculture Magazine, Summer, 2021
An attentive crowd listens to information provided at the annual MSU-WARC Field Day.
Photo courtesy Western Ag Research Center
Western Agricultural Research Center events Ravalli Republic
The mission of the MSU Western Agricultural Research Center is to help fruit and vegetable farms in the state. While this involves a lot of detailed research, the mission is not complete without sharing that information with growers and the public. After a year of virtual meetings, the Center is excited to host several in-person events this year. In addition to the events listed below, you can learn about the Center’s research and other events on their website: https://agresearch. montana.edu/warc/index.html The Center will host its Field Day July 29th 4:30 pm until 8. The open house includes dinner, speakers from across the MSU College of Agriculture, and a tour of the research projects at the station. RSVP with Kierstin Schmitt (kierstin. schmitt@montana.edu) if you’re planning to attend. Fork to Farm: September 12th. The center has collaborated with Bike Walk Bitterroot to host a scenic bike tour of farms and ranches in the valley. Bike Walk Bitterroot is a community organization dedicated to creating safe and acces-
sible routes in the valley for cyclists and pedestrians. The easy, half day ride will visit several area farms for short tours and tastes of local food and drink. Ride begins at 10 a.m., dinner and music follow at the Ag Center. Registration is $100 with proceeds going towards supporting local food and Bike Walk Bitterroot. Register early as space is limited and often fills up, more info at http://bikewalkbitterroot.org/ Orchard and Vineyard management tour: In collaboration with the Community Food and Agriculture Coalition, September 15th 4 p.m. The tour will cover the basics of managing orchards and vineyards and several on-going trials at the Center. Details and registration available on the Community Food and Agriculture Coalition’s website: https://www.missoulacfac.org/programs/farmer-support/farmer-field-days/ Organic farm tour and workshop: in collaboration with the Montana Organic Association, the Ag. Center will be hosting a tour of organic farms in the Bitterroot, September 17th. Details and registration available on the Montana Organic Associations website: https://montanaorganicassociation.org/ AG
