The spring topics schedule of the California Adult Agriculture Education has been set, with sessions held each Thursday in the Horticulture classroom. The next topics session, Electrical Safety and Farm Generators, is 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12.
"Keith Mueller with Central Electric Coop will give an electrified look at farm electrical hazards," said Dale Hodges, Adult Ag Ed Instructor. "His teaching aids are very interesting and sparks will fly. He will also explain some hazards involved with improper wiring of home generators and this is a must see demonstration for anyone that uses or will use farm generators."
Other sessions are as follows:
Jan. 19 - Farm Liability Law. Dr.Vern Pierce, with University of Missouri Extension, will discuss liability issues in regard to trespass, fence law, transportation and other farm related liability problems. Session begins at 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 26 - MFA Oil Biomass Project. MFA Oil has expanded its energy services into the emerging biomass renewable energy market. Jared Wilmas with the MFA Oil biomass project will explain the project and opportunities for farmers to get involved. Session begins at 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 2 - Lewis Hybrid Seed. Local Lewis Hybrid seed dealer, Jeremy Burger and a Lewis Hybrids Seed Company representative will speak on how seed genetics are selected and the process of plant breeding. New seed products and technologies coming in the future will also be addressed. Session begins at 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 9 - Local Agribusiness Tour. The first tour stop will be at Koechner Mfg. in Tipton followed by Racker's Mfg. in California. Koechner Mfg. is a leader in turkey coop design and manufacturing in the country and has developed the "poult mover" which has greatly improved efficiency when moving birds. Meet at 6:30 p.m. at the Agriculture building to leave for Koechner's in Tipton. The tour will begin at 7 p.m and will be followed by a tour at Racker's about 8:15 p.m.
Feb. 16 - Research in No Till Practices in Corn and Soybeans. Dr. Bill Wiebold will provide information on his research in tillage systems. He has an extension/research appointment, at the University of Missouri, related to soybean and corn management. Extension objectives include the development of cropping systems that improve productivity, enhance stability and protect the environment. Research thrusts include studying the interrelationships among crop management choices (e.g. seeding rate, row spacing, planting date), no-tillage, grain composition and precision agriculture. Session begins at 7:30 p.m.
February 23 - The Goat Industry in Missouri and Important Management Practices in Goat Production. Dr. Charlotte Clifford-Rathert, State Extension Specialist - Small Ruminant, at Lincoln University will address the increasing importance of production of meat goats in Missouri and some important management practices necessary when raising goats. She will also speak on marketing of meat goats and the need for promoting the availability of goat meat in local stores. Session begins at 7:30 p.m.
March 1 - Local Farmer Presentation - To be announced.
March 8 - Private Pesticide Applicator Training. Joni Harper, Extension Specialist, will be here to give private pesticide applicator training and certification to those individuals that need it to purchase and apply restricted use herbicides or pesticides. This training will begin at 6:30 p.m.
March 15 - Greenhouse Planting. The greenhouse will be open for anyone wanting to get an early start on some vegetable or flower bedding plants. Everything will be provided including a variety of vegetable and flower seed, but you can bring your own seed if you have something special you want to start. Session begins at 7:30 p.m.
For additional information, contact Adult Ag Ed Instructor Dale Hodges at 573-796-8624 (school) or 573-353-5013 (cell).