Spring Ag Fest, which was held on Saturday, March 29, †gave guests of the Northeast Texas Community College Farm an opportunity to follow a ?treasure map? of areas of interests that could generate a wealth of sustainability on their own farm operations.
The day focused on hands-on learning experiences, which began with the raised beds where participants could plant some and take some strawberry plants. In all, 12 project stations demonstrated the various techniques that NTCC staff and students are using to create a more sustainable farm.
If the recent stormy weather kept you from attending the event first-hand, you need only look to the future for the ag department?s many activities to provide you an opportunity to learn, grown and eat more sustainably.† Over 500 students from FFA chapters across the region will compete in the 3rd†Annual NTCC Invitational on April 4th†? this is almost double the numbers of last year.† At the same time, Ag Club members will compete at a collegiate competition of the association of Ag students of Texas Junior Colleges hosted by Stephen F. Austin.
On April 9th†NTCC will host a Land and Forestry Judging Competition and on April 15th we†will feature an Ag Field day for area livestock producers to discuss winter forage production techniques.† Lastly, mark your calendars for May 2nd,†for the grand season opener of the NTCC?s Farmer?s Market.
If you would like to add your name to our mailing list or even sign up for one of our new continuing education project classes, contact Rene? McCracken at 903-434-8267 or†rmccracken@ntcc.edu†.
?It was hard to determine which was the favorite activity of the day.† Several of our guests signed up for our custom grown veggie service. This is where NTCC students will plant seeds provided or seek after your favorite heirloom hard to find tomato or pepper to get great things growing in your garden this year? remarked McCracken.
Of course ? never a disappointment: the natural angus beef sloppy joes featuring herbs and salsa produced by students were worth the drive!
Submitted by: Rene' McCracken
