News Release
For Immediate Release — May 18, 2008
New Event Announced for Homeowners, Fruit Growers
(SPRING HILL, Tenn.) – “Fruits of the Backyard” is a new educational event hosted by the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture for homeowners and others interested in making better use of their outdoor space. Commercial fruit growers may also benefit from the seminars put on by experts from UT’s Agricultural Research and Extension programs.
On Tuesday, June 17, beginning at 12:30 p.m., visitors may tour various crops growing in the fields of the UT Middle Tennessee Research and Education Center and university experts will be on hand to offer advice on everything from production techniques to controlling insect pests.
Dennis Onks, director of the Middle Tennessee Research and Education Center, is excited to present a new event that is geared to meet the needs of homeowners as well as producers. “Our area, like many, is growing in population, but people still want fresh or homegrown produce. Many of the crops that we will discuss are part of a healthy diet. Growing them in your own backyard or buying them from a local producer is both enjoyable and satisfying.”
The event will include educational seminars on table grape production, blueberry research and production, creating a beautiful lawn, and producing quality peaches. A trade show will feature area merchants and their equipment as well as exhibits from university departments and other agencies with beneficial programs and free production information.
Commercial growers will also be able to visit representatives from the UT Center for Profitable Agriculture during the trade show and share ideas on how to start a new agricultural business venture.
The gate opens at 12:30 p.m. and tours will be presented throughout the afternoon. The last presentation is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. Admission is free.
For more information regarding the event visit the Web site http://agriculture.tennessee.edu/news/FieldDays/2008FD/fruitsbackyard.pdf or call (931) 486-2129.
The Middle Tennessee Research and Education Center is one of 10 research facilities in the statewide UT Agricultural Experiment Station system. In addition to the UT’s Agricultural Research programs, the UT Institute of Agriculture also provides instruction, research and public service through the UT College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, the UT College of Veterinary Medicine, and UT Extension offices in every county in the state.
The Middle Tennessee Research and Education Center is located on Hwy. 31, just minutes south of Nashville. Take exit 53 from I-65 and follow the signs to Columbia. The Research and Education Center is on the east side of Hwy. 31, across from the GM Plant at Spring Hill.
###
Contact:
Dr. Dennis Onks, Middle Tennessee Research and Education Center, (931) 486-2129