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Crop tour shines light on agriculture
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Did you know ... • Union County’s agricultural sales in 2008 amounted to $80.3 million, and that Union County has 880 farms? • Wheat accounts for 22 percent of ag sales in the county, “other’’ crops 21 percent, cattle 18 percent, peppermint 10 percent?... • The new PGG Alicel grain storage facility will hold 755,000 bushels and have the ability to load four rail cars an hour? • That OSU is testing a wide variety of winter wheat species in the valley? • That camelina, an oilseed crop with food, feed and biofuel potential, is being tested locally? These are a few of the facts that were disseminated during the 33rd annual Union County Crops and Conservation Tour held last Wednesday. Like the Farmer-Merchant Banquet held each fall, the crop tour shines a light on trends and best practices in local agriculture. It is a must-see for anyone interested in finding out more about one of the county’s leading industries — one that many people tend to forget is such a significant player in the local economy. About 200 people gathered at Crop Production Services for an introductory program and to begin the tour. Buses and private vehicles carried the tour participants to various stops where experts described their work and activities. The tour culminated at the A.B. Conley Century Farmstead in Cove with the annual steak barbecue made possible by the hard work of FFA, other volunteers and sponsors. OSU Extension Agronomist Darrin Walenta, Crop Production Services and the tour committee do an excellent job organizing the event each year and coming up with topics that will be of interest not only to ag producers, but to the general public as well. It was good to see the kind of turnout the tour drew. Agriculture is a driving force in Union County’s economy. The tour illustrates that our county’s farmers and ranchers are on the cutting edge of agricultural advancements. They are serious about their work and are working with each other, OSU and its Extension program and others to make sure they stay abreast of the latest research and information. The tour has become a tradition in the county. And for good reason. Taking the tour amounts to time well spent. |
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