Sell College Game Colors At The Farmers Market

As an LSU fan I'm always looking for ways to show my collegite pride. P. Allen Smith's latest web article, "Using Purple in the Garden + My Top Ten Purple Flowers," reminded me that people really are interested in showing their colors in the fall.

Catipalize on this idea for your farmers market flower station. Gather flower colors and make a pennet of your local college teams and sell flowers that help them make a statement at their game day parties. Don't forget your national football fans are most likely hosting a party at home.

For the latest in gardening, visit the home and garden section on the LSU AgCenter's website.

Good Food Award Accepting Nominations until Sept. 1

Producers of beer, chocolate, coffee, cheese, charcuterie, preserves, spirits and pickles should complete an application for "The Good Food Awards." The deadline to apply is September 1st. All of the information is available on our website: http://www.goodfoodawards.org/.

Paddling Workshop in Monroe, Sept. 28-29, Landowners Welcome

Outdoor recreation numbers indicate that 1.2 million Louisiana residents and nonresidents over the age of 16 enjoy hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing.

The LSU AgCenter and Mississippi State University’s Natural Resource Enterprises Program will offer a two-day workshop in Monroe on Sept. 28-29 entitled, “Paddling and Canoeing Business Opportunities and Leasing for Profit on Your Farm,” at Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Monroe.

The workshop will focus on agritourism enterprise development of wildlife and water systems on farmlands. Guest speakers on the first day will talk about revenue potential, outdoor recreational opportunities on farmlands, legal concerns, wetland management for water fowl, moist soil management, crawfish, fishing and bird-watching.

The two day event is $75 for two days; $50 for one day; and $25 (optional) for a canoe trip with nationally known John Ruskey in a 10 man canoe. Seating limited to 20; so register early.

To register click here.

CM Farms Opening October 1st in Dry Creek

The Melsheimer Family invites everyone to come to their new location in Dry Creek beginning October 1, 2011. The Melsheimer's moved CM Farms over the summer and have added lots of new fun agritourism opportunities. Click here to learn more.

Saddle Symposium in Alexandria

Join the LSU AgCenter
for the
Saddle Symposium
August 20, 2011
9:30 am
Rapides Parish Coliseum
5600 Coliseum Blvd.
Alexandria,Louisiana
Cost: $5


Learn about proper leather care, correct saddle fit, equine anatomy and movement, and the importance of a correctly fitted saddle. Ask saddle makers and veterinarians specific questions. Leather workers and saddle makers; come share techniques and tricks of the trade with other professionals following the event.

Speakers Include:

Randy Stewart
Roy Stewart
Maurice Marceaux
&
Dr. Laura Riggs

For more information contact Dr.Neely Heidorn at nheidorn@agcenter.lsu.edu

Yellowstone National Park and Agritourism

I'm just returning from eight days in Yellowstone National Park. I had a great time viewing agritourism western style. I spent days hiking, viewing beautiful waterfalls overlooking green meadows, watching wildlife, listening to birds, walking through native plants and enjoying the panoramic views from a mountain top. Also there for enjoyment were paddling trips on rivers winding through pasturelands and horseback riding in meadows and on the mountain top. It was all agritourism.

We can do all those forms of agritourism with the exception of mountain viewing. I watched people spend their vacation dollars to enjoy an "experience" and "education" from the land.