University of Minnesota experts on hand at Farmfest

Tips will be available on everything from corn-growing to the current drought at the University of Minnesota’s tent at the 26th annual Farmfest, Aug. 7, 8 and 9, at the Gilfillan Estate in Redwood County.

A new interactive game in the booth will test participants’ knowledge of agriculture, food and renewable fuels.

University of Minnesota experts on hand can connect visitors with information about agriculture, natural resources, food and nutrition and other areas. Production agriculture specialists will be on hand each day to answer questions about the latest research.

Featured guests from the University of Minnesota include
• Mark Seeley, well-known climatologist and author of “Minnesota Weather Almanac,” will be at the tent on Tuesday, Aug. 7, to talk about this summer’s weather.
• Agronomist Dale Hicks, an expert on corn production, will be at the tent on Wednesday, Aug. 8, to discuss agriculture issues.

The tent also includes an exhibit on renewable energy, which will illustrate University of Minnesota projects on soy diesel, converting wind power to anhydrous ammonia and biomass for energy. There’s also a weather and climate exhibit that’s a bit flexible, depending on whether it rains or shines.

In addition, at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 9, the University of Minnesota will honor the 2007 Minnesota Farm Families of the Year at Farmfest. Nearly 70 families will be recognized this year for their contributions to agriculture and their local communities. For more information about the Farm Family of the Year program, visit the Web site at mnfarmfamilies.cfans.umn.edu/. Gov. Tim Pawlenty has proclaimed Aug. 9 as Farm Family Recognition Day in the state of Minnesota.

Farmfest is held annually at the Gilfillan Estate in Redwood County, Minn. For more information about Farmfest, visit www.farmshows.com/ffst.