By SHELLY STRAUTZ-SPRINGBORN
Michigan Correspondent

EAST LANSING, Mich. — The “Family Futures” tent will feature educational sessions and activities at the 30th Ag Expo that show how the Michigan State University (MSU) College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) contributes to a prosperous and healthy future for Michigan’s families.

“MSU’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources offers so many programs that can help Michigan families have a better future,” said CANR tent coordinator Michelle Lavra. “In this year’s Family Futures tent, we showcase those programs so that families can discover the resources available to them through the college, MSU Extension and the Agricultural Experiment Station.”

The United Dairy Industry of Michigan will sponsor a performance stage in the tent. Daily cooking demonstrations will take place at 11:45 a.m. On July 21 and 23, Gourmet Raw Living Food chefs and trainers, Samone Jones and Sandy Putt, will be preparing raw living food cuisine using only Michigan produce. Their menu will include The Mighty Green Smoothie, Michigan Cherry Crisp Delight, Oatmeal Cookie Granola, Pleasant Pesto and Zucchini Pasta.

“The purpose of demonstrating raw living cuisine is to expose people to new ways of preparing raw living Michigan foods, which are some of the most nutritiously powerful and delicious foods available to assist in maintaining a healthy body,” Jones said. “Locally grown produce is less likely to contain additives used to extend the life of shipped produce from remote locations, therefore reducing the amount of foreign substances the body has to rid itself of – which promotes optimal health.”

On July 22, local chef and author of the Good to Go Cookbook, Kathleen Cannata Hanna, will host a cooking demonstration for families on the go. She will prepare smart snacks, quick suppers and great take-along foods for busy families using nutritious, economical and readily available ingredients.

“Eating out often is not good for the waistline or the wallet,” Hanna said. “I want the audience to come away with the knowledge and confidence to make a snack or a meal in the kitchen with ease.”
Children can join the fun under the big top with a variety of craft activities, face painting, games and giveaways. Youth who complete an Ag Expo “birthday card” by collecting stamps from participating booths will receive a prize. Visitors also can learn about research projects and career options related to agriculture and natural resources in the CANR tent.

College representatives will be available to answer questions.
The MSU Bulletin Office will have popular publications free or for sale – some at show discount rates. Master Gardeners and other horticultural experts will staff the Plant Doctor booth and will be available to answer questions and examine and diagnose problematic plants.

Once again, the MSU Dairy Store will offer free ice cream. Visitors are asked to make a donation, with all proceeds benefiting the CANR Alumni Scholarship Fund.

In celebration of the University Archives and Historical Collections’ 40th anniversary, a brief presentation will be made at 1 p.m. on July 21. At 1 p.m. on July 22, the college will celebrate the 30th anniversary of Ag Expo. Cake will be served at both celebrations.
Other activities under the CANR tent include a presentation on wind energy each morning at 9:30 a.m. and a session on succession planning each day at 1:15 p.m., plus sessions on using kitchen incubators for developing food products, youth entrepreneurship and square-foot gardening.

The CANR tent will be located on Expo Drive on the Ag Expo Grounds.

Ag Expo runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 21 and 22 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 23 at the corner of Farm Lane and Mount Hope Road on Michigan State University’s (MSU) East Lansing campus. Because of road construction on Farm Lane, the Ag Expo parking area and grounds will only be accessible from Mount Hope Road. Admission is free.

Visit www.agexpo.msu.edu or call 1-800-366-7055 for more information or a complete list of Ag Expo activities.