By SHELLY STRAUTZ-SPRINGBORN
Michigan Correspondent
 
EAST LANSING, Mich. — “Let’s Talk Animals,” a discussion about how animal agriculture can evolve in Michigan, is one of dozens of events planned during Michigan State University’s 95th annual Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) Week.

ANR Week is scheduled to take place March 5-13 in East Lansing.
The week-long host of events and conferences is hosted by the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, MSU Extension and the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station.

Making its debut as a new event this year, “Let’s Talk Animals” is a discussion about how animal agriculture can evolve in Michigan.
“Animal agriculture is vital to Michigan’s economy, but consumers and residents are concerned about livestock production systems,” said Wendy Powers, director of environmental stewardship for animal agriculture at MSU and chair of the event’s development committee. “Our goal isn’t to tell people what to do, but to help them frame the subject so they can have insightful conversations in their own communities.”

MSU Professor of Philosophy and Agricultural Economics Paul Thompson will kick off the event by discussing the challenges and concerns of animal agriculture in the future.

“Dr. Thompson’s work focuses on agriculture’s affect on local communities,” Powers said. “He’s the perfect person to bring a balanced viewpoint of animal agriculture to the audience.”
Following Thompson’s presentation, Powers will join MSU Professor of Agriculture, Food and Resource Economics Paul Lovejoy and University of Michigan Research Scientist and Assistant Professor of Biology Catherine Badgley to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of various production systems as they relate to the environment, the economy and communities.

“There is no single answer to the growth of animal agriculture in Michigan,” Powers said.

“We hope to arm (participants) with science-based information so they can look at how issues surrounding food animal production affect their community.”

“Let’s Talk Animals” takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on March 8 at MSU’s Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center. The session is free and pre-registration is not required.

Another new event will be a conference focusing on community gardening titled “CHOICES – Collaboration: There’s Room at the Table.” This event will explore a variety of viewpoints about food choices and will feature how to conduct a successful community garden project; nutrition education trends on the horizon; how to select and prepare heart-healthy, child-friendly meals; the basics of food preservation and more. It is 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 10 and 11, and is sponsored by MSU Extension and the Michigan Nutrition Network. Register online at http://web7.anr.msu.edu/
choices or contact Melissa Lonsberry at lonsberr@anr.msu.edu or 517-432-5250.

Several opportunities will bring gardening to life during ANR Week.
The Michigan Wildflower Conference will take place March 7 and 8 at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center. Sponsored by the Wildflower Association of Michigan, it will focus on preserving and restoring biodiversity in generally urban and suburban yards.
The keynote speaker is Bill Cullina, previously with the New England Wild Flower Society, and now curator at the Costal Maine Botanical Garden in Boothbay, Maine.

For registration fees and more information, visit www.wildflowersmich.org or contact Jean Weirich by phone at 517-627-7927 or by e-mail at jeanweirich@gmail.com

“Herbal Gardening, Cooking, Decorating – Dill-ightful!” is the theme for the Michigan Herb Associates annual Conference, March 10 and 11 at the Kellogg Center. Lectures and demonstrations will focus on dill, the 2010 Herb of the Year, kitchen gardening, herbal cooking, herbal and natural table decorations, goat cheese making and much more. For registration fees and more information, visit www.miherb.org/ or call Julie Kris at 231-386-7006, Karen Beekman at 517-349-1709.

The Michigan Gladiolus Conference is set for March 11 and 12 at the Holiday Inn in Battle Creek. It includes a gladiolus farm tour; keynote address by Dr. Bridget Behe, professor of horticulture at Michigan State University, who will speak on marketing updates for corms and bulbs; and a talk by Lee Miller, from Pennsylvania, who will discuss bees and integrated pest management. For registration fees and other information, contact Lowell Ewart at 517-349-3617.

On March 12, the Michigan Horticultural Therapy Assoc. (MHTA) presents “Restoring Hope Through Horticultural Therapy” by Melanie Hammer, MSW, HTA. Break-out sessions will cover topics related to horticultural therapy practices. It also includes the 18th annual Seedy Character contest, displays, exhibits and door prizes. On March 13, the MHTA will present “Top Ten Activities for Every Season,” with Hammer. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in activities that simulate having a mental or physical challenge while completing a horticulture therapy project. For more information, visit www.Michiganhta.org

The MSU Department of Horticulture invites all green thumbs to its program: “Spring into Gardening” on March 13 at the MSU Eli Broad Business College Complex.

This program will feature new ideas and practical tips for gardens. Keynote speakers Susan Belsinger and Tina Marie Wilcox will speak on kitchen gardens and offer tips on growing and eating fruits and vegetables fresh from the garden. Master Gardeners can earn five credit hours for participating.

To register or learn more, visit http://hrt.msu.edu/springgardenpro
gram/ or contact Sandy Allen at 517-355-5191, ext. 1339, or allens@msu.edu

A variety of other events include the Michigan Organic Conference, the Michigan State Rabbit Breeders Conference, the 82nd Michigan FFA Convention; the Michigan Barn Preservation Network Conference; Spring Goat Day; the Michigan Horse Council Horse Expo, the Quiet Water Symposium and more.

For a complete list of ANR Week programs, visit www.anrweek.canr.msu.edu