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Public invited to enjoy family fun on the farm
September 16, 2008
By Mikalee Byerman
The College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources invites you to Field Day, an opportunity for locals to experience the innovation and research happening at the University’s 1,000-acre Main Station Farm on McCarran Boulevard in Reno.
“Field Day is about connecting with the community,” said Ron Pardini, associate director of the Nevada Agricultural Experiment Station. “It gives everyone the chance to explore the farm and ask questions of our students and researchers, all while enjoying some family fun.”
This free and open-to-the-public event is Saturday, Sept. 20, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Four concurrent tours are scheduled the day of the event, with each tour happening at staggered times — giving participants a chance to experience each tour.
Tour 1 will take visitors by shuttle to Dairy Hill, where they will learn about irrigation, biofuel production from gumweed, weed management and mercury environmental studies. Tour 2, also by shuttle, will have visitors exploring the front fields of Main Station, discussing sheep and cattle production and research. Tour 3 is a walking tour where participants will learn about animal health projects and the surgery unit. Tour 4, also a walking tour, will take visitors to Wolf Pack Meats.
“We have so many fascinating and important production agriculture projects ongoing at Main Station,” said David Thawley, director of Main Station and dean of the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources (CABNR). “Main Station is a valuable teaching and research resource, and we look forward to the chance to showcase the exceptional work happening there.”
The theme of family fun is underscored by many activities designed exclusively for children, including a children’s play area with hay-wagon rides. Families will also enjoy a complimentary barbecue lunch served up by CABNR’s award-winning Wolf Pack Meats.
“This is our third Field Day, and we’ve had tremendous feedback from those who’ve been to the event in previous years,” Pardini said. “Our neighbors in Reno, Sparks and beyond appreciate the opportunity to learn about the farm — and to have some fun while they’re at it.”
