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Ravalli County

Meeting Ravalli County residents where they are with agriculture and horticulture programming

Published: 2020
By Patrick Mangan
Weed Science Pubs, Online Vegetable Journals, Virtual Fruit Conferences, and Sustainable Gardens for the Pandemic: meeting Ravalli County residents where they are with agriculture and horticulture programming Agriculture and horticulture programming in Ravalli County strived to connect with county citizens and constituents in a variety of settings, being responsive to needs and providing educational content to land owners, backyard gardeners, farmers and ranchers, and horticulturalists across the county and state. Agricultural Science Pub Series: Ravalli County MSU Extension started a partnership with a local brew pub in the town of Stevensville, to host agri-science themed speakers and lectures hosted in the pub environment. More than 80 participants attended the first two pub lectures, combining up-to-date science information with good food and drink. The series was put on pause in the spring, but plans to come back someday when social gathering is again suitable. The first two pub talks covered topics on weed management and herbicide choices, and will expand to include other agricultural science topics. Participants reported a good combination of important information delivered in a comfortable environment. Montana Berry Growers Conference: Ravalli County MSU Extension partnered with the Montana Berry Growers Association and the MSU Western Agriculture Research Center to organize and offer an online virtual growers conference in March. The conference, originally planned as an in-person event, pivoted to online presentations, reaching over 200 participants through five broadcasts. The online format allowed for speakers from across the US and Canada to present to Montana farmers and orchardists about the emergence of high-value berry crops. Online Gardening Guide and Virtual Presentations for Gardeners: Agent Patrick Mangan responded to the increasing interest in backyard vegetable gardens this spring by developing and releasing a beginning vegetable and gardening guide, hoping to support local area citizens as they started their first experiences in vegetable gardening. The five-part guide covered soils, garden beds, fertilizers, and planting seeds and plants. Local area presentations and online virtual conversations expanded the opportunities to learn about vegetable production and gardening. The presentations and guide strived to support citizens interested in local food systems.
Master Gardeners tour and learn about vineyards and grape production for the local wine industry.