AG ON THE WEB:  SUMMER EVENTS

BY JENNIFER PENA

This is a busy summer for agricultural enthusiasts, with a vast array of events throughout Minnesota. From big commercial shows to small events on the farm, there is much to choose from. We've selected a few that sound interesting to keep your calendar full until fall. While you're busy surfing the Net, don't forget to check us out at www.auri.org to see what we've got cooking this summer.


North Creek Community Farm
www.chibardun.net/~kstout

Located in the Hay River Valley, 75 miles northeast of the Twin Cities, the North Creek Community Farm offers plenty of summer activities. Click on "2004 Information" to view their Festival schedule, including the Garlic Harvest in July, a two-day "Corn Feed, Science Day and Overnight" in August, and a Harvest Festival in September. North Creek is a community-supported farm; they welcome visitors to collect produce or just learn, work and have fun. Farm-share subscriptions are available through their Web site.


FarmFest 2004
www.farmshows.com/Farmfest

What would a summer be like without Minnesota's FarmFest? This year, the event will be held nearRedwood Falls from Tuesday, August 3, through Thursday, August 5. Exhibitors are already in place and education demonstrations such as livestock handling, harvesting and spraying are scheduled throughout the three-day show. A handy toolbar on the left gives you fast links to everything you need to know about 2004's FarmFest, including an exhibitor list and layout, show hours, admission prices, directions and more. Check out AURI's tent at lot 612 on your way through the grounds.


Morgan Creek Vineyards
www.morgancreekvineyards.com

Morgan Creek Vineyards has been building a reputation for delicious wines and a beautiful vineyard since its first harvest in 1998. Located near New Ulm, it has become a southern Minnesota tourist attraction. The "Calendar of Events" section lists what the vineyard has planned for this summer, including wine tasting from May to December, summer Jazz Nites and even gourmet cooking. Morgan Creek visitors report it's worth the trip.


Minnesota State Fair
www.mnstatefair.org

The "Great Minnesota Get Together" site includes an abundance of information on every event happening during the fair's 12-day run, including livestock shows, competitions and special days. Agricultural visitors will want to take special note of the "competition" section, featuring 4-H, livestock, FFA, Ag-Hort-Bee, horse shows and judging schedules.


DakotaFest
www.farmshows.com/Dakotafest

For those interested in traveling just outside Minnesota, DakotaFest 2004 may be the show to visit. Like FarmFest, information is located on farmshows.com, with easy, quick links to demonstrations, new products, show hours, admission and much more. DakotaFest 2004 is located on the Schlaffman Farm in Mitchell, SD, and runs from Tuesday, August 17 to Thursday, August 19.


Seventh International Conference on Precision Agriculture
www.precision.agri.umn.edu/Conference

The Seventh International Conference on Precision Agriculture offers a forum on precision agriculture research and applications. This year's conference, to be held July 25-28 in Minneapolis, promises to be the largest ever, with over 280 papers presented by attendees from throughout the United States and 35 countries. The forum will include oral and poster presentations, discussions and exhibits. Web site visitors can register for the conference, get information on hotel and travel, and read about past conferences.


AgriSurf AgCalendar
www.agrisurf.com/agrisurfcalendar/main.asp

If you have an upcoming event to share with the ag community, AgriSurf is a great place to post it. There is a quick link to "AgCalendar" where visitors can view scheduled events or add one their own. Click on "add a new event," then create an account for yourself and complete your calendar. Check back often as events are scheduled regularly.