News Release Distributed 12/23/09
WEST MONROE, La. – Information about different agricultural commodities grown in Louisiana will be featured in Ag Alley, a group of exhibits coordinated by the LSU AgCenter at the 28th annual Ag Expo Jan. 15-16.
Ag Expo will be open to the public on Friday, Jan. 15, from 2 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 16, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ike Hamilton Expo Center in West Monroe.
Horticulture and corn are the commodities featured in the alleys this year, said Cynthia Stephens, LSU AgCenter agent in Ouachita Parish. First- and fourth-grade students will tour the event by appointment.
A mini farm and horse alley also will be featured.
The 2010 Ag Expo Livestock Show Jan. 15 will feature junior showmanship classes that showcase the talents of area youth under 18 years old, said Brandon DuBois, LSU AgCenter 4-H agent in Ouachita parish.
Participants will come from Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas and Mississippi to exhibit their livestock projects. The Louisiana Junior Cattlemen’s Association will sponsor the beef showmanship event.
During the event, Louisiana Master Gardeners will present programs on butterfly gardening at 3 p.m. and sequential bulb-flower gardening at 5 p.m. on Jan. 15. and rose culture at 11 a.m. and pruning woody shrubs and trees at 2 p.m. on Jan. 16.
The North Louisiana Agri-Business Council sponsors Ag Expo, an event that promotes the agribusiness industry and educates the public on the importance of agriculture.
Mary Ann Van Osdell