Everything Nac

Stephen F. Austin State University’s SFA Gardens will host its fifth Kiwifruit Field Day with presentations on the growing, research and marketing of kiwifruit.

The event will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 24 in the Brundrett Conservation Education Building at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center, located at 2900 Raguet St.

Lunch will be provided, followed by a tour of the kiwifruit field trials at SFA Gardens from 1 to 4 p.m.

Speakers will include Dr. David Creech of SFA Gardens, Tim Hartmann of Texas A&M University, Jay Spears of Auburn University, David Anderson of Anderson Food Sales and Marketing in Nacogdoches, and economic analyst Alan Burnie.

Topics include kiwifruit production in Texas and Alabama, growing potential for Texas farmers, kiwifruit market trends, and economic risks in kiwifruit production.

The cost of the field day is $45 per person. Advance registration is required, and the deadline to register is Sept. 20. To register, visit the SFA Gardens website or Facebook page, or send an inquiry email to sfagardens@sfasu.edu.

Stephen F. Austin State University’s Department of Agriculture reached a national audience when Dr. John Michael Mehaffey, associate professor of agriculture, appeared on RFD-TV Network’s “Texas Agriculture Matters.”

The weekly television program, hosted by Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, explores Texas-focused agricultural topics on the nation’s first 24-hour television network dedicated to agricultural programming, rural living and entertainment.

Mehaffey directs the SFA Swine Center located at the Walter C. Todd Agricultural Research Center and spoke about the importance of involving youth in agriculture through organizations such as the Four-H Club and National FFA Organization.

“I think it’s a huge step, especially in today’s world, to make sure we engage youth and let them know how important agriculture is,” Mehaffey said.

Although commercial swine production isn’t a top industry in Texas, the state is a national leader in producing quality pigs for livestock competitions.

Mehaffey said the SFA Swine Center annually places 100 to 150 show pigs with 4-H and FFA youth across East Texas.

The SFA Swine Show Team, comprising agriculture majors, also participates in regional, state and national shows using SFA-produced swine.

Due to the center’s involvement in show pig production, agriculture majors gain hands-on experience in livestock reproduction, nutrition, health and sales.

Mehaffey said this is increasingly important as more students from urban areas pursue careers in agriculture.

“In any given year, anywhere from 50 to 60% of our freshman class is from urban areas,” Mehaffey said. “Being from those urban areas, they have little experience with FFA and 4-H programs, or animals aside from dogs and cats. This makes SFA’s agricultural resources, facilities and research centers invaluable.”

To watch Mehaffey’s “Texas Agriculture Matters” segment, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtpOGYjdKuY.