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Time for a Fall Gathering at the ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ Farmer?s Market, August 2, 2013

By: Rene? McCracken, Director of Agriculture, ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ

On the ranch we used to have a certain time of the year where the herd was gathered up and brought in and looked over, tagged, branded and doctored if needed.† The time was normally in the fall just as the long summer heat broke and it was called The Fall Gathering.† When I first came to ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ about one year ago, I began thinking how fascinating it would be to have a ?gathering? of the students. †This gathering would allow past, present and†future students†who have been (and will be) impacted by the agriculture program at ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ to gather to share advice, connections, and even some tall tales.† Although it is a few months prior to fall, the time is right to have a good old fashioned ?gathering? of ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ students and alumni.†

If you are an alumnus of the ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ Agriculture Program, a current student or are interested in joining us at ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ, consider this your personal invitation to the first annual†ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ?s Ag Gathering.† It will coincide with the monthly†Farmer?s Market on Friday, August 2, 2013†beginning at 9 am.† The Ag Complex computer lab will open for those who would like to register for classes and experts will be available to assist you in choosing classes, declaring a major or even applying for financial aid.† Perhaps you have taken classes here but never had the opportunity to complete your degree.† There has never been a better time to major in agriculture at ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ than now!

The addition of Sustainable Agriculture Certificates and Associates Degree Plans, a new sustainable agriculture instructor and the offering of new and relevant courses such as Soil and Water Conservation or Organic Food Production offers the opportunity to start here and go anywhere. Even if you're not looking to get a full degree or certificate, you are more than welcome to take a class to learn how to cultivate your ag skills.† This year ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ is offering a diverse listing of classes designed for continuing education.† These are non-credit courses requiring as little as one day meeting to complete. During the gathering there will be opportunities to learn more about these classes, meet the instructors and/or sign up for them. With courses ranging from making jams and jellies to how to raise goats, you will be able to find something that fits your needs. Additionally, if you have an agriculture company or business and would be interested in hiring students for internships, you will have the opportunity to meet and greet some of the best and brightest agriculture students as well as discuss how the internship program operates.

ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ will be serving up its famous all-natural Angus Beef Burgers hot off the grill starting at 11 am.† All currently enrolled students eat free! All others get a great deal at $5 for burger, chips and drink with proceeds benefiting the agriculture program and students.† Don?t forget to stop by and experience all the ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ Farmer?s Market has to offer with produce, woodcrafts, baked goods, plants and so much more. The ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ hens are laying and this will be your last chance to purchase some pastured heritage breeds.† If you would like more information on the Gathering, the Farmer?s Market or agriculture classes and program contact Rene? McCracken at 903-434-8267 or†rmccracken@ntcc.edu.