Agriculture Glance 11-4-12

Master Gardener training
The Yuma County Cooperative Extension will offer the 2012 Master Gardener volunteer training program starting this week.

Classes will meet from 8:30 a.m. to noon Tuesdays Nov. 6 through Feb. 26 (no classes Dec. 25 and Jan. 1) at the extension office, 2200 W. 28th St. Cost is $150, which includes a required background check, the Master Gardener handbook, Desert Landscaping for Beginners, Desert Gardening for Beginners, other materials and refreshments.

Master Gardeners receive specialized training in urban horticulture, then volunteer to help educate the community on various aspects of horticulture.

For more information, and to apply, call the extension office at 726-3904.

Learn about composting
Master Gardener Ellen Gardener will present “The Joy of Composting” at 4:30 p.m. Nov. 13 at the Main Library, 2951 S. 21st Drive. Learn about composting bins and how to get started. There is no charge to attend.

Upcoming topics in the Yuma Garden Series include “Proper Soil Amendments for a Thriving Garden” in December and “Nutrient Deficiency” in January. Meet fellow gardening enthusiasts and learn how to make things grow in Arizona.

For more information, call 782-1871.

Arizona Farm Bureau Convention
Arizona Farm Bureau's annual state convention will be held Thursday and Friday at the Wigwam Resort in Litchfield Park. The organization has approximately 3,500 farmer members and 18,500 non-farm members.

This year's theme is “Connecting Ag to All.”

The convention includes a business meeting during which county representatives will adopt policies, a trade show and speakers who will address election results, health care, state and national agriculture issues and farming's future. President Kevin Rogers' annual address will be at noon Thursday. Awards will be given out during Thursday night's Service to Agriculture Awards Banquet including Farmer and Rancher of the Year.