COLUMBIA, Mo. - Make the most of your backyard and small acreage with the help of an upcoming expo.
University of Missouri Extension specialists and local experts will give ways to make use of backyards and small acreages April 27 at the third annual Mid-MO Expo at Battle High School in Columbia.
The daylong event covers a variety of topics for the beginning to advanced gardener. Specialists will teach about how to raise food, including poultry, honey, vegetables and fruit, and how to market it for sale. And that's just the tip of the expo.
For more information or to register, go to extension.missouri.edu/boone or call 573-445-9792. The event runs 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Battle High School is at 7575 E. St. Charles Road, Columbia.
Planned sessions
The event offers numerous 45-minute sessions that will help landowners get more out of their backyards, said MU Extension agricultural engineering specialist Kent Shannon, who will give an overview of how small-property owners can use drones in their operations.
Beekeeper and MU Master Gardener John Williams will give several sessions to help those wanting to get into beekeeping. Terry Woods, an MU research specialist, will share ways to manage monarch butterflies and bees.
MU Extension entomologist Kevin Rice has updates for the homeowner on insects. MU Extension agronomist Todd Lorenz will talk about how to start a garden and how cover crops can benefit gardens. MU Extension horticulturists Jim Quinn and Cory Creed have information on how to grow fruits and hops. MU's longtime state horticulturist David Trinklein is planning a double session on tomato growing.
Retired MU Extension poultry specialist Jess Lyons will talk on "Backyard Chicken Production." Shannon said local Master Gardeners and extension council members will also offer sessions that attendees may find useful.
Representatives from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Greenbelt Land Trust of Mid-Missouri, and the Boone County Soil and Water Conservation District will offer insights into water and erosion issues. Jeff Zimmershied of The Lawn Company has tips for organic lawn care.