Teachers get chance to learn about agriculture

The Colusa County Farm Bureau's 12th annual Summer Ag Seminar will educate teachers about the "supply side" of agriculture.

The Aug. 1 and 2 event is free to all teachers and provides an inside look at wineries, nut and fruit growers as well as irrigation systems, said bureau President Mike Doherty.

"They're going to learn everything," he said. "They see everything on the supply side of agriculture before it gets to the middle man."

Doherty said the program began with a partnership between schools and the California Farm Bureau Federation. The county Farm Bureaus then modeled their programs after the state's.

Included in the tours will be visits to a mushroom plant, vineyards, several orchards and the workings of large irrigation systems.

Doherty said an important part of the seminar is teaching the instructors about different chemical applications.

"They learn all about the everyday stuff," he said.

The seminar will include guest speakers, lesson plans and teaching materials for instructors and agriculture baskets.

The event is free. Attendees also will be treated to a breakfast and lunch each day at the Colusa County Farm Bureau.

"This is a way for teachers to learn how to incorporate agriculture into their everyday lessons," Doherty said.

Appeal-Democrat reporter Kymm Mann can be reached at 749-4708. You may e-mail her at kmann@appealdemocrat.com.