AGRICULTURE

program won two Gold Star Awards at a recent professional association conference.

Forestry group members said they want more hands-on prescribed fire training and a training program for local and state administrators, such as county supervisors, on invasive species to help them recognize and manage these plants.

Fruit and vegetable growers learned MSU is now a member of the small fruit consortium, which allows agents and specialists to participate in a variety of educational opportunities. Commodity group

leaders informed attendees about programs and research, including work on fruit tree diseases. Group members also discussed fish for fertilizer, which is currently being studied.

Representatives of the horse and small ruminant group said they want research on COPD in horses. Researchers are seeking input from producers on potential research on conservation grazing. Henderson said the application process for the small ruminant specialist position is open.

Members of the livestock group said they want more education on the U.S. Department of Agriculture's changes to requirements related to Trichomoniasis tests. They are interested in information on

producer practices that can help with small grass issues. The group was informed about the upcoming release from MSU of recordkeeping applications and paperwork to help producers.

Marine resources representatives heard updates on research and other work being done on oysters, avian ecology, living shorelines and sea level rise.

Poultry group members heard updates from Extension poultry specialist Tom Tabler on research and information about antibiotic-free commercial poultry production. He also informed the group that he is available to do educational programs on ph testing of water used in poultry production.