The first program begins Feb. 20.

Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) will offer three new agriculture workshops beginning Feb. 20 at the Lybyer Enhanced Technology Center, 605 West Main St., in West Plains.

Each of the three-hour non-credit workshops showcases a different way to challenge traditional farming and agricultural methods of production, university officials said.

“This series of hands-on workshops are designed to help people prepare for the growing season and maximize their yield,” said Sheila Barton, director of workforce development programs.

Program details

• Workshop 1: Seed Starter, 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20
  • This event will provide instruction in good soil techniques and requirements for planting. Participants will go home with a 50-cell seed starter pack of 10 vegetable plants.
• Workshop 2: Caterpillar Tunnel Construction, 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 6
  • This workshop will show how to build, move and operate the tunnels. Another topic will be how the tunnels are a cost-effective and useful tool for vegetable and small fruit production.
• Workshop 3: Fertigation (Fertilization + Irrigation), 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 20
  • This event will explain the benefits, methods and system designs of “Fertification” compared to conventional or drop-fertilizing methods.

The fee for each one-day workshop is $30 per person. Registration is limited to 30 people. The deadline to apply for the first event is Feb. 17.

For information on the workshops or how to register, go to gocat.wp.missouristate.edu/events or contact Barton at 417-255-7784 or sheilabarton@missouristate.edu.

For more information about Missouri State-West Plains and its academic programs, call the admissions office at 417-255-7955.