There was information on sustainable agriculture, farming, animal production, bee harvesting, and aquaponics by the students of horticulture, animal science, entomology, beekeeping, sustainable agriculture, value-added products and aquaculture.
By Justin Ziminsky.
The College of Agriculture Forestry and Natural Resource Management (CAFNRM) at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo opened its annual Ag Fair Day on April 27, 2018. The fair was very educational for students and visitors alike. There was a lot of information on sustainable agriculture, farming, animal production, bee harvesting, and aquaponics available for everyone by the students of horticulture, animal science, entomology, beekeeping, sustainable agriculture, value-added products and aquaculture.
There were amazing homemade products and different organic foods made by students from Ag 205 that were also available to attendees. Bruce Mathews, dean of CAFRNM and Lorna Tsutsumi, professor of entomology, formally welcomed guests and exhibitors during the opening ceremonies at the CAFNRM breezeway.
Although there were great products being presented by everyone, one in particular stood out for me. The table on vermicompost tea (composting using earthworms) made and exhibited by Antonio Vera from AG 205 class, was the most intriguing. Tony made an organic “tea” for plants from his vermicompost that was a topical solution administered by standard spray bottles. The vermicompost solution he had made helped plant development, root growth, and seed germination. He had a control plant next to the one he used the solution with and the difference was extremely noticeable. Tony’s vermicompost was incredibly inspirational to me, and I will look into producing my own very soon.
All in all, the agricultural fair at UH Hilo was a success. Attendees from all of Hilo took with them a little more knowledge than they have arrived with, and that in itself is a great success. From learning about livestock, the dangers in chemicals used in commercial products, such as, sunblock and other topical solutions that are widely used throughout the community, to learning how to make your own organic honey from by bee harvesting, the agricultural students and professors put on a great fair! We look forward to next year’s fair!
–May-June issue of the CAFNRM Newsletter.