Improving Crop Yields
“Pollinators and Agriculture, a Partnership on the Land” is the theme for this year's Penn State Extension Butler County Master Gardeners' Farm Show education booth.
This theme was selected based on the Pollinator Partnership's (www.pollinator.org) 2021 campaign to highlight the relationship between pollinators and agriculture.
The Master Gardeners chose to feature this topic because of agriculture's importance to Butler County and ongoing concern about the decline in bees and insect pollinator populations.
The purpose of the display is to educate the public on how and why pollinators are essential to successful agriculture in the County.
The education booth will highlight evidence- and science-based facts about pollinators.
Featured will be several insect species that help pollinate crops grown in Butler County.
Actions farmers and home gardeners can take to improve the diversity and abundance of pollinators for better crop yields will be underscored. An example of a solitary bee house will be available, and instructions for making your own bee house will be shared. An array of plants that are exceptional in attracting pollinators will be on display.
In addition to the focus on pollinators and agriculture, the Master Gardeners' education booth will provide updated information on the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula). This insect is considered a threat to Pennsylvania's agricultural crops and trees.
The spotted lanternfly has been identified in Pennsylvania, including Beaver and Allegheny counties, and agricultural agents are working to keep this insect from spreading. Master Gardeners will be available to explain how to identify the spotted lanternfly as well as its host plant, the tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), and how to report your spotted lanternfly sightings.
Master Gardeners will be in attendance to answer questions on garden-related topics throughout the duration of the Butler Farm Show. Information about becoming a Penn State Extension Master Gardener and the next Basic Training Certification class, which starts in early October, will be available.
The Farm Show will be held at the Butler Farm Show Complex, 625 Evans City Road, Connoquenessing Township, from Aug. 9-14. Gates open daily at 8:30 a.m. until 11 p.m. Admission for adults and children 3 years or older on Monday is $8 per person and Tuesday through Saturday is $10 per person. Admission includes parking, entertainment, exhibits, grandstand events (new for 2021) and unlimited midway rides (except boat rides).
The Master Gardeners look forward to meeting you there.
Terri Helfer and Mary Alice Koeneke are Penn State Extension Master Gardeners in Butler County since 2016.
