June 21 was a fine day for a tour. That was the consensus of New Hampshire legislators who came to campus for an introduction to UNH Cooperative Extension’s programs and research. State Rep. Jane Beaulieu contacted me earlier this spring with a request to learn more about on-going Extension initiatives and outreach. The result? Legislators, most serving on the Environment and Agriculture House committee, gathered for lunch and a whirlwind bus tour of UNH research farms.

Guided by Becky Grube, Extension Sustainable Horticulture Specialist, and John Porter, Extension Dairy Specialist emeritus, 20 participants did a fly-by bus tour of the Woodman Horticultural and Kingman Farms. The tour ended with a walking tour of the Burley-Demeritt Farm, site of the first land grant organic dairy in the country.

Grube, John McLean, farm manager of the horticulture farms, and Dorn Cox, a farmer-cooperator working with Grube on oilseed and biodiesel production, told the group about research conducted at both Woodman and Kingman farms, including Grube’s field trials for high-value edible crops, such as New Hampshire sweet potatoes, thornless blackberries and cold-tolerant broccoli. They also learned about Extension Specialist Cathy Neal's ornamentals research and long-term fruit research. Dr. Ihab Farag from the UNH Chemical Engineering Department, also explained his research in biodiesel development using oilseeds.

While driving through Lee, Phil Auger, Extension Land and Water Conservation Educator, explained how conservation easements protect valuable resources in a region of the state under constant pressure from development.

At the Burley-Demeritt Farm, legislators listened to Porter showcase the history of the relatively new organic dairy, complete with a herd of Jersey cows. The Jerseys now include a local celebrity, a young heifer, Bonnie, named in honor of interim President Bonnie Newman. Dot Perkins, an Extension Program Coordinator, Agricultural Resources, explained how her research into plant species at the farm will add knowledge to organic management of animal health. The group also learned about rotation of pastures at the farm from Frank Saglio, acting dairy manager.

Organic milk offers a value-added opportunity for dairy farmers in the Northeast with consumer demand increasing by more than 24 percent each year for the past decade. The UNH organic dairy farm offers a regional research site to assess agro-ecosystem interactions as well as grazing, pasture, and animal nutrition issues.

This day truly showcased some of the important work being done for New Hampshire residents. We are proud to share our research and outreach efforts with interested legislators who represent committees such as Science and Technology and Environment and Agriculture. Their interest ensures our relevancy for all New Hampshire citizens.