COLDWATER, Mich. — A 43-year tradition is about to embark on bringing production agriculture and everything it entails to one Michigan venue where farmers and those interested in agriculture meet industry professionals to probe future technologies, improve farming operations through education, work on self-improvement skills and explore 4-H.

Farmers and educators will gather in the southern Michigan city of Coldwater at the Branch Area Career Center for the 44th annual Coldwater Farmer’s Day on Feb. 20. Organized in 1968, this annual event touts nearly 1,200 attendees from throughout southern Michigan who gather at the free agricultural trade show and educational forum.

Programming for all ages is featured at this one day agriculturally-focused event where farmers can hone their skills in business management, young people can explore or enhance their 4-H experience, the entrepreneurial spirit is encouraged and cooking to reduce stress is highlighted.

The doors will open at 9:30 a.m. for attendees to enjoy the trade show featuring everything from farm equipment to animal health, to seed companies. Business representatives will be available to answer questions about their products and services. A variety of programs are available throughout the day, with workshops beginning at 10:30 a.m.

One of the morning sessions is on the topic of cottage food laws. Laws have enabled preparation of foods in home kitchens for other than family use. This workshop combines the business and food safety aspects of preparing and selling them safely and successfully.

Other workshops in the morning will include one on horses, “Protecting Your Equine Investment,” presented by Tom Guthrie of Michigan State University extension, while Beth Bishop, also from MSU, will provide a weed update and crop management discussion on alfalfa, corn and soybeans.

One of the afternoon workshops beginning at 1:30 p.m. will feature extension specialists Suzanne Pish, Sarah Johnson and Valerie Albright offering a program on “Foods to Combat Stress,” with cooking demonstrations and recipes. Past experience has shown this to be a popular workshop.

Beth Ferry of MSU extension will conduct a Pork Quality Assurance session, and other afternoon programming will include tips on more efficient use of the Internet; Bruce MacKeller of MSU will give a crop disease update; and Lyndon Kelly, also of MSU, will offer programming on irrigation and water use policies.

At both the morning and afternoon sessions, youth can “make and take” sample 4-H projects, learn what 4-H is all about and be informed about clubs in their areas. Additionally, for youth interested in taking livestock to their county fairs, there will be programming the entire day for each species and the specifics on how to acquire and take care of each kind of animal.

Rabbits will begin the day at 9:30 a.m., followed by poultry at 10, sheep at 10:30, goats at 11 and starter calves at 11:30. After lunch, horses will be featured at 1, swine at 1:30 and concluding with beef at 2.

Restricted Use Pesticide license (RUP) exams will be given by the Michigan Department of Agriculture from 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Bring a check or money order made out to the State of Michigan: $50 for a private license and $75 for a commercial license.

Information and directions for all the sessions will be available at the entrance to the Branch Area Career Center, located at 366 Morse Street, Coldwater. The entire event is free, with lunch on-site available for purchase. Farmer’s Day is sponsored by the Branch County Agribusiness Council in conjunction with MSU extension.

For more information, contact the Branch County extension office at 517-279-4311.