10/29/1998

18th Annual Taste of Alabama Agriculture Set for Ag Hill Nov. 7

AUBURN, Ala. - What could be better than War Eagle fries on homecoming game day? How about fried catfish, chicken tenders, pork tenderloin, turnip greens and pot liquor, good music, good friends, interesting exhibits and a killer auction---all for a good cause.

You can find these and more at the 18th annual Ag Round-up and Taste of Alabama Agriculture to be held from 9 a.m. till noon on Nov. 7, on Ag Hill, adjacent to Comer Hall on the Auburn University campus.

The Taste includes food grown or processed in Alabama. Included on the menu are: pork, beef, catfish, chicken, seafood, collard greens, orange and blue (war eagle) french fries, satsuma oranges, apples, peanuts, ice cream and more. The food is sponsored by the various commodity groups in Alabama.

The Agri-Opry, a group of local musicians, who play in different bands in the area, unite once a year for the Taste. The band will play several sets during the event. The Auburn pep band and cheerleaders will lead a couple of cheers to increase the enthusiasm for those attending the AU vs Central Florida homecoming game.

An antique tool show, an authentic turn-of-the-century steam powered tractor, antique tractors, a cotton gin, a syrup mill, and other exhibits will give visitors a taste of Alabama agriculture of old. An interactive computer setup, exhibits on precision farming and environmental control will provide a more modern, high tech, look at agriculture.

During the Taste, an auction will be held, featuring such items as hunting trips, beach vacations, and original artwork. The auction is an event within itself, featuring professional auctioneer Jimmy Collins and Commissioner of Agriculture Jack Thompson. All the proceeds from the Taste go to the College of Agriculture scholarship program. Last year's event produced revenue to fund two full scholarships, plus other partial awards. Over 2,000 people attended last year's Taste, and an even bigger crowd is expected this year.

Taste of Alabama Agriculture has many functions," noted Interim Dean of Agriculture, Ron Shumack. "It gives our commodities an opportunity to show ag and non-ag audiences alike the benefits of their products, it brings the ag community together, it provides some insights into modern agriculture for those not directly involved in the industry, it provide needed scholarship money for the College and it is just a fun event. A big party that everybody enjoys," Shumack noted.

Cost for the fun, the food, the entertainment, the whole party is five dollars. "You won't leave hungry and you'll have a good time," noted Don Conner, a professor of poultry science, and chairman of this year's Fall Roundup Committee.

The Taste of Alabama began several years ago as Tailgate 101, sponsored by the Alabama Cattlemen's Association. The Alabama Ag Alumni Association for 17 years held Ag Roundup. Five years ago the two events were combined to become Taste of Alabama Agriculture.

In past years, visitors have sampled shiitake mushrooms, ostrich, seafood gumbo, soybean tofu and emu. Each year more and better food is added. The Horticulture Department sponsors a variety of vegetables, including orange and blue potatoes, now known as War Eagle fries. The staples of Alabama livestock, beef, pork, chicken and catfish remain favorites and do turnip greens and cornbread.

The Taste of Alabama Agriculture is held adjacent to Comer Hall on Ag Hill--the sounds and smells make it easy to find.

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News from:

Office of Ag Communications & Marketing

Auburn University College of Agriculture
Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station
3 Comer Hall, Auburn University
Auburn, AL 36849
334-844-4877 (PHONE) 334-844-5892 (FAX)

Contact Jamie Creamer, 334-844-2783 or jcreamer@auburn.edu
by Roy Roberson

10/29/98