[402] ‘MTSU ON THE RECORD’ GOES ‘DOWN ON THE FARM’ APRIL 5

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 2, 2009
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Gina Logue, 615-898-5081; WMOT-FM: 615-898-2800

‘MTSU ON THE RECORD’ GOES ‘DOWN ON THE FARM’ APRIL 5
Upcoming Broadcast Features Local Farmer/Agriculture Professors

(MURFREESBORO)  A salmonella outbreak might trigger the attention of Americans but until then, agriculture news is often ignored.
Dr. Warren Gill, chairman of the Department of Agribusiness and Agriscience and Dr. Justin Gardner, assistant professor, will answer questions in effort to raise awareness about specific agricultural issues beginning at 7 a.m. Sunday, April 5, on “MTSU on the Record,” with host Gina Logue.
During the WMOT/89.5 FM broadcast, Gill and Warren will discuss current concerns related to the agriculture industry, which were credited by the credit crunch to the effects of imports of the American farmer.
With the economy’s increased instability, Gill and Warren report that the sustainability of many American farmers is threatened because of costly equipment and supplies. The experts will elaborate on the average farmer’s ability to borrow money versus the average American. Additionally, Warren will share insights related to his personal experience as a farmer.
The April 5 program also will feature insight into the concern over the decrease in the average farm size, according to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. Gill also will discuss average farm size in Tennessee as a response to the current economic pressures.
“One thing that is important to keep in mind is how our (agribusiness/agriscience) students are fitting in and learning about this system and what kind of future the ag students have in operating in this,” Gill noted.
For more information about “MTSU on the Record,” contact Logue at 615-898-5081 or WMOT-FM at 615-898-2800 or via www.wmot.org. To listen to previous programs go to http://frank.mtsu.edu/~proffice/podcast2009.html

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• Attention, Media: For more information about this event or its individual performers, please contact Gina Logue at 615-898-5081 or gklogue@mtsu.edu.