Tech talks will feature IPM, drift management
Nov 6, 2003 12:00 PM, By Ron Smith, Farm Press Editorial Staff
North Texas farmers and ranchers will have an opportunity to update crop and pasture management techniques Dec. 11 at the annual Ag Technology Conference in Commerce.
Sponsored by Texas A&M University-Commerce, Texas Extension, Cereal Crops Research Incorporated, and the agribusiness industry, the annual conference provides research updates and practical experience on latest production innovations. Farmer panelist will discuss crop rotation as a key to pest management strategies. Other topics include weed management in Roundup Ready crops, drift control tactics, managing weeds in pastures, and the latest on laws and regulations.
The conference kicks off at 8 a.m. and the last presentation will conclude at 4 p.m. Lunch will be provided.
Don Reid, professor of agronomy at Texas A&M-Commerce, says the conference was designed to provide information on emerging technology for the agricultural industry. “We floated the idea of this conference to growers and commercial applicators in the early ‘90s and it was met with enthusiasm,” Reid said. “They were looking for a program that would be interesting and informative and help growers and commercial applicators. We have heavy participation from the commercial application industry. We had the first conference in 1995 and every year since.
Attendees may earn five continuing education units from the conference.
“Getting these CEU's is kind of like taking medicine,” says CCRI president, Maynard Cheek, “but at least we try to put some sugar on it. I've been to every one of these conferences since they started, and I have always learned something useful. I hear a lot of good comments from the other participants, and many of them have not missed a conference either.”
Jim Swart, Extension IPM specialist, says the conference takes a lot of cooperation from a lot of people. “We have been pleased with support from the agricultural community. Texas A & M-Commerce has been a great host over the years and have never failed to provide good facilities and excellent food.”
Registration fee is $15 before Dec. 1, $25 for late registration. The fee covers lunch and coffee breaks. Swart said attendance usually ranges between 200 and 300.
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