AUSTIN – Those interested in small-scale production of fruits, vegetables, nuts or other agricultural products can benefit from a six-part interactive web-based series offered by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, said an AgriLife Extension expert.
A six-part interactive web-based video series on topics for for small-acreage producers will be presented from February through December at two separate locations in Austin. (Texas AgriLife Extension Service photo)
“We invite those interested in growing crops like tomatoes, lettuce, spinach, carrots, peaches, pears, pecans and more on smaller plots to sell individually or at farmers markets and the like to attend these video seminars,” said Daphne Richards, AgriLife Extension agent for horticulture in Travis County.
Richards said attendees can participate in any of the sessions offered from February to December, but the maximum benefit can be achieved by attending all six. Sessions will be presented by leading researchers and AgriLife Extension specialists from the Texas A&M University System.
“We have taken care in selecting the topics and presenters so those attending will get a wide and useful range of information on horticultural production practices and principles relating to smaller-scale production,” she said.
Richards said the goal of the seminar sessions is to help people evaluate diversification strategies and income opportunities from the production of small-acreage horticultural crops.
“A live question-and-answer session during these sessions will provide the opportunity to get answers to more specific questions on small-scale agricultural production,” she said.
Cost is $10 per session for regular registration and $15 for late and on-site registration. To register, go to http://agriliferegister.tamu.edu.
Each of these seminars will take place from 9 a.m. to noon on their respective dates. Dates, topics and locations are:
— Feb. 20, Aquaponics – Principles and Practices, Travis County East Service Center, 6011 Blue Bluff Road, Austin.
— April 24, Composting for the Small-Acreage Producer, AgriLife Extension office, Travis County, 1600-B Smith Road, Austin.
— June 19, Grafting Vegetable Crops: Principles and Practices, Travis County East Service Center, 6011 Blue Bluff Road, Austin.
— Aug. 21, Practical Weed Control, Travis County East Service Center, 6011 Blue Bluff Road, Austin.
— Oct. 16, Food Safety for the Small-Acreage Producer, Travis County East Service Center, 6011 Blue Bluff Road, Austin.
— Dec. 11, Business Planning, Travis County East Service Center, 6011 Blue Bluff Road, Austin.
For additional information, contact the AgriLife Extension office at 512-854-9600.
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