Writer: Blair Fannin, 979-845-2259, b-fannin@tamu.edu
BRYAN – Future use of water and its impact on agriculture will be the focus of the 2014 Texas Plant Protection Association conference scheduled Dec. 10-11 at the Brazos Center, 3232 Briarcrest Drive in Bryan.
“Water availability is paramount for agricultural production and certainly is of utmost concern to everyone in Texas,” said Ray Smith, association chairman. “This conference will feature several presentations from leading experts across the state.”
Dr. Travis Miller, interim director for state operations with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, will be one of the featured speakers during the opening general session Dec. 10.
“The impact of drought on agriculture in Texas has certainly played a huge role in the economic well-being of agriculture, as well as the availability of water for both irrigation and municipal use,” Miller said. “Attendees will get some historical perspective on how drought in Texas impacts agriculture and natural resources and hear about some of the trends that will affect crop production and overall water availability.”
Dr. John Nielsen-Gammon, Texas state climatologist, and Carlos Rubinstein, chairman of the Texas Water Development Board, will also be general session featured speakers. Nielsen-Gammon will discuss climate variability and Rubinsteinwill give a Texas water outlook.
Other presentations during the general session will focus on water conservation, comparative irrigation methods, agricultural innovations from industry in dealing with climate change, and a Texas farmer’s perspective on dealing with water management.
Afternoon sessions on Dec. 10 will include a look at the Texas drought’s impact on wildlife, unmanned aerial vehicles in agriculture, and decision and precision applications of nitrogen.
The second day of the conference will feature sessions on grain, cotton, horticulture/turf, and pasture and rangeland. A student poster contest will be held as well as an awards luncheon.
For registration information, visit http://bit.ly/ZwpjOD .
-30-