Breakfast Dec. 3 to be part of Amarillo Farm and Ranch Show
Writer: Kay Ledbetter, 806-677-5608, skledbetter@ag.tamu.edu
Contact: Dr. Jourdan Bell, 806-677-5600, Jourdan.bell@ag.tamu.edu
AMARILLO – The first Texas A&M AgriLife High Plains Crop Consultant Appreciation Breakfast will be Dec. 3 during the annual Amarillo Farm and Ranch Show at the Amarillo Civic Center Grand Plaza, 401 S. Buchanan St. in Amarillo.
This crop consultant program, set from 7:30-11 a.m., is joining the lineup of educational events hosted by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service during the three-day farm show. Ranching 4 Tomorrow will be from 1-5 p.m. Dec. 1 and Seeking Solutions to Profitability with Small Grains will be from 1-5:40 p.m. Dec. 2.
“We wanted to recognize our area crop consultants for their service to Texas High Plains agriculture, as well as provide some education that is directed to them and their businesses,” said Dr. Jourdan Bell, AgriLife Extension agronomist in Amarillo and the program’s coordinator.
“In addition to crop consultants, the event is open to producers and landowners,” Bell said. “This is a great venue for AgriLife Extension personnel, crop consultants, producers and landowners to come together and discuss changes in High Plains production.”
The new program is free, with registration and breakfast beginning at 7:30 a.m. Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP by Nov. 18 for planning purposes to Jordan Chandler at 806-677-5637 or jordan.chandler@ag.tamu.edu.
Two Texas Department of Agriculture integrated pest management continuing education units will be offered, as well as three units for certified crop advisors – .5 in soil and water management, two in integrated pest management and .5 in professional development.
The program will begin at 8 a.m. with a welcome and continue with the following topics and speakers:
– The Future of Panhandle Agriculture in a Global Market, Dr. John Anderson, American Farm Bureau deputy economist in Washington, D.C.
– Irrigation Data Management and Water District Regulations, Dr. Charles Hillyer, AgriLife Extension irrigation specialist in Amarillo, and Steve Walthour, North Plains Groundwater Conservation District general manager in Dumas.
– High Plains IPM Update, Dr. Ed Bynum, AgriLife Extension entomologist in Amarillo.
– “Open Mic” discussion with crop consultants to address changes in Texas High Plains Agriculture, Bynum, Hillyer, Bell and Dr. Steve Amosson, AgriLife Extension economist in Amarillo, and Dr. Ron French, AgriLife Extension plant pathologist in Amarillo.
The meeting will wrap up with the issuing of continuing education units. For more information, contact Bell at 806-677-5600 or Jourdan.bell@ag.tamu.edu.
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