Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, s-byrns@tamu.edu
Contact: Robert Pritz, 325-672-6048, r-pritz@tamu.edu
ABILENE – The annual Texas Farm-Ranch-Wildlife Expo co-hosted by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service office in Taylor County and the Abilene Chamber of Commerce is set for 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Feb. 21 and 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Feb. 22 at the Taylor County Expo Center in Abilene.
The expo center is located at 1700 Texas Highway 36.
“This is the 18th year for the event, which gets bigger and better with each passing year,” said Robert Pritz, AgriLife Extension agent in Taylor County. “This year’s educational programs will be very timely for anyone involved with agriculture and wildlife. We also have more than 155 booths and 90 exhibitors, so there will be no shortage of things to do, learn and see.”
Events on Feb. 21 will include the Rolling Plains Cotton Growers Association’s annual meeting and luncheon, the Big Country Range Management Seminar and the Cotton Production Conference. The Town and Country Women’s Fair will run concurrently with the agricultural programs throughout most of the day.
“Some of the new features we’ve planned this year will include demonstrations by renowned Hangin’ Tree Cowdog trainer Charlie Trayer of Seymour and feral hog trapping demonstrations by Lone Star Trapping of Abilene,” Pritz said. “We’ll also have the first-ever Cattlemen’s Collective seminar and dinner, which is free for the first 300 registrants. This event is slated for the Round Building and will feature discussions of the 2017 cattle market outlook.”
Activities on Feb. 22 will include the Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Scholarship Luncheon, which will feature 2016 Abilene Citizen of the Year Donna Albus along with recognition of the Farm Family of the Year and entertainment by the Abilene Independent School District band “Revolution.”
“The expo also offers a great opportunity for Texas Department of Agriculture private applicator license holders to earn 13 continuing education units including seven general, four integrated pest management and two laws and regulations over the two day event,” Pritz said.
For more information, contact Pritz at 325-672-6048, r-pritz@tamu.edu . For booth information, sponsorships and the schedule of events, go to www.abilenechamber.com or email Kim Bosher at kimbosher@abilenechamber.com .
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