Multi-faceted event to offer something for everyone
Writer: Steve Byrns 325-653-4576, s-byrns@tamu.edu
Contact: Marty Gibbs 325-365-2219, m-gibbs@tamu.edu
Rick Minzenmayer 325-365-5212, r-minzenmayer@tamu.edu
BALLINGER – The 2014 Agri-Plex Ag Day conducted by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is set for 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. March 25 at the Ballinger Community Center and Show Barn, 200 N. Crosson Ave. in Ballinger.
Marty Gibbs, AgriLife Extension agent in Runnels County, said the biennial program traditionally centers on agricultural and consumer issues facing rural West Texans.
Gibbs said this year’s event will include: traditional agricultural and family and consumer sciences programs, a health fair, the Southern Rolling Plains Cotton Growers Association annual meeting, naming of the Farm Family of the Year and Agri-business of the Year, and awarding of youth scholarships.
He credited the continuing support of area agribusinesses and trade show exhibitors for the event’s long-running success.
“We’ll also have some 30 exhibitors and a noon meal catered by the AgriLife Extension agent professional associations,” he said.
“This year’s keynote speaker is Dr. Joe Outlaw, AgriLife Extension economist at College Station. Outlaw will speak on the newly minted Farm Bill.”
Gibbs said the day will lead off with the health fair at 9 a.m., which will include various health screenings, adult immunizations and health care and rehab service-related options.
Participants may choose from the two concurrent sessions at 10 a.m.: the consumer sciences program or the agricultural program.
The producer program will focus on new technologies available for weed and brush control as well as new apps for livestock and crop producers. Other topics will include long-range weather forecasting and managing cotton root rot using Top Guard.
The consumer sciences session will feature water harvesting in the home landscape, medicare fraud and financial exploitation, and wise and safe investing.
The two sessions will break at 11:45 a.m. for the complimentary noon meal, Outlaw’s presentation and the awards presentation featuring the naming of the farm family of the year, the agribusiness of the year and the recipients of the Pat Lee Memorial scholarships.
The two concurrent sessions will reconvene at 1:30 p.m.
The Southern Rolling Plains Cotton Growers Association annual meeting will start at 3 p.m. and is the day’s final event.
The entire program is free and open to the public.
Two Texas Department of Agriculture private pesticide applicator’s continuing education units, one general and one integrated pest management, will be offered.
For more information, contact the AgriLife Extension office in Runnels County at 325-365-2219.
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