Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, s-byrns@tamu.edu
Contacts: Chase McPhaul, 325-884-2335, pcmcphaul@ag.tamu.edu
Shane Wigington, 325-835-2711, shane.wigington@ag.tamu.edu
MERTZON – The sixth annual Ranchers’ Workshop has been set for May 15 in the Irion County Community Center located behind the football field at 118 W. Duncan Ave. in Mertzon.
The educational program is conducted by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service.
The program, which is free and open to the public, starts with registration at 8 a.m. followed by the program from 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m.
“This has been a very popular event that rotates throughout the region,” said Chase McPhaul, AgriLife Extension agent in Reagan County. “It’s always been well attended, and I expect this year will be no exception.
“The program concentrates on topics and demonstrations of equipment or techniques that are being talked about out in the country, plus we usually try to include something a little unusual that will hopefully get folks to thinking about adopting some new technology or range improvement practice.”
Topics and speakers will include:
– Using the Vetgun for Fly Control Demonstration, Steve Groce, AgriLabs Sales representative from Eastland.
– Veterinary Drug Laws and Uses, Dr. William Edmiston, Eldorado Animal Clinic, Eldorado.
– Rainwater Harvesting Demonstration, Billy Kniffen, AgriLife Extension water resources associate, Menard.
– Stocker Ranching, Hugh Stone, rancher, San Angelo.
– State Brush Project Update, Paige McCain, Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, San Angelo.
There will be a special award ceremony prior to the free barbecue lunch honoring Bill Tullos, Irion County rancher. Tullos will be honored for 60 years of serving as a director with the Middle Concho Soil and Water Conservation District.
The afternoon session will include:
– History of Grazing at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research Station at Barnhart, Dr. Charles “Butch” Taylor, AgriLife Research superintendent at the AgriLife Research Station at Sonora.
– Update on Brush Control Chemicals, Ralph Porter, Dow AgroSciences sales representative, Abilene, and Gerald Hobson, Bayer CropScience area sales manager from Peaster.
Also included will be a demonstration on the use of drones in ranching.
An RSVP by May 8 is requested by contacting Cayla Holt with the Middle Concho Soil and Water Conservation District at 325-884-2182, ext. 3, cayla.holt@tx.nacdnet.net . Further information is also available at that number or by contacting McPhaul at 325-884-2335, pcmcphaul@ag.tamu.edu or Shane Wigington, AgriLife Extension agent in Irion County at 325-835-2711, shane.wigington@ag.tamu.edu .
Three Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units will be offered. Sponsors of the event are AgriLife Extension, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Middle Concho Soil and Water Conservation District, Angelo State University, Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative and the Texas Section Society for Range Management.
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