Writers: Pam Dillard, (806) 359-5401, p-dillard@tamu.edu.; and
Melissa Burns, (817) 773-2250
Contact: Charley Rodgers, (806) 839-1030
CANYON — A December conference is planned here to help agricultural producers and landowners make key decisions about conservation and protection practices for their farming and ranching operations.
The Ag Producer’s Role in Environmental Stewardship Symposium is set for Dec. 13 on the campus of West Texas A&M University.
“Some of this country’s best stewards of land and water quality are our farmers and ranchers,” said Robert Buckley, executive director of the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, one of the agencies sponsoring the event.
“The conference has been designed to offer factual and up-to- date information on land and water quality issues important to today’s agricultural operator,” said Brent Auvermann, assistant professor of agricultural engineering and Extension Service specialist for environmental systems with the Texas A&M Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Amarillo. Auvermann heads the program planning committee.
Questions most often asked by the producer have formed the agenda. Agency officials and university scientists will help address key issues, such as nonpoint source water pollution and the need for certified water quality management plans, as specified in recent legislation.
State Rep. David Swinford of Dumas will present the keynote briefing on S.B. 503, its history and the provisions allowing producers to develop site-specific management plans to meet state water quality standards.
Presentations by state officials, including Buckley, will cover the benefits of a Water Quality Management Plan, including the management practices that will best serve the needs of the Texas High Plains producer.
Participants also will learn about the alternative best management practices demonstrated in the region that are funded by the Clean Water Act. Pesticide management strategies will be featured, and why such measures should be part of a good water quality plan.
Several Texas High Plains producers will participate as panelists for discussions on the practical issues and economic benefits associated with water quality management plans, and take questions from the audience.
Conference planners also are seeking approval from Texas Department of Agriculture to offer continuing education units for commercial and non-commercial pesticide applicator recertification credit. The cost to attend is $15, which includes the noon meal and refreshments. The deadline to sign-up is Dec. 5. Registration forms are available through conservation board Regional Manager Charley Rodgers at (806) 839-1030; or Brent Auvermann, Texas A&M Center, (806) 359-5401.
Conference sponsors include the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Section 319 (h) Program, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, Texas Agricultural Extension Service, and West Texas A&M University, representing the Texas A&M University System, Texas Department of Agriculture, USDA-ARS Conservation and Production Research Laboratory (Bushland), Texas Cattle Feeders Association, North Plains Underground Water Conservation District No. 2, and West Texas Agricultural Chemical Institute.
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