Writer: Blair Fannin, (979) 845-2259, b-fannin@tamu.edu
Contact: James Supak, (979) 845-4808, j-supak@tamu.edu
COLLEGE STATION – Registration is under way for an upcoming national cotton and rice conference that will feature the latest advancements in conservation tillage and production.
The Fourth National Conservation Tillage Cotton and Rice Conference is scheduled for Jan. 30-31, 2001 at the Radisson Convention Center in Houston. The conference will feature a number of noted scientists who will explain their latest research as well as studies conducted jointly with producers.
Participants will have the opportunity to choose from 10 breakout sessions every hour during the two-day conference.
“Although the conference is noted as a cotton and rice conference, numerous programs will also focus on corn and soybean production as well as precision agriculture,” said John LaRose, conference chairman. “As always, reduced-tillage systems and water conservation will be predominant themes, especially for their roles in preserving moisture in cropland during times of severe drought.”
Other topics featured at the conference include biotechnology, carbon sequestration and marketing.
“This is a comprehensive conference that will benefit both researchers and producers,” said Dr. James Supak, associate department head for soil and crop sciences at Texas A&M University. “The 10 breakout sessions allows each presentation to be repeated up to five times so that everyone will have the opportunity to hear each presentation.”
Researchers will explain their latest studies side-by-side with the producers who put the new information to use in their fields. Both will be available to answer questions at the end of each presentation.
Farmers are encouraged to mark their calendars now to attend the conference, which organizers say will be an opportunity for them to voice their concerns with other producers and researchers. Last year’s conference in Tunica, Miss., played host to more than 555 producers and consultants.
Early registration prior to Nov. 1 is $109 and $139 after. For more information about the conference, call Robin Moll at (573) 547-7212.
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