AUSTIN Texans are loving their land to pieces literally. As new buyers snap up rural land, vast farms and ranches are being splintered into smaller and smaller “ranchettes.” American Farmland Trust will reveal the implications of a joint study with The Texas A&M University System demonstrating how land fragmentation is putting the squeeze on family farmers and endangering wildlife, agriculture and Texas heritage.
What: A press briefing on the consequences of land fragmentation and possible solutions
Where: The Stephen F. Austin Intercontinental Hotel, Assembly Room, 701 Congress Ave., Austin, Texas
When: Monday, May 12, 10 a.m.
Speakers:
Hazel Graff, farmer
Dr. Neal Wilkins, wildlife specialist, Texas Cooperative Extension
Martin Hubert, deputy commissioner, Texas Department of Agriculture
Katharine Armstrong, chairman, Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission
Julie Shackelford, Texas regional director, American Farmland Trust
Contact: Please call Robyn Miller by Thursday, (202) 331-7300 x 3055 or e-mailrmiller@farmland.org
Other info: Coffee, tea and pastries will be served. Contact number for Monday, May 12, only is (703) 405-8355.
American Farmland Trust is a national nonprofit organization working with communities and individuals to protect the best land, plan for growth with agriculture in mind and keep the land healthy. In Texas, AFT promotes the protection of privately-owned farm and ranch land by increasing voluntary conservation options for landowners. AFT’s national office is located in Washington, D.C. AFT’s Texas Regional Office is located at 101 Uhland Rd., Suite 205 in San Marcos. Phone number is (512) 396-5517. For more information, visit http://www.farmland.org
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