Writer: Blair Fannin, (979) 845-2259, b-fannin@tamu.edu
Contact: Archie Abrameit, (512) 898-2214, ah-abrameit@tamu.edu
THRALL – The basics of conservation tillage, insect management and forages for summer stocker cattle are just a few of the topics that will be featured at the 40th Stiles Farm Field Day scheduled for June 17.
The Stiles Farm is located just east of Thrall on U.S. Highway 79. The free event will kick off with registration from 8 a.m.
“We’re zeroing in on some topics of discussion that are on the minds of every producer,” said Archie Abrameit, farm manager. “We will have several demonstrations that I think a lot of folks will take an interest in. And, of course, we will have some exciting exhibits and in the field equipment demonstrations.”
The morning session kicks off at 8:30 a.m. with concurrent sessions. Three continuing education credits (private, commercial, noncommercial) and three certified crop advisor units will be offered for those attending the morning program.
The following concurrent programs will be featured during the morning session from 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Weed Control and Weed Resistance Management, Dr. Paul Baumann, professor and Extension weed specialist, and Dr. Gaylon Morgan, assistant professor and Extension wheat specialist.
Basics of Conservation Tillage, Charles Stichler, professor and Extension agronomist.
Impact of Crop Rotation and Tillage Systems/Fertility Briefing, Dr. Robert Lemon, associate professor and state Extension cotton specialist, Dr. Mark McFarland, associate professor and soil fertility specialist, and Dr. Jurg Blumenthal, associate professor and sorghum systems specialist.
White Grubs and Other Soil Insets, Dr. Allen Knutson, professor and Extension entomologist and Dale Mott, Williamson/Milam County integrated pest management agent.
At 11:30 a.m., there will be the awards program followed by the presentation of the Stiles Farm Foundation scholarship recipients. A barbecue meal courtesy of the Taylor Chamber of Commerce will follow the noon luncheon speaker.
The afternoon schedule will feature demonstrations and concurrent sessions. Stichler will demonstrate tillage equipment, while walking tours will include the following programs:
Management of Seeded Grasses, 1:30 p.m. and 2 p.m., Dr. Twain Butler, assistant professor and Extension agronomist.
Forages for Summer Stockers, 1:30 and 2 p.m., Dr. David Bade, professor and Extension forage specialist, and Dr. Monte Rouquette, professor of forage physiology.
Summer Stocker Program, 2:45 p.m. and 3:15 p.m., Dr. Larry Boleman, associate department head and Extension program leader for animal science.
Wildlife-Pastures for Upland Birds, 2:45 and 3:15 p.m., Matt Wagner, wildlife biologist, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department; Dusty Tittle, Burleson County Extension agent-agriculture/natural resources; and Bade.
Stiles Farm Foundation, formerly a 3,000-acre family farm, was given to Texas A&M University in 1961 for research and education on Blackland production practices. The farm has had an annual field day for producers and area residents to examine the research and demonstrations in progress since 1963, except for 1996 when it was canceled due to drought.
For more information about the field day, contact Abrameit at (512) 898-2214 or a local county Extension agent.
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