Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, s-byrns@tamu.edu
Contact: Shane Wigington, 325-835-2711, shane.wigington@ag.tamu.edu
MERTZON – The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will conduct the Rangeland Water Conference beginning at 8:30 a.m. June 24 in the Mertzon Community Center.
The multi-county program is being offered by the AgriLife Extension offices in Irion, Sutton, Schleicher, Reagan, Tom Green and Sterling counties.
“The majority of our annual forage production comes following spring rains, which thus far haven’t materialized. That means some tough choices are coming for producers,” said Shane Wigington, AgriLife Extension agent in Irion County. “With that in mind, our workshop will center on strategies to manage water supply and rangeland productivity as well as offer ways to best meet livestock and wildlife nutritional needs.
“Our speakers will also provide home water conservation strategies for folks in any drought-stricken area to consider.”
Individual preregistration is $20 by June 19 and $25 thereafter. The fee includes a noon meal. For more information and to RSVP, call any of the following participating AgriLife Extension offices: Irion County, 325-835-2711; Schleicher County, 325-853-2132; Reagan County, 325-884-2335; Tom Green, 325-659-6524; Sutton, 325-387-3101; or Sterling, 325-378-3181.
Topics and speakers will include:
– Current Topics in Texas Water Law, Tiffany Dowell, AgriLife Extension agricultural law specialist, College Station.
– Drought Outlook and Management Strategies, Dr. Morgan Russell, AgriLife Extension range specialist, San Angelo.
– Ranch Economic Planning During Drought, Bill Thompson, AgriLife Extension economist, San Angelo.
– Key Range Plants During Dry Times, Steve Nelle, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service retired wildlife biologist, San Angelo.
– State of the Aquifer and Water Supply, Scott Holland, general manager, Irion County Water Conservation District, Mertzon.
– 40 Gallon Challenge/Home Water Conservation, Diane Boellstorff, AgriLife Extension water resources specialist, College Station.
Three Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units, two general and one integrated pest management, will be offered.
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