AgriLife field day and expo set for Aug. 19-20
Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, s-byrns@tamu.edu
Contact: Marvin Ensor, 325-653-4576, m-ensor@tamu.edu
SAN ANGELO – It’s time again, organizers say, to mark your calendars for two major back-to-back sheep and goat educational opportunities that will unite and return to San Angelo by popular demand Aug. 19-20.
The first event is the long-running annual Sheep and Goat Field Day conducted by and on the grounds of the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, located just north of San Angelo. That event starts with registration at 8 a.m. Aug. 19 followed by the program from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
The second event is the Texas Sheep and Goat Expo set from 2-8 p.m., also on Aug. 19, and again from 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 20 at the San Angelo Fairgrounds.
Participants at the 2015 Texas Sheep and Goat Expo evaluate a set of Dorper ewes during a breakout session. The expo and annual Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center Sheep and Goat Field Day will again run back-to-back Aug. 19-20 in San Angelo. (Texas A&M AgriLife Communications photo by Steve Byrns)
“We had such positive feedback last year that we have decided to use the same two-event format this year, but with a whole new slate of topics for both venues,” said Marvin Ensor, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service program leader at San Angelo and a coordinator on both events.
“We had very good crowds at both events last year and once the decision was made to hold another expo, it was a natural fit to again meld the two,” Ensor said.
Ensor said the expo is a state–level event with livestock and other demonstrations, hands-on activities and a trade show featuring commercial exhibits.
“What makes it so unique is that the AgriLife personnel and sheep and goat producers who plan the expo give equal time to the major sheep-and goat-related enterprises in Texas, those being wool and hair sheep, meat goats and exhibit animals for youth shows.
“We will basically follow the same expo timetable as last year, but that’s where any similarity between this year’s expo and last year’s ends as planners are even now hammering out a whole new set of topics and activities.”
Ensor said attendees should expect a full two days of learning.
“Both these programs will have a lot to offer,” Ensor said. “We want folks to start by first attending the center’s field day that will highlight work there, eat a great lunch on the center grounds and then leisurely move to the San Angelo Fairgrounds for the expo.”
The center field day is free, including the meal. Individual registration for the expo is $30 by Aug. 17 and $50 thereafter.
More information on both programs will soon be available, Ensor said.
Businesses interested in renting an exhibit area or serving as a sponsor for either or both events should contact Nanette Johnson at the AgriLife Research and Extension center in San Angelo at 325-653-4576, extension 216.
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