Two days of educational training offering Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units will be conducted by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service office in Wichita County March 10-11.
The training will be a part of the Ranch, Farm and Hemp Expo 2021 at the J.S. Bridwell Agricultural Center, 111 N. Burnett St., Wichita Falls. Given the seating restrictions due to COVID-19 safety guidelines, the courses this year will be available in person, with limited seating, and online. Participants must signify during registration which format they will attend.
The fee is $25 for one or both days. Participants must be preregistered, including providing the Texas Department of Agriculture applicator number, to receive a continuing education certificate and assure a seat at the live event. The deadline for registration is March 5; late registration is $35 and ends on March 8.
There will be eight CEUs offered across both days, consisting of three general, two integrated pest management and three laws and regulations.
“Our speakers are top-notch once again, although most sessions will be done virtually,” said David Graf, AgriLife Extension agriculture and natural resources agent for Wichita County. “Some of the topics addressed include grassy weed control, fire ant control and guard dogs for predator control. Auxin training for cotton producers will also be offered.”
March 10 topics, speakers
The opening program, with announcements and introductions, will begin at 7:30 a.m., with guest speakers beginning at 9 a.m.
– Grassy Weed Control Options, James Jackson, Alligare range and pasture specialist for the southern region.
– Auxin Training for Cotton, Scott Nolte, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension state weed specialist, Bryan-College Station.
– Understanding Pesticide Labels, Jackson.
– Optional Zoom Session – How to Use the Platform, Graf.
– Why Herbicides Fail, Megan Clayton, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension range specialist, Corpus Christi.
– Fire Ant Control – Leaf Cutter/Tawny Crazy Ants, Robert Puckett, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension entomologist, Bryan-College Station.
March 11 topics, speakers
The program will begin at 8:30 a.m.
– Predator Control with Guard Dogs, Bill Costanzo, Texas A&M AgriLife Research livestock guardian dog specialist, San Angelo.
– Fly Control for Livestock, Sonja Swiger, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension entomologist, Stephenville.
– TDA Laws and Regulations Update, John Robinson, TDA ag pest inspector.
– Optional Zoom Session – How to Use the Platform, Graf.
– Why Herbicides Fail, Clayton.
– Fire Ant Control – Leaf Cutter/Tawny Crazy Ants, Puckett.
If attendees do not need CEUs, contact Melba Flinn at the AgriLife Extension office in Wichita County at 940-716-8610 for additional information. -30-