Upper Gulf Coast grain conference set Jan. 20

South Texas grain sorghum producers averted multi-million dollar losses by following AgriLife Extension recommendations. (AgriLife Communications photo by Rod Santa Ana)

Program highlights latest information for grain handlers

The 2022 Upper Gulf Coast Grain Handlers Conference will take place Jan. 20 from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at El Campo Civic Center, 2350 N. Mechanic St., El Campo.

Grain handlers from across the Gulf Coast will gather on Jan. 20 for a conference in El Campo. (Texas A&M AgriLife photo)

The cost of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service event is $25 for those preregistered by Jan. 14. Registration at the door is $30. Onsite registration begins at 7:30 a.m.

Preregistration forms and payments may be sent to the AgriLife Extension office of Colorado County at 316 Spring St., Columbus, Texas, 78934. Make checks payable to Texas AgriLife Extension/GHC. The 2022 GHC Preregistration Form is available online to download and print.

There are five Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units available for licensed pesticide applicators: three general, one laws and regulations, and one integrated pest management.

29 years of education, information

“For the 29th year grain industry professionals and AgriLife Extension agents in Colorado, Jackson, Matagorda and Wharton counties have collaborated to offer the Upper Gulf Coast Grain Handlers Conference,” said Laramie Kettler, AgriLife Extension agent for Colorado County.

“Each year we work in tandem to provide timely information on issues that are facing the grain handling industry, so that employees of the industry can receive the education necessary to enhance their job.”

There are still reports of mixed success when treating stored grain insects along the upper Gulf Coast, she said. Additionally, worker safety and fall prevention continue to be extremely important as accidents still occur due to various factors.

This year’s event will include important updates on Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations for safety, TDA pesticide laws and regulations, insect Identification, combating insecticide resistance, and the use phosphine gas fumigation.

Kettler said these topics and more will be addressed by expert speakers and scientists. There will be four hands-on learning sessions accompanied by three speaker-led presentations.

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Susan Himes

Susan Himes is a writer and media relations specialist for Texas A&M AgriLife. She writes news releases and features from science-based information generated by the agency. She also covers human interest stories and events across the state.