Stiles Farm Field Day set for June 9 in Thrall
Emerging technologies, precision agriculture tools, crop pests to highlight program
Producers, agricultural industry representatives and community members are invited to attend the 63rd annual Stiles Farm Field Day on June 9 in Thrall.
The free event, which begins with in-person registration at 4:45 p.m., is hosted by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service at 5700 Farm-to-Market Road 1063.
The annual event will highlight emerging agricultural technologies, crop production updates, integrated pest management and current issues impacting Central Texas agriculture. The Stiles Farm Foundation serves as a hub for agricultural research, demonstration and producer education in Central Texas.
One general and one integrated pest management Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education unit will be offered.
Youth attendees are also invited to participate in a hands-on agricultural education session hosted by the AgriLife Extension office in Williamson County. Activities will include water slides and snow cones.
On the agenda
Field tours will be offered from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Participants will hear from AgriLife Extension specialists, researchers and industry leaders on a variety of timely agricultural topics.
Tour stops and presentations will include:
- “Mini Planter University” and maximizing new planter technology and precision agriculture tools – Levi Powell, research manager for the Digital Ag Innovation Lab at Iowa State University.
- PH, mycotoxins, and weed and pest management in corn production – Ronnie Schnell, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension state cropping systems specialist and professor in the Texas A&M Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Bryan-College Station.
- Deer management near grain production acres – Cullom Simpson, wildlife biologist with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
- Updates on Hessian fly, pest management in cool and cloudy cotton conditions, corn leaf aphids and other insect concerns – David Kerns, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension entomologist, professor and associate department head, Department of Entomology, Bryan-College Station; and Tyler Mays, AgriLife Extension integrated pest management agent, Hillsboro.
A catered meal will be served following the tour. John Miller, Southwest Agribusiness Consulting owner and consultant, Snook, will provide updates on grain markets and the fertilizer industry.
The evening will also feature the presentation of the Williamson County Farm Bureau Agriculturist and Ag Business Professional of the Year awards. Door prizes and agricultural vendors will also be available for attendees.
