Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, s-byrns@tamu.edu
Contact: Steve Estes, 325-823-2432, http://jones.agrilife.org
ABILENE – A mix of topical but varied presentations geared toward wheat economics best describes the upcoming Big Country Wheat Conference hosted Aug. 23 by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Abilene, organizers said.
The day-long biennial event will be in the Big Country Hall located on the Taylor County Expo Center grounds at 1982 Lytle Way.
The conference targets wheat producers in the Big Country and Rolling Plains areas, said Steve Estes, AgriLife Extension agent in Jones County. The conference starts with registration at 8:30 a.m. followed by the program from 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
The day’s activities, including a catered lunch, are free for those who RSVP by Aug. 17 and $20 perperson after that date. RSVP to the AgriLife Extension offices in Jones or Taylor counties at 325-823-2432 or 325-672-6048, respectively.
Three Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units, one each of integrated pest management, general and laws and regulations, will be offered.
“We have quite a mix of topics set for this year’s program, which focuses heavily on economics,” Estes said. “We will have some solid production information, but the day’s main emphasis and our goal for the program is to offer ideas on how to make a wheat crop more profitable while reducing risks associated with that crop.”
Topics and speakers will include:
– World Wheat Outlook-Global and Domestic, Dr. Mark Welch, AgriLife Extension grain marketing economist, College Station.
– Ag Lending for Today’s Wheat Producer, Josh Greer, Lone Star Ag Credit, Abilene.
– Utilizing Market Strategies to Minimize Risk, John Payne, Daniels Trading, senior futures and options broker and market strategist, Chicago.
– Weather Outlook: Short- and Long-Term Patterns and Trends, Randy Turner, meteorologist KRBC TV, Abilene.
– Farm Bill Update, Dr. Joe Outlaw, AgriLife Extension economist and co-director of the Agriculture Food Policy Center, College Station.
– Managing Soil Fertility and Variety Selection for Optimum Yield, Dr. Calvin Trostle, AgriLife Extension agronomist, Lubbock.
– Managing Wheat Inputs for Maximum Profitability, Bill Thompson, AgriLife Extension economist, San Angelo.
– Managing Agricultural Legal Issues, Leasing and Taxes, James Decker, SGDA Law Firm, Stamford.
– Texas Department of Agriculture Laws and Regulations, TDA representative.
For more information, contact Estes at 325-823-2432, http://jones.agrilife.org
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