“Hey, Steve. You have a minute? I have a question about that layby application data you mentioned in your presentation,” one may hear, to the click of freshly filled coffee mugs.

“Congressman, thank you for taking the time to visit with us after the conference," as glasses are freshly filled.

It’s that time of year. Deer season is winding down, at least around here, and the Extension and commodity group meeting season is in full swing. That’s a good thing, a time to take stock of last year and what can be done the same, better or differently as we start field-prep work for the coming row crop season.

Whether it’s an Extension meeting or a larger state commodity gathering, the information draws those who want to stay on top, and be part of, what is happening with their respected interests. Hearing agronomic and economic data from professional Extension specialists has helped keep Southeast farmers stay in business for decades. And the policy and leadership information from commodity events shows how and where valuable checkoff dollars are spent on behalf of farmers.

The fellowship following the formal presentations, panels or speeches is where the real exchanges take place.

The meals, especially at ag farmer meetings, are a staple event to help digest the good information received during the nuts and bolts of the presentations. Fried chicken, pork chops, barbeque, along with the occasional catfish spread, all play into what would be called a good meeting.

Related:Winter meetings vital, like planting and harvest

But one can only take in so much information at one meeting.

I remember something said by the late, agronomic educator Frank McGill, who was also called Mr. Peanut because he was Georgia’s peanut agronomist from 1954-1982 and spearheaded the package approach for peanut production, and he traveled the world championing peanuts.

When it comes to meetings and educating someone, remember "the mind can only absorb what the seat can endure,” he said.

The Southeast is blessed with the best Extension systems in the country, and few would argue that. Check the links below to find an Extension meeting that best helps your operation.

Alabama Cooperative Extension System

University of Clemson Extension

University of Florida Extension

UGA Extension 2024 Calendar

University of Kentucky Extension

University of North Carolina

Virginia Cooperative Extension