Researchers from Texas A&M University’s soil and crop sciences, agricultural economics and sociology departments are meeting with producers June 7-8 in Waco to gather input on the uses of cover crops, soil conservation and management practices.

The meetings, set from 9 a.m. to noon both days at Texas Farm Bureau headquarters, located at 7410 Fish Pond Road, will allow researchers to compile feedback from producers who use conventional soil management practices on June 7, and farmers who use no-till and cover cropping practices on June 8.

The findings are part of a four-year comprehensive study, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agriculture and Food Research Initiative.

“During the meeting with the more conventional farmers, we will be asking them why they use conventional soil management and those who use no-till and/or cover crops, why they have chosen those practices?” said Dr. Alex McIntosh, sociologist at Texas A&M in College Station.

“It may be that they have (preconceived) notions or their grandfather practiced a certain method for decades. We’re curious why this has happened and some of the theory involved. We are also studying the differences in how people value soil and some of the criteria they use in purchasing land.”

Participants who attend the meeting and provide feedback can be reimbursed for mileage expenses and be paid $50. Lunch will also be provided. For more information, call McIntosh at 979-845-8525 or 979-224-1089.