UPDATE: Based on weather reports, we are going to move all field day activities to the KC Hall in Taylor (2201 E. 4th St). The only exception is the pecan program in the afternoon which will remain as planned at the Stiles Farm HQ. Registration will still be 7:30am-8:30 at the KC Hall.  

Feral hog trapping, soybean performance in the Blacklands, pecan tree management and the latest farm bill information will all be discussed at the Stiles Farm Field Day scheduled June 19 in Thrall.

The field day is hosted by the Stiles Farm Foundation and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. There is no registration fee courtesy of the Williamson County Farm Bureau. Lunch and door prizes will be provided to field day participants courtesy of local agribusiness sponsors.

Two continuing education units will be given for Texas Department of Agriculture pesticide applicator license holders: one general and one integrated pest management.

“This year’s field day will feature topics of interest to a variety of producers and landowners in the Blacklands,” said Ryan Collett, farm manager and AgriLife Extension specialist. “The program is geared towards helping Blackland producers stay current with new technology and learn more about operating efficiencies during times of low commodity prices.

“But, with pecan management, fence building and feral hog trapping presentations, we think there is something of interest for everyone.”

Morning session topics and AgriLife Extension speakers include:

Lunch:

Afternoon session at Stiles Farm:

The noon meal and keynote speaker will be Dr. Joe Outlaw, AgriLife Extension economist, College Station. The awards program will be held after lunch. The following awards will be given: 4-H/Stiles Farm Scholarships, Thrall ISD and VFD Donations, Williamson County Farm Bureau Agriculturist of the Year Award.

The Stiles Farm Foundation was established by the Stiles family at Thrall in Williamson County. According to the foundation, J.V. and H.A. Stiles wanted to commemorate their father, James E. Stiles, and the land he worked. They also wanted to help neighboring farmers and others throughout the Central Texas Blacklands region learn new farming practices.

In 1961, the Stiles Farm Foundation was established and became part of the Texas A&M University System. The farm is used by AgriLife Extension and Texas A&M AgriLife Research, which conduct field experiments and use the facility as a teaching platform.