Field demonstrations, keynote speakers, educational forums, and exhibits will highlight the 2010 Southwest Agricultural Summit March 10-11 in Yuma, Ariz.

The conference theme, “It’s More than Farming,” sets the stage for the event featuring key information which impacts the low desert vegetable industry.

The Ag Summit is co-sponsored by the Yuma Fresh Vegetable Association, University of Arizona (UA), and Yuma County Farm Bureau.

Charles Hoppin, chair, California State Water Resources Control Board, will discuss grower involvement in future water regulatory issues during the morning keynote address March 11. California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger appointed Hoppin to the post in March 2009. Hoppin is a partner in a diversified family farm operation in California’s Yolo and Sutter counties. He grows fresh market melons, rice, walnuts, small grains, and oil seeds.

Hoppin served as advisor to California Gov. Pete Wilson during the 1997 California Flood Recovery Effort, as a board member of the Sutter Mutual Water Co., and as a member of the State Board of Food and Agriculture.

The meeting portion of the summit will be held at the Yuma Convention Center, 1440 Desert Hills Drive, Yuma, 85365.

Educational breakout sessions will address current and emerging issues facing growers. Topics covered will include pest and disease management, fertilizer, small grains and forage management, agricultural mechanization and technology, and desert pest management.

The field demonstrations will be held at the UA’s Yuma Agricultural Center, 6425 W. 8th St., Yuma, 85364. Applications for 15 Arizona and California PCA and CCA continuing education units have been requested.

Registration costs are $35 if paid by March 1 and $45 after March 1. To register for the summit, go online to www.swagsummit.com. For additional information or questions, please contact Jolynn Pangerl (928) 783-9355.