A conference designed to explore the opportunities and alternatives available to landowners with expiring Conservation Reserve Program contracts has been scheduled in Canyon.

The "After CRP: Options for Expired Conservation Reserve Program Lands in the High Plains of Texas" conference, will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on September 24th at the Randall County AgriLife Extension Center, 200 Brown Road, Canyon.

Three general continuing education units toward pesticide applicator re-certification will be offered.

The conference will address: a background on the CRP program; use of chemical control on expired CRP; cost-assistance programs, land management and economics with wildlife in mind; the economics of farming and grazing alternatives; and the effect on future eligibility for federal farm programs.

In addition to CRP contract holders, those contemplating or involved in buying or selling CRP land, agency personnel, educators and others with an interest in sound land management could benefit from the program.

Conference partners include Texas AgriLife Extension, Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Lunch, refreshments, exhibits & handouts will be provided.

Participants may register online at http://agrilifevents.tamu.edu RSVP by September 22 to:

Palo Duro SWCD

Canyon

806-655-1055 x 3

or

Tierra Blanca SWCD

Hereford

806-364-0530 x 3

For more information about this conference, please contact Tracy Stefek at [email protected] or call 806-655-1055 ext 3

Proposed Agenda:

9-9:30 Registration

9:30 Introduction

9:40 History and Future of CRP

10:00 Chemical Control on Expired CRP

10:30 Grazing Management on Expired CRP

11:00 Economic Considerations for Returning CRP back to Farmland

11:30 Farm Bill Update

12:00 LUNCH (provided)

1:00 Assistance Programs Offered by NRCS

1:30 Benefits of Wildlife Management on Expired CRP Lands

2:00 Panel Discussion

3:00 View Exhibits