Pasture restoration, managing herbicide resistant weeds, variable rate technology and water issues will be featured at the annual Ag Technology Conference December 13 in Commerce, Texas. The annual conference will be held in the Rayburn Student Center on the Texas A&M-Commerce campus. The Ag Technology conference is sponsored by Texas A&M-Commerce, Texas AgriLife Extension and Cereal Crops Research Incorporated.

Jim Swart, Texas AgriLife Extension integrated pest management specialist, says the 2012 Ag Technology Conference carries on a long tradition of providing timely information for  East Texas farmers and ranchers.

“The first ATC was held in 1995,” Swart says.  “The goal has always been to offer technology updates that have a twofold purpose: teach farmers and ranchers something they didn't know, and keep their pesticide CEUs current.” 

He says participants are about equally divided between farmers and ranchers.

Vanessa Corriher, AgriLife Extension forage specialist, will target ranchers with a discussion on revitalizing drought-stressed pastures.

A resistant weed presentation by Jason bond and Tim Eubanks, Mississippi State University, will focus on row crop production. 

“The three presentations in the afternoon should be of equal interest to both groups, as they are all affected by department of public safety regulations, variable rate applications, and water issues,” Swart said.

Texas State Trooper Mark Tackett will discuss public safety regulations that affect farmers and ranchers. Billy Scott and Justin Lehrmann, Wylie Sprayers, Inc., will look at variable rate technology for forage and cropping systems.

Ron Ellis and Joy Alibi, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, will speak on water issues facing Northeast Texas farmers and ranchers.

Participants may receive up to 5 continuing education units.

A registration fee, which includes lunch, is $30 by November 30, and $40 at the door.  For more information contact Jim Swart at [email protected] or call 903-886-5373.