To meet the changing demands of today’s California farmers, the Central Coast Cotton Conference has expanded its agenda to address issues concerning other field crops produced in the San Joaquin Valley. The Sixth Annual Central Coast Cotton Conference will be held Jan. 21-23, 2009, at The Cliffs Resort in Shell Beach, Calif.

According to conference director, Lowell Zelinski, the new direction is the result of a number of factors.

“Many growers who have typically grown primarily cotton are now growing other field crops or stopped permanently or temporarily producing cotton,” Zelinski said. “By including topics on other field crops we hope to expand our potential audience as well as make the conference more valuable for cotton growers who produce other crops.”

Zelinski also said that since there isn’t a field crop production conference, this is a good opportunity for all field crop growers to expand their knowledge and earn continuing education credits.

New topics include presentations on:

• The biology of soil fertility

• How changes in the crop mix influence insect pests

•A farming systems approach to weed management

•Crop biotechnology update

•Precision farming technology

•Agricultural water issues for 2009

• Tips for integrating cotton production with corn, wheat and processing tomatoes.

The theme for 2009 Central Coast Cotton Conference is “New Frontiers: Innovative production strategies for a changing industry.” Three half-day sessions will include topics to help growers maximize production while minimizing costs; adapt new technologies such as precision farming; implement integrated farming solutions; and address water issues. The conference also features production and agronomy sessions with topics such as soils and pest management.

For more information about the Central Coast Cotton Conference or to register, please visit www.cottonconference.com or call (805) 239-8200.