Farmers and other interested persons can learn more about the benefits of agricultural conservation practices at the “11^th Annual Conservation Production Systems Training Conference” on Feb. 1–2, 2011 at the Charles H. Kirbo Regional Center at Bainbridge Collegein Bainbridge, Ga.

This two day regional conference is designed for farmers to learn about new advances in agricultural conservation production systems from leaders in the field. Speakers include farm operators, USDA–NRCS conservation planners, UGA/UF Extension agents, and agricultural researchers from across the Southeast.

Topics to be covered include: water quality, water conservation, soil quality and nutrient cycling, animal grazing and rotation, weed control with residue management, vegetables in conservation-tillage, organic production, conservation on small farms, conservation calendars, federal conservation programs, and the emergence of sod based rotation as an important conservation tool for the Southeast.

Field tours will showcase conservation-tillage systems in practice and a set of nearby sod based rotation demonstration sites.

The conference is co–sponsored by the Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District, Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission, Georgia DNR Environmental Protection Division, Georgia DNR Sustainability Division, Fort Valley State University, Georgia Organics, Seven Rivers RC&D Council, Golden Triangle RC&D Council, Mid–South Georgia RC&D Council, Georgia Conservation-Tillage Alliance, Southern Georgia Regional Commission, University of Georgia — College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences, University of Florida — North Florida Research & Education Center, Upper Suwannee River Partnership, Flint River Basin Partnership, USDA — Agricultural Research Service, USDA — Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education, USDA — Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Environmental Protection Agency, and The Nature Conservancy in Georgia

The conference registration fee is $150 per person. Vendors, contractors,and agricultural supply dealers are welcome to set up product displays for a fee $250 for a booth inside the facility or $500 for an outside display.

For more information, please contact Renae Woods at (229) 386–3416 or email her at [email protected]. Registration is also available online at www.ugatiftonconference.org.