Start your new year off on the right foot at the 2009 Central Coast Cotton Conference, Jan. 21-23, 2009, at The Cliffs Resort in Pismo Beach, Calif. The sixth annual conference and continuing education course for grower, PCAs and agronomists is shaping up to be informative and fun, and a great networking opportunity for not only the cotton industry, but the California field crop industry too.

This year’s meeting includes something for just about everyone. The theme for 2009 is “New Frontiers: Innovative production strategies for a changing industry.” Sessions will explore 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 a production and agronomy sessions which will feature topics such as soils and pest management.

And don’t forget that this year’s meeting will also include presentations on other field crops and topics that can be applied across crops such as corn, wheat, alfalfa and processing tomatoes. If networking and education aren’t enough, don’t forget that there are also lots of opportunities to relax and have fun.

• Wine and Dine: There will be a welcome reception on Wednesday, Jan. 21, featuring a wine country buffet and wineries from the California Central Coast. Three of Paso Robles’ latest and greatest winemakers will be on hand pouring their favorite wines. After the reception, stroll next door and try out one of Pismo’s finest new restaurants – Lido at Dolphin Bay – or dine at one of the many other fine restaurants on the Central Coast.

• Golf: On Thursday, there will be an 18-hole golf tournament at the scenic Avila Beach Golf Resort. The golf tournament is relaxing and fun and for golfers of all skill levels. The tournament includes lunch, beverages, prizes and a hole-in-one contest.

• Adventure: or those who don’t want to golf, there’s the custom Ag-Venture tour. Adventurers will depart the Cliff’s Resort and take a tour of two working farms on the Central Coast and a winery. The tour of the Robert Hall Winery will be conducted by world-class winemaker Don Brady who will take guests on a private tour of the vineyards, winery and caves and conclude with a wine and cheese pairing.

So don’t miss this great opportunity to start your year off right and learn, interact, and relax at the Central Coast Cotton Conference. To register or for more information, please visit www.cottonconference.com or call (805) 239-8200.