Agricultural technology will be the focus of the 28th annual Texas Plant Protection Association Conference Dec. 6-7 at the Brazos Center, 3232 Briarcrest Drive in Bryan.

“We have an outstanding program that will give attendees the latest information on technology and agriculture,” said Dr. Betsy Pierson, association president and associate professor of horticultural sciences at Texas A&M University, College Station. “This conference also covers the latest issues affecting agriculture and how we produce food and fiber to feed an ever-expanding population globally.”

The general session will open with Bob Avant, program director for corporate relations with Texas A&M AgriLife Research in College Station, discussing advanced technology. Other speakers include Ron Smith, Southwest Farm Press editor and Kara Matheny, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service agent in Washington County, both discussing smartphone apps in agriculture as well as innovative ways for farmers to stay connected remotely.

Dr. Alex Thomasson, AgriLife Research engineer in College Station, will provide the latest on unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs, and their application to agriculture. Dr. Bob Coulson and Dr. Todd Sink, Texas A&M AgriLife, College Station, will present the Texas Crop Registry and a new smartphone application, Flag the Technology.

Chandler Goule, chief executive officer with National Wheat Growers, will discuss regulations and agricultural reform. Other topics covered throughout the conference include new and minor crops, fertility management, grain production, cotton, pasture and rangeland/vegetation management, turf and horticulture, new technology and chemistry, and laws and regulations. Registration is $85 by Nov. 11 and $100 thereafter. Student registration is $25. Registration includes lunch during the Dec. 7 business meeting.

For complete registration and conference information, visit http://tppa.tamu.edu