The folks who set the agenda for the 2015 Texas Plant Protection Association Annual Conference—Dec. 8 and 9 in the Brazos Center, Bryan, Texas—expect it to be the best ever.

They set the tone early.  Charlie Stenholm, former U.S. Representative from Texas and long-time member of the House Agriculture Committee, opens the conference. He’ll discuss “Agriculture and Industry: Innovated Partnerships.”

David Baltensperger, professor and department head, Texas A&M Soil and Crop Sciences, follows with a discussion of “Professional Associations Leadership Role in GMOs.” That ties in with the conference theme: “Innovations for Texas Agriculture—Strategies for Implementation.”

Speakers throughout the morning session will discuss ag innovations and the challenges farmers will face as they learn to incorporate new technology into farm operations.

Topics will include implementing new technology for weed resistance, strategies and stewardship for use of 2, 4-D and dicamba tolerant crops, and a low-tech solution to mis-application of pesticides.

Wednesday morning’s agenda includes a general session focusing on the role of ag consultants. Topics include weed control with new technology, sugarcane aphid management in grain sorghum and off-target concerns with new herbicide technology.

Afternoon sessions will be breakouts for including cotton, water management, fertility management, grain, horticulture and turf, and pasture and rangeland.

Lunch will include awards presentations.

Highlights of the annual conference also include a pest identification contest and poster displays.

For more information on registration, attendance or sponsorships, contact TPPA Executive Director Bob Sasser by phone 936/537-7083, fax 936/539-9526, or email, [email protected]. The TPPA website is: http://tppa.tamu.edu