The 11th Annual National Conservation Systems Cotton & Rice Conference will be held Jan. 21-22 at the Grand Casino Resort Convention Center at Tunica, Miss.

Sponsored by Cotton Incorporated and US Rice Producers Association, the event, which alternates yearly between the Mid-South and the Southwest, is a production of MidAmerica Farm Publications.

“The Grand Casino Resort is an ideal setting for this conference, providing a relaxing environment where farmers can visit with one another and researchers,” says John LaRose, chairman of the conference steering committee.

“Last year's conference in Houston, Texas, drew a record attendance, with farmers and researchers both deriving a sense of new direction. No one leaves without picking up valuable information, and everyone finds facets of their operation that they can fine-tune to create more stability and increase their bottom line.”

The conference is co-sponsored by the University of Arkansas, Louisiana State University, Mississippi State University, University of Missouri, University of Tennessee, Auburn University, Texas A&M, USDA-NRCS in Washington D.C., and USDA-ARS centers in the Southern states.

Corporate co-sponsors are Delta & Pine Land Company, Helena Chemical Company, Horizon Ag, Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc. and RiceTec.

Media co-sponsors are Delta Farm Press and Southwest Farm Press.

Breakout sessions will offer 91 specific topic choices over the two-day period, LaRose notes, “several of which are sure to focus on topics most important to each producer.”

Each session is led by a university researcher and a farmer who is practicing the system. “Each can offer sound, practical advice to help the beginner or veteran producer. The discussions are informal and questions or comments from the audience are always welcome. These often add a new twist to the proceedings.”

New this year will be the Mid-South Corn Conference and the Mid-South Precision Ag Conference, both held in conjunction with the overall Cotton & Rice Conference.

The corn conference will feature 16 corn production technology and systems breakout sessions, with16 of the nation's leading corn researchers and farmers. The precision ag conference will feature 9 precision agriculture technology and systems breakout sessions by researchers and farmers.

Farmers from Mississippi, Texas, Alabama, Louisiana, and Tennessee will be able to receive their state pesticide recertification credits, and certified crop consultants can earn CEUs during the two-day conference.

“Don't miss this opportunity to get some of your questions answered or to search for new ideas that could improve your operation and help fill your pockets,” says LaRose.

For further information about the conference or to register, visit the Web site at www.nctd.net, or phone Robin Moll at (573) 547-7212.