Those involved or interested in low desert agriculture can register to attend the 2017 Southwest Agriculture Summit from Feb. 22-24 at Arizona Western College in Yuma, Ariz.

The summit, the largest farm show event in Arizona, will include keynote speakers, a baker’s dozen of educational seminars, a field demonstration, exhibit booths, networking, golf, and more.

The summit begins Feb. 22 with a field demonstration, including hands-on opportunities to see new farm equipment and systems from 7 a.m. to noon. The event culminates Feb. 23 with the Harvest Dinner.

Event collaborators include the Yuma Fresh Vegetable Association, University of Arizona, Arizona Western College Foundation, and Yuma County Farm Bureau.

Also on Feb. 22 is an equipment-vehicle maintenance session, farm welding seminar, plus food safety field audit trainings. The afternoon golf tournament and reception will be held at the Mesa Del Sol Country Club, Yuma. 

Keynote speakers will discuss Southwest water issues, including Lisa Atkins of the Central Arizona Project, George Seperich of Arizona State University, and Tom Davis of the Yuma County Water Users’ Association.

Another speaker seminar will highlight the partnerships necessary to create a stronger workforce in agriculture, including speakers from Hartnell College in Salinas, Calif.

The dozen or so educational sessions will address current agricultural topics, including integrated pest management in vegetable crops, micronutrient fertilization in desert farm production, heavy metals in leafy vegetables, plus compliance challenges and mitigation strategies.

Other seminar topics include advances in farming mechanization and technology in vegetable crops, Desert Southwest alfalfa production, digital agricultural tools in crop improvement, cotton production and management, drought and climate change effects on water, increasing demand for Arizona-grown Medjool dates, alternate water sources for agricultural use, and more.

An advanced agricultural tour of the Yuma agriculture is Feb. 24, led by Matt McGuire of the JV Smith Companies. Register for the tour online at https://www.swagsummit.com/register.html.

To register for the summit, go online to www.swagsummit.com or call (928) 783-9355.