Ag innovation, sustainable crop practices, soil health top agenda at Jan. 31 conference in Jonesboro
By Emily Thompson
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Jan. 12, 2017
Fast Facts:
- Ag innovation, sustainability top agenda
- Continuing education credits will be awarded to certified crop advisers
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(Download this story in MS Word format here.)
JONESBORO, Ark. – Initiatives for innovation and sustainability are top of the agenda for the 20th annual Arkansas Soil and Water Education Conference set for Jan. 31 in Jonesboro.
“Attendees will learn about three initiatives: the Arkansas Soil Health Alliance, the Ducks Unlimited rice-sustainability program, and a new public-private partnership that seeks to foster ag innovation in the Arkansas Delta,” said Joseph Massey, steering committee chair and Delta water management researcher with USDA’s Agricultural Research Service. “Other professionals will discuss ways to detect and reduce soil compaction, and how digital technologies are impacting agriculture.”
The program will also feature updates on the state’s Water Plan, nutrients in the Arkansas and Mississippi Rivers, and conservation initiatives in the new Farm Bill.
“Last, but not least, four farmers will discuss how they have successfully approached water and soil conservation on their own farms,” Massey said.
Bill Robertson, extension cotton agronomist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture; Chris Henry, associate professor with the Division of Agriculture at the Rice Research and Extension Center; and Steve Green, professor of soil and water conservation for Arkansas State University and the Division of Agriculture, will discuss the latest issues and trends in soil and water conservation.
Other speakers include Arkansas producers, Arkansas State University experts and a representative from the Arkansas Farm Bureau.
The event will take place Jan. 31 and will also include the Arkansas Soil and Water Education Conference Expo, a vendor tradeshow, and an opportunity to earn 7.5 hours of soil and water continuing education credits for certified crop advisors.
The conference will be held at the First National Bank Arena-Arkansas State University from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
For more information, call Chris Jones at 870-972-2043 or email her at chrisjones@astate.edu.
The conference is co-sponsored by the Division of Agriculture and Arkansas State University.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact Chris Jones as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.
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Media Contact: Mary Hightower
Dir. of Communication Services
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2126
mhightower@uada.edu
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