West Texas Agricultural Chemicals Conference
Slated on Sept. 19, at Lubbock Civic Center

Writer: Tim W. McAlavy (806) 746-6101, email: t-mcalavy@tamu.edu

LUBBOCK – West Texas agriculture producers and agribusiness people can update their chemical use and application skills, and learn more about biotechnology, wellhead protection, conservation tillage and pest control Sept. 19 at the 49th  annual West Texas Agricultural Chemicals Conference in the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center.

On-site registration over coffee and donuts begins at 7 a.m. and costs $70 per person. Pre-registration costs $50 per person, but must be postmarked by Sept. 3rd. Advance registration should be sent to: WTACI, care of Randy Underwood, NRCS, 6113 43rd, Suite A, Lubbock, TX 79407.

The morning conference session runs from 8 a.m. to noon, and will include presentations on equipment and application techniques for conservation tillage, and how a Section 18 and 24C happen. Morning keynote speakers include: Dan Baker; Jim Smart, USDA, Weslaco; and Charlie Thomas, director of pesticide programs with the Texas Department of Agriculture.

More than 500 producers, chemical dealers and agribusiness people are expected to attend.

Participants can earn up to six continuing education units (CEUs) required by the Texas Department of Agriculture for certification of commercial and non-commercial pesticide applicators, or as many as six CCA education units. Four and one-half of these CEU’s are also approved by the New Mexico Department of Agriculture.

The conference is sponsored by the West Texas Agricultural Chemicals Institute (WTACI), an organization of scientists, educators, industry representatives and agribusiness leaders. The institute has sponsored-conducted research and educational programs focusing on safe ag chemical use since 1953.

A noon luncheon will feature presentation of WTACI awards and college scholarships totaling more than $6,000.

The afternoon general session begins at 1:15 p.m. with presentations on public perceptions of biotechnology, wellhead protection, and point- and non-point source pollution. Featured speakers include Leah Porter, American Crop Protection Association; and Monty Dozier, Extension water resource specialist.

Concurrent educational sessions on weed control and herbicides; insect identification and control; and crop diseases will be presented by Extension specialists, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station scientists and Texas Tech University and industry representatives following the afternnoon general session.

The concurrent afternoon educational sessions will begin at 3:15 p.m. and wrap up around 4:55 p.m. Closing remarks, CEU-CCA certificates and session evaluations will be the order of business after these sessions conclude.

Groups who plan to attend can receive a reduced hotel rate for the conference if reservations are secured by Aug. 18.
Call the Four Points Hotel in Lubbock at 806-747-0171 or 800-325-3535 and ask for the Ag Chem group rate.

For more information on the WTACI conference, call Sheryl Smith at 806-746-6101.