In the News - January 2012
Rural Life Conference Feb. 24 Offers 11 Workshops
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PINE BLUFF, Ark. – The 56th annual Rural Life Conference gets underway Feb. 24 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center with 11 workshops reflecting the conference theme “Building Resilience in Agriculture, Rural Communities and Families in a Challenging Economy.” The workshops will be offered concurrently. The conference is sponsored by the School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
At the Black Farmers Lawsuit workshop, Class Counsel Attorney Othello Cross will not only provide the latest updates on the Black Farmers discrimination settlement, he will also discuss the Garcia vs. Vilsack (Hispanics) and Love vs. Vilsack (Women) lawsuits. Producers can receive help in completing claim forms, and individuals can find out if their names are on the approved list.
Producers interested in Selling Southern Peas to Walmart or Sweet Potatoes to Bright Harvest can find out how from Jerry Coffee, vice president of agriculture operations at Bright Harvest, and Ashley Smith, Walmart regional merchandise manager.
Other producers concerned with better Managing Livestock Operations can get tips from Ralph Harris, NRCS grazing specialist, and Dr. David Fernandez, UAPB Extension livestock specialist, on effective pasture management practices and USDA programs that provide cost-share assistance.
Two workshops deal with the financial aspects of farming. One will cover USDA Programs for Operating Farms and Ranches and includes crop insurance, farm loans and NAP coverage. Another one deals with Conservation Programs for Improving Farms including land leveling, irrigation wells for alternative crops and inner fencing for rotational grazing.
At the Woodland Management and Feral Hogs workshop, timber management tips for commercial production along with cost share assistance will be discussed by Jerry Lynn from the Arkansas Forestry Commission. Those coping with feral hogs might want to hear what Animal, Plant and Health Inspection Service Wildlife Disease Specialist Clint Turnage advises.
One aquaculture workshop, Do You Want to Catch More Fish From Your Pond?, will cover managing your pond to improve fishing, managing weeds and stocking crappie. Drs. Anita Kelly and Nathan Stone, UAPB aquaculture fisheries specialists, will cover the latest in new baitfish technology and safe bait in Minnows – More than Just a Good Way to Catch Fish.
Eating Well and Cooking Healthy, the State of Children in the Arkansas Delta and Straight Talk on Family Finances, Economic Issues and More may interest other attendees.
Registration for the Rural Life Conference begins at 7:30 a.m. in the Convention Center Auditorium. The opening session is at 8:45 a.m. The conference also features a poster session highlighting UAPB research projects and exhibits by governmental and community agencies.
Registration is requested of everyone even though the conference is free to producers, homemakers and retirees. The cost to professionals and agency personnel is $50; after Feb. 10, the fee is $75. To preregister or for more information, contact Margaret Taylor at (870) 575-7144 or email taylorml@uapb.edu.
The Convention Center is located at 500 East 8th Avenue.
January 27, 2012
By Carol Sanders
Writer/editor
UAPB School of Agriculture
Fisheries and Human Sciences
(870) 575-7238
sandersc@uapb.edu
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