Blackland Income Growth Conference to highlight farm policy, commodity trends Jan. 11 in Waco

Current and future farm policy, as well as issues affecting U.S. and Texas agriculture producers, will be highlighted by Joe Outlaw, Ph.D., co-director of the Agricultural and Food Policy Center and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service economist, at the 60th Blackland Income Growth Conference Jan. 11 in Waco.

Outlaw will keynote the conference, sponsored by AgriLife Extension, to be held at the Extraco Events Center, 4601 Bosque Blvd. The conference will feature sessions covering key issues and trends in beef, cotton, forage, grain, rural land management, wildlife and horticulture. Cost is $25 and includes a catered lunch.  

For a list of speakers, session topics and CEUs available, view the complete itinerary and detailed session information online.

“High input costs are on the minds of farmers and ranchers across the country, and how to plan sound management strategies will be some key takeaways for attendees of BIG this year,” said Brent Batchelor, AgriLife Extension regional program leader, Stephenville. “This conference is a big regional draw, covering some of the most current issues and trends in food and health.”

The Blackland Income Growth Conference serves as a primer for farmers, ranchers and landowners looking to prepare as they head into a new production year, plus assists novice landowners with education and management practices, organizers said.

Joint conference, other opportunities

Luncheon attendees

The Blackland Income Growth Conference serves as a primer for farmers, ranchers and landowners looking to prepare as they head into a new production year. (Texas A&M AgriLife Marketing and Communications photo by Blair Fannin)

Held jointly will be a Connecting Agriculture and Health – From the Ground Up conference tailored for health professionals, registered dieticians, registered nurses, educators and students.

Conference registration is $50 for attendees, $25 for enrolled full-time students.Deadline to register is Jan. 5. The fee also includes a catered lunch and continuing education contact hours will be offered.

On Jan. 12, a recertification program for Texas Department of Agriculture pesticide applicator license holders will be held. Cost is $60, and RSVP is requested for this program at 254-757-5180. Registration is $70.

A private applicator training will be held for those needing continuing education units. Cost is $75, and RSVP for this program is also requested at 254-582-4022. 

Blacklands producers can also view the latest farm and ranch equipment during the Mid-Tex Farm and Ranch Show, which will run Jan. 11-12.