- Writer: Blair Fannin, 979-845-2259, b-fannin@tamu.edu
- Contact: Ryan Collett, 512-898-2214, rmcollett@ag.tamu.edu
THRALL – Feral hog trapping, soybean performance in the Blacklands, pecan tree management and the latest farm bill information will all be discussed at the Stiles Farm Field Day scheduled June 19 in Thrall.
The field day is hosted by the Stiles Farm Foundation and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. There is no registration fee courtesy of the Williamson County Farm Bureau. Lunch and door prizes will be provided to field day participants courtesy of local agribusiness sponsors.
The Stiles Farm Field Day is set for June 19 at the Stiles Farm in Thrall. The program features a number of cropping updates affecting Blacklands producers. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Blair Fannin)
Two continuing education units will be given for Texas Department of Agriculture pesticide applicator license holders: one general and one integrated pest management.
“This year’s field day will feature topics of interest to a variety of producers and landowners in the Blacklands,” said Ryan Collett, farm manager and AgriLife Extension specialist. “The program is geared towards helping Blackland producers stay current with new technology and learn more about operating efficiencies during times of low commodity prices.
“But, with pecan management, fence building and feral hog trapping presentations, we think there is something of interest for everyone.”
Morning session topics and AgriLife Extension speakers include:
– Tips For Success with Feral Hog Trapping, Dr. John Tomecek, wildlife specialist, San Angelo.
– Innovations in Cotton, Dr. Gaylon Morgan, state cotton specialist, College Station.
– Cotton Pest Management Update, Dr. David Kerns, statewide integrated pest management coordinator, College Station.
– Can Soybeans Work in the Blacklands?, Dr. Ronnie Schnell, cropping system specialist, College Station.
– Cotton Fertility and Cover Crop Management, Dr. Jake Mower, soil specialist, College Station.
– Row Crop Weed Identification and Management, Dr. Scott Nolte, state weed specialist, College Station.
Afternoon sessions will include:
– Farm Bill Update at KC Hall, Dr. Joe Outlaw, AgriLife Extension economist, College Station.
– Pecan Production in the Blacklands, Dr. Monte Nesbitt, horticultural specialist, College Station.
– Stay Tuff Fence Building Demonstration.
The noon meal and program will feature the presentation of the Agriculturalist of the Year and Stiles Farm Foundation scholarships.
The Stiles Farm Foundation was established by the Stiles family at Thrall in Williamson County. According to the foundation, J.V. and H.A. Stiles wanted to commemorate their father, James E. Stiles, and the land he worked. They also wanted to help neighboring farmers and others throughout the Central Texas Blacklands region learn new farming practices.
In 1961, the Stiles Farm Foundation was established and became part of the Texas A&M University System. The farm is used by AgriLife Extension and Texas A&M AgriLife Research, which conduct field experiments and use the facility as a teaching platform.
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