Val Verde County offers Fall Agriculture Workshop for Producers

The Del Rio and Brackettville Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) field offices were part of the Val Verde County Fall Agriculture Workshop held in Del Rio, Texas on October 28, 2009. Event sponsor, AgriLife Extension, held the workshop in order for local agriculture producers to hear from agency officials about program updates, rangeland management and earn continuing education credits.

Upon completing registration, the participants were greeted by Alyson McDonald, AgriLife Extension Range Specialist. Paired-plot rangeland water conservation evaluations were looked at and discussed before moving onto rangeland ripping and re-seeding.

Dr. Mark Muegge, AgriLife Extension Entomologist, continued the educational program covering rangeland damage of field termites and grasshoppers. Muegge also explained salt cedar management through biological control.

After completing herbicide labeling laws and regulations participants were then taken outside for a live conservation demonstration.

Letitia Carter, NRCS range management specialist, used a rainfall simulator to explain the effects of rainfall on crop and rangeland. A rainfall simulator illustrates erosion and ways to minimize erosion with various types of ground cover, such as grass or forest cover. Event partakers learned of ways they could become better stewards of the land through NRCS technical assistance and conservation planning.

For additional information about NRCS programs or AgriLife Extension services visit your local USDA Service Center at 300 East 17th Street Del Rio, Texas, or call them at 830-775-3813.

Participants at the Fall Agriculture Workshop held in Del Rio, Texas await a presentation from NRCS staff about soil erosion.	Letitia Carter (far right), NRCS range management specialist in Del Rio, Texas, explains how aquifer recharge is generated with ground water, and the effects of rainwater run-off on poor range conditions.