NRCS State Conservationist to Speak at San Antonio International Farm and Ranch Show

San Antonio, Texas, Sept. 25, 2009 – The USDA-NRCS announced that state conservationist, Don Gohmert, will be speaking on Fri., Oct. 9 at 2 p.m. under the Livestock Track at the San Antonio International Farm and Ranch Show. Gohmert will discuss the agency’s technical and financial assistance that is available to help South Texas ranchers fight cattle fever tick.

The Farm and Ranch Expo is a free event that will be held at the Freeman Coliseum, 3201 E Houston St., in San Antonio Oct. 9-10 and will feature speakers and seminars discussing a wide array of topics to exhibitors showcasing the latest technological advancements in ranching and farming. The trade show will be 8:00am - 6:00pm Thursday/Friday and 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday. Parking is $5.

NRCS is providing technical and financial assistance to ranchers in a 17-county area to help fight the spread of the cattle fever tick. The conservation assistance will be available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) for the Rio Grande Domestic Animal Stress/Mortality Statewide Resource Concern, since the cattle fever ticks can carry and transmit a tiny blood parasite called, ‘babesia,’ that can be deadly to cattle.

The 17 counties included are Brooks, Cameron, Dimmit, Duval, Frio, Hidalgo, Jim Hogg, Jim Wells, La Salle, Kinney, Maverick, Starr, Val Verde, Webb, Willacy, Zapata, and Zavala.

“The Expo will provide U.S. and Mexico producers an opportunity to learn about issues impacting both sides of the border, including the cattle fever tick,” said Gohmert. “Fighting and eradicating the cattle fever tick is not just a Texas issue. By working together with the landowners and other partners to fight the cattle fever ticks, we will be that much closer to eradication.”

Persons with disabilities who require special accommodations and/or alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) associated with this meeting should contact public affairs specialist, Melissa Blair at (361) 241-0609 at least two weeks prior to the meeting with his/her specific request.

For more information on the show, visit their Web site at www.farmandranchexpo.com.  For more information on the conservation programs and assistance available through NRCS Texas website.

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