Ducks Unlimited President to Speak at 16th Annual Soil and Water Education Conference
JONESBORO – Arkansas rice farmer and Ducks Unlimited President George Dunklin Jr., is slated to be the luncheon speaker at Arkansas State University’s annual Soil and Water Education Conference on Friday, Jan. 31, at the A-State Convocation Center, 217 Olympic Drive.
Dunklin is one of several speakers scheduled for this year’s program, which will cover a wide range of topics including irrigation management, water quality and quantity, improved soil and water management, groundwater modeling and artificial recharge of the alluvial aquifer.
This year marks the 16th year for the conference, according to Dr. Tim Burcham, dean of A-State’s College of Agriculture and Technology.
“Arkansas State is committed to presenting research and outreach activities that provide up-to-date information on best management practices to producers, crop advisers and agriculture businesses, as well as our students, to ensure future generations of Arkansans have access to abundant, high-quality water resources while maintaining productivity of our soils,” he said.
This year’s luncheon also will feature the presentation of the Arkansas Soil and Water Education Conference’s ‘Outstanding Conservationist Award’ to Wayne Wiggins, Jr., of Jonesboro. Conference Chairman Kevin Cochran, district conservationist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), will make the presentation on behalf of the Judd Hill Foundation in recognition of Wiggins's longtime support of soil and water conservation in East Arkansas.
Following the 8 a.m. registration, the morning session will include an update on the Arkansas Water Plan, the current status of the state’s groundwater, and a report on the success of the Little Red River Irrigation District Project. Following a mid-morning break, attendees will be updated on 2014 forecasts from the National Weather Service and hear from speakers representing A-State, the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, USDA-NRCS and the U.S. Geological Survey on topics including nutrient and water quality in the Cache River, East Arkansas groundwater availability, and updates on production research in soil and water management for rice.
The afternoon session will feature Arkansas and Mississippi rice producers and researchers in panel discussions on irrigation management, including levee erosion control for on-farm reservoirs, use of PHAUCET and multiple-inlet irrigation, and intermittent flooding of rice. The session will conclude with an update from an on-farm test of artificial recharge of the alluvial aquifer.
Registration for the day-long conference, including lunch, is $40. Certified Crop Adviser Soil and Water Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be awarded to those who attend.
To register online, individuals may follow the conference link on the College of Agriculture and Technology website, Astate.edu/college/agriculture-and-technology/index.dot, or contact Chris Jones, chrisjones@astate.edu or call 870.972.2043.
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