Valley irrigation meet slated in Mercedes

WESLACO — Growers from throughout South Texas and northern Mexico are expected for the seventh Rio Grande Valley Irrigation Conference and Trade Show set for Oct. 29 in Mercedes, according to an irrigation expert at Texas AgriLife Extension Service.

"We're expecting a large crowd from Mexico, because like growers everywhere, they are very much interested in using the latest irrigation technologies that can help them save water while maximizing profits," said Dr. Juan Enciso, an Extension irrigation specialist in Weslaco.

To better appreciate the day's speakers, Spanish translations will be provided, Enciso said.

The conference and trade show is sponsored by the Texas Water Resources Institute, the Lower Rio Grande Valley Water District Managers Association and the Irrigation Technology Center.

The event will be at the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Showgrounds, 1000 N. Texas Ave., in Mercedes.

A $10 registration fee includes breakfast, lunch and admission to the trade show and educational sessions. Participants can receive two hours of certified crop adviser or pesticide applicator continuing education credits, said Cecilia Wagner, a Texas Water Resources Institute project manager.

"Irrigation experts, including Extension agricultural engineers Dr. Guy Fipps of College Station, Dr. Dana Porter of Lubbock and Dr. Enciso will speak on improved irrigation technologies and crop management," she said.

Other speakers include Erasmo Yarrito, the Rio Grande Watermaster team leader; Alan Moore, Cameron County Drainage District manager; and Charles Stichler, retired Extension agronomist.

This conference and trade show is the third of six scheduled events of the Irrigation Training Program, a collaborative effort among the Texas Water Resources Institute, AgriLife Extension, Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service.

The Texas Water Development Board funds the project through its Agricultural Water Conservation Grant program, Wagner said.

"These events are held around the state to help growers and others learn about efficient tools and techniques of irrigation management," she said. "Each event offers region-specific information about irrigation practices, cropping systems, policy updates and cost-share programs available to local producers."

The next such event, the Gulf Coast Irrigation Conference, is scheduled for Nov. 18 in Sinton.

For more information about the Rio Grande Valley or Coastal Bend conference events, visit http://itc.tamu.edu/confernces.php .

For more information on the Irrigation Training Program, visit http://twri.tamu.edu/project-inf .

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Rod Santa Ana III is a communications specialist with Texas AgriLife Communications.