Registration open for rural life event

Registration is open for the 64th annual Rural Life Conference scheduled for Feb. 21 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. Workshops include:

■ Changes in the new farm bill.

■ The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff “Keeping it in the Family” forestry project, which works to stem the loss of black-owned land in Arkansas.

■ Industrial hemp production. Producers can learn the requirements and get information on growing hemp in Arkansas. An area hemp processor will be on hand to discuss processing and marketing programs.

■ A mobile aquaponics system. Aquaponics is a trending technique for growing premium-quality plant produce indoors and an excellent teaching tool in science, technology, engineering and mathematics classrooms.

■ Nutrition recommendations and sampling a healthy dish.

Other agricultural topics include pea production, high tunnel vegetable production and a value-added grant. Ranchers can learn about cow-calf management and new pasture management strategies.

A panel discussion will address rural community challenges that impede prosperity and prevent wealth creation in Arkansas. Topics will include economic development, workforce readiness and quality of life.

This year’s conference theme is “Vision 2020: Empowering Communities Through Education, Research and Extension.”

Participants should register, even though the conference is free to producers, homemakers and retirees. Registration for professionals and agency personnel has a fee. The registration form — including pre-registration, which offers a discounted rate — is available on the bottom left corner of the website https://bit.ly/2H5kseE.

More information is available from Tamera L. Ford at (870) 575-8806 or fordta@uapb.edu.