Ag Notes

Burn workshop

A workshop designed to give landowners and managers a basic understanding of the use and application of prescribed fire in a wildlife and/or grazing management program will be offered Jan. 19 at M.O. Neasloney Wildlife Management Area in Gonzales.

Topics will include historical perspectives on fire; role of fire in vegetation management; fire weather and safety; planning the burn; fire line preparation; and suppression equipment and smoke management.

Particpants will conduct a burn if conditions permit.

Bring leather gloves, leather boots and cotton outerwear as well as lunch and drinks.

Reservations are required by Jan. 16 by phoning (830) 424- 3407.

EQIP program

Texas agricultural landowners interested in participating in the Environmental Quality Incentives Program need to apply by Nov. 16 to be eligible for the next round of funding, according to the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Through EQIP, farmers and ranchers receive financial and technical assistance to help install conservation practices and to implement management systems that promote conservation.

All eligible applications received by the end of the ranking period on Nov. 16 for 2008 funding will be ranked.

To sign up for EQIP or for more information, visit the NRCS website at www.tx.nrcs.usda.gov.

Land award

Nominations are being accepted for the American Farmland Trust 2008 Steward of the Land award.

The annual $10,000 award honors farmers or ranchers who best exemplify the AFT's mission of halting the loss of productive farmland and promoting farming practices that sustain a healthy environment.

Nomination forms are accepted through Dec. 3 and can be completed online at www.farmland.org/ programs/ award/default.asp.

Training

Texas Cooperative Extension is offering structural pesticide applicator apprentice training Dec. 18-20 at Texas A&M University's Riverside Training Complex in Bryan.

Technician apprentices and other employees can receive 24 hours of in-depth, hands-on training required by the Texas Structural Pest Control Service.

Cost is $250 per applicant which includes all study materials and a daily lunch.

For information or registration forms, contact Denise at (979) 845-3849.

Lockhart event

A workshop, Introduction to Wildlife Management Property Tax Valuation, will be offered for landowners with current agricultural valuation on their property.

Landowners are invited to learn about converting to wildlife management, and they will receive information about the process and its requirements.

The event is Jan. 12 in Lockhart.

For information, phone (512) 398-3479.

Exams

Texas Department of Agriculture license exams are offered in Austin the first Tuesday of each month from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Stephen F. Austin Building at 17th and Congress.

Report to the 11th-floor reception area.

Tests may be taken other days by scheduling an appointment.

Phone (512) 463-7622 in advance to confirm dates and availability of exams.