Central Texas farmers and ranchers are invited to the 2010 Blackland Income Growth Conference Feb. 9-10 at Waco’s Heart of Texas Coliseum. The 48th annual event will provide producers important updates to several legislative issues, market information and regulatory issues affecting Central Texas agriculture production.

Featured topics include a cellulosic ethanol update, information on herbicide resistance for grain producers, a turfgrass emphasis for homeowners, economic and marketing options for beef cattle producers, options in managing forage production costs, along with information in controlling feral hogs, as well as a look at “harvesting the hunter” for wildlife enthusiasts.

The Family Issues Summit will feature exercise and living well, protecting children online, exploring emergency services and dealing with the cash crunch.

Registration for Feb. 9 sessions is $15 per person, and lunch is included. Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson will provide the keynote address at noon, immediately before the annual scholarship awards luncheon.

The second day of the event gives farmers and ranchers an opportunity for five Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units (CEUs) for recertification of state pesticide licenses. Beef Quality Assurance and Certified Crop Advisor credits will also be available.

For more information, phone (254) 757-5180 or visit www/urbansolutionscenter. tamu.edu/hot-topics/big/conference.