Autonomous tractor technology demonstration highlights event
THRALL – The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is inviting the public to learn more about the latest trends in cotton production, rural water resources and youth agricultural safety at this year’s Stiles Farm Field Day on Tuesday, June 10, in Thrall.
The event takes place from 4:15-8:15 p.m. at the Stiles Farm Foundation, 5700 Farm-to-Market Road 1063. No preregistration is required. In-person registration begins at 4:15 p.m.
Two Texas Department of Agriculture general continuing education units will be available for private pesticide applicator license holders. A catered dinner will be provided by local agribusiness sponsors.
John Deere demonstration
Ryan Collett, AgriLife Extension specialist and Stiles Farm Foundation manager, Thrall, said he is excited to have the John Deere Austin Test Site group demonstrate its autonomous tillage technology.
“Last year’s see and spray demo was rained out so it will be great for producers to get a handson glimpse of what this technology is capable of,” Collett said. “When talking with producers, it seems the topic that comes up the most is the rapid loss of farmland to development. They are particularly concerned with the impact this will have on our water resources. I am hoping participants will walk away from the Field Day with tools communities can use to respond.”
Agriculture and fire safety demonstrations for area youth
The program will feature farm equipment and fire safety demonstrations by the Williamson County Emergency Services District 10 firefighters and a make and take plant project by the Williamson County Master Gardeners.
A water slide and snow cone machine will be available during the safety program, and youth are encouraged to bring swimwear and sunscreen.
Field tour agenda
The producer-focused farm tour will begin loading at 5:15 p.m. onto air-conditioned buses provided by the Thrall Independent School District and will stop at four locations. Topics include: Autonomous Tractor Technology Demonstration - John Deere Austin Test Site supervisor will showcase the latest in self-driving farm equipment.
Hot Topics in Corn and Grain Sorghum - Ronnie Schnell, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension state cropping systems specialist and professor in the Texas A&M Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Bryan-College Station.
Rural Water Resources - Tina Hendon, Texas Water Resources Institute program specialist, Bryan-College Station. Low-Input Cotton Production - Ben McKnight, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension statewide cotton specialist and assistant professor in the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Bryan-College Station.
Grain Market Update Mark Welch, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension economist-grain marketing and professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics, Bryan-College Station.
Following the tour, Welch will provide a grain market update during dinner.
The Williamson County Farm Bureau Agriculturist and Agricultural Business Professional of the Year awards, as well as recipients of the Stiles Farm Scholarships, will be announced during the dinner program.
For more information, contact Collett at 512898-2214 or [email protected].
