From wild pigs and climate change to farm safety and labor resources, seminars during the 40th Annual Alabama Farmers Federation Commodity Producers Conference will cover an array of topics on agriculture and technology.Scheduled for Aug. 2-5 at the Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel in Mobile, the conference begins Thursday night with an opening banquet. Friday features tours of outstanding farms in southwest Alabama.Saturday’s sessions will include information on wild pig research, Alabama’s water policy, the farm bill and other topics.
“These issues impact our members’ daily operations,” Director of Governmental and Agricultural Programs Jimmy Carlisle said. “Wild pigs are known for damaging farmland and carrying diseases. Researchers will provide an update on the latest work to control the wild pig population. Attendees will also leave well-informed on Alabama’s water laws and the effort to create a water management plan for the state.”The schedule for Saturday morning includes three seminar sessions with four options each. During the first session, attendees may choose from presentations on the Farm Bill and Federal Government Update, the Current State of Estate Tax/Annuities, Hydraulic Fracturing, Complying with Animal Disease Traceability and U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Opportunities for Exports.The estate tax and annuities seminar will be repeated during the second session. Other seminars on labor resources and technology will be featured in the second session. Information 2 Go will teach farmers how to use smart phones and mobile devices to get news and information quickly. The second session rounds out with a seminar on forage management and how farmers can benefit from the Gotcha Goat Co..Seminars on Farm Safety, Trends in “Climate Change” and Updates on the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Programs will take place in the final session. The seminar on Complying with Animal Disease Traceability will be offered, along with information on gender selection technology.The final seminars should conclude by noon, allowing two hours for lunch out on the town before reconvening for the general session.The conference will end with a Saturday evening banquet. Winners of the Young Farmer’s contests including the Excellence in Ag Award and the final four in the Discussion Meet will be announced. Christian comedian, songwriter and singer Mark Lowry will provide entertainment for the crowd. Lowry is well known as a member of the Gaither Vocal Band.