Annual Southwest Ag Summit returns

Mar 6, 2010 — The Yuma Daily Sun

Mar. 6, 2010 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- Once again the spotlight is on the latest in critical information and technological advances in the agriculture industry when the fourth annual Southwest Agricultural Summit returns to Yuma this week.

"The summit has been fantastically successful," said Mark Ellsworth, president of the Yuma Fresh Vegetable Association, one of the key sponsors of the agriculture event that in the past has focused primarily on the produce industry.

This year the summit Wednesday and Thursday promises to be even better with the addition of a new partner, he said.

"We caught ourselves scratching our heads, attempting to come up with new and enticing themes, when we thought of our neighbors in the Farm Bureau," Ellsworth said. "Yuma County agriculture production is more than just vegetables. We are all tied together in one way or another. It just made perfect sense to join forces and continue to develop the Ag Summit into the premier event of the Southwest."

He continued: "Our goal is to continue to expand the summit and with the new Yuma County Farm Bureau partnership, we add a new synergy and flavor to the summit this year."

Added Marvin Marlatt, president of the Yuma County Farm Bureau: "The YCFB board has been willing and ready to do whatever is needed, and we appreciate the opportunity to be involved. With the added energy and foresight to the Ag Summit, we look forward to many years working with YFVA and the University of Arizona."

The two-day event kicks off Wednesday with a 7 a.m. field and demonstration day at the University of Arizona Yuma Valley Ag Center on 8th Street.

Wednesday's four-hour field day will feature hands-on demonstrations of tractors, implements, GPS technologies, irrigation techniques and crop protection strategies, according to UA researcher Mark Siemens. (NYSE:SI)

A summit golf tournament during the afternoon and an evening reception at the Yuma Civic Center starting 5:30 p.m. concludes Wednesday's activities.

Thursday's main attraction kicks off at 7 a.m. at the Yuma Civic Center with a keynote presentation by Charlie Hoppin, chairman of the California State Water Resources Control Board.

"The three-year natural drought is just one factor contributing to California's water crisis," Ellsworth said. "The others are tougher because they are political: the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, the Endangered Species Act and the lack of water storage.

"As California's water crisis increases, we'd like to have everyone learn what Arizona producers can do now to protect their future agricultural water supplies."

Breakout sessions will address topics that include emerging ag technologies, food safety, irrigation, nutrient management and crop protection for which participants can earn continuing education units.

Attendees can earn continuing education credits throughout the day Thursday.

Also Thursday, there will a trade show with more than 70 vendors providing information on their services and products. In addition, a large static display of farming equipment will be on hand Wednesday evening and all day Thursday.

Last year, the summit attracted more than 800 attendees, and an overflow crowd is expected again this year, said Steve Alameda of Top Flavor Farms and a member of YFVA, one of the summit organizers.

Other organizers are Kurt Nolte, Extension Director in Yuma County; David Sharp, Yuma County Farm Bureau; and Bruce Gwynn, Helena Chemical Company.

Registration for the two-day event is $35 and includes the luncheon. For more information and to register, visit www.swagsummit.com or call Jolynn Pangerl at 783-9355 or Kurt Nolte at 726-3904.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0239-42643493