2009 - What Does It Hold?
by Shan Ingram
If we look back to this time a year ago, who would have guessed all the changes and happenings of 2008? So, with all our knowledge and past experiences, what do we see for 2009? I must say that I don't know. The only thing that's certain is change and the unexpected. My advice is: "be prepared" and "go with the flow." We have several events planned for 2009. Take a quick look at what's on the calendar so far, but don't etch these dates in stone - some will probably change and new events will be added. Be sure to check our Web site for changes, preregister for events, and check with us before showing up. Things change!
2009 - Calendar of Events
• Feb. 5, Pecan and Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop
• March 10, Small Fruits Field Day
• March 14, Junior Beef Excellence Live Animal Evaluation Contest
• April 2, Results: Junior Beef Excellence Live Animal Evaluation Contest
• April 17, Ag Safety Day (for children)
• April 24, Basic Ag Field Day (McKinney, Texas)
• April 28-29, Livestock School (two-day event)
• May 5, Pecan Grafting Workshop
• June 8-11, AgVenture (summer camp - grades 10-12)
• June 13, Texoma Pasture Conference
• June 16, Pond Management Workshop
• July 14, Stocker Cattle Seminar
• July 18, Hunter Education Course
• July 28, Estate Planning Seminar
• Aug. 8, Southern Plains Beef Symposium
• Sept. 15 and 18, White-tailed Deer Management Workshops
• Sept. 29-Oct. 1, Grazing School
• Dec. 8, Tax Update Seminar
• Dec. 15, Quicken Workshop
Additionally, as a matter of convenience, we plan to have several events away from Ardmore in our consultation service area. We will also have several scheduled group tours of our farms. If you are a member of a producer group that would like to tour some of the Foundation properties, contact me and we can discuss a tour. Other events will be scheduled throughout the year, so this is not a complete list!
Please review the schedule on our Web site from time to time to keep abreast of new events, possible changes in dates or times, and the posting of additional event information. Events are listed on our Web site at www.noble.org/agevents. You can review details of events, get agendas and maps as well as register online for most events that we have. For those of you who do not have Internet access, please note that you can probably go to your local library and use one of their computers.
Speaking of our Web site, we are planning a redesign and new look during 2009; so be ready for a change in the look of our Web site. We hope it will be easier for you to use. There are numerous publications available online as well as several tools/calculators that are useful depending on your needs. Archived issues of this publication are available and information can be found by searching keywords, or by discipline or specialty.
You can also see a complete listing of our consulting and research staff, and view their contact information. Our Ag Listing Directory is also available on the Web site; it includes four major categories: eCattleLog, Hunting & Recreational Leases, Custom Hire Listings, and Hay and Pasture Available Listings. If you have an interest in our Junior Beef Excellence Program and the associated Live Animal Evaluation Contest, we have results from the past seven years posted online. Another youth-oriented event that is highlighted on the Web site is AgVenture - our four-day camp held between June 8-11, 2009, for high school students with an interest in agriculture.
If you have suggestions related to our Web site or this newsletter, please be in contact. You can reach me at 580.223.5810. Have a great year!