Annual Rural Life Conference set for March 3 in Pine Bluff

The 61st annual Rural Life Conference will be held March 3 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center, with 17 workshops reflecting the theme "Promoting the Vitality of Arkansas Communities."

Among the workshops are "Estate Planning/Heir Property: Make Sure You Put It in Writing," and "Community Impact of Local Food Movement." Workshops will begin at 10:15 a.m.

Aquaculture workshops are "Backyard Aquaponics Options" and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff's "Role in Arkansas Private Pond Management."

Workshops on finances will include "Wise Credit Management: Tips, Tools and Best Practices;" USDA farm programs and farm loans; "Conservation Planning for Today's Farming Sustainability;" "Economic Impact: Building Self Sufficiency in Families;" "Cattle Profitability and Control of Feral Hogs;" and "Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Program."

Other workshops will cover equity in education, 4-H, being sure children are ready for school and home food safety.

"Having so many workshops allows not only greater choices for conference participants, but also greater interaction between presenters and participants because of anticipated smaller attendance at each workshop," said Dr. Henry English, conference workshop co-chair along with Dr. Janette Wheat and Rhonda O'Guinn.

"We are proud to offer these high quality workshops for conference participants to help promote the vitality of our Arkansas communities while fostering the strength and survival of our diverse families," Wheat said.

The Rural Life conference gets underway with registration at 7:30 a.m. March 3. The opening session begins at 8:45 a.m.

The conference is sponsored by the School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences.

Registration is requested even though the conference is free to producers, homemakers and retirees. The cost for professionals and agency personnel is $50; after Feb. 20 and onsite, it is $75. To pre-register or for more information, contact Tamara Ford at 870-575-8806 or [email protected].

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