The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), in partnership with Minority Landowner Magazine, will host a Farmer and Landowner Workshop in the Waco area Sept. 5 and 6 to discuss conservation technical and financial assistance available through USDA and to provide the opportunity to demonstrate construction of a seasonal high tunnel.

The free workshop will provide landowners and land managers or those interested in being landowners/land managers about USDA programs that can assist them in accomplishing their goals.

Staff from NRCS, Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Rural Development (RD) will share information to help improve your farm or ranch, whether large or small.

USDA personnel will be available both days for sharing financial assistance and available programs for conservation planning; pollinators; soil health; farm loan programs, agricultural marketing; cattle and hay operations; high tunnels (hoop houses); erosion control; irrigation systems; veterans programs and more.

Farmers, ranchers, agricultural representatives and the general public are invited to attend the informative meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 5, at the Bellmead Civic Center (Senior Room), located at 3900 Parrish St. in Bellmead.

On Thursday, Sept. 6, attendees are invited to Kay Bell’s Farm, located at 810 Penton Lane in Waco, to take part in the construction of a high tunnel. A high tunnel is a covered structure used to protect crops to extend the growing season and in turn can help increase economic viability of farmers.

The event is free of charge and lunch will be provided both days. Registration is due Aug. 24.

Register today by contacting Todnechia Mitchell at 254-697-4949 –x101 or todnechia.mitchell@tx.usda.gov.

For more information, visit the NRCS website.