New Mexico State University Extension Veterinarian John Wenzel will be one of the presenters at the High Plains Crop and Livestock Symposium on Thursday, Feb. 22. (NMSU photo by Darrell J. Pehr)WRITER: Darrell J. Pehr, 575-646-3223, pehr@nmsu.edu

PORTALES – The Roosevelt County Cooperative Extension Service is partnering with area agricultural experts to present the first annual High Plains Crop and Livestock Symposium Thursday, Feb. 22.

This daylong event will feature scheduled educational classes for producers involved in beef cattle production and row crop farming. Several presentations will be made by experts from New Mexico State University's College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences.

"The Roosevelt County Cooperative Extension Service is dedicated to promoting agriculture within our local area," said Patrick Kircher, agriculture agent for the Roosevelt County Cooperative Extension Service. "Through programs like the High Plains Crop and Livestock Symposium, our Extension professionals are able to provide educational services to local residents and support the role of agriculture within our community."

The symposium will be held at the Roosevelt County Fairgrounds, 705 E. Lime Street in Portales. It will feature seven educational programs, a trade show, giveaways and a catered lunch sponsored by Creighton's Town and Country and Purina Feed.

Guest speakers for the event were hand-selected for their locally relevant knowledge and experience that pertains to agricultural producers in the region, Kircher said.

Preregistration for the event is required. To register, contact the Roosevelt County Cooperative Extension Office at 575-356-4417.