The University of Arizona Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture (YCEDA) and Cooperative Extension are hosting a symposium on soil health. Join us at the Four Points by Sheraton Yuma on January 9, 2024 to learn about work being conducted in desert agricultural soils and discuss soil health. There will be opportunities to showcase your research, learn about agriculture in Yuma and other desert regions, and interact with the Yuma Ag industry and government leaders. The Desert Ag Research Symposium on Soil Health is linked to a broader effort led by Dr. Stephanie Slinski and Dr. Joseph Blankinship to build research teams for the Desert Agriculture Soil Health Initiative (DASHI).

****ONLINE REGISTRATION HAS CLOSED.****

Lodging

There are a limited number of rooms available at the Four Points by Sheraton Yuma at the group rate of $189/night + tax. If overnight lodging is needed, don't delay in booking a room and miss out on this reduced rate! Reservations must be made before January 1. Reserve your room by calling the Yuma Four Points by Sheraton directly at 928-248-4105. You will need to provide the group name and code when you make the reservation to receive the group rate.

****THE GROUP RATE IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE. ****

Agenda

7:30 am  Registration & Breakfast Buffet

8:30        Welcome
                • Stephanie Slinski, Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture

8:35        Opening Remarks
                • Paul Brierley, Arizona Department of Agriculture

8:50        Morning Keynote
                • Joey Blankinship, University of Arizona

9:15        Industry Panel
                • Kim Horton, Taylor Farms
                • Matt McGuire, JV Farms
                • Vicki Scott, Scott Resources

10:05      Break

10:20      Session One: Use-Inspired Research for Addressing Soil Health Needs of Desert Ag
                • Jon Chorover, University of Arizona
                • Kim Patten, University of Arizona
                • Duke Pauli, University of Arizona
                • Alexander Bucksch, University of Arizona
                • Dave Baltrus, University of Arizona
                • Luisa Ikner, University of Arizona

12:30 pm Lunch

1:30       State Leadership Panel
                • Ralph Ware, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
                • Paul Brierley, Arizona Department of Agriculture
                • Charlene Fernandez, USDA Rural Development
                • Senator Brian Fernandez, Arizona State Senate
                • Vice President & Dean Shane Burgess, University of Arizona

2:30        Afternoon Keynote
                • Nancy Johnson, Northern Arizona University

3:05       Break

3:20       Session Two: Applied Research for Addressing Soil Health Needs of Desert Ag
                • Ethan Orr, University of Arizona
                • Jenny Bower, Soil Health Institute
                • Pedro Andrade Sanchez, University of Arizona
                • Diaa Eldin Elshikah, University of Arizona
                • Debankur Sanyal, University of Arizona
                • Robert Masson, University of Arizona

5:15       Wrap-up

5:20       Networking Reception