<p>By the U of A System Division of Agriculture Media Contact: Ryan McGeeney [email protected] 501-671-2120</p><p>July 10, 2017</p><p>AWRC conference to address water in agriculture</p><p>Fast Facts:  Annual conference to focus on the use of water resources in ag  July 18 is last day to register</p><p>(250 words)</p><p>FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Agricultural uses of water will be a central topic of discussion at this year’s Arkansas Water Resources Center conference. The theme for year’s conference, scheduled for July 25-26 in Fayetteville, is “Protecting Water Supplies for People and the Environment.” Water quality and quantity for agricultural uses is a major topic being covered this year. Researchers and farmers are looking for ways to reduce the amount of nutrients running off agricultural fields to help improve downstream water quality and fertilizer use efficiency. Researchers are also working on ways to reduce the amount of water needed for irrigation, which is important because water supplies are dwindling at an unsustainable rate. </p><p>The conference will bring in researchers from Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana to talk about water issues in agriculture. Speakers will discuss strategies to improve water quality and quantity so farmers can continue growing enough food to feed the increasing population, and do so in a sustainable way.</p><p>Other topics that will be covered at the conference include source water protection, science and policy in the Illinois River Watershed, current research by the U.S. Geological Survey, and urban water management. The Arkansas chapter of the American Water Resources Association will present sessions on dam safety and water supply issues as well.</p><p>The last day to register for the conference is July 18. Those who register by this date will receive a free conference t-shirt. To register, or for more information about the conference, visit http://arkansas-water-center.uark.edu/annual-conferences.php or contact Erin Scott at [email protected]. </p><p>About the Division of Agriculture The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.</p><p>The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs to all eligible persons without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. </p><p># # #</p>