From an outsider’s perspective, agriculture and farming may feel like it is a basic profession. This idea could not be farther from the truth as the world of farming is one that is constantly evolving, with each day seeing new technology introduced to improve production and efficiency.

Keeping up with what’s going on in the world of ag can be a dizzying affair, but luckily within the Castle Country, the Price River Watershed Conservation district in collaboration with Utah State University Extension hosts the annual Castle Valley Crop School. The 2025 rendition of this event is set to be held on Wednesday, Feb. 19 at USU Eastern.

Steven Price from USU extension joined the KOAL Newsroom to discuss the Crop School and what attendees should expect to learn.

“This is something that’s been going on in this area for quite some time. And so each year, this is just a good time for both growers as well as agency folks to get together, talk about programs, talk about new research, different things going on in ag in our area,” explained Price. “It’s just a nice time to get out, talk ag with both people in the industry, people in education and research, as well as just talk to other growers in the area too.”

Featuring a wide-ranging selection of topics, the event will keep producers up to date with the latest and greatest in ag technology,” we’ll have some folks coming and talking about drone applications in agriculture … We’ll also have a few folks coming to talk about advances in irrigation technology. So both pivots as well as wheel lines. We have some great research coming out of USU showing how some of these new technologies can help make farms more proficient in their use of irrigation, which being in the Colorado River watershed, is something that we are concerned about. And we also have some folks coming to talk about virtual fencing.”

The event is free and will feature a dinner. As such, RSVPs are appreciated as they look to see how many meals they will need to prepare. “If they want to contact the extension office in Carbon County, we can get you signed up,” stated Price. You can also contact Julie Weber at 385-418-9860 or by email at julieweber@utah.gov to register.

In closing, Price shared,” Come and join us. It’ll be a good time. It’s always really interesting.”

The Castle Valley Crop school will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 19 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Jennifer Leavitt Student Center at USUE.