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Knox City Plant Materials Center Celebrates 40 Years of Conservation Excellence
Knox City Plant Materials Center |
The Knox City, Texas, Plant Materials Center (PMC) recently celebrated
its 40th year of providing plant solutions for central Texas and southwest
Oklahoma. Established in 1964, the PMC was the first plant materials center in
Texas. Since its establishment, the center has released 35 new plant cultivars
with the technology for their production and use and discovered and mass
produced superior natural plants from seeds brought back to the center from the
field.
The anniversary field day drew nearly 200 ranchers and farmers; local, State,
and Federal employees; Congressional staffers; conservation seed producers;
livestock producers
Kent Ferguson (left) receives an award from Dr. Larry Butler, NRCS
State Conservationist, Texas, during the celebration |
wildlife enthusiasts; and many other individuals interested in conservation.
“The anniversary field day was a great success from seeing people here
interested in our conservation efforts,” said Morris Houck, facility manager at
the Knox City PMC. “Our facility is one of many throughout the nation having
successful programs for the evaluation, testing, and mass production of seeds
from plants in nature.”
Among the highlights at the anniversary were two workshops on basic plant
identification and grass seed drill calibration. PMC field tour guides
identified various sections of the 137.5 acre facility for guests who traveled
in wagons pulled by tractors.
At various stops during the field tours, speakers showed guests plants grown
at the facility and discussed their conservation value. Dr. Larry Butler,
NRCS Texas State Conservationist, presented certificates of appreciation to NRCS
personnel and volunteers for their exemplary performance.
Your contact is Randy Henry, NRCS public affairs specialist, at
randall.henry@tx.usda.gov.
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