Raised with computer games, pagers and cellular phones, America's teenagers are comfortable with new technologies. Helping them connect technology with the centuries-old agriculture industry is the goal of the University of California Kearney Ag Center's annual AgFutures conference, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 12.

"Science and technology have paved the way for dramatic changes in agricultural production," said AgFutures organizer Fred Swanson, superintendent of the Kearney Ag Center. "In order to maintain the rapid pace of improvement, we must attract some of the brightest kids into this industry."

UC scientists studying water, soils, insects, weeds and many other ag-related issues will explain their work to some 250 high school students touring the labs and fields of UC's largest off-campus ag research facility. The lunchtime keynote speaker, Selma farmer and UC Regent Carol Chandler, will challenge the participants to consider the science of agriculture when making their career decisions.

WHAT:
AgFutures Conference High school students to see world of high-technology science in agriculture.

WHEN:
Tuesday, May 12, 1998
09:00 to 11:30 a.m. - Tour of laboratories and field research plots
11:30 to 11:45 a.m. - Lunch
11:45 to 12:45 p.m. - Keynote speaker Carol Chandler, farmer and UC Regent

WHERE:
UC Kearney Ag Center, 9240 S. Riverbend Ave., Parlier, CA 93648

MORE INFO:
Fred Swanson, Superintendent, Kearney Ag Center
(209) 646-6060, fhswanson@uckac.edu

Jeannette Warnert
Public Information Representative
UC Regional Office
550 E. Shaw Avenue
Fresno, CA 93710