The Agricultural Complex for Advanced Research and Extension Systems (AG-CARES) is believed to be a unique full-scale farm for validation and incorporation of agronomic research and extension programs.

This full-scale research farm is giving agricultural scientists the opportunity to evaluate new technology under conditions in which farmers produce crops on the Texas Southern High Plains. It was established January, 1990 in a cooperative effort between the Lamesa Cotton Growers, the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station and Texas Agricultural Extension Service.

The 160-acre farm is located on U.S. Highway 87, two miles north of Lamesa, Texas, and includes both dryland and irrigated plantings of cotton, grain sorghum, and small grains. Practices being demonstrated at the farm include:

ú Conservation tillage systems that reduce soil and water erosion, protect young crops from wind and sand, conserve rainfall and optimize economic returns. ú Water conservation with high frequency deficit LEPA irrigation ú Sustainability of agriculture in the sandyland areas of the Texas Southern High Plains ú Computer crop development and economic modeling ú Alternative crops

The support of Lamesa Cotton Growers, in providing the land and other facilities, is making it possible to carry out research that cannot be adequately evaluated in small plots. LCG also provides a low energy precision application (LEPA) center-pivot system, farm equipment, utilities, seed, fertilizer, chemicals and financial support for a technician located in Lamesa. Additional support is received from numerous contributors.

The Texas Agricultural Experiment Station and Texas Agricultural Extension Service provide research plans, technical expertise, and specialized equipment for studies. They also plan, conduct and evaluate the field trials, conduct tours and demonstrations, and summarize and disseminate the results. All income derived from the operation of the farm is returned to Lamesa Cotton Growers.

Operation of the farm is guided by a steering committee composed of Dr. William Lyle, TAES Professor of Irrigation Engineering, Chairman; Dawson County Extension Agent John Farris; Dr. James R. Supak, TAEX Cotton Specialist; Dr. Wayne Keeling, TAES Associate Professor of Systems Agronomy; and Donald Vogler, Producer, Lamesa Cotton Growers.

Overall guidance and support of this project is administered by Dr. John R. Abernathy, Professor and Resident Director of Research, TAES and Dr. Bob Robinson, District Extension Director, TAEX.