Chickens, goats, bees. They may not be the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks of Houston. But in the nation’s fourth most populous city, they could help feed hungry people at the local level, organizers of the Houston Urban Food Production Conference say. The conference on Aug. 17 will provide educational information and training for participants interested in producing food in the city, according to Dr. Linda Willis, director of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Harris County, which is sponsoring the event. Registration prior to Aug. 1 is $35 and thereafter is $50. The event will be from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. at the United Way of Greater Houston, 50 Waugh Drive. Dr. Doug Steele of College Station, AgriLife Extension director, and State Rep. Borris Miles, D-Houston, will speak at the noon lunch, which is included with registration. Participants will be able to select sessions pertaining to starting commercial operations and production methods. Among the topics for the commercial category will be organic certification, marketing options, agricultural valuation for land, efficient irrigation and funding support. Production topics include poultry, goats, beekeeping, integrated pest management, fruit and nut growing, irrigation, season extenders, soil building, weed control, vegetable production and cut flowers. One integrated pest management and one general Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units are available for participants.

To register, call Diana Todd at 281-855-5614.