Climate scientists won’t be able to predict what kind of weather the 2013 growing season will bring, but they do have techniques to help producers survive, whatever the weather.

Extension specialists, farmers, climatologists and researchers from across the Southeast will meet in Tifton on Feb. 8 to share the latest techniques for helping producers manage unpredictable weather conditions.

The 2013 Climate Adaptation Exchange, a one-day workshop, will bring together experts from the University of Georgia, the University of Florida, and Auburn, Clemson, Florida State and Florida Agricultural and Mechanical universities.

Producers will also be on hand to talk about how new irrigation systems, crop varieties and land management techniques have worked on their farms.

“This workshop should provide farmers and those that work with farmers with information to gain a better understanding of short term climate projections. as well as how they might change their management practices to reduce climate related risks,” said Mark Risse, a University of Georgia Extension Specialist and one of the workshop organizers.

Sessions will be offered on sensor-based irrigation management, variable rate irrigation, drip irrigation, sod-based rotation, conservation tillage, cover crops and energy efficient farm systems.

There will also be discussions on crop insurance issues, barriers and solutions to changing management and the seasonal climate outlook.

The workshop is free and producers and Extension agents can register at www.agroclimate.org/seclimate/events.

The Southeast Climate Consortium, the Florida Climate Institute and the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture are sponsoring the participating universities and this workshop.