FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 12, 2002
SC PECAN GROWERS TO PARTICIPATE IN WORKSHOP
CLINTON, NC---In a continuing effort to pool agricultural educational resources and research between neighboring states, the NC Pecan Growers Association (NCPGA) invites SC growers to participate in their 8th annual workshop on Saturday, March 23, 2002, at the Sampson County Agri-Exposition Center, 414 Warsaw Road, Clinton, NC.
Two South Carolina pecan growers, Tom Harmon of Gilbert and Joe Watson of Ridge Spring, are scheduled to serve as speakers in the daylong workshop.
In addition to the presentations by SC’s own growers Watson and Harmon, Dr. Bill Ree, Extension Entomologist with Texas A & M University, will serve as guest speaker interacting with the growers throughout the day. Dr. Ree is nationally recognized as a leading entomologist focusing on pecan insect pests. His topic, “What’s Bugging You,” will be a broad overview of insect pests effecting pecan crops in the Carolinas. Also, Dr. Ree will draw attention to his reduced pesticide program by using Integrated Pesticide Management (IPM) strategies.
Joining Ree as program presenters will be NC State University Extension Specialists focusing on weed and grass control measures, general orchard management including orchard establishment, nutrition, and pruning strategies.
Two nearby demonstration orchards managed by NCPGA members will be visited in the afternoon. The first stop will be a new orchard in which orchard design, training for central leader development, and the actual planting process will be highlighted. The second orchard is approximately five years old and consists of the Pawnee and Kiowi varieties. This site will provide an opportunity to observe recent year’s nutritional management, weed/grass control, irrigation, and the effects of early years pruning efforts.
The general public is invited as well as growers and others currently involved in the pecan industry. A catered mid-day meal will be provided. Registration for the daylong workshop is $10.
For more information of to register, contact: Bill Bunn, President NCPGA (919) 266-1809, email or Laurie Wood, NCDA Marketing Specialist, (910) 525-3444, email.