Pecan conference and trade show slated for June 1-3
Monday, May 15, 2023
Media Contact: Trisha Gedon | Sr. Communications Specialist | 405-744-3625 | trisha.gedon@okstate.edu
Pecan growers are invited to three days of learning, networking and fun at the annual Oklahoma Pecan Growers Association Conference and Trade Show June 1-3 at Tulsa’s Cox Business Convention Center.
The event brings together industry professionals and vendors from across Oklahoma. Pre-registration, due by May 24, is $125 for OPGA members and $175 for non-members. On-site registration will be available during the event. Private pesticide applicator CEUs are available for some of the workshops.
The conference will feature several educational sessions geared toward all pecan producers, from novice to seasoned growers, said Becky Carroll, Oklahoma State University Extension fruit and pecan specialist.
“The first afternoon of the conference features a mini-pecan class with topics including pecan insects, diseases, cultivar selection and tips for successful plantings. A social is planned for that evening,” she said. “The next day’s educational program highlights issues such as crop insurance, soil health, new pecan cultivar releases, protecting pecan crop quality, microbial biopesticides, agritourism and more.”
The first night of the conference, guests are encouraged to attend the awards banquet where the State Pecan Show awards, the Pecan Food Show awards and several special awards are presented. Banquet tickets must be purchased before May 24.
Participants will also have the opportunity to go to Great Buffalo Pecan Farm for a field day and lunch. Business owners Dewey Bartlett, Jr., and JP Bennett will share how they started the business and highlight some of their new projects.
Other highlights of the conference include a trade show offering new pecan-related products and the Pecan Food Show.
“This time-honored event started 70 years ago, and to draw more attention to this competition, it was added to the OPGA Conference and Trade Show,” Carroll said. “Bakers and cooks do not have to be OPGA members to enter the Pecan Food Show.”
Participants can enter in the following categories: pies, breads and rolls, candy, cakes, cookies, meats and a specialty category. Entries can be dropped off June 2 from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Cox Business Convention Center.
Oklahoma produces an average of 17 million pounds of pecans each year and ranks second in native pecan production in the U.S.
For additional information about the OPGA Conference and Trade Show, contact Carroll at 405-744-6139 or becky.carroll@okstate.edu.