Free fall pecan field day to take place Sept. 19
Wednesday, August 14, 2024
Media Contact: Trisha Gedon | Sr. Communications Specialist | 405-744-3625 | trisha.gedon@okstate.edu
Oklahoma State University Extension is partnering with the Oklahoma Pecan Growers Association and Cedar Creek Pecan Farm to host the 2024 Fall Pecan Field Day on Sept. 19. The event is free and includes dinner in the orchard.
“Our goal with the field day is to provide information to potential, novice and seasoned growers that will help them improve their return on investment,” said Becky Carroll, OSU Extension specialist for fruit and pecans. “Nearly 114,000 acres are devoted to pecan production in Oklahoma, of which 81% of those acres are native pecans. This industry directly impacts the state’s economy.”
What: The field day will cover a variety of topics beneficial to members of the pecan industry. Mike Smith, owner of Cedar Creek Pecan Farm, has decades of experience in pecan research and will share his story of pecan production. Field day topics include:
- Orchard establishment
- Weather setbacks
- Starting over with new cultivars
- Irrigation from ponds
- Wildlife depredation
- Harvest equipment maintenance
- Weevil trapping and control
- 2024 disease update
When and where:
- Check-in begins at 2:30 p.m., Sept. 19, at Michael Smith’s Cedar Creek Pecan Farm, 364839 E. 5200 Road, Cleveland, Oklahoma. The program starts at 3 p.m.
Why:
- Provide education on best management practices that boost production, teach new techniques to improve return on investment and tailor management to reduce costs and environmental impact.
- Oklahoma ranks in the top five pecan-producing states.
- Oklahoma has averaged over 17 million pounds of pecans per year for the past 79 years.
“We strive to provide information that will be helpful to all levels of experience,” Carroll said. “Beginners can learn some basic information and seasoned growers will be able to fine-tune some of their techniques. There will be ample time for questions and networking.”
The field day is free and includes dinner in the orchard. Registration is required by Sept. 16. For additional information, email Carroll at becky.carroll@okstate.edu or call 405-744-6139.