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Fruit and Vegetable
Conference Set for Jan. 6-8, 2008
By
Aimee Nielson
LEXINGTON, Ky., (Dec. 5, 2007) – Horticulture in Kentucky
continues to be big business. After a difficult 2007, including
a late freeze and extreme drought conditions, Kentucky’s fruit
and vegetable growers are looking forward to better growing
conditions in 2008. Fruit and vegetable growers will have an
opportunity to hone their skills at a joint meeting of the
Kentucky State Horticultural Society, the Kentucky Vegetable
Growers Association, the Kentucky Farmers’ Market Association
and the Kentucky Grape and Wine Short Course, Jan. 6-8 at the
Embassy Suites Hotel in Lexington.
Highlights of the January meeting include sessions on farmers’
markets, commercial fruit and vegetable production, small fruit
production, organic farming and gardening, the grape and wine
short course, winemaking, business management and marketing, and
a “Good Agricultural and Handling Practices” workshop.
“Success with fruit and vegetables is most always based on a
producer’s management skills, especially being able to do things
on time,” said John Strang, University of Kentucky College of
Agriculture horticulture specialist. “This conference is for
beginners and experienced growers alike. We think we have
something to share with everyone, no matter how steep their
learning curve.”
Concurrent sessions will take place throughout the event
covering many aspects of fruit and vegetable production,
including commercial tree fruit, drip irrigation, winemaking and
farmers’ markets.
Fruit and vegetable experts from across the United States will
speak to joint conference sessions Jan. 7. Special out-of-state
speakers include: Wayne Wilcox, research and extension fruit
pathologist at Cornell University; Jeff Kindhart, senior
research specialist at the Dixon Springs Agricultural Center in
Simpson, Ill.; Annette Wszelaki, extension vegetable specialist,
plant and soil science department at the University of
Tennessee; Donna Winchell, Ohio Grape and Wine Industries;
Michael Schmidt, Spec Trellising, Ivyland, Pa. ; Dave Lockwood,
extension fruit specialist at the University of Tennessee and
Read Jordon of the Risk Management Agency in Flowood, Miss.
Kentucky vineyard numbers have grown to more than 206 in 2007.
Kentucky boasts close to 700 acres of wine grapes with more
acreage planned for future production.
The Kentucky Vineyard Society will have an optional Celebration
of Kentucky Wines featuring Kentucky wines prior to the banquet.
Jimmy Henning, director of UK Cooperative Extension, will
present the College of Agriculture Vision for the Future and the
UK Jazz Cats will provide musical entertainment. This year the
Kentucky Vineyard Society will host the inaugural Vintners’
Dinner on the evening of Jan. 8 where nine Kentucky wines will
be matched with the food courses.
Conference registration is $20 and includes a one-year
membership in the KVGA or KSHS and entry into the Grape and Wine
Short Course. Banquet and luncheon tickets are only available
with advanced registration by Dec. 19. The conference is jointly
sponsored by the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension
Service, Kentucky State University and the Kentucky Department
of Agriculture.
For more information about the conference, or to request
registration materials, contact Mary Ann Kelley 270-365-7541,
ext. 216. The conference program is available online at the
following address,
http://www.uky.edu/Ag/Horticulture/kvgaprogramjan08.pdf. |
Contact: John Strang, 859-257-5685
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The UK College
of Agriculture, through its land-grant mission, reaches across
the commonwealth with teaching, research and extension
to enhance the lives of Kentuckians. |
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Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service |
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