Registration is open for the Oklahoma Pecan Growers Annual Conference & Tradeshow, June 10-12, in Broken Arrow.

Almost like a pecan itself, this year’s event is full of stored energy following a difficult season of pandemic constraints, organizer Becky Carroll said. Carroll, an Oklahoma State University Extension associate specialist, said the meetings and presentations will be a perfect opportunity for new producers, as well as seasoned growers, to have candid discussions about issues facing the industry. A field day and pecan food show will top off the event.

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“Everyone has really been looking forward to this,” Caroll said. “Although the weather has had a significant impact on the crop lately — we had an early fall freeze and then a late spring freeze over much of the state — COVID-19 last year had a huge effect as well, particularly on retail outlets.”

The event, which begins June 10 with an OPGA board of directors and officers meeting at noon, will be held at Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center in Broken Arrow. Registration opens at 1 p.m. Advance registration is encouraged.

Session topics for the first day include tips for successful planting, insect management, pecan disease and cultivars.

On the second day, registration for the pecan-themed food show opens at 7:30 a.m. The show will feature creative twists on pies, breads, candies, cakes, cookies and meat dishes, as well as a specialty class, all made with pecans.

A variety of industry sessions will include updates on the American Pecan Council, the National Pecan Federation and the U.S. Pecan Growers Council. Weevils, genetics, produce safety, labels and cost inputs are among discussion topics planned for discussion. Carroll said continuing education units will be available toward private applicator licensing on June 10-11.

The last day of the event will relocate to the Joe Ihle Pecan Orchard near Edna, for a field day, ending with a lunch at noon. During the day, Joe and Bill Ihle and other experts are scheduled to discuss freeze damage, soil improvement, clover use, fertilizer, water sourcing, pollination, herbicides and the control of wildlife such as hog traps. A tree planting demonstration is planned.

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For more information about the event, call Carroll at 405-744-6139 or by email at [email protected]. Additional background about the Oklahoma industry can be found online at www.okpecans.okstate.edu.

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