Western Pecan Growers' Conference Set

Date: Feb. 6, 199
Editor: D'Lyn Ford  (505) 646-6528, dlford@nmsu.edu

LAS CRUCES -- Pecan growers will meet and compete during the 31st annual Western Pecan Growers' Conference March 9-11 at the Las Cruces Hilton.

Educational programs will be the main focus of the meeting with sessions covering insects, orchard spraying, breeding programs, freeze injury and record-keeping. A tour of Mesilla Valley pecan orchards and demonstrations on how pecans are graded for final sale are scheduled. Also, a trade show with displays by pecan-related companies and an equipment display will be available to participants.

In addition to the educational sessions, growers will be able to compete in the international pecan show and the pecan fantasy food competition. In the pecan show, growers will enter either common or improved varieties and hybrids to compete for the $100 best-of-show award.

The best recipes for all types of pecan-based sweets like pie, cake, cookies and candy will compete in the pecan fantasy food contest. A $250 prize will be awarded to the best traditional pecan pie, and other awards will go to winners in other categories.

Simultaneous Spanish translation will be available throughout the conference for a $20 fee.

The pre-registration fee for the conference is $60 for a single family or sole proprietor, and $90 for a corporate registration. The tour of Mesilla Valley orchards costs $10, and pre-registration is necessary.

For more information, contact Esteban Herrera at (505) 646-2921.