Fruit, vegetable conference scheduled

Ir rigation systems and small business ideas for fruit and vegetable growers are two major topics sure to raise a lot of discussion at this year's East Texas Fruit and Vegetable Conference, set for Feb. 20 at the Rose Garden Center in Tyler.

Registration for the event begins at 8 a.m. and the meeting concludes at 3:30 p.m. Cost is $20 per person, payable at the door (includes a barbecue lunch).

Texas Department of Agriculture pesticide license holders will receive 2.5 hours of continuing education credit (1 hour Laws and Regulations, .5 hour Integrated Pest Management, and 1 hour General) for attending.

The morning session features these topics: small business ideas/issues for fruit and vegetable growers; drip and other ir rigation systems; Texas Department of Agriculture Laws and Regulations Updates; and, diagnosing plant problems.

The afternoon is broken into two concurrent sessions. The fruit session will feature thoughts on peach orchard establishment and selecting peach and plum varieties.

The vegetable session features Hoop House vegetable production updates as well as information on watermelon and tomato production.

For more information or an agenda, contact the Smith County Extension office at (903) 590 -2980.

Persons with special needs are asked to contact us at least five working days in advance so that necessar y arrangements can be made.

Extension programs serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin.