By Vanessa Dabovich
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/krwg/local-krwg-955090.mp3
Las Cruces, NM – The annual conference will include a wide range of important topics of concern to pecan growers throughout the western growing region. Speakers will address issues such as pest control, fertilizer and water and orchard management.
NMSU Extension pecan specialist Richard Heerema says it is the largest conference of its kind.
Heerema-"It's one of the largest gatherings of its type in the nation and definitely the largest in the western U.S. There is a good turnout from each of the four major pecan growing states in the western area: California, Arizona, New Mexico and West Texas."
Experts from NMSU, the University of Arizona, the NM Department of Agriculture and Texas A&M University will be on hand to conduct educational programs and presentations.
For the general public, the conference will also feature a Pecan Food Fantasy competition.
Heerema-"This is a baking and cooking contest. There are different categories including appetizer, desserts, breads and of course a traditional pecan pie contest. There are prizes for each, but there is a $250 prize for best pecan pie first place."
All entries are due by March 6th, the entry form and more information can be found and pecans.nmsu.edu.
The predicted value for the 2010 pecan crop in the state is one hundred and fifty-six point eight million dollars making it the number one pecan producing state in the U.S. New Mexico is ranked third in production across the country.
The conference is set for March 6th through the 8th at Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces.