The Oklahoma Pecan Growers Association will bring together seasoned and novice growers, researchers and industry leaders from Oklahoma and surrounding areas for the organization’s annual convention and trade show, slated for June 4-6 in Madill, Oklahoma. Members will mark a major milestone this year with the centennial celebration of the association’s beginning.

The conference will offer the latest insights on pecan production, pest management and market trends for the upcoming year, said Becky Carroll, Oklahoma State University Extension state specialist for fruits and pecans.

“All of the convention’s activities will take place at Savage Equipment, Inc., in Madill, and the field day on June 6 will be held at Hauani Creek Pecan Company,” she said. “We’ll be offering information that is beneficial to all aspects of the pecan industry, plus participants can earn CEUs.”

Workshop topics include irrigation efficiency; pecan bunchy top; microbial biopesticides for control of pecan pests; endophytes in pecans; profitability in growing, harvesting and processing native and improved pecans; securing the legacy of an agribusiness; and more.

The trade show is always popular at the annual convention. Vendors will be on hand to showcase the latest products available that enhance pecan production. This year’s conference will start with a sporting clays shoot and will provide ample time for participants to network with other growers and industry professionals.

Registration for the full conference is $100 for members, $150 for non-members and $50 for students and includes the conference, lunch and field day activities.

Carroll said the pecan industry has played a big role in Oklahoma’s history, dating back to before statehood. Pecans were an important commodity for the Indigenous people and continue to have a positive impact on Oklahoma’s economy.

“Today’s producers still face some of the challenges as producers did 100 or more years ago,” Carroll said. “Bringing industry specialists and producers together and providing learning opportunities like we do at this yearly conference is one way to keep everyone informed about issues that remain central to pecan production.”

The Oklahoma Pecan Growers Association is a nonprofit organization that supports and represents pecan producers across Oklahoma. Its mission is to improve the profitability and sustainability of Oklahoma’s pecan industry through education, research and cooperation.

For more information about the Oklahoma Pecan Growers Association’s annual meeting, contact Carroll at 405-744-6139 or email at becky.carroll@okstate.edu.