Sunflower Production Meetings Slated at Two Sites

Writer: Tim W. McAlavy, (806) 746-6101, email: t-mcalavy@tamu.edu
Contact: Calvin Trostle, (806) 746-6101, email: c-trostle@tamu.edu

LUBBOCK – High irrigation costs and low commodity prices have some High Plains crop producers
scratching their heads and rethinking their 2001 crop production strategies.

“We will see a substantial increase in sunflower acreage here,” said Calvin Trostle, Texas Agricultural
Extension Service agronomist based at Lubbock. “High irrigation costs, especially for thirsty crops such as
corn, could lead many producers to consider planting sunflowers instead.

“These producers need to remember that sunflowers have very distinct production needs. Even so,
confectionary and oilseed sunflowers can be a profitable crop if they are managed correctly.”

Helping producers manage sunflowers properly and profitably is the goal of two March production
meetings slated on the South Plains. Meeting times and locations include:

     •    March 28 – Bailey-Parmer County Alternative Crops Conference, Bailey County Coliseum in
     Muleshoe, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Agronomists will discuss sunflower and grain sorghum
     production, as well as sesame. Continuing Education Units (CEU’s) will be offered. Call Bailey
     (806-272-4583) or Parmer County (806-481-3619) Extension offices for details.

     •    March 28 – Castro County Sunflower Production Meeting, Castro County Extension office in
     Dimmitt, begins at 1:30 p.m. Trostle will discuss production practices for confectionary and
     oilseed sunflowers. Johnna Patterson, former Castro-Lamb County Extension IPM agent, will
     discuss control strategies for the sunflower moth and other insects. Participants can earn one
     general CEU. Call Castro County Extension office  (806-647-4115) for details.

“Contractors, processors and seed representatives will also be on hand at these meetings to discuss pricing
for 2001, delivery points and the latest hybrids available,” Trostle concluded.