Newsom Vineyard Grape Day Slated Near Plains

Writer: Tim W. McAlavy, (806) 746-6101, email: t-mcalavy@tamu.edu
Contact: Ed Hellman, (806) 746-6101, email: e-hellman@tamu.edu

LUBBOCK – Vineyards have made quite a splash in West Texas since their inception several years ago. But where can you go to find out what makes these enterprises tick?

How about straight to the vineyard, so to speak, on April 12. That’s the date for the Newsom Vineyard Grape Day,
near Plains, TX.

Sponsored by Texas Cooperative Extension and the Newsom Vineyard, the field day will run from 9 a.m. to about 2 p.m. The vineyard is located about five miles north of Plains on Hwy. 214.

“We will cover several topics relating to grape production and vineyard management,” said Ed Hellman, Texas A&M and Texas Tech Extension viticulture specialist based at Lubbock. “Folks who are interested in grapes and vineyards will pick up some valuable production information at this field day.”

Hellman and Ashley Basinger, Texas Tech, will discuss deficit irrigation strategies for grape production. Neal Newsom will follow with a presentation on vineyard equipment.

Charles McKinney will discuss what it takes to make a vineyard profitable, and Jim Evans, University Lands, will cover wine making. Tim Dodd, Texas Tech, will give an update on the Texas wine market, and Willie Crenwelge, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, will discuss what you should know about your soils.

Arlen Gentry, Texas Cooperative Extension agent for Yoakum County, will close the program with an explanation of Texas pesticide laws and regulations.

Those who plan to attend should RSVP to Neal Newsom at (806) 456-6877, to help coordinate the free noon meal.
There is no charge to attend.

For more information on this event, contact Extension agent Arlen Gentry in Yoakum County at (806) 456-2263;
Ed Hellman, at (806) 746-6101; or the Newsom Vineyard.