March 20 Meeting Covers Specialty Crops & Risk Management

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

LUBBOCK – South Plains farmers can learn more about specialty crops and risk management for this type of enterprise by attending a March 20 production meeting in Terry County, said a Texas A&M agronomist.

Sponsored by Texas Cooperative Extension offices in Gaines, Terry, and Yoakum Counties, the meeting will from 8:15 a.m. to about noon at the Terry County Livestock Barn in Brownfield.

“We will cover several specialty crops...alfalfa, black-eyed peas, cucurbits, and sesame, just to name a few,” said Calvin Trostle, Extension agronomist based in Lubbock. “Producers who are interested in these crops should pick up some valuable production information and tips at this meeting.”

Trostle will discuss production methods for alfalfa, black-eyed peas and sesame. Weed control options will be covered by Peter Dotray, Texas A&M and Texas Tech weed scientist.

After a morning break, Harold Kaufman, Texas Cooperative Extension plant pathologist based at Lubbock, will discuss diseases common to melons, pumpkins and cantaloupes; as well as control options relating to production practices.

Extension economist Jackie Smith, also based at Lubbock, will conclude the program with a presentation on the economics of producing specialty crops and risk management strategies.

Those who attend can also earn three continuing education units (CEU’s).

For more information on this event, contact the Extension office in Terry County at (806) 637-4060. Trostle and the other specialists mentioned here can be reached at Texas A&M’s Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Lubbock,
at (806) 746-6101.