Writer: Steve Byrns (915) 653-4576, s-byrns@tamu.edu
SAN ANGELO–A second West Texas Grounds Maintenance Conference and Trade Show has been set for Sept. 10 in Angelo State University’s Ballroom. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. The program begins at 8 a.m.
John Begnaud, Tom Green County Extension Horticulturist and a conference coordinator, said last year’s conference was so successful that organizers opted to hold a second session this season.
“Grounds keeping is big business in West Texas, but up-to-date information on commercial-scale technique, equipment and plant materials is hard to come by,” he said.
“The purpose of this conference is to provide a clearinghouse of information to professionals in the industry. We have scheduled half- hour breaks at 9:45 a.m. and at 2:30 p.m. along with an hour lunch break, so participants can have time to network among themselves while visiting commercial exhibits in the trade show.”
Topics and speakers during the morning session include: “Pest Control Laws and Regulations,” Randy Rivera, Texas Department of Agriculture, Austin; “Turfgrass Nutrition Management,” Dr. Mark McFarland, Extension soil fertility specialist, College Station; “Healthy Turf with Water Management,” Dr. Gene Taylor, Extension turfgrass specialist, College Station; and “Landscaping with Perennials,” Dr. Bill Welch, Extension landscape horticulturist, College Station.
Lunch will be catered by Angelo State University at noon.
The afternoon’s speakers and their topics include: “Turfgrass Weed Control,” Gary Brooks, Rhone-Poulenc manufacturers representative, Weatherford; “Irrigating with Salt Water,” Todd Miller, Midland Country Club grounds manager, Midland; “Fire Ant Management Update,” Dr. Chris Sansone, Extension entomologist, San Angelo; and “Tree Pest and Stress Management,” Begnaud.
The program will conclude at 4 p.m. Decisions on offering continuing education units for attending the sessions are pending.
Registration by Sept. 8 is $15 per person. Registration at the door is $30 per person. The fees cover the noon meal. For further information contact Begnaud at (915) 659-6528.
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