East Texas Turfgrass Conference set for Feb. 2

Writer: Adam Russell, 903-834-6191, adam.russell@ag.tamu.edu

Contact: Randy Reeves, 903-236-8429, randy.reeves@ag.tamu.edu

OVERTON – The 2017 East Texas Turfgrass Conference is set for Feb. 2 in Overton.

The annual event begins with registration at 8 a.m. at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, 1710 N. Farm-to-Market Road 3053. It is scheduled to conclude around 4 p.m.

The event will focus on turfgrasses and will be a good learning opportunity for school district facility and city parks and recreation staffs as well as lawn and landscape managers and homeowners, said Randy Reeves, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service agent, Gregg County.

Cost is $35, which includes lunch. Payment is onsite with checks made payable to East Texas Fruit and Vegetable Account.

Five Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education credits, including one integrated pest management, one laws and regulations, and three general, will be available. Licensed pesticide applicators should be sure to bring their license information to ensure proper credit is given for attendance.

Lunch will be provided by Catfish Express in Marshall.

The morning session will include the following topics and speakers:

– Mole and Gopher Control – Keith Hanson, AgriLife Extension horticulture agent emeritus, Smith County.

– IPM in Public Schools – Dr. Mike Merchant, AgriLife Extension entomologist, Dallas.

– Fire Ant Control Updates – Merchant.

The afternoon session will include the following topics and speakers:

– Hard to Control Weeds in Lawns – Dr. Casey Reynolds, AgriLife Extension statewide turfgrass specialist, College Station.

– Pesticide Laws and Regulations Update – Brandi Kelm, TDA inspector, Waco.

– General Turfgrass Management – Reynolds.

Exhibitors will be onsite to discuss new lawn and garden products.

Reeves said there is great interest regionally in the subjects covered during the event.

“There are always new products on the market and new techniques to implement, whether you’re talking about dealing with invasive weeds or general knowledge about keeping a lawn in great condition,” he said.

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