Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, s-byrns@tamu.edu
Contact: Dr. Ed Hellman, 806-746-6101, e-hellman@tamu.edu
PLAINS – The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Newsom Vineyards near Plains will conduct the Newsom Grape Day April 17.
The field day will begin at the Newsom Vineyard Barn on County Road 2196, about one and a half miles east of State Highway 214.
The day opens with an 8-9 a.m. registration period, followed by the program from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
“This field day should be of interest to anyone in the wine-grape business or for those thinking about getting into the industry,” said Dr. Ed Hellman, AgriLife Extension viticulturist at Lubbock. “The program will provide an excellent venue to meet and greet some of the top pros in the Texas wine grape industry, view new equipment, and get up to date on what’s going on here and elsewhere in grape-growing and winemaking circles.”
There is no registration fee, but organizers request an RSVP to neal@newsomvineyards.com so an accurate lunch count can be made. For more information on the program, contact Hellman at 806-746-6101 or e-hellman@tamu.edu .
Topics and speakers will include:
– Grape Production in Chile, Hellman.
– Making Wine in Texas and Chile, Sergio Cuadra, director of winemaking, Fall Creek Vineyards, Tow.
– Texas Wine Grape Growers Association, John Rivenburgh, the association’s legislative committeeman and owner of Bending Branch Winery, Comfort.
– Pesticide Laws and Regulations Update 2015 and 2,4-D Risk, Steven Boston, pesticide division, Texas Department of Agriculture, Austin.
– The Effects of Rootstocks on Grape Growth, Nutrient Uptake and Fruit Quality, Jim Kamas, AgriLife Extension polology and viticulture specialist, Fredericksburg.
Other activities will include several open discussion sessions and the naming of the Newsom Scholarship recipients.
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