Grape growers gather Nov. 6 for state conference

Fast facts:

• • Grape growers to meet in Ozark and Altus
  • Speakers from universities, government and industry on agenda

(422 words)

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas’ vineyard owners and managers will hear updates on pest and disease management for their crop on Nov. 6 at the Arkansas Grape Growers annual conference and trade show.

 The event takes place at the Arkansas Tech University-Ozark campus and will be followed by a member banquet from 5 to 8 p.m. at The Gathering Place in Altus.

HOPE -- A white grape variety released by the University of Arkansas and developed by John Clark. (U of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture photo by Mary Hightower)

“This event will be an opportunity to keep abreast of current trends and to network with other individuals in the grape and wine industry,” said Renee Threlfall, association president and a research scientist at the Institute of Food Science and Engineering of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

 Threlfall said the association is a non-profit agricultural organization that educates growers, assists with research and promotes viticulture in Arkansas.

“The association promotes research for developing varieties, pre-harvest and postharvest production, marketing, disease control and other aspects of grape growing,” Threlfall said. “We also assist farmers with resources to improve their production and marketing techniques.”

The daytime events at the ATU-Ozark Student Services Conferences Center will include presentations by:

• • Wayne Wilcox, a Cornell University grape pathologist who will discuss grape pathology in the East;
  • Donn Johnson, professor of entomology at the UA System Division of Agriculture, who will review pest monitoring and pest management;
  • Susie Nichols, director of the pesticide division of the Arkansas State Plant Board, who will speak on pesticide regulations for Arkansas vineyards;
  • Adriane Barnes, Arkansas Agriculture Department communications director, who will explain uses of social media in agribusiness;
  • Doniella Winchell, director of Ohio Wine Producers, who will discuss promoting the grape and wine industry locally;
  • A panel discussing pest and disease management. Panelists will be Wilcox, Joe Bishop of Bishop Farms, Audrey House of Chateau Aux Arc and Thomas Post of Post Familie Vineyards.

The evening banquet will feature Winchell as the speaker on leadership and success in grape and wine industries.

Registration for the conference is available at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2303942 or by contacting Threlfall at 479-575-4677 or rthrelf@uark.edu.

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

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