LUBBOCK, Texas — The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service has scheduled the Prospective Grape Grower Workshop from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., December 12, at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, 1102 E. Farm-to-Market Road 1294, Lubbock.
“Interest in viticulture on the Southern High Plains is steadily growing, but whether it is a good fit or not for a prospective grower is often hard to determine due to the number of variables involved,” said Dr. Pierre Helwi, AgriLife Extension viticulture specialist at Lubbock. “This program is meant to help aspiring vintners learn about the business of growing grapes in our area, so they can avoid costly pitfalls by making well-informed decisions.”
The cost is $150 per person or $200 per couple. Register online at https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/Wine or call 979-845-2604. The deadline to register is December 7.
Instructors will be Helwi and Jim Kamas, AgriLife Extension fruit specialist at Fredericksburg. Topics and corresponding speakers will include:
- Introduction: Risks to Growing Grapes and Site Selection Part 1 – Helwi
- Site Selection Part 2, Vineyard Establishment and Costs and Returns – Kamas
- Planting the Vineyard, the Growth Process and Selecting Varieties and Rootstocks – Helwi
- Grape Insect and Disease Management – Kamas
- Pruning, Training and Canopy Management – Helwi
- Fertilization, Floor and Water Management and Other Considerations – Kamas
- Vineyard Economics and General Discussion
For more information contact Helwi at 806-723-8447 or pierre.helwi@ag.tamu.edu .
—Steve Byrns
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension San Angelo
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