Horticulture: December 1997

Oklahoma is a state known for wheat and cattle.

You might even go as far as peanuts and pecans, but herbs and Christmas trees? These are just a couple of many horticultural crops being produced in the state that are finding market niches. If you are involved in the production of horticultural crops or interested in starting, then you probably will want to attend the 17th Annual Horticulture Industries Show.

The show will be held on the campus of Tulsa Community College on January 9-10, 1998. The show is a gathering of several grower groups including Oklahoma Vegetable Growers Association, Oklahoma Fruit Growers Association, Oklahoma Christmas Tree Association, Oklahoma Herb Growers, and Marketers Association. Also, there will be programs for beginning pecan growers, sustainable agriculture, and farmer's markets.

"Healthy Harvest" is the theme chosen for the 17th Annual show and many outstanding speakers are scheduled for the general sessions as well as the commodity sessions. There is also a trade show with a wide variety of exhibitors with time allotted for swappin' stories and ideas.

This show will include for the first time, both Oklahoma and Arkansas. The Arkansas State Horticultural Society has voted to discontinue their state convention and join with Oklahoma in the show. In the future, alternate shows will be held at a Western Arkansas site. Regionalization of the show should expand possibilities for better programs and speakers and should increase attendance and exhibitors. If you would like to attend, please contact Lara Erwin at The Kerr Center, Box 588, Poteau, OK 74953 or call 918-647-9123.

This is a very well organized and worthwhile show. I recommend it to any grower or marketer. Make plans now to attend.