Mar 11, 20222022 Oklahoma spring pecan CEU workshop slated for March 24
Oklahoma pecan producers, pesticide applicators and Oklahoma State University Extension educators are invited to participated in the 2022 Spring Pecan Continuing Education Units (CEU) Workshop.
Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., with the workshop slated for 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. on March 24 at the Gordon Cooper Technology Center, 1 John C. Bruton Blvd., in Shawnee. The workshop also offers continuing education credits and in-service credit for pecan growers and OSU Extension educators. Registration is free but required.
“Oklahoma produces on average about 17 million pounds of pecans each year, so keeping the state’s pecan orchards in good shape is vital due to the economic impact of the pecan industry,” said Becky Carroll, OSU Extension associate specialist, fruit and pecans.
Industry experts and university specialists will share their expertise on topics, including licensing and recordkeeping, early season insect pest management, spray calibration and tips, managing weeds in pecan orchards and more. In addition, training in pesticide applicator licensing will be discussed.
Carroll said obtaining CEUs is important due to the process applicators must go through now to obtain a license, which includes going to a testing site and taking a closed-book test.
“By offering CEUs through this workshop and other events, those applicators who are already licensed won’t have to take the test in 2023 when licenses expire. It just makes it easier for them. Plus, when they take courses online, they may have to pay, but this workshop is offered at no cost,” she said. “With spring just around the corner, now is a great time to get this information out to those involved in pecan production, help them brush up on pest management and get educational credits.”
Carroll said the past few growing seasons have been challenging due to disease and weather conditions, including late-season freezes.
“Oklahoma is due for a great pecan year, so we want to make sure growers are ready to protect their crops this season,” she said. “Also, those interested in the workshop aren’t required to have a private applicator’s license to attend. Anyone wanting to learn information about how to better manage their pecans is welcome to attend.”
For more information, contact Carroll at 405-744-6139 or via email at becky.carroll@okstate.edu.
Photo: Todd Johnson, Oklahoma State University
