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OSU's grape management course to begin March 4
Oklahoma Over the past several years, more and more acres of agricultural land is being dedicated to grape growing. In an effort to familiarize current and potential grape growers with vital information about what it takes to be a successful grape producer, Oklahoma State University will be offering a grape management course, said Eric Stafne, OSU Cooperative Extension fruit and nut crop specialist. The course will meet once per month beginning March 4 through Sept. 23 at the Cimarron Valley Research Station near Perkins. Each class will meet from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Registration is $250 per person, and the course is limited to 70 participants. Registration is due no later than Feb. 12. Registration information can be found online at orangehub.okstate.edu/usstores/web/index.jsp. Click on the Horticulture/Landscape store, and select Short Courses and Schools, then 2010 Oklahoma Grape Management. For additional information, please contact Stephanie Larimer at 405-744-5404 or stephanie.larimer@okstate.edu. "We've conducted this course for a number of years now because the grape industry continues to grow in Oklahoma," Stafne said. "Grapes may not compete with the wheat industry, but they certainly have a positive impact on the state's economy." The course is designed to cover all aspects of the grape growing industry. This class is geared toward those who have just planted their vineyard as well as those who are still in the planning stage. "This course definitely has something for everyone, from those who have been growing grapes for a while, to those who are just getting started," he said. The course is designed so that participants will experience both the classroom learning environment in addition to hands-on experiences during each class. The hands-on lessons will take place in the demonstration vineyard at the Cimarron Valley Research Station near Perkins. Stafne said each class will cover a variety of topics such as vineyard establishment, pruning and training, site selection, soils and water, insect and disease management, weed control, economics, fertilization, propagation, rootstocks, canopy management, harvest preparation and petiole sampling. "We'll also be covering important topics such as budgeting, risks and the commitment required to establish a prosperous business," he said. A number of industry professionals as well as OSU experts will be on hand during each of the classes to share their expertise and research-based information. "Because of the growth in the grape industry in Oklahoma, we believe the industry will continue to have a significant impact on the state's economy, as well as provide those who are interested with another agricultural venture," Stafne said.
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