OSU to offer grape management course

Oklahoma State University will be offering a grape management course to familiarize potential grape growers with what it takes to become a successful grape producer, said Eric Stafne, OSU Cooperative Extension fruit and nut crop specialist.

The course will meet once per month beginning March 5 through Sept. 24. 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. 15, 2009. Registration information can be found online at http://www.grapes.okstate.edu/PDFs/2009/09grapemgmt.pdf, or contact Stephanie Larimer at 405-744-5404, or e-mail at stephanie.larimer@okstate.edu.

“The grape industry continues to flourish in Oklahoma and is having a positive impact on the state’s economy,” Stafne said. “The course we have designed will 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.”

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/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.

There are a number of industry professionals, as well as OSU experts, who 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 another agricultural venture,” Stafne said.

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Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating: The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.
 
Trisha Gedon
Communications Specialist
Agricultural Communications Services
136 Agriculture North
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK  74078
405-744-3625 (phone)
405-744-5739 (fax)
trisha.gedon@okstate.edu