Texas Pecan Growers celebrate 100 years at their 2021 Conference

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  • Texas Pecan Growers celebrate 100 years at their 2021 Conference
    Texas Pecan Growers celebrate 100 years at their 2021 Conference
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The Texas State Horticulture Society poses for a photo after a meeting in January 1916. The Texas Nut Growers Association held their first annual meeting at the A&M College of Texas in summer 1906 and met with the Texas Association of Nurserymen and the Texas Horticulture Society. The three organizations merged into one group and became the Texas State Horticulture Society. The organization soon dissolved due to the pressures brought on by World War I. This organization later encouraged the formation of the Texas Pecan Growers Association. TPGA held its first meeting at San Saba in 1921.

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One of the oldest horticultural associations in the state, the Texas Pecan Growers Association, celebrates a century as an organization this year at its 100th annual conference and trade show on July 18 to 21 at the Embassy Suites San Marcos Hotel Spa & Conference Center.

“Like so many, TPGA’s conference was canceled last year, so the industry has been eager to get back together,” says Blair Krebs, Executive Director of TPGA. “This year’s show provides attendees an opportunity to celebrate not only coming back together but also 100 years of rich Texas pecan history. The conference will have special events and items celebrating the association and the Texas state tree. Join us for an event 100 years in the making!”

This conference and trade show gives pecan growers from across the state and around the world a chance to gather and talk about all things pecans. During these four days, pecan growers will find camaraderie, visit with commercial exhibitors, and attend educational seminars and an orchard tour. The educational seminars cover topics ranging from food safety and sustainability, to the pecan market, to best orchard management practices. On the conference’s last day, participants will venture to Comal Pecan Farm in New Braunfels. A fifth-generation family farm, Comal Pecan Farm sits along the I-35 corridor and faces increased industrial and residential development.

“It’s the biggest event for pecan growers across the state,” says Krebs. “Harvest is only a few months away, and these four days build up the excitement for the upcoming crop.”

In addition to learning about best farming practices, conference attendees will also receive updates from several industry groups, attend networking events, mingle with product and service providers, and fundraise for research and advocacy projects.