Texas conference to train new fruit growers in orchard management
The Texas New Fruit Grower's Conference will take place on October 15 and 16, 2026, providing training for new and prospective fruit growers on orchard and vineyard establishment and management.
Organised by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, the one-and-a-half-day event is aimed at participants with little or no previous farming or food production experience. The program will cover site selection, choosing crops suited to different areas of Texas, establishing orchards and vineyards, and managing weather and pest challenges.
The conference will consist of four components. The first day will begin with a four-hour Intro to Fruit Growing class, followed by a Tree-to-Plate networking lunch where participants can exchange growing and marketing ideas with other growers and Extension personnel.
An afternoon Live Action Laboratory will provide practical demonstrations covering tree and vine planting, training and pruning, fertiliser application, irrigation installation, weed control, and pest management.
The second day will consist of a field trip to a commercial fruit orchard in the greater Rosenberg area. The specific site has yet to be announced.
The conference comes as Texas continues to record population growth, creating additional potential demand for locally grown fruit and vegetables. According to the organisers, the program is intended to provide prospective growers with an introduction to the production requirements and challenges associated with commercial fruit growing in the state.
Speakers and further details are expected to be announced closer to the event.
