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Professional Development & Continuing Educational Opportunities

Many training programs are offered to the general public throughout the year of interest to professionals as well as homeowners.
View the schedule of events below for upcoming opportunities for professional development. Programs offer CEUs accredited by the Texas Nursery and Landscape Association, Texas Department of Agriculture and the Texas Department of Agriculture's Structural Division. Call the Extension Office should you have additional questions.

This page changes frequently as programs are organized, so check back here often to keep informed on the training programs offered throughout the year.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A REGISTRATION FORM.

This two-day (16 hour) class covers irrigation system auditing and how to use ET (evapotranspiration) to develop irrigation schedules that conserve water while promoting quality landscapes.

Students gain hands-on experience by performing three audits which includes system troubleshooting, catch-can testing, determination of soil type and root depth, among other topics, and producing auditing reports.  Students learn how to produce seasonal irrigation schedules using software, websites and hand calculations.

Registration includes the Texas Landscape Irrigation Auditing and Scheduling software and manual.  This software is not for sale and is only available to course participants.  Those particpants seeking to obtain their LIA Certification must complete the 16-hour course of instruction, and then are eligible to take our exam to become Texas Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor.  Upon passing the exam, you will receive a certificate acknowledging this achievement and be listed in our on-line directory of certified auditors.  Note: There are currently no clear regulations governing auditing in Texas, and certification is voluntary.

Small Acreage Horticultural Crop Seminar
for Prospective Growers

There is something inviting about a grape vineyard with the soft, rolling hills and rows of trellised grapevines. Have you ever thought of going in to business growing grapes?

The Texas AgriLife Extension Service – Taylor County invites you to participate in a day-long program that will teach the fundamentals and answer most of your questions about growing grapes in West Central Texas.  This educational program will feature a field trip to two local vineyard sites for participants to see first-hand a new vineyard installation at Trails End Vineyard, and an existing grape vineyard which produces wine grapes for the Perini Ranch Label.

Learn the basics of growing a grape vineyard from proper site selection and how soil affects growth and sustainability, how to select the best root stock and varieties, and what is required to maintain a grape vineyard.  This seminar will address the obstacles that landowners face when growing specialty crops such as wine grapes. 

A panel discussion will allow participants to ask wine grape grower, Tom Perini, and Vintner, Bret Perrenoud of Becker Vineyards, about their perspectives and lessons learned over the years.  Those enrolled in this course will be treated to dessert on the patio at Perini Ranch before touring the local vineyard.  The tour will conclude at the Trails End Vineyard where owners, Dr. Dan Munton, Vince Viola and Paul McAllister, will showcase their newly installed grape vineyard.

Growing a profitable vineyard can be a challenge.  Learn from local growers, horticultural experts, and decide if growing a grape vineyard is the right choice for you.
 
3 CEUs available from TDA Ag for licensed pesticide applicators.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD YOUR REGISTRATION FORM. MAIL IT TODAY!

COURSE REGISTRATION INCLUDES COURSE MATERIALS, CATERED LUNCH AND CEU HOURS.

ISA, TDA, TDA STRUCTURAL & TNLA CEUs AVAILABLE.