2010 Olive Harvest and Gold Crush, Olive Oil Field Day (See photos below)
September 14 and 15, 2010 found Coordinator Mario Morales and RGN RC&D Administrative Assistant Leigh Ann Sanderlin in Asherton, TX (Dimmit County) at The Texas Olive Ranch where RGN sponsored a seminar/field day. Morales acted as moderator and emcee for the seminar on the first morning in which speakers gave presentations on a variety of subjects concerning the growth, harvest and production of olives. Hosts Jim Henry and Karen Lee invited guests and potential producers to tour the olive orchards and processing facility to watch first hand, the harvest and processing of olive oil. Texas Agriculture Commissioner, Todd Staples, spoke to the crowd and even took a turn driving the harvester.
Rio Grande-Nueces RC&D managed registration for the event which brought in more than 250 guests from all over Texas and even a few from out of state. The Texas Olive Council provided literature and sold shirts and caps and other related items. The Olive Ranch had an exhibit featuring a variety of olive oils and products made from olive oil for sale as well as complimentary oil tasting. Olive Oil soaps, body oils, balms and other pampering products were offered for sale by Kat Nip, Inc. The Texas Department of Agriculture exhibited literature and publications about olive production and uses for olive oil and herbs among other things.
With so much enthusiasm for the olive industry in our area, plans are already underway to make next year's event even more spectacular!
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News & Photos of Past & Current Projects
News & Photos of Past & Current Projects
Some of the booths and exhibits at the 2010 Olive Harvest and Gold Crush.
Texas Ag Commissioner, Todd Staples and Mario Morales.
Guests learing about olive production issues during the morning seminar on Sept. 14th.
Guests were able to see the olive harvester in action!