The Southeastern Pecan Growers Association held its 110th annual conference this past weekend at the beautiful Beau Rivage Hotel and Casino in Biloxi, MS. The convention is held every year for pecan growers of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Louisiana, to come together for some educational programs, updates on the US pecan industry and of course some fun and socializing. This year started off a little earlier for some, as the newly elected members of the AMERICAN PECAN COUNCIl had meetings all week starting on  Monday and lasting until the SEPGA convention started on Friday. The American Pecan Council members met to begin the business of organizing the newly formed entity, forming committees to perform various tasks for the council and also get to know each other.  The SEPGA conference kicked off Friday with board meetings and a Golf Tournament while vendors set up their booths for the growers to visit while not in meetings or at the casino. Friday evening was a nice social dinner with a welcome reception, followed by a silent auction for a wide selection of prizes, from guns to chemicals, fishing trips to tree spade work, and everything in between. Saturday February 25th, the morning kicked off with a welcome from our SEPGA President, Mr. Lamar Jenkins followed by a brief update from Ms. Janice Dees, Executive Director for the US Pecan Growers Council, and the work they have been doing in various countries around the world promoting pecans in foreign lands.

Mr. Trent Mason and Ms. Angie Ellis gave a brief update on the progression they have been making with the newly formed American Pecan Council. Afterwards Mr. Lenny Wells, and others gave talks on various aspects of orchard management techniques throughout the day. The awards luncheon was held at high noon and awards were given to some very appreciative, and deserving recipients. The evening finished with a social event for everyone to catch up before closing out yet another successful and fun convention.