The Chilton Area Peach Production Meeting will be useful to those interested in learning more about peach growing and horticulture.

The 2011 production meeting will be held Tuesday, Feb.1, at the Alabama Power Company Building in Clanton from 5-8:30 p.m., where Dr. Desmond Layne of Clemson University will be the guest speaker.

“It’s always a good meeting, said Gary Gray, regional extension agent. “We just ask that everyone interested to register by Jan. 27.”

The meeting will begin with discussing a variety of studies and diseases that are present in the state. The first discussion of the night will be highlights of peach rootstock variety study in Alabama, sharpshooters/phony survey and splitting study by Elina Coneva, extension specialist and assistant professor of horticulture at Auburn University.

At 6:30 p.m., there will be Peach Queen inductions and door prizes will be will given.

Shortly after, Layne will be speaking in regard to recognizing stress factors in orchards and new peach varieties to consider.

Other speakers include: Matthew Price and Jim Pitts from the Chilton Research and Extension Center in Thorsby; Gay West, County Extension Coordinator; Christy Mendoza; Bill Goff, Bobby Boozer, horticulturalist and Gray.

Admission is free of cost and Southern Sweets will cater dinner.

The Chilton County Farmers Federation, Clanton Lions Club, the Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, Garrison Farm and Home Center and the Chilton County Extension Office are sponsoring the meeting.

For reservations, call the Chilton County Extension office 205-280-6268.