An Adoption Impact Evaluation of the 2019 Texas Fruit Growers Association (TFGA) Spring Conference and Field Day: Assessing Demonstrations Prior to COVID Guidelines

Abstract

In Texas, peach production is an important commodity for the state. Educating our stone fruit growers should be a priority so they may continue to profit and prosper. One way this education can be accomplished is through spring field days. The Texas Fruit Growers Association (TFGA) offers stone fruit growers this opportunity, however, over the last forty years there has been a drastic decrease in attendance to these meetings. If these meetings cease to exist, it will eliminate an avenue of education for Texas stone fruit growers and potentially dissolve the association. It was suggested that the Texas Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab (TPPDL) assist in coordinating the 2019 TFGA Spring Conference and Field Day to boost participation and attendance within the TFGA. The program targeted Texas stone fruit growers and topics presented related to current and emerging issues in the fruit industry and production. The program was evaluated to uncover what aspects of the program plan, implementation and evaluation could be improved to positively impact attendance. The program evaluation revealed that the majority of the respondents were “completely” satisfied with the program, but they would have liked new information to be taught. The results also justified the continuation of the program, but highlighted the need for TFGA to expand its advertisement reach in order to increase attendance.