If deer are eating into your fruit and vegetable crops--and your profits--you'll want to attend the meeting and trade show of the Kentucky State Horticultural Society and Kentucky Vegetable Growers Association. The meeting is in Lexington January 4 and 5, 1999.

"Deer control for fruits and vegetables is one of our hot meeting topics," said John Strang, Extension horticulture specialist for the UK College of Agriculture. "Deer have been a big problem this year for our producers around the state."

Strang said deer are particularly fond of tree fruits. "All those bites on a tree make heading-back cuts and cause the tree to branch and make it difficult to train. Deer have done thousands of dollars worth of damage."

Strang said deer are particularly fond of apple trees, but also like watermelons, muskmelons, peppers, cabbage and sweet corn. He said producers attending the meeting will hear discussion about which control methods work and which ones don't.

Migrant labor is another meeting topic.

"Recruitment of migrant labor, hiring options, compliance, and what to expect in 1999 will be covered," said Strang. He said a grower panel will also discuss experiences in using migrant labor.

In addition to deer control and migrant labor, the meeting also features seminars on organic farming and gardening, grape production and vineyard management, direct marketing,

wholesale marketing, flower production and marketing, and small fruit and pawpaw production. "We'll have something of interest for just about every type of fruit and vegetable producer, as well as gardeners," Strang said.

Strang said if you're planning to attend it's a good idea to pre-register. That will enable you to sign up for meals and special sessions. Registration forms are available from your county's UK Cooperative Extension office, or John Strang at 606-257-5685. Attendees may also register at the door.

The meeting will be held January 4 and 5 at Lexington's Holiday Inn North on Newtown Pike.