The Rio Grande-Nueces RC&D Council, in conjunction with Jim Henry and the Texas Olive Ranch, the Capital Bank of Texas, the Texas Olive Oil Council, the Middle Rio Grande Development Council,
the Texas Department of Agriculture, the University of Texas – Pan American, the Texas Agri-Life Extension Service, and the Texas-Mexico Border Coalition hosted an Olive Oil Field Day on October 11, 2008. There were nearly 100 participants.

The day began at the Asherton City Hall for registration and instructions; from there we traveled to the Paul Conly Farm south of Asherton. We visited with the owners, Mr. and Mrs. Conly, and they described the preparation needed in order to plant a “high density olive orchard.” Mr. & Mrs. Conly planted their trees at a density of 600 trees per acre. This orchard was planted this spring. Significant tree growth was evident at the Conly orchard. Mr. Jim Henry described the process of establishing an olive oil orchard and discussed some of the concerns that need to be taken into account including: orchard production questions, irrigation, fertilization, pest management, and other important information.

From the Conly Farm, we traveled to the Texas Olive Oil Farm where we toured an established orchard. We discussed production and harvesting concerns. We also toured the Henry Olive
Oil Processing facility. Mr. Henry described the process of pressing olive oil. Next, we tasted olive oil from several different varieties of olive trees. After everyone completed asking their questions,
we traveled to the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, in Asherton, where we enjoyed a fantastic lunch provided by the Capital Bank of Texas through the Winter Garden Farm Trade Association.

After lunch, Mr. Henry described the Olive Oil Market and its potential. A hardy question and answer session followed the Marketing presentation. The Field Day concluded with a celebration by the Conly Family that commemorated Mr. & Mrs. Conly’s Anniversary.

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