Pioneers of the Texas Olive Industry and founding directors of the Texas Olive Oil Council were spotlighted at the Olives Olé Texas International Olive Festival in Elmendorf March 27, 2010. Texas Olive Oil Council founding directors Trigg Dealey, Jim Henry and Baxter Adams were joined by pioneer planters Jerry Farrell of Farrell's Olive Orchard & Nursery (Artesia Wells), Sandy Winokur of Sandy Oaks Olive Orchard (Elmendorf), David & Beverly Anderson of Anderson Ranch (Dilley) and Bill & Jeff Sibley of Sibley Olive Company (Tilden) to discuss the start of olive agriculture in Texas. Dealey and Adams, both now retired from olive farming, along with Jim Henry of Texas Olive Ranch, recounted some of the challenges and successes from the early days of the Texas Olive Oil Council. Farrell, Winokur and Henry offered information on best practices from commercial growers. There was plenty of information for home landscaping and hobby growers as well. The panel was moderated by Rollie Blackwell of Stony Ridge Ranch B&B. The Texas Olive Oil Council had a booth at the event offering information and sign up for membership to the Texas Olive Oil Council. Attendees had the opportunity to visit informally with Dealey, Henry, Farrell, the Andersons and Adams. The weather and wildflowers were spectacular and the festival was attended by over 4,000 people.

---