It is with a great deal of disappointment, but high level of responsibility that we must cancel the March 28, 2020 Annual Conference.

We made the decision based on a number of factors. One, many of our attendees travel great distances from other states where the virus infections are occurring at different rates. Two, the conference was to be held in a rather compact setting so that everyone could see and hear all of the great information that is presented. Three, we tend to have large participation, meaning we would all be rather close to each other. Four, the ages of our most experienced, and valued, members are in the age range of the most vulnerable from the virus. Five, although the conference is important, it is not as important as risking even one of our members’ lives. Six, “an ounce of prevention, is worth a pound of cure.”

We know that many of you take the opportunity to renew your memberships when you register at the conference. For those who have already sent in your membership renewals, thank you. For those who have not, we are asking you to print out an application from our newly designed website and mail in your membership renewal. We know that part of the value of membership is attendance at the conference. But, know that your officers and board members worked very hard the past year in developing a new webpage, organizing what would have been one of the best conferences we have ever put together, and we continue to meet quarterly to improve the resources and information you use to expand your orchards and prosper from your efforts. Also remember, all of the board members and officers are volunteers and receive no compensation for their efforts, nor do they want any.

We have some housekeeping issues to resolve, and at this time, I am not sure how that will be arranged. We have some openings in some board positions. We will have some elections to deal with, and we have some by-law issues to vote on. We are considering having a board meeting in mid-summer where you could come and network, but without speakers and other normal conference activities.

Pray for our nation, pray for your neighbors, pray for your families, pray for yourselves, wash your hands thoroughly, don’t touch your face with your hands, cough into your arm, limit social interaction and remember, this too shall pass. However, I am trying to figure out the need to make a run on toilet paper?? Not sure where that comes in….

Be sure to check on our Facebook page [Louisiana Mayhaw Association] and our new and improved webpage [www.mayhaw.org] for additional information as it becomes available. Believe me, this is uncharted territory, especially since this would have been the first conference under my term as President. Not exactly as I would have preferred it would go!!!