January 2002 Regional Fruit Newsletter
CALENDAR OF EVENTS - 2002
1/10-11
MSU Bramble School
& Greenhouse Raspberry Workshop
Holiday Inn West, Kalamazoo
1/19
EPA Spray Drift Standards
Comment Deadline
1/22-23 NW
Michigan Orchard Show
Grand Traverse Resort
1/22
NW MI Hort. Res. Foundation
Annual Meeting
Grand Traverse Resort
1/24
CIAB Board Meeting
Grand Traverse Resort
1/26
Northern Michigan Small
Farm Conference
Sylvan Treetops Resort, Gaylord
1/28
EPA Guthion & Imidan
Comment Deadline
2/4-6
MSU Tree Fruit IPM &
Production School
Kellogg Biological Station
2/6-7
SW Michigan Hort Days
Lake Michigan College Mendel Center
2/16-20 IDFTA
Kelowna, B.C.
2/27
Produce Marketing Conference
Hilton Hotel, Grand Rapids
3/7-8
Great Lakes Peach Conference Spring Meeting
SW Michigan Research & Extension Center
3/13-14 Benzie/Manistee
Hort Show
Crystal Mountain Resort, Thompsonville
The MSU Bramble School 2002 will be held January 10, 2002. The school will be held at the Holiday Inn Kalamazoo West in Kalamazoo, MI. This intensive one-day school is designed to help anyone interested in brambles learn more about all aspects of bramble production and pest control. Educational programs, coffee breaks and a lunch will be provided.
Dr. Marvin Pritts, Dept. of Horticulture, Cornell University and Pam Fisher, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture will be the featured speakers for this school. These out-of-state speakers will be joined by several MSU specialists in presenting a comprehensive educational program. Topics that will be covered include: physiology, variety selection, nutrition, postharvest handling, insect and disease management and weed control.
An additional half-day workshop will be offered on the day following the Bramble School on the topic of "Growing Raspberries in a Greenhouse" for off season production
If you are interested in attending, contact Gary Thornton or Jackie Baase at 231/946-1510 and a detailed agenda and registration packet will be mailed to you.
NW
MICHIGAN ORCHARD SHOW PROGRAM AND HIGHLIGHTS
By Jim Nugent and Duke Elsner
The 2002 Northwest Michigan Orchard Show will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday, January 22 & 23, at the Grand Traverse Resort in Acme, Michigan. Agenda enclosed. The title for this year's show is "WHAT LIES AHEAD?" The show opens both days at 8:00 a.m., with the educational sessions beginning at 9:00 a.m. Registration is $10 per person (over 12). The Cherry Industry Luncheon will be held on Tuesday the 22nd. The Cherry Marketing Institute annual meeting and luncheon will be on Wednesday the 23rd. The exhibitor hall will be open both days.
The Tuesday morning program features presentations on tree fruit pest control and new insecticide and fungicide alternatives. Tuesday afternoon's program includes diverse topics in the general session, plus a concurrent session with topics of particular interest to the grape and wine industry in northwest Michigan. The afternoon will conclude with the Orchard Show's social hour featuring food and wines from NW Michigan.
The Tuesday evening program, "Value-Added Trends and Opportunities for Fruit Crops," will immediately follow the social hour.
Wednesday opens with the annual meeting of the Cherry Marketing Institute, followed by the CMI luncheon, which is free to growers. Wednesday afternoon's program focuses on the Federal Marketing Order: proposed amendments, economic impact, and a panel discussion on the FMO-- past, present and future.
THIRD ANNUAL NORTHERN MICHIGAN SMALL FARM CONFERENCE
The Northern Michigan Small Farm Conference will be held, Saturday, January 26th at the Sylvan Treetops Resort in Gaylord starting at 9:00 with registration. The goals of this conference are: 1) to make farmers more aware of production and marketing practices that may increase spendable income; and 2) to inspire northern Michigan agricultural entrepreneurs.
Keynote topics include: "Strategies for Making Your Farm Profitable – A Serious Look at Niche Farming" by Maria Rosmann from west central Iowa. She and her husband farm 600 certified organic acres of corn, tofu soybeans, oats, barley, turnips, rye, pasture and hay. They also raise organically certified poultry and beef. Jeff Moyer, Rodale Institute Farm Manager, will be speaking on "Surviving & Prospering on a Small Farm – Regenerative Agriculture."
Some of the topics for breakout sessions include: "Developing Soil Quality and Its Impact on Specialty Crop Production," Dr. George Bird, Dept of Entomology, MSU; "Growing Tree Fruits – Diversifying Your Farm Risks with A Small Orchard," Gary Thornton, District Fruit IPM Agent, MSUE; "Tackling Environmental Risks – Controlling Weeds Without Chemicals", Dr. Karen Renner, Crops & Soil Sciences, MSU and "Understanding Risk for Alternative and Specialty Crop Growers," Amanda Jaksha, Risk Management Specialist, USDA Risk Management Agency and Christine Lietzau, Program Manager for Organic Marketing, Sustainable Agriculture and Risk Management in the Agriculture Development Div. of MDA.
For additional program information or to register, the conference brochure can be viewed at: http://www.msue.msu.edu/msue/iac/temp/northmich01.html. or call Otsego Co. MSUE at 989/731-0272 or email: otsego@msue.msu.edu. Cost: 1st person: $25.00; each additional, $15.00.
2002
TREE FRUIT IPM AND PRODUCTION SCHOOL
By Gary Thornton, District
Fruit IPM Agent
The 2002 Tree Fruit IPM and Production School will be held on February 4-6th at the Kellogg Biological Station near Battle Creek. This year's format has changed slightly. We will still be offering an intensive schedule of IPM topics, but in addition, we will offer topics covering horticulture as well. My hope is to provide a comprehensive school that can cover the latest topics in both IPM and horticulture that will allow participants to gain the most critical knowledge needed in order to grow the highest quality in an economical way.
This year two out-of-state speakers have been invited. Dr. David Rosenberger, Department of Plant Pathology, Cornell University, will be covering the topics of apple scab biology and control options, resistance management strategies and potential biological and cultural control strategies to reduce inoculum and improve control. Dr. Peter Shearer, Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, will be covering topics on apple and peach pest management and resistance management strategies.
In addition to these out-of-state speakers, many MSU specialists will also be updating the attendees on their latest research in both pest management and fruit production. Some of those attending include: Dr. Jim Flore, Dr. Greg Lang, Dr. Ron Perry from the Dept. of Horticulture. Dr. Larry Gut, Dr. Mark Whalon, Dr. Carlos Garcia and Dr. John Wise from the Dept of Entomology. Dr. Bill Shane, Jim Nugent and Phil Schwallier will also guest speak.
Just a few of the topics to be covered this year include: the influence of environmental factors on flowering and fruit set, new insights into plum curculio control, rootstock update - stone and pome fruits, stone fruit disease control and resistance management and Apogee - where is its fit for Michigan orchards.
If you would like a brochure and registration form, please call Gary Thornton or Jackie Baase at 231/946-1510.
Registration Form
Please register before February 2nd.
Regular Registration $260/person
Commuter Registration $230/person
Total Enclosed_____________
Name_____________________________
Address___________________________
City______________________________
State___________ Zip code___________
Telephone (___)____________________
Regular Registration Only
Please complete the following
for your
Dormitory assignment (circle
your choice)
You are: Male Female
Prefer: Non-smoking Smoking
Please make checks payable
to:
Michigan State University
Send to: MSU IPM Programs
B18 Food Safety & Toxicology
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824-1302
"Survival Tactics for Michigan's Produce Industry" will be held February 27th from 8:00-4:00 at the Hilton Hotel in Grand Rapids. This conference is open to fruit and vegetable packers and shippers. For additional information, contact Tom Kalchik at 616/693-2193 or by email: kalchikt@msue.msu.edu
USDA EMERGENCY FARM LOANS
On December 4th, Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman named 82 counties in Michigan eligible for USDA emergency farm loans due to losses caused by drought that occurred June 12 through August 17, 2001. Area counties include: Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Leelanau and Manistee.
This designation makes all qualified farm operators in primary and contiguous disaster counties eligible for low-interest EM loans from the Farm Service Agency (FSA), provided eligibility requirements are met. Farmers in eligible counties have eight months from the date of this declaration to apply for the loans to help cover part of their actual losses. FSA will consider each loan application on its own merits, taking into account the extent of losses, security available, and repayment ability.
FSA has a variety of programs available, in addition to the emergency loan program, to help eligible farmers recover from adversity. Interested farmers may contact their local FSA offices for information on eligibility requirements and application procedures. Additional information is also available online at: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/pas/disaster/assistance1.htm
MSU NORTH OFFERS COURSE
Michigan State University North offers RD 201: Land Use and Environmental Issues in Law, Spring Semester 2002 in Traverse City. As part of MSU’s Applied Plant Science bachelor’s degree program, Land Use and Environmental Issues in Law, a three credit course with non-credit option, will be taught by Dr. Christopher Grobbel on Monday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 9:20 p.m., at University Center room 215. This course will introduce participants to the legal foundations of environmental protection and land use regulation in Michigan, and utilize local examples and issues to illuminate course concepts. Topics to be covered include the history of environmental regulation in the U.S.; balance of governmental powers; private property rights and the takings issue; toxic cleanup; underground storage tank management; property transfer and environmental liability; brownfield redevelopment; wetlands; citizen suits; surface water regulation; riparianism; land use regulation and development issues; inland lakes, streams, shorelines, dunes and soil erosion control; farmland preservation tools and techniques; the right to farm; and voluntary programs in environmental excellence.
MSU’s Dr. Grobbel is a former Michigan Department of Environmental Quality enforcement specialist and environmental consultant, and has taught environmental and land use law and policy at MSU’s main campus and through the University Center in Traverse City since 1991. For more information or to register for credit or non-credit participation in this course please contact Mr. Andy Norman, MSU North at 929-3902.
NORTHWEST MICHIGAN
GROUNDWATER STEWARDSHIP
PROGRAM
The Northwest Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program (MGSP) has received $20,910.00 in funds for cost share on groundwater stewardship practices for 2002. These cost share funds are available to pesticide and nitrogen fertilizer users in Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties. You must complete a Farm*A*Syst (a farmstead risk assessment) to qualify for cost share funds. The assessment is FREE, CONFIDENTIAL and all materials stay on farm. You can earn up to 6 Restricted Use Pesticide recertification credits for completing a Farm*A*Syst and an additional credit by completing an Emergency Plan for your farm and installing the Emergency Tube.
Cost-Share Practices Available
for 2002 for
Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska,
and Leelanau Counties:
Well Closure – 90%
up to $500
Pesticide Storage Impervious
Surface – 50% up to $500
Offset Hydrant – 90%
up to $750
Pesticide Storage Shed
– 50% up to $500
High Pressure Container Rinser
– FREE
Spill Kits – 75% up
to $30
Pre-Sidedress Nitrate Testing
– Call for Info
Assistance in Emergency Planning
– FREE
Technical Assistance – FREE
Anti-Backflow Device – Call
for Info
A limited number of each practice will be cost shared – so get your application in early!! Applications are available at your local MSU Extension office and/or your local Conservation District office. You can also call your groundwater program coordinator, Dan Busby at the Grand Traverse Conservation District to phone in your application at 941-4191. Applications are due by January 31, 2002.
NEW RULE FOR 2002 ABANDONED
WELL CLOSURE
MGSP cost share funds can now
be used to close all abandoned wells on property, which is zoned agriculture.In
the past, funds could only be used to close wells on active farm operations.
Do the right thing and CLOSE THOSE OLD WELLS.
PROPOSED EPA REGULATIONS
FOR 2002
By Gary Thornton
The following two articles "Spray Drift Standards" and "Changes in Guthion and Imidan Use" describe two very critical issues that will change the way that fruit growers in Michigan compete in the future with the rest of the country and world. It is a necessity that every grower fully understand the ramifications of the proposed EPA rules, if they go into effect. If you don't agree with them, now is the time to make your voice heard.
Just a few of the ways your operation will change with the new rules: 1. You will not be able to spray when it is calm (less than 3 mph breeze). 2. You will not be able to mow or scout (without personal protective equipment) your cherry orchards until 19 days after a Guthion application or 14 days in apples. 3. Pick-your-own apple operations will have a 30-day preharvest interval.
EPA PROPOSES SPRAY DRIFT STANDARDS
EPA is seeking public comment on a draft of new language to be placed on pesticide labels titled "Spray and Dust Drift Label Statements for Pesticide Products." The proposed statement on all products applied as spray, except home and garden products, would include the following:
"Do not allow spray to drift from the application site and contact people, structures people occupy at any time and the associated property, parks and recreation areas, nontarget crops, aquatic and wetland areas, woodlands, pastures, rangelands, or animals."
"For orchard/vineyard airblast applications, do not direct spray above trees/vines and turn off outward pointing nozzles at row ends and outer rows. Apply only when wind speed is 3-10 mph at the application site as measured by an anemometer outside of the orchard/vineyard on the upwind side."
Also proposed are new standards for ground boom applications (including application when wind is 10 mph or less), aerial applications, overhead chemigation, application dust and home and garden application.
The original deadline for
comment to EPA on these proposed standards has been extended from
November 20, 2001, to January 19, 2002. Full text is available
via Internet at http://www.epa.gov/opppmsd1/PR_Notices/prdraft-spraydrift801.htm.
Send comments via email to: opp-docket@epa.gov
or U.S. postal service mail
delivery to:
Document Processing Desk (AMEND)
Office of Pesticide Programs
(7504-C)
U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency
Ariel Rios Building
1200 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.
Washington, DC 20460-0001
You must put "OPP-00730 Spray Drift Standards" on any correspondence sent to EPA about these proposed standards.
If you have questions, contact Jay Ellenberger at EPA, 703/305-7099, or email at ellenberger.jay@epa.gov, or Jim Nugent or Gary Thornton at the NWMHRS (231/946-1510).
EPA'S PROPOSES MAJOR CHANGES ON GUTHION AND IMIDAN USE
EPA is proposing some major
changes in how Guthion and Imidan can be used. Most of you will be surprised
to learn that these changes are being proposed based on worker exposure
concerns and not dietary risks. Currently we are in a 60-day comment period
for EPA's interim risk management decision. It is at this time that the
public has a chance to voice their concerns regarding the changes that
EPA is proposing. In other words, you have until January 28th
to make your views known to EPA. Additional information can be viewed
on the web at:
www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2001/November/Day-28/p29558.htm
Guthion - EPA's interim risk management decision:
- All crop uses being phased out in 4 years on tart cherries and peaches
- Tart and sweet cherry - pre-harvest intervals (PHI) increased to 19 days, re-entry interval (REI) increased to 19 days.
- Use continued on apples/crabapples, sweet cherries and pears based on a time-limited registration. Further review within that time frame will determine if use is allowed after four years.
- Apples, apricots, grapes, nectarines, peaches, pears, and plums/dried plums will be authorized for use for 5 years under specific terms.
- Tart cherry - re-entry interval will increase to 3 days and the pre-harvest interval will remain at 7 days.
Growers are being encouraged to let EPA know how these changes will effect their ability to farm.
Additional Concerns: The proposed regulation ignores the fact that the majority of our fruit is machine harvested.
Submit comments to:
Via Mail
Public Information and Records
Integrity Branch
Information Resources and Services
Division (7502C)
Office of Pesticide Programs
(OPP)
Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20460
Electronically
Submit electronic comments by e-mail to: opp-docket@epa.gov
***All comments must be identified by docket control number OPP-34131D for azinphos-methyl (Guthion) and/or docket control number OPP-34173C for phosmet (Imidan).
2002 NORTHWEST
MICHIGAN ORCHARD SHOW
WHAT LIES AHEAD?
Date: Tuesday, January
22, and
Wednesday, January 23
Location: Grand Traverse
Resort, Acme
(Governor's Hall)
Registration: $10 per
person (over 12)
Cherry Industry Luncheon, Jan.
22, $15
Tuesday, January 22
8:00 a.m. Registration Desk Opens
8:00 - 10:30 Coffee and Rolls Served in Exhibit Hall
8:50 - 9:00
Welcome and Overview
Paul Hubbel, President,
Grand Traverse Fruit Growers' Council
9:00 - 9:15
FQPA Impacts on Guthion and Imidan
Larry Gut, Dept. of Entomology, MSU
9:15-9:35
Plum Curculio- New Research on a Difficult Pest
Mark Whalon, Dept. of Entomology, MSU
9:35 - 10:00
Alternatives to Organophosphate Insecticides
Larry Gut, Dept. of Entomology, MSU
10:00 - 10:30 Break for Exhibits and Refreshments
10:30 - 11:00
Disease Control Strategies for Cherries and Apples
Gary Thornton, District Extension IPM Agent, MSU
11:00 - 11:35
NW Michigan Horticultural Research
Foundation Annual Meeting--
Sharing the New Strategic Plan
Mike McManus, President
11:35 - 12:00
Fruit Orchard Acreage Trends in Michigan
Don Ricks, Dept. of Agricultural Economics, MSU
Tuesday Afternoon
Noon- 1:30
Cherry Industry Luncheon
Emcee:
Duke Elsner, MSU Extension, Grand Traverse County
Speaker:
Maggie Bethel, Director, MSU Extension
1:30 - 2:00 Break for Exhibits
2:00 - 2:30
A Farm Bill for Fruit Growers?
Ken Nye, Commodity Specialist,
Michigan Farm Bureau
2:30 - 2:55
Pest Net and Weather Monitoring for Michigan
Gary Thornton, District Extension IPM Agent, MSU
2:55 - 3:25
How Effective are Today's Cherry
Industry Marketing Tools?
Jim Jensen, President, CherrCo., Inc.
3:25 - 3:45
Orchard Leasing and Ownership Options
Glenn Kole, District Extension
Farm Management Agent, MSU
3:45 - 4:30
Research Progress on the Soft Tart Cherry Problem -- Panel
Greg Lang, Dept. of Horticulture, MSU
Steve VanNocker, Dept. of Horticulture, MSU
Jim Flore, Dept. of Horticulture, MSU
Moderator: Jim Nugent, District Horticultural Agent, MSU
4:30 - 6:00 Social Hour in the Exhibit Hall
Featuring Food and Wines from Northwest Michigan
Concurrent on Tuesday Afternoon: Grape and Wine Session
2:00 - 2:20
The Grape and Wine Industry in New Mexico
Duke Elsner, MSU Extension, Grand Traverse County
2:20 - 2:50
Quick Tour of New Zealand
Leah Clearwater, Dept. of Horticulture, MSU
2:50 - 3:20
What We've Learned From Our First
Year of Leaf Removal Studies
Tom Zabadal, Coordinator, Southwest Michigan
Research and Extension Center, Benton Harbor, MI
3:20 - 3:35
Variety Trial Vineyard Highlights for 2001
Duke Elsner, MSU Extension, Grand Traverse County
3:35 - 3:50
MSU Viticulture and Enology Degree Program Update
Leah Clearwater, Dept. of Horticulture, MSU
3:50 - 4:10
A Proposed Vineyard Survey Project for NW Michigan
Jim Thompson, President, Mutual Farm Managment
Dave Kleweno, Michigan Ag Statistics Service
Duke Elsner, MSU Extension, Grand Traverse County
4:10 - 4:30
In-Row & Row Middle Ground Covers - What
Should We Be Trying?
Charlie Edson, Bel Lago Vineyards & Winery, Cedar, MI
4:30 - 6:00 Social Hour in the Exhibit Hall
Featuring Food and Wines from Northwest Michigan
Tuesday Evening Program
6:00 - 8:00
Value-Added and Niche Marketing in the
Fruit Industry
Panel discussion with questions and answers
Richard Friske, Friske Orchards, Antrim Co.
Bob Sutherland, Cherry Republic, Leelanau Co.
Donald Coe, Black Star Farms, Leelanau Co.
Larry Mawby, L. Mawby Vineyards/Custom
Wine Making, Leelanau Co.
Bob Craig, Michigan Dept of Agriculture/Julian
Still Grants
Tom Kalchik, MSUE Value Added Agent,
Clarksville Research Station
Moderator: Jim Bardenhagen, MSUE, Leelanau Co.
Wednesday, January 23:
8:00 - 10:30 Coffee and Rolls Served in Exhibit Hall
9:00 - 12:00 Cherry Marketing Institute Annual Meeting
9:00 - 9:10
Welcome
Phil Korson, President, CMI
9:10 - 9:30
Cherry Marketing Institute Year End Review
Phil Korson
9:30 - 10:00
International Marketing- Jean Valentine
Japan Market- Scott Hitchman
10:00 - 10:30 Break for Exhibits
10:30 - 11:00
National Cherry Festival Report to the Industry
Chuck O'Connor & Susan Olson,
National Cherry Festival
11:00 - 11:30
U.S. Promotions Activities
Jane Baker, Marketing Director, CMI
11:30 - 12:00
Health Benefits Marketing and European Promotions
Joseph Lothamer, Promotion Director, CMI
12:00 - 12:10
Closing Comments
Phil Korson
Wednesday Afternoon
12:10 - 12:30 Break for Exhibits
12:30 - 2:00
Cherry Marketing Institute Luncheon
Speaker:
Dan Wyant, Director, Michigan Department of Agriculture
The Future of Michigan Agriculture
2:10 - 2:35
A Look at Proposed Federal Marketing Order Amendments
Perry Hedin, Cherry Industry Administrative Board
2:35 - 3:05
Analyzing the Economic Impact of the
Federal Marketing Order
Don Ricks, Dept. of Agricultural Economics, MSU
3:05 - 4:30
Views on the Past, Present & Future of
the Federal Marketing Order
Panel discussion with questions and answers
Don Gregory, Grower, Suttons Bay, MI
Eric MacLeod, Processor, Traverse City, MI
Jim Seaquist, Grower and Processor, Sister Bay, WI
Bill Sherman, Processor and Grower, Elk Rapids, MI
Fred Tubbs, Grower, Hart, MI
Moderator: Don Ricks, Dept. of Agricultural
Economics, MSU
4:30 - 5:30
Closing Reception - Everyone is Welcome
Sponsored by the Cherry Industry Administrative Board
CIAB
- Thursday, January 24
The Cherry Industry Administrative
Board will hold a meeting on Thursday, January 24, beginning at 8:00 a.m.,
at the Grand Traverse Resort.
Please send any comments or suggestions
regarding this site to:
Bill Klein, kleinw@pilot.msu.edu
Last Revised: 12-28-01