February 2000 Regional Fruit Newsletter
 

    CALENDAR OF EVENTS

    February - March 2000

    2/29         Michigan Wine Industry Meeting
                    Grand Rapids Community College
                    Grand Rapids

    3/1           Cherry Industry Summit II
                    Hilton Inn Airport, 28th Street
                    Grand Rapids

    3/2-3        Great Lakes Peach Conference
                    SW Mich Research & Extension Center
                    Benton Harbor

    3/3           Update on Bovine TB
                    Skyliner Restaurant
                    Buckley

    3/3-11      Ag & Natural Resources Week
                    Michigan State University

    3/8           Michigan Produce Marketing Conference 2000
                    Hilton Inn Airport
                    Grand Rapids

    3/14-15    Benzie/Manistee Hort Show
                    Crystal Mountain Resort

    3/21        Organic Fruit Production In Michigan
                   NWMHRS

    3/23         Parallel 45 Wines Annual Meeting
                    NWMHRS

    CHERRY INDUSTRY SUMMIT II

    By James E. Nugent, District Horticulturist, MSUE

    Almost four years ago a group of cherry growers, processors, marketers and others met to assess the status of the tart cherry industry and to plan for the future. Much has been implemented within the cherry industry since then. On March 1, the industry is sponsoring Cherry Summit II. It's time to review what has occurred during the past four years and to strategize the best courses for the future. All growers, processors and marketers are invited to attend. It will be held at the Hilton Inn Airport on 28th Street in Grand Rapids.

    The program has been organized by the Tart Cherry Industry Strategy Planning Council and jointly sponsored by CMI, CIAB, Michigan Processors Assoc., CherrCo and MSU Extension. See agenda.

    GREAT LAKES PEACH CONFERENCE – 2000

    This in-depth conference on peach production will be held at the SW Michigan Research and Extension Center in Benton Harbor on March 2nd beginning at 8:30 a.m. and ending at 11:30 a.m. March 3rd. 
    The conference is sponsored by the Michigan Peach Sponsors and MSU Extension. Cost is $25 for non members and $15 for additional employees if pre-registered by February 25th. Contact the Extension office or the NWMHRS or visit their web site www.michiganpeach.orgfor program details and/or a registration form. Attendees will receive 2 recertification credits for the Thursday session.

    MICHIGAN PRODUCE MARKETING CONFERENCE 2000

    This conference is intended to assist Michigan's fruit and vegetable packers and marketers to stay competitive in the changing market place. Marketers, trade customers and industry analysts will provide insight into the changing produce market and discuss what industries need to do to remain competitive. For more information, contact Don Ricks at 517/355-0145 or Tom Dudek, MSU Extension at 616/846-8250.

    BENZIE/MANISTEE HORTICULTURE SHOW

    The Benzie/Manistee Horticultural Society and Andy Norman at the Benzie County MSU Extension office have again organized an outstanding fruit grower meeting to be held on March 14th & 15th at Crystal Mountain Resort. See agenda.

    ORGANIC FRUIT PRODUCTION MEETING
    By Jim Nugent

    A program has been scheduled for fruit growers with an interest in organic fruit production. The program will provide insight from Michigan processors currently marketing organic fruit products as to the estimated potential volume and price differential for some locally processed organic fruit products. Most of the day long program will focus on how to accomplish production that meets organic standards in Michigan's environment. 

    A registration fee of $15 per person will include lunch. Pre-registration is requested by March 17th. Call 231/946-1510 or 888/749-3019 (toll free) to register. 

    Anyone either currently producing organic fruit or interested in exploring organic production is welcome and encouraged to attend. See agenda.

    CIAB AMENDMENT HEARINGS
    By Jim Nugent

    USDA sponsored hearings regarding the CIAB proposed amendments that were originally scheduled for early February are in the process of being re-scheduled. While USDA has not confirmed a new date, according to Perry Hedin, it appears likely at this time that the Michigan hearings will be held on March 29-31 in Grand Rapids. Growers and processors are encouraged to attend. Please note that these dates are only tentative.

    TRACTOR SAFETY COURSE
    Jim Bardenhagen, CED, Leelanau Co.

    The 2000 Tractor Safety Course will be starting on Thursday, April 6th from 6-9 pm at the TBA Career Tech Center at 880 Parsons Road in Traverse City. The rest of the sessions will be held on Thursdays, April 13, 20, & 27 from 6-9 pm at the same location. The written/driving test will be held on Saturday, April 29th from 8 am – 3 pm. The cost is $40. 

    This course is for youth 14 and 15 years old (as of June 1, 2000). Please note that in order for 14 and 15 year old non-family youth to drive tractors on farms, they need a certificate that they have passed a tractor safety course.

    Look for a registration form in next month's newsletter or call the Leelanau MSU Extension Office (256-9888) or the Career Tech Center (922-6353) to obtain a form.

    We really appreciate the effort that Bill Bassett and his staff at TBA put forth to make this course possible for our youth.

    AGENDA FOR THE CHERRY INDUSTRY SUMMIT CONFERENCE

    9:00-9:15 Session Co-Chairs: Phil Korson and Don Ricks
    Welcome-Phil Korson

    9:15-10:30 Panel Discussion: "The State of the Tart Cherry Industry" 
    Panel Chair: Terry Morrison
    Panel Members: Don Ricks, Phil Korson, Perry Hedin, Jim Jensen

    10:15-10:45 Break

    10:45-11:30 "Fruit Industry Strategies for Success in Today’s Competitive World"
    Dr. Des O’Rourke, Washington State University

    11:30-12:00 "Michigan Agriculture Now and in the Future"
    Dan Wyant, MDA

    12:00-1:15 Luncheon
    MC for the luncheon: Jim Jensen
    Luncheon Speaker: Ian Gray, MSU, "MSU and the Cherry Industry for the New Millennium" 

    1:15-2:15 "Cherry Market Expansion Opportunities–Panel Discussion"
    Panel Chair: Terry Morrison
    Marketers and Processors Panel: Dave Anderson, Dick Bogard, Bill Sherman, Don Nugent

    2:15-2:35 "Industry Strategies for Expanding Cherry Markets for the Future"
    Phil Korson

    2:35-2:50 "Future Tart Cherry Acreage Trends and Projections" 
    Don Ricks

    2:50-3:05 Break

    3:05-3:25 "Vision and Strategic Directions for the Cherry Industry’s Future"
    Earl Peterson

    3:25-3:45 "Needed Industry Strategies for the Future: A Grower’s Perspective" 
    Don Gregory

    3:45-4:15 Questions, Discussion, and Wrap-up
    Moderator: Jim Nugent and Council members

    49TH ANNUAL BENZIE-MANISTEE HORT. SHOW

    Crystal Mountain Resort
    March 14th & 15th, 2000

    Registration and Exhibits Open at 8:30 am
    Registration and Membership and 1 day's meal ticket - $ 12 (Extra meal tickets are $6 each)

    HEALTH SCREENING

    Advanced Hearing Center
    March 14th ONLY (Tuesday)
    Free Hearing Screening
    9:30 am to 2 pm
    Jeanne Strathman

    Michigan Department of Agriculture
    March 15th ONLY (Wednesday)
    Pesticide Certification or Re-certification Testing
    10 am to 3 pm
    Eric McCumber, Pesticide Specialist
    Michigan Department of Agriculture

    Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department
    March 15th ONLY (Wednesday)
    Free Blood Pressure Screening
    Non-Fasting Cholesterol Screening ($10)
    9:30 am to 3 pm
    Michelle Klein, RN, Public Health Nurse

    For attending this year's Educational Sessions, an individual will receive 4 re-certification credits for March 14th. Credits are only valid for those currently certified in category 1C (Fruit Crops) or private applicators.
     

    Benzie/Manistee Hort Show Program Schedule

    MORNING PROGRAM
    Tuesday, March 14, 2000

    Chair MIKE EVANS, Member,
    Michigan Apple Committee,
    Benzie-Manistee Hort. Society

    9:01 am 
    CALVIN LUTZ II, President, Benzie-Manistee Hort. Society
    WELCOME 

    9:03 - 9:23 am 
    DR. RON PERRY, MSU Dept of Horticulture
    Dogwood Borer & Burr Knots On Apple Rootstocks

    9:25 - 10:10 am 
    DR. MARK E. WHALON, MSU Dept. Entomology
    & Center For Integrated Plant Systems
    Update & Questions: 
    Food Quality Protection Act 

    10:12 - 11 am 
    DR. LARRY GUT, Assistant Professor, MSU Dept of 
    Entomology
    Research Update: Managing Resistance 
    in Tree Fruit Insects

    11:01 - 11:27 am 
    GARY E. THORNTON, MSUE, District Fruit IPM Agent,
    NW MI Hort. Research Station
    Peach Tree Borer in Pheromone Disruption NW MI 

    11:29 - 11:59 am 
    DR. MIRA BULATOVIC-DANILOVICH
    District Hort/Marketing Agent, WC MI, MSUE-Oceana County
    Plum Pox Virus: What Is It? How  Does It Affect Stone 
    Fruit Growers? 

    NOON LUNCH ON SITE

    AFTERNOON PROGRAM
    Tuesday, March 14, 2000

    Chair MARK EVANS, Secretary, 
    Benzie-Manistee Hort. Society

    1:00 - 1:45 pm 
    DR. ALAN JONES, MSU Dept. Botany & Plant Pathology
    New Information For Disease Control In Apples/Cherries;
    Update On Fungicides

    1:50 - 2:25 pm 
    DR. JOHN WISE, Coordinator, Trevor Nichols Research Complex
    New Tree Fruit Research & Extension Insecticides 

    2:26 - 2:34 pm Short Stretch Break

    2:35 - 3:25 pm 
    DR. JOHN CLINE, Research Scientist, 
    Dept. Plant Ag/Hort. Research, University of Guelph, Ontario, CANADA
    New Apple Varieties in Ontario

    3:30 – 4:00 pm 
    DR. JERRY HULL, Professor Emeritus, MSU Dept. of Horticulture
    Orchard Weed Management & Potential For Herbicide
    Resistance 

    MORNING PROGRAM
    Wednesday, March 15, 2000

    Chair JIM LAUBACH, Vice-President,
    Benzie-Manistee Hort. Society

    9:00 - 9:30 am 
    JON CLEMENTS, ANDY NORMAN, ANR Agents,
    MSUE-Berrien & Benzie Cos.
    New Zealand & Australia’s Tree 
    Fruit Production: 2000 IDFTA 

    9:32 - 10:02 am 
    DR. DON RICKS, MSU Dept. of Ag. Economics
    Recent Developments In The Apple & Cherry 
    Industries: Strategies For The Future

    10:05 - 10:35 am 
    DR. JOHN CLINE, Research Scientist, 
    Dept. Plant Ag/Hort. Research, University of Guelph, Ontario, CANADA
    Thinners & Other Plant Growth Regulators For Apples 

    10:36 - 10:45 am - Short Stretch Break

    10:45 - 11:15 am 
    JIM NUGENT, Station Coordinator, MSUE, District Hort. Agent,
    NW MI Hort. Research Station
    Growing & Processing Cherries On 
    Dwarf  Rootstocks: Do’s &   Don’ts Of Training 

    11:17- 11:59 am - PANEL
    PHIL SCHWALLIER,  Moderator, District Hort/Marketing Agent,
    WC MI Hort. Research Station
    Growing Quality Honeycrisp: Apple Orchard Decisions 

    Dr. John Cline, Research Scientist, Dept. Plant Ag/Hort. Research 
    University of Guelph, Ontario, CANADA

    Mike Evans, Partner, Evans Bros. Orchard, Frankfort, MI

    Dr. Phil Schwallier, MSUE, District Hort/Marketing Agent,
    WC MI Hort. Research Station

    Stan Peterson, Peterson Orchard And Summit Sales, Ludington, Mi
    Brokers & Markets Michigan Apples To Peppin Heights, Minnesota

    NOON LUNCH ON SITE

    AFTERNOON PROGRAM
    Wednesday, March 15, 2000

    Chair CALVIN LUTZ, II, President
    Benzie-Manistee Hort. Society

    1:00 - 1:35 pm 
    GLEN CHOWN, Exec. Director, Grand Traverse
    Regional Land Conservancy
    Using Land-Trust As A Management Tool; 
    Fruit-Haven Orchard Update 

    1:36 - 2:14 pm DR. E. "DUKE" ELSNER, ANR Agent
    MSUE-Gr.Traverse & Kalkaska Counties
    Wine Grape Production in NW MI: 
    Is It In Your Future? 

    2:15 - 2:55 pm 
    DR. WILLIAM "BILL"  SHANE, MSUE, District Fruit Product/Mkt Agent
    SW MI Hort. Research/ Extension Center
    Cling Peach Production Factors: 
    Are They An Alternative For You?

    2:55 - 3:15 pm 
    DR. E. "DUKE" ELSNER, ANR Agent, 
    MSUE- Gr.Traverse & Kalkaska Cos.
    NW MI "Project Greenfield": What Is it? 
    What Might It Mean To Your Farm? 

    3:20 - 3:45 pm 
    DR. ROBERTA DOW,  District Ground/Freshwater Agent,
    MSUE-Grand Traverse County
    Groundwater Protection Standards 
    For Farm Fuel Storage Tanks: Update 

    3:50 - 4:15 pm 
    STAN MOORE, County Extension Director, MSUE-Antrim Co.
    Tuberculosis In Michigan Deer Herds 
     

    ORGANIC FRUIT PRODUCTION IN MICHIGAN

    Tuesday, March 21
    NW Michigan Horticultural Research Station

    Morning Moderator: Jim Nugent 
    District Horticultural Agent, MSUE

    8:30 Registration, Coffee & Donuts

    9:00 Introductions

    9:05 Organic Production -- An Ecologist's Perspective
    George Bird, Michigan State University

    9:20 Organic Certification
    Jim Moses, Organic Growers of Michigan

    9:40 Marketing Opportunities for Organic Fruit: 
    Panel Presentation and Discussion
    Moderator: Jim Bardenhagen
    Tim Young, Food for Thought, Honor
    Brian Hackert, Mason County Fruit Packers Coop
    Todd DeKryger, Gerber
    Steve Nugent, Graceland Fruit

    10:25 Break 

    10:40 Managing Soil in Organic Systems
    Joe Scrimger, Bio-Systems, Marlette, Michigan

    11:05 Experiences Growing and Marketing Organic Apples
    Dennis Mackey, Manager, Germantown Orchards, 
    Rims Edge Orchards & Appleworks, Germantown, WI

    11:45 Managing Organic Fruit Production Systems
    Doug Murray,Consultant, Paw Paw, Michigan

    12:10 Lunch

    1:00 Challenges & Strategies for Producing Organic Apples: 
    Panel Discussion and Presentations
    Moderator: Duke Elsner, Extension Ag Agent, G.T. & Kalkaska Counties

    Brian Hackert, Grower, Ludington
    John Brabenec, Grower, Northport
    Larry Gut, Dept. of Entomology, MSU
    Mark Whalon, Center for Integrated Plant Systems, MSU
    Dennis Mackey, Grower, Wisconsin
    Joe Scrimger, Consultant
    Doug Murray, Consultant

    2:30 - Break

    2:45 Can Cherries Be Grown Organically in Michigan? 
    Moderator: Jim Nugent

    Alan Middleton Consultant, Northport
    Jim Laubach, HortSystems, Honor
    George Bird, Dept. of Entomology, MSU
    Doug Murray, Consultant
    Larry Gut, Dept. of Entomology, MSU
    Joe Scrimger, Consultant

    3:30 Strategies for Organic Wine Grape Production
    Moderator: Jim Thompson, Grower, Old Mission Twp.

    Larry Mawby, Grower, Wine Maker, Suttons Bay
    Charlie Edson, ICM Coordinator, MSU
    Duke Elsner, Extension Ag Agent

    4:15 Conference Wrap Up
    Mark Whalon, MSU

    4:30 Adjourn

    UPDATE ON BOVINE TB
    Skyliner Restaurant, Buckley
    Friday, March 3

    9:30 a.m. - noon

    Bovine TB is likely to be a huge problem for our area livestock producers to overcome. Having the very best and latest accurate information is the first step. Duke Elsner and Tom Adams (NRCS) have arranged for Dr. John Molesworth, MSU Extension’s livestock agent based out of Alpena County, to be on hand to discuss the bovine TB situation and prospects. We will also have Stan Moore, the new county Extension Director for Antrim County, there to comment on the Antrim county TB find and to get to know area producers. Stan has a strong livestock background and should become a great resource for us. We have also invited Jerry Lindquist from Osceola County MSU Extension, another strong resource on livestock and grazing. In addition to the TB topic, Ginger Bardenhagen will be presenting information on the groundwater protection program’s opportunities for technical assistance and cost-sharing dollars. 

    9:30 Welcome - Tom Adams & Duke Elsner

    9:40 Groundwater Stewardship Program News - Ginger Bardenhagen

    10:00 Bovine TB Michigan Overview - Dr. John Molesworth 

    10:30 The Antrim County and NW Michigan Situation - Stan Moore

    11:00 TB Risk Factors - Deer, Risk Factors

    1 1:30 Open Question and Answer Time

    Thanks to Quality Farm & Fleet, McGough’s and Hamilton Farm Bureau for sponsoring this program.

    MICHIGAN EMERGENCY PLANNING TUBE HANDS-ON WORKSHOP

    Brought to you by the NW MI Groundwater Stewardship Program and
    your Local Emergency Planning Coordinators (LEPC)
    Here is your chance to earn up to three Pesticide Applicator
    Recertification Credits!!

    Workshop dates and locations:

    Antrim, Emmet, Charlevoix and Kalkaska Counties on March 6, 2000 at Banks Township Hall with Bill Murphy, Rhonda Headapohl, and Kathy Simmons

    Leelanau, Grand Traverse and Benzie Counties on March 7, 2000 at the NW MI
    Horticultural Research Station with Dick Catton, Dan Scott and Doug Joy

    AGENDA

    6:00 - 6:15 PM Greetings, introductions and intent of workshop

    • Spill kits and Cost Share availability for 2000
    6:15 - 7:15 PM The Michigan Emergency Plan - Hands on Planning - Dan Scott, Dick Catton, Bill Murphy, Kathy Simmons, Rhonda Headapohl and Doug Joy with assistance from local fire chiefs
    • Preparing your farm and family
    • Generating a Farm Map 
    • Listing your chemicals and updating the list
    7:15 - 7:30 PM Break

    7:30 - 8:00 PM Right To Farm, the current Generally Accepted Agricultural Management Practices (GAAMPS) for Pesticide and Nutrient Management - Kip Miller, MDA

    • Yes, there are some rules 
    8:00 - 8:30 PM Recycle pesticide containers or on farm disposal? You have options - Ginger Bardenhagen
    • Clean Sweep
    8:30 - 9:00 PM Spill Response - Ben Darling, MDA 

    9:00 - 9:15 PM Fill out the RUP Credit bubbles; questions; wrap up

    Next Day: Call Ginger at 231-941-4191 to have her come out and install
    your Emergency Plan and receive your third RUP Credit!!!!

    Thanks for coming!

    A big thank you to your Local Emergency Planning Coordinators, who are providing refreshments!

    Work Shop Locations:

    Banks Township Hall

    Coming from Traverse City (north on US31): Just North of Atwood turn East on C-48 (Ellsworth Rd) follow that into Ellsworth about 7 miles. Go past the school and up the hill. At the blinking light turn left on Center St. Banks Township Hall is halfway down the block on the left, parking is in back.

    NW MI Horticultural Station

    From Greilickville, travel North on M-22 toward Suttons Bay. Go 4 miles to Crane Hill Road. Travel approximately 1 mile to intersection of Co Rd. 633. Turn right (North) on 633. Continue on 633 for approximately 3 miles. The Station is located on the left (West) side of 633, 1/2 mile past the intersection of Bingham Rd.

    This year the NW MI Groundwater Stewardship Program has Cost Share Funding for:

    Well Closure- up to $500
    Offset Hydrants - up to $630
    Pesticide Application Controller or Groundmonitor - up to $1500
    IPM Scouting: Fruit or Vegetable crops - up to $15/acre

    Pesticide Storage Impervious Surface- up to $500
    Dripless Spray Nozzle Tips - up to $75
    Spill Kits - up to $56
    Seasonal Pesticide Storage Shed - up to $500

    Pesticide Container Pressure Rinser -up to $6.25
    Cover Crops - up to $5/acre
    Anti-backflow Device - up to $250
    Permanent Mix/Load Pad - up to $1500

    Management Intensive Grazing- up to $15/acre 
    Nurse Tank - up to $1000
    Pre-Sidedress Nitrate Testing - up to $1.50/acre 
    Emergency Planning Tube- FREE

    Call Ginger Bardenhagen at 231-941-4191 for an application, or pick one up at the 
    Emergency Planning Workshop!


Please send any comments or suggestions regarding this site to: 
Bill Klein, kleinw@pilot.msu.edu

Last Revised: 02-17-00