CALENDAR OF EVENTS

2003

2/24-26        Heartland Wine School: From Bulk to Bottle
                      Oliver Winery, Bloomington, Indiana

2/25              New Farm Bill Program
                      Hannah School, Traverse City

2/27-28         Michigan Wine Industry Annual Meeting
                       Crystal Mountain Resort, Thompsonville, Michigan
                       For information & registration, call 800/292-3939

2/27               Southeast MI Tree Fruit Spring Meeting
                       Walli's East Restaurant, Flint
                       For information, call 810/732-2177

2/28               West Central Spring Hort Meeting
                       Hart United Methodist Church

2/28 – 3/8     Ag & Nat. Resources Week
                       MSU Campus

3/5                  IPM and Farm Safety Update
                        NWMHRS

3/6                  IFSM Think Tank Meeting
                        NWMHRS

3/6                  New Farm Bill Program
                        NWMHRS

3/7                  Continuing Forestry Education Workshop
                        Grand Traverse MSUE Office

3/7-8               Michigan Conference on Organic Agriculture
                        East Lansing, MI

3/10, 3/17,      Positioning Your Fruit Business for the Future
3/24, 3/31       NWMHRS

3/12                 Raising Grapes Near Michigan's 45^th Parallel
                         NWMHRS
                         Contact Leelanau Cons. Dist.  256-9783

3/19-20           Benzie/Manistee Hort Show
                         Crystal Mountain Resort
                         Thompsonville

3/24                 Michigan Ag. Conference on the Environment
                         Lansing, 517/241-4730

4/8-10             National IPM Conference
                         Indianapolis

6/18                Organic Field Day
                        Clarksville Expt. Station
 

FEDERAL DISASTER AID APPROVED
By Jim Bardenhagen

On February 13^th Congress sent a $397 billion omnibus appropriations bill to the White House that includes $3.1 billion in disaster aid for farmers who experienced severe weather-related losses in 2001 or 2002. President Bush is expected to sign the bill. Overall, Michigan agricultural leaders say they are pleased with the measure and greatly appreciate efforts by the Michigan Congressional delegation to see that all Michigan commodities get equal coverage. The leaders are especially pleased with the inclusion of aid for specialty crops such as fruits, vegetables and dry beans, which may not be eligible for traditional crop insurance or farm bill programs. Thanks are especially due to the Michigan Farm Bureau and the Cherry Marketing Institute for their diligent efforts to keep legislators informed of the needs of the fruit industry!

About $2.1 billion is earmarked for quality and quantity loss disaster payments. To qualify for quantity losses, growers will have to prove losses greater than 35 percent of their normal yield. It appears that to keep within the $2.1 billion budgeted, payment rates will be 45-50% of that normally determined by disaster assistance program formulas. A payment rate of 50% will be applied in cases where crops were covered by crop insurance (at least at the Catastrophic Coverage level (CAT)) or no crop insurance was available for the commodity. A payment rate of 45% will be applied in cases where producers could have purchased crop insurance at least at the CAT level but chose not to. It appears that NAP coverage for tart cherries fits in the "no crop insurance available" category and should qualify for the 50% payment rate. While the aid package covers losses experienced in both 2001 and 2002, assistance is only available for one of the two disaster years. No producer maximum benefits were mentioned. Producers may have to agree to purchase crop insurance or NAP for the next two years.

For details on applying for disaster assistance, call your local Farm Service Agency office.

FRUIT CROP ECOLOGY – THE LIVING SOIL
By Jim Nugent, District Horticulturist, MSUE

Living organisms in the soil, including plants and micro-organisms, cycle both carbon and nitrogen through the soil to crops. Research in orchards in northwest Michigan and elsewhere is helping us better understand this nutrient cycling system. The management of the orchard ground cover and other sources of carbon interacts with nitrogen fertilization practices to influence the natural cycling systems within the soil.

A one day workshop will help create better understanding of these nutrient systems and how they are impacted by fruit production practices. We will discuss some very interesting research findings and hear from growers that have adopted innovative practices in their orchards. The program will be held on:

When: Thursday, March 6^th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Where: Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Station

Lunch will be provided. The registration cost is $15. The new MSUE publication, "Fruit Crop Ecology and Management" will be available to all attendees at a reduced price.

Presenters for the program will include MSU research and extension personnel along with several innovative growers. The program will encourage audience questions and interaction. This program is sponsored by the Integrated Fruit Systems Think Tank, MSU Extension and Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station. The Think Tank has in the past received financial support from the Michigan Agricultural Stewardship Association. Resource people from MSU will include George Bird, Entomology, Jeff Smeenk, Crops and Soils, Scott Swinton, Ag Economics, and Jim Nugent, Extension. Resource people from the fruit industry include Charles Edson, grape grower and vintner, Lynn Webster, consultant, and tree fruit growers Gene Garthe, Francis Otto and Bill Lentz.

The research that will be discussed was funded by MDA's Groundwater Stewardship Program, USDA (SARE, IPM and others), Project GREEEN, and the Michigan Cherry Committee.

To register for the March 6^th Fruit Crop Ecology Workshop, please call the Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Station at 946-1510 or 888/749-3019 by Monday, March 3^rd.

2003 FARM SAFETY, MICHIGAN AGRICULTURAL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSURANCE PROGRAM (MAEAP)* and IPM UPDATE
By Jim Bardenhagen, Leelanau Co. CED and Gary Thornton, District Fruit IPM Agent

When: March 5^th

Location: NW Michigan Horticultural Research Station

This program was designed to boost growers' awareness of farm safety and the Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP). Additionally, a pre-season IPM update will be given to help growers prepare for the upcoming growing season.  Insect and disease management, resistance management and new pesticides will be discussed.

Michigan Department of Agriculture recertification credits have been applied for.  Four credits should be granted for those attending for the full day.   (Farm Safety Session = 2 credits, MAEAP/IPM session = 2 credits.)
 

The cost for this meeting is $15, which includes lunch by Cedar Valley Ranch Catering. To register, please call the NWMHRS at 946-1510 by March 3rd.

Following is the program schedule for the day:

8:30 - 9:00 am Registration, Rolls, Coffee
9:00 - 9:10 Introductions   Jim Bardenhagen, MSUE
9:10 - 9:25 Michigan Farm Fatality Cases   Debra Chester, MSU
9:25 - 10:15 Road Safety for Farm Equipment   Craig Anderson, RCAP
10:15- 10:45 Pesticide Drift Management Plans   Rebecca Hines, MSU
10:45- 10:55 Break
10:55- 11:15 Pesticide Drift Management Plans   Rebecca Hines
11:15- 11:45 Safety around Harvesters   Craig Anderson
11:45- 11:55 Improving Electrical Safety   Craig Anderson
11:55- 12:00 Evaluation/Certification Credits

12:00- 12:45 Lunch by Cedar Valley Ranch

12:45 – 1:15pm Mite Management in 2003   K. Schoenborn, MSU
1:15 – 1:50 Insecticide Efficacy and Residues     G. Thornton, MSUE
1:50 – 2:15 The MAEAP Framework   J. Wilford, MDA/MAEAP
2:15 – 2:45 The New Farm*A*Syst    D. Busby, GT CD
2:45 – 3:00 Break
3:00 – 3:30 Small Scale Fuel Storage   R. Dow, GT MSUE
3:30 – 3:40 Phase III Verification   J. Wilford, MDA
3:40 – 4:00 Safe Pesticide and Fertilizer Storage   M. Stall, Mason CD
4:00 – 4:15 Worker Protection Standards   E. McCumber, MDA
4:15 – 4:30 Cost-Share Opportunities   D. Busby, M. Stall
4:30 – 5:00 Apple and Cherry Disease   G. Thornton
                     Management Options for 2003

*The MAEAP portion of the afternoon is part of the requirements for Phase I of the Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program

THE NEW FARM*A*SYST FOR MICHIGAN PRODUCERS – AN ASSESSMENT REQUIRED FOR FARMSTEAD SYSTEM - MAEAP VERIFICATION

The Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program’s (MGSP) farm assessment tool, Farm*A*Syst, has a totally new look. It is similar to the previous Farm*A*Syst, but the new one will help you evaluate potential risk on the farm and let you know what is required to reach environmental verification in the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP). The New Farm*A*Syst shows you what you need to do to be in compliance with the Right-to-Farm guidelines - Generally Accepted Agricultural Management Practices (GAAMPs), and/or state or federal laws.

Items covered in a Farm*A*Syst:

• Evaluation of the soil
• Evaluation of the drinking water well condition
• Pesticide and fertilizer storage and handling
• Worker Protection Standards (WPS)
• Hazardous waste management
• Septic system management
• General manure management (livestock)
• Livestock manure storage and yard mangament (livestock)
• Silage storage (livestock)
• Milking center wastewater treatment (livestock)
• Farmstead Improvement Action Plan (livestock)

By completing a new Farm*A*Syst you are eligible for cost share funds through the Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program for practices on the farm that may help you reduce a specific risk. You can receive up to 7 Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP) Recertification Credits in the assessment program in the MGSP.

Give Dan Busby a call at (231) 941-4191 to schedule a Farm*A*Syst appointment today and learn more about the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program. All farms in Michigan are encouraged to participate in this program. Call now!!

MICHIGAN AGRICULTURAL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSURANCE PROGRAM (MAEAP)

MAEAP is a voluntary, pro-active program designed to reduce producers’ legal and environmental risks. It allows growers to evaluate their land stewardship practices and how to find and prevent agricultural pollution risks on their farms.

The program encompasses three systems designed to help producers evaluate the environmental risk on their operation. Each system – Farmstead, Cropping, and Livestock (when applicable) – examines a different aspect of a farm, as each has a different environmental impact. Through each phase, producers will develop and implement economically feasible, effective and environmentally sound pollution prevention practices.

Phase I – Education

Educational meetings will be held where producers can learn about the three MAEAP systems, as well as state and federal regulations, and the potential impact of agricultural pollution on the environment (see the notice for the March 5^th meeting above). Michigan’s Right To Farm Act is briefly reviewed with special emphasis on Generally Accepted Agricultural Management Practices (GAAMPs) and state and federal regulations.

Phase II – On-Farm Assessment

The focus of this phase is the assessment of environmental risks on the farm and the development and implementation of a farm-specific plan to address identified risks. This is accomplished by contacting your local Groundwater Technician and completing a Farm*A*Syst and a Farmstead Improvement Action Plan.

Phase III – Third Party Verification

Producers can request Third Party Verification from the Michigan Department of Agriculture after they have developed a Nutrient Management Plan (NMP) and are following their schedule of implemented practices and improvements. When these requirements are successfully met, producers receive MAEAP verification and recognition for their accomplishments for that given system – farmstead, cropping or livestock.

In addition to minimizing potential environmental risks and enforcement penalties, MAEAP offers other incentives to producers. Financial assistance and the opportunity to utilize loan programs, a reduction in premiums for liability insurance, and the opportunity to utilize Michigan Groundwater Stewardship program cost share funds are all potential benefits of MAEAP. Perhaps most important, however, is the tie that MAEAP will have with the farm bill and in particular the conservation security program. Payments may be available based on the MAEAP levels that you have attained. For more information on MAEAP visit www.maeap.org

POSITIONING YOUR FRUIT BUSINESS FOR THE FUTURE PROGRAM
By Jim Bardenhagen, Leelanau MSU Extension Director
     Jim Nugent, District Horticulturist, MSUE

As you are aware, the current state of the fruit industry has led to economic challenges on most farms. The MSU Extension and the MSU Extension Fruit Team have placed a high priority on focusing on improving the profitability of agriculture.

Positioning Your Fruit Business for the Future is a management-education program emphasizing strategic planning. This program develops your management skills, gives insights on how family and employees figure into your business goals and shows how the changing agricultural scene locally, nationally and globally will affect your farm. The program teaches participants how to define their business mission and set goals to accomplish their mission. Factors that affect the business as well as its strengths and weaknesses will be identified. Participants will end up with a strategic plan for their farm.

A team of MSU Specialists, MSU Extension Fruit Horticulture and Farm Management Agents will be the resources for the program. The program is sponsored by the MSU Extension Fruit and Farm Management Teams.

The program consists of 3½ days of workshops in March and follow-up workshops later this fall.

The details for the March workshops are as follows:

Dates: March 10, 17, 24, and 31

Times: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day except March 31^st (9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)

Location: NW MI Horticultural Research Station

Cost: $150 for the first person from the farm and $80 for each additional person.

The cost includes lunch/refreshments each day and educational materials.

Workshop Attendance will be limited to 20-farm businesses due to the intensive nature of size: the program

Registration: See below to register. Registration deadline is March 5^th.

Agenda Topics

• Introduction to Strategic Planning
• External Analysis
• State, National, Global Market Trends
• Assessment of Michigan’s Situation
• Internal Analysis
• Financial Concepts
• Comparison of Farm with Competition
• Comparison to Michigan Cost of Production
• Non-financial Critical Success Factors
• Orchard Block Analysis
• Evaluating Alternative Value Chains
• Developing a Mission Statement
• Understanding Your Strengths and Weaknesses
• Developing Long & Short Term Goals
• One on One Session with Workshop Team
• Completion of a Strategic Plan

Questions: Call Jim Bardenhagen (256-9888) or Jim Nugent (946-1510)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Registration Form

FARM NAME: ______________________________________________________

ADDRESS: ____________________________ PHONE #_________________

_______________________________________ CELL # _________________

EMAIL: ______________________________________________________

FEES: 1^st Person Name: _______________________ @ $150 _________
2^nd Person Name: _______________________ @ $80 _________
3^rd Person Name: _______________________  @ $80 _________
4^th Person Name: _______________________   @ $80 _________
Others: _______________________________    @ $80 _________

TOTAL $ _________

Make Check Payable To: Leelanau MSU Extension
Mail To: Leelanau MSU Extension
              116 Philip Street
               Lake Leelanau, MI 49653
 
 

SESSIONS ON NEW FARM BILL PROGRAMS
By Jim Bardenhagen

Local Sessions to update producers and growers on programs available under the new Farm Bill and Groundwater Stewardship Programs will be held at 2 locations and dates:

Grand Traverse County                                         Leelanau County
Date: February 25, 2003                                        March 6, 2003
Time: 7 - 9:30 pm                                                    7 – 9:30 pm
Location: Hannah School                                       NW MI Horticultural Res.Station
AGENDA

• New Farm Bill Programs Greg Shy, CED Farm Service Agency
•  Counter Cyclical Programs
• Livestock Programs
• Disaster Assistance Programs
• NAP Programs
• Other Farm Bill Programs
• New Farm Bill Programs Buzz Long, Natural Resource Conservation Service
• Conservation Reserve Program
• EQIP
• Conservation Security Program
• Farmland Protection Program
• Wetland Reserve Program (WRP)
• Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP)
• Other Farm Bill Programs
• Groundwater Stewardship Programs Dan Busby, Local Groundwater Stewardship Technican
• New FARM*A*SYST
• Michigan Ag Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP)
• Groundwater Cost Share Opportunities

WORKSHOP FOR VINEYARD WANNABEES
By Chris Garthe, Leelanau Soil Conservation District

The Leelanau Conservation District, seeing the appearance of many new vineyards of all sizes in Leelanau County, decided to offer a workshop to cover the basics of vineyard set up. This program plans to cover subjects in a way to reach agricultural and non-agricultural people. Topics to be covered include:

1. Vineyard establishment
2. Choosing and marketing the various types of grapes
3. Insects and diseases you will encounter in this area

The presenters are local people who collectively have decades of experience in wine grape growing and production.

The workshop will be held on March 12^th, from 1-4 p.m. at the NW MI Horticultural Research Station. Cost is $20, and pre-registration is required. For information, call 256-9783 or 256-9669.

THE DEADLINE FOR FILING FOR AN EMERGENCY LOAN IS FAST APPROACHING

James Monroe, Farm Loan Manager for the Farm Service Agency (FSA) at the USDA’s Traverse City Service Center indicated that the deadline for filing Emergency (EM) loan applications is March 17, 2003.

On July 15, 2002, the Secretary of Agriculture designated 26 Michigan counties as natural disaster areas. The designation was due to losses caused by frost, freezing temperatures, and wind that occurred the week of April 21, 2002; cold temperatures, hail and wet weather that occurred throughout May 2002; and by frost and freezing temperatures that occurred from May 17 through May 22, 2002. Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, and Leelanau Counties are some of the counties in Northwest Michigan that were included as part of the designated disaster area.

Mr. Monroe indicated that, the designation means that farmers in these areas who suffered at least a 30% loss in crop production caused by the weather conditions specified in the designation, may qualify for EM loan assistance from FSA.

If you have any questions, please call your local FSA office or contact the Farm Loan Program staff in the Traverse City USDA Service Center at 941-0951.

LAST CALL FOR CENSUS OF AGRICULTURE FORMS

The deadline for Census of Agriculture forms was February 3^rd, but there is still time to get your form in to the Michigan Agricultural Statistics Service. Agriculture Secretary, Ann Veneman said, "Whether a large dairy or a very small fruit and vegetable farm, every response is important because it helps in the development of future farm programs." Census data are used to examine long-term trends, allocate local and national funds for farm programs, assess patterns in water use and irrigation, help State and Federal agencies evaluate effects of changes in farm legislation, and more. Anyone needing help completing their report form may call 1-888-4AG-STAT. Results from the 2002 Census of Agriculture will be published on Feb. 3, 2004. Forms must be in by March 10^th to be counted. Return yours today!

FEDERAL MARKETING ORDER (FMO) REMINDER

Growers should be receiving the FMO ballot sometime in March. We encourage all cherry growers and processors to take the time to vote.

BENZIE-MANISTEE HORTICULTURAL SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

The Benzie-Manistee Horticultural Show will take place on Wednesday and Thursday, March 19 and 20 at Crystal Mountain Resort, with a pre-session on Tuesday afternoon, March 18. The Hort. Society Annual Meeting and Banquet will take place at 6:45 p.m. on Thursday. Tuesday's program will focus on farm safety and pesticide management. A variety of topics will be presented on Wednesday, including groundwater protection, drift management, the Michigan Apple Committee update, a review of tart cherry and cherry rootstock research, farmland preservation alternatives, and ground covers and nutrient management in fruit production. Thursday morning's topics will be of interest to apple and wine grape growers. Thursday afternoon programs address pest and disease management in apple and cherry.

Recertification credits (to be determined) will be available for attending this year's educational sessions on March 18, 19 and 20.

To request a full program brochure in advance, or for more information, call your local MSU Extension office.

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

Last Revised: 2-19-03