CALENDAR OF EVENTS

8/29           NW MI Hort Station Open House

9/19           Trevor Nichols Field Day
                   1:00-5:00, Fennville

11/20         2003 NAP & Crop Insurance Signup Deadline

12/10-12   Great Lakes Fruit Vegetable & Farm Market Expo
                   Grand Rapids

2003

1/21-1/22   NW Michigan Orchard & Vineyard Show
                    Grand Traverse Resort

3/17            Emergency Loan Deadline

NW MI HORT STATION OPEN HOUSE

The NW Michigan Horticultural Research Station Open House will take place on Thursday, August 29, 2002. There is no equipment show this year. We will begin with an hour program featuring the results to date of our studies on the effects of orchard floor management alternatives on cherry production. Discussion to include the influence on pests, beneficials, tree growth, yield, fruit quality and nitrate leaching. Then we will have a section covering financial and other related information that is pertinent to this unique year with no tart cherry crop.

The program will be followed by a social hour and pig roast, sponsored by the Leelanau Horticultural Society. The pig was again purchased and donated by the Paul and Frances Johnson Foundation. Cost for the dinner will be $15 and tickets can be purchased at the door. The evening will wrap up with a short awards program.

We hope you can join us for all or a portion of the Open House. The program schedule is as follows:

2:30-3:30     Effects of Orchard Floor Management on Orchards   (Program will take place in the IPM planting across road from dorm unless rain dictates using the conference room.)
Resource people: Dave Epstein, IPM; Andrea Combs, Entomology; Charlie Edson, Bel Lago Vineyards; Jim Nugent, MSUE

3:30-3:45       Break (move from orchard to conference room)

3:45-5:00       Implications from the Year with No Crop - Updates and discussions on State of Michigan 0% interest loans, crop insurance, FSA's NAP program, low interest Federal disaster loans, cost share opportunities for fruit with the new farm bill, research impacts and direction, and Federal legislative efforts to assist the industry

TISSUE SAMPLE ORCHARDS ASAP

Measuring the concentration of nutrients in plant parts best assesses the nutritional health of tree fruits. These nutrient concentrations are a direct measure of the nutritional status of the crop. In contrast, soil tests only estimate the ability of the top four inches of soil to supply nutrients and may not predict actual nutrient levels in the crop. Still, it is highly recommended to also take soil samples so orchard nutrient recommendations can be based on a combination that includes the pH from the soil test and nutrient needs from tissue analysis.

Leaf samples are best collected during mid July through mid August. Collect 100 leaves that come from the middle of the current season's growth. Do not sample spur leaves or leaves significantly damaged by insects, disease, wind or abrasion. Collect leaves from several different plants (at least 10 trees) throughout the variety or sampling area. Use leaves that can be reached from the ground from all sides of the tree. Once collected, wash if recently sprayed with a nutrient by using a light detergent solution followed by good water rinsing. Whether washing leaves or not, lay the leaves out on a sheet of paper and allow them to dry. Once dry, they can be placed in a paper bag with some holes punched along the edges so the leaves will continue to dry and not mold.

Leaf samples can then be sent directly to the lab at MSU. The address for the lab is: MSU Soil Testing Laboratory, Plant and Soil Science Building, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824. Please pre-pay with a check for $27.00 for each sample, payable to Michigan State University. Please also include the variety of the sample and the age of the tree.

Please call your local Extension Office or the NW MI Horticultural Research Station to request the appropriate form to enclose with your sample.

TART CHERRY HARVEST UPDATE
By Jim Nugent, District Horticulturist, MSUE

Based on information provided by Perry Hedin in the CIAB Weekly Report for week ending 8/10/02, with the U.S. harvest not quite finished, the total U.S. harvest to date is 57.8 M lbs. This is extremely close to the USDA's estimate of 59.1M and to the processor estimate of 60.4M. NW Michigan's 1.0M lb harvest, combined with WC at 6.0M and SW at 7.1M, results in a total of 14.1M lbs to date in Michigan. This is very close to USDA's estimate of 15M. NW Michigan, which in recent years has averaged 48% of the U.S. tart cherry crop, has produced less than any other CIAB district! Unbelievable!

DODINE PHYTOTOXIC TO BALATON
By Jim Nugent

Research at the NWMHRS has found that Balaton foliage is sensitive to dodine (Syllit) when applied during warm conditions. It causes a browning on the underside of the leaves, which may progress to leaf yellowing and drop. Older leaves are more likely to yellow and drop than young leaves. Defoliation was quite severe in a treatment applied at 83ºF in mid afternoon, full sun and 50 to 55% relative humidity. 

We do not know if there is a problem when dodine is sprayed on Balaton under cool, early season conditions. Based on grower experience, it is likely that night spraying in mid summer may reduce the severity of the leaf drop, but significant leaf drop can still occur. We suggest avoiding dodine on Balaton, at least during the warm part of the summer.

For pictures of the injury and extent of defoliation, visit our web site at: www.maes.msu.edu/nwmihort/balatonphyto1.jpg

EFFORTS TO GET FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR CHERRY INDUSTRY 
By Jim Nugent

U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin, U.S. Representatives Bart Stupak and Dave Camp, and a legislative aide for Peter Hoekstra, met in Traverse City in July with Wayne Wood, President, Michigan Farm Bureau, Dan Wyant, MDA, Phil Korson, CMI, several growers, processors and Extension. The group discussed the serious implications from the unprecedented crop disaster experienced by the cherry industry. Since that time, our Senators and Congressmen have been working hard to get some additional financial assistance to the Michigan, Utah and Wisconsin cherry industries. This effort is strongly supported by the Michigan Farm Bureau, Cherry Marketing Institute, and the Michigan Department of Agriculture. We appreciate these efforts!

2003 NAP SIGNUP DEADLINE
By Jim Nugent

Just a reminder that signup for 2003 NAP coverage for fruit must be done with your local FSA office by November 20, 2002. (Thanks to Debi Stephens, FSA, for providing this reminder).

Even if you do not sign up for NAP coverage, you still may want to have FSA establish an actual production history (APH) for your farm as this may affect the degree of eligibility for other future USDA programs, such as emergency loans. This may be particularly important this year to avoid this zero production year from greatly influencing your future eligible yield. (Thanks to Jim Monroe, FSA, for this advice).

MICHIGAN NRCS ANNOUNCES $6 MILLION IN EQIP FUNDING
By Jim Nugent and Glenn Kole, District Farm Mgt Agent

Now is the time for Michigan agricultural producers to sign up for funding natural resource improvements and environmental protection measures. Funding for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) has been significantly increased from the 1996 Farm Bill and now is authorized to a level of $6.1 billion nationally over 6 years. On July 24, 2002, an additional $225 million was made available nationally for EQIP for fiscal year 2002. This amount translates into an additional $6 million for Michigan. 

Time is short, however, as September 30, 2002 is the deadline to allocate these particular funds to landowner conservation contracts. Interested producers should contact their local NRCS office as soon as possible to allow time for the application process. The application process includes developing a conservation plan. 

While there should be more funds allocated next year, the $6 million for fiscal year 2002 is a major increase in past funding levels and offers an unprecedented opportunity for eligible landowners. 

EQIP will pay up to 75% of the costs of certain conservation and management practices. Examples of types of conservation practices and systems that may be eligible include: agrichemical containment facilities, heavy use area treatment, windbreaks, critical area plantings, IPM management, waterways, riparian buffer strips, water and sediment control basins, grade stabilization structures, nutrient management, cover crops and many other conservation practices.

Thanks to Dr. Sandra Batie, MSU Ag. Economics, Buzz Long and Tom Adams, NRCS, for assistance with this article.

EMERGENCY LOAN ASSISTANCE
By Jim Bardenhagen, Extension Director, Leelanau Co.

The USDA has declared Northwest Michigan's fruit producing counties as disaster counties. Producers in these counties are eligible for low interest loans through Farm Service Agency. If you are interested in low interest loans (3.75%) from Farm Service Agency, please note the article below from Jim Monroe for details. As soon as you have finished your crop harvests for the year, you can proceed with applying. 

In addition, 0% loans are available from the State of Michigan. The State of Michigan loans must be processed through a commercial lender. In this area, these loans are being handled by Greenstone Farm Credit Services. They can be reached at (231) 946-5710 or 800-968-1413.

What is an emergency loan?

USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA) provides emergency (EM) loans to help producers recover from production and physical losses due to drought, flooding, other natural disasters, or quarantine.

Emergency loan funds may be used to: 

• Restore or replace essential property;
• Pay all or part of production costs associated with the disaster year;
• Pay essential family living expenses;
• Reorganize the farming operation; and
• Refinance certain debts. (Real estate or consumer debts can not be refinanced with EM loan funds.)

Emergency loans may be made to farmers and ranchers who:

• Own or operate land located in a county declared by the President as a disaster area or designated by the Secretary of Agriculture as a disaster area or quarantine area

• Are established family farm operators and have sufficient farming or ranching experience;
• Are citizens or permanent residents of the United States;
• Have suffered at least a 30- percent loss in crop production or a physical loss to livestock, livestock products, real estate, or chattel property;
• Have an acceptable credit history;
• Are unable to receive credit from commercial sources;
• Can provide collateral to secure the loan; and 
• Have repayment ability.

FSA loan requirements are different from those of other lenders. Some of the more significant differences are the following:

• Borrowers must keep acceptable farm records;
• Borrowers must operate in accordance with a farm plan they develop and agree to with local FSA staff; and
• Borrowers may be required to participate in a financial management-training program and obtain crop insurance.

All emergency loans must be fully collateralized. The specific type of collateral may vary depending on the loan purpose, repayment ability and the individual circumstances of the applicant. If applicants cannot provide adequate collateral, their repayment ability may be considered as collateral to secure the loan. A first lien is required on property or products acquired, produced, or refinanced with loan funds.

Producers can borrow up to 100 percent of actual production or physical losses, to a maximum amount of $500,000.

Loans for crop, livestock, and non real estate losses are normally repaid within 1 to 7 years; depending on the loan purpose, repayment ability, and collateral available as loan security. In special circumstances, terms of up to 20 years may be authorized. Real estate security is required if the loan term is for more than 7 years. Loans for physical losses to real estate are normally repaid within 7 years. In certain circumstances, repayment may be made over a maximum of 40 years.

The current annual interest rate for emergency loans is 3.75 percent.

Applications for emergency loans must be received within 8 months of the county's disaster or quarantine designation date. The deadline for applying for an EM loan under Designation S1656 is March 17. 2003.

Borrowers are expected to return to conventional credit sources. Emergency loans are a temporary source of credit and borrowers are reviewed periodically to determine whether they can return to commercial credit.

Once again, the NWMHRS will be providing growers information on the optimum time to harvest their apples. Optimum maturity will be for long-term CA storage and will be based on starch/iodine and pressure tests. If interested in having your fruit tested, drop off 10 apples picked randomly from the outside portion of the trees. The fruit for testing should be average to large in size and free of blemishes.

Information will be compiled and put on the PestNet (code-a-phone) as well as faxed to apple growers. If you are interested in getting the information via the PestNet, call 947-3063 and go to the pome fruit message.

PREDICTED APPLE HARVEST DATES FOR NW MICHIGAN
(Based on weather data from the NWMHRS)

Variety         Full Bloom Date    2002      Average
McIntosh           May 29             Sept. 25    Sept. 18
Jonathon           May 30             Oct. 10       Oct. 4
Red Del.           May 30             Oct. 18       Oct. 10
 

GUIDELINES FOR ACCEPTABLE RANGES FOR STARCH INDEX AND FIRMNESS FOR LONG-TERM CA STORAGE OF MAJOR APPLE FRUIT VARIETIES IN MICHIGAN
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Variety         Starch-iodine Index                           Firmness (lb)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cortland                   4 - 6                                            16 -18 
Empire                     5 - 5.5                                         16 -17 18 -19 (for export)
Fuji                           3 - 7                                             18 -19
Gala                         3 - 6                                             18 -19
Golden Delicious    3 - 5                                             15 -17
Honey Crisp            3 - 6
Idared                      3 - 4                                              14.5 -16
Jonagold                 3 - 5.5                                           15 -16
Jonathan                 3 - 5.5                                           15.5 -16
Law Rome              3 - 5                                              18 - 19
McIntosh                 4 - 6                                               14.5 -15
Mutsu                      3 - 4.5                                            16 -17.5
Northern Spy          3 - 6                                               18 -19
Red Delicious          2.5                                               17 -18
Rome                     3 - 5.5                                             18 –19
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Brix Guide       Low         Fair        Good        Excellent
All Varieties    <11           11           12               13
Honeycrisp     <12            12           13            >14 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FRUIT INDUSTRY SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

The Michigan State Horticultural Society (MSHS) announces the availability of at least three scholarships for students who intend to pursue careers in the Midwest fruit industry. The awards are made available due to the generosity of sponsors, such as our 2001 donors: Valent USA, Fruit Grower News, Michigan Apple Promoters, Gerber Products Company, Syngenta Crop Protection, Wilbur-Ellis and the Michigan State Horticultural Society. 

The target amount per scholarship is $1,000. The award is not based on need or academic achievement; however, the selection committee may use these criteria to decide between two or more qualified applicants.

To receive more information or an application, contact: Michigan State Horticultural Society, P.O. Box 63, Morrice, MI 48857; phone: 517/625-6227; fax: 517/625-5588; or email HortSociety@aol.com. An application is also posted on the MSHS website at www.mihortsociety.org. Applications should be mailed or faxed by September 30^th.

2002 PESTICIDE CONTAINER RECYCLING PROGRAM
By Dan Busby, NW Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program

Collection Sites for 2002:
Hamilton Farm Bureau 
946-5836

Wilbur Ellis
938-2811

UAP Great Lakes
864-2636

Clean, properly rinsed containers are accepted during normal business hours at any of the collection sites listed. Pesticide containers will be collected at each site through September 1. Properly rinsed containers are either pressure rinsed or triple rinsed and free of all product, foil wraps, cellophane labels (glued paper labels are acceptable), dry and without tops. 

You may receive a high-pressure pesticide container rinser FREE for participating in a Farm*A*Syst – farmstead assessment. Large clear plastic pesticide container recycling bags are available at your local agribusiness listed above or by contacting Dan Busby with the Grand Traverse Conservation District at 941-4191 or email dbusby@gtcd.org .

ORCHARD*A*SYST – PESTICIDE AND NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT FOR ORCHARDS
By Dan Busby

The MGSP has developed a new assessment tool that deals specifically with the Pesticide and Fertilizer used on your farm. From storage of your chemicals to IPM and Drift Management, Orchard*A*Syst will help you to evaluate pesticide and fertilizer use on your farm. The Seasonal Integrated Pest Management Checklist for Orchards was developed to help growers make wise decisions with their use of pesticides and fertilizers in the orchard. It is a seasonal checklist that looks at practices you might implement to improve performance in your orchard and save you money.

The MGSP offers 2 RUP recertification credits for completion of an Orchard*A*Syst with your Groundwater Technician. Call Dan Busby today at 941-4191 to set up an appointment for an Orchard*A*Syst. 

COST SHARE FUNDS STILL AVAILABLE FOR 2002
By Dan Busby

The NW Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program still has cost share funds available for 2002 on some cost share practices offered. Well Closures are a high priority and we have funds available to assist farmers in closing abandoned wells on the farm. The NW MGSP will cover 90% of the cost to close an abandoned well. Funds are also available for Pesticide Storage and Impervious Surface for that storage. The program will cover 50% up to $500 towards a pesticide storage building and 50% up to $500 for an impervious surface for that storage. Contact Dan Busby at 941-4191 for more details.

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

Last Revised: 8-15-02