September 2003 Regional Fruit Grower Newsletter

Calendar of Events

2003

9/24                      Crop Insurance Meeting
                              NW Mich Hort Res Station

9/25                     Trevor Nichols Field Day

11/7, 11/21,         Positioning Fruit Business
12/5, 12/19          for the Future
                              NWMHRS

12/9-11               Great Lakes Ag Expo
                              DeVos Place Convention Center
                              near Amway Plaza
                              Grand Rapids
2004

1/20-21               NW Michigan Orchard &
                            Vineyard Show
                            Grand Traverse Resort

3/1-4                  IDFTA Tour/Conference
                            Bolzano, South Tyrol, Italy

CROP INSURANCE/FEDERAL PROGRAM UPDATES
By Jim Bardenhagen, Leelanau Co. MSUE

There have been some changes to the crop insurance programs for fruit crops we currently have and some work toward new ones. Many growers need to sign up for the non-insured Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) as a result of applying to the 2001/2002 Disaster Assistance Program. Some of the new Farm Bill Programs for fruit are getting close to being launched and funded. All these are tools that can help you manage risk on your farming operation.

On September 24, there will be a Crop Insurance/Federal Program Update in two locations and times. Please take the opportunity to attend and find out the latest information in these areas so you know about and meet the November 20 sign-up dates for many of these programs.

Meeting details:

Date: Wednesday, September 24, 2003
Time/Locations: 1:00 – 3:00pm Acme Township Hall (US-31 & M-72)
                             7:00 – 9:00pm NW MI Research Station
Cost: Free – includes refreshments

Agenda

  • Sweet cherry, Apple, and AGR Insurance
    • Shelly Inman - Greenstone FCS Crop Insurance
    • Chris Shellenbarger – Spartan Insurance Co.
  • Future Tart Cherry Crop Insurance Update
    • Perry Hedin – Cherry Industry Administrative Board (CIAB)
  • NAP, Crop Disaster Assistance & Tree Assistance Program
    • Greg Shy – Farm Service Agency (FSA)
  • Farm Bill Programs for Fruit Update
    • Buzz Long – Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)
    • Tom Adams – Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)
  • Upcoming Workshop & Course Opportunities for Fruit Growers
      • Jim Bardenhagen – MSU Extension - Leelanau


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

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 agriculture 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, Extension farm management and horticulture agents will be the resources for the program. The program is sponsored by the MSU Extension fruit and farm management teams.

Mark Nov. 7, 21; Dec. 5, 19 on your calendars. The program will be all day and will be held at the NW Michigan Horticultural Research Station. Additional program details will be sent in the next newsletter.

PESTICIDE CERTIFICATION FEES INCREASE

As of October 1, 2003, pesticide certification fees will increase for private applicators from $10 to $50 and for commercial applicators from $50 to $75. The certification remains effective for three years. This is the first fee increase since 1976 when the law requiring certification was passed in Michigan.

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

The Michigan State Horticultural Society and the Michigan Vegetable Council, Inc. announce the availability of scholarships for students who intend to pursue careers in the Midwest fruit or vegetable industry. The target amount per scholarship is $1,000 but can be more or less at the discretion of the selection committee.

Deadline for both types of scholarships (fruit or vegetable) is October 1, 2003. More information is available on the MSHS web page: http://www.mihortsociety.org/ or an application is available at the NW Michigan Horticultural Research Station.

POCKET SCOUTING GUIDE FOR GRAPES

MSU has recently published "A Pocket Guide for Grape IPM Scouting in the North Central and Eastern U.S." This 112-page guide is available for $13 from area Extension office or the MSU Bulletin office at 517/355-0240. Three similar guides have been developed in recent years for apples, stone fruits and woody ornamentals.
 

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

Last Revised: 9-19-03