November 2000 Regional Fruit Newsletter

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

2000
11/9       Microtel/Telfarm Workout Session
                Grand Traverse MSUE, 9 am-4 pm

11/10      Farm Income Tax Session
                NWMHRS, 1:00 pm

12/5-7     Michigan State Hort Show
                Amway Grand Ctr., Grand Rapids

12/12      Pesticide Certification Review and Test
                Twin Lakes Camp

12/14      Pesticide Certification Review and Test
                Banks Township Hall in Ellsworth

2001
1/22         National Cherry Growers & Industries
                Foundation Annual Meeting
                Grand Traverse Resort

1/23-24   NW Michigan Orchard Show
                Grand Traverse Resort

2/1-2       Organic Fruit School
                Clarksville Hort Expt Station 

2/5-7       MSU Tree Fruit IPM School
                Kellogg Biological Station 

2/18-21    IDFTA 
                Grand Rapids 

3/13-14   Benzie/Manistee Hort Show
                Crystal Mountain Resort 
 

RECORD KEEPING WORKOUT FOR TELFARM/MICROTEL
Jim Bardenhagen, 
Leelanau County Extension Director

A record keeping workout session for the Telfarm/Microtel Accounting & Payroll clients has been scheduled for November 9th from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm at the Grand Traverse Extension Office (520 W. Front St.). The session will focus on preparation of records for year-end tax preparation and business analysis.

If you are currently not a Microtel/Telfarm Accounting & Payroll program client but want to learn about this farm record keeping software, please join us.

There is no charge for this session and you can register by calling the Grand Traverse MSU Extension office at 922-4822 or the Leelanau MSU Extension office at 256-9888.

FARM INCOME TAX SESSION
Jim Bardenhagen, 
Leelanau County Extension Director

The Annual Farm Income Tax Update will be held on November 10th, at 1:00 p.m. at the NW MI Hort Research Station.

Glenn Kole will be on hand to update everyone on the income tax changes for 2000, including handouts, and to discuss tax strategies for 2000.

If your farm uses a CPA or other tax preparer, please invite them to join us so they are aware of all the items that can affect agricultural tax returns.

PESTICIDE CERTIFICATION REVIEW & TEST
Gary Thornton, District Fruit IPM Agent

This review and test is offered for those who were unable to certify/recertify by credit. The review will take place in the morning and the testing, which will be monitored by MDA, will be done after lunch.

Twin Lakes Camp - Dec. 12th
9:00-12:00 Review 
Lunch $7.00
1:00 p.m. Test

Banks Township Hall in Ellsworth - Dec. 14th
9:00-12:00 Review 
Lunch on your own
1:00 p.m. Test

Be sure to pre-register so MDA knows how many are taking the test. Banks Township Hall in Ellsworth, call the Antrim Co. MSUE, at (231)533-8818. Twin Lakes Camp, call Jackie, NWMHRS, at (231)946-1510.

For those taking the test, bring a check made payable to "State of Michigan" for $10 for private applicators and $50 for commercial applicators. In preparation for the exam, you can purchase the Core Training Manual, Extension Bulletin E-2195, for $5.00 at your county Extension office.

EMERGENCY MARKET LOSS & WEATHER RELATED LOSS ASSISTANCE
Jim Bardenhagen, 
Leelanau County Extension Director

The Senate & House have passed legislations, yet to be signed by the President, that provides $100 million to apple growers for market losses in 1998/1999 and $38 million to growers/ producers who had fireblight or weather related production losses for 1999 and/or 2000.

Growers/Producers should contact your local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office soon to apply for these economic assistance funds. 

2000 MICHIGAN FRUIT TREE SURVEY

The 2000 Michigan Fruit Tree Survey is currently underway. Please take the time and effort to fill out and return the survey as it provides valuable information to the fruit industry to assist with marketing, production forecasting and promotion.

HORT SHOW PROGRAM AND HIGHLIGHTS

We invite you to attend the 130th Annual Meeting and 22nd Annual Farm Marketing Program of the Michigan State Horticultural Society. The Educational Program and Trade Show will take place on December 5, 6, and 7, 2000 at the Amway Grand Center in Grand Rapids, MI. Register early and save time and money. The pre-registration deadline is November 10th. 
 

  • The Apple Variety Showcase! Tuesday 4:45 - 6:45 pm in the West Hall
  • Over 130 exhibitors have already secured exhibit hall space! Plus, extended hours on Tuesday - until 7 pm! (Tuesday only)
    •  
  • M.J. Bukovac Lecturer: Dr. A.D. Webster from the HRI, United Kingdom
    •  
  • Jerome Hull, Jr. Distinguished Lecturer: Dr. Don Elving of WSU, Wenatchee
    •  
  • Blueberry Program, Tuesday morning, with Dr. Jim Hancock, Dr. Eric Hanson, Ron and Tom Bodtke
    •  
  • Grape Program, Tuesday afternoon, featuring Dr. Mike Ellis, OSU, Dr. Charles Edson and Dr. Gary Van Ee.
    •  
  • Farm Marketing all day Tuesday!
    •  
  • Cherry Session, Wednesday morning, with Dr. Anthony Webster, Dr. Greg Lang & Joe Lothamer
    •  
  • Peach/Plum Program, Wednesday afternoon, with Jim Bittner, Singer Farms, NY and Dr. Rich Marini, VA
    •  
  • Plant Growth Regulators and Fireblight Tuesday afternoon
    •  
  • New Insecticide Chemistries & Alternative Approaches to Pest Management Thursday morning.
    •  
  • The 4th Annual Michigan Cider Contest (see program for the rules.)

    •  
You may also view the program and registration information on the web at www.mihortsociety.org or if you would like a complete brochure, call your local MSU Extension. Please send any comments or suggestions regarding this site to: 
Bill Klein, kleinw@pilot.msu.edu

Last Revised: 11-02-00