2003

1/9 Michigan Ag Environmental Assurance Program 
Gaylord Otsego Club, 9:45 a.m.-3 p.m.

1/13 Regional Land Use Forum
NW Michigan Hort Res Station, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

1/15-3/19, Tilling the Soil of Opportunity
Wednesdays, Boyne City

1/16 Michigan Ag Environmental Assurance Program
Big Rapids Holiday Inn, 9:45 a.m.-3 p.m.

1/21-22 NW Michigan Orchard and Vineyard Show
(includes CMI meeting)
Grand Traverse Resort, Acme

1/23 CIAB Annual Meeting
Grand Traverse Resort

1/25 Small Farm Conference
Evangelical Free Church, Gaylord

2/5-6 SW Michigan Hort Days
Benton Harbor

2/7-9 MSU Tree Fruit  School
Clarksville Hort. Res. Sta.

2/15-20 International Dwarf Fruit Tree Assoc. 
Syracuse, NY

2/20-22 Viticulture 2003
Buffalo Convention Center, Buffalo, NY
www.viticulture2003.org

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

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

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

NW MICHIGAN ORCHARD SHOW PROGRAM AND HIGHLIGHTS
By Jim Nugent and Duke Elsner

The 2003 Northwest Michigan Orchard and Vineyard Show will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday,
January 21 & 22, at the Grand Traverse Resort in Acme, Michigan. Agenda attached. The title for 
this year’s show is "Bouncing Back". The show opens both days at 8:00 a.m., with the educational 
sessions beginning at 9:00 a.m. Registration is $15 per person (over 12). The Cherry Industry 
Luncheon will be held on Tuesday the 21^st; the Cherry Marketing Institute annual meeting and 
luncheon will be on Wednesday the 22^nd. The exhibitor hall will be open both days. 

The morning program features presentations on sweet and tart cherry topics, with a focus on pest 
management and nutrition. Tuesday afternoon’s program includes diverse topics in the general session, 
plus a concurrent session with topics of particular interest to the grape and wine industry in northwest 
Michigan. The afternoon will conclude with the Orchard Show's social hour with local wines and cheese.

On Tuesday evening, immediately following the social hour, there will be a program on value-added 
projects. 

Wednesday opens with the annual meeting of the Cherry Marketing Institute, followed by their luncheon,
which is free to growers. Wednesday afternoon’s program focuses on factors that affect grower prices 
for tart cherries, including discussion and analysis of the Federal Marketing Order.

NW MI HORT RESEARCH FOUNDATION ANNUAL MEETING

The NWMHR Foundation will hold its annual meeting on Wednesday, January 22, from 2:10-2:25 p.m. 
during the Orchard Show.

CHERRY INDUSTRY ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD INDUSTRY MEETING
Thursday, Jan. 23, 2003, 8:00 a.m.
Grand Traverse Resort
Growers and processors are welcome to attend.

2003 MSU TREE FRUIT IPM SCHOOL
By Gary Thornton, District Fruit IPM Agent

There will not be a IPM School in 2003. The school will return in 2004 with a stellar program once 
again. If you have suggestions for the school or speakers you would like to recommend for the program, 
please contact me. See the article later in this newsletter regarding MSU Fruit School, which will be 
held this February.

MDA RECERTIFICATION BY CREDIT
By Gary Thornton

Recertification announcements were mailed out this fall (October, typically). You will need to be certified 
in order to purchase restricted use pesticides in the upcoming growing season. For those of you 
interested in recertifying by credit, on the renewal application which MDA mailed to you, there is a 
number below the areas in which you are certified that indicates the number of credits you have earned 
in the last 3 years. You will need 12 credits to be able to successfully recertify by credit. 

If you don’t have the number of credits that you thought you should have, then you will need records of 
meeting attendance to back up your claim. This is why it is so important to maintain good records of 
the credits you earn. 

Keep in mind that if you are not yet recertified and want to earn additional credits this winter at the various meetings, then you should get recertified as soon as possible. Any meetings that you attend prior to your recertification will not count towards your next renewal credit total. 

The cost to recertify is still $10 for private applicators. The cost for commercial applicators has been 
increased to $75 and registered technicians have increased to $45.

If you need to schedule a test to recertify, you can do so by calling the Michigan Department of 
Agriculture in Traverse City at 922-5210.

DISASTER ASSISTANCE UPDATE
By Jim Nugent

An agricultural disaster relief bill did not get passed into law in 2002, so it must be restarted from scratch 
in 2003. 

With strong leadership from Senators Stabenow and Levin, the Senate passed an agricultural disaster 
relief bill in 2002 by a vote of 79-16. A companion bill was introduced in the House of Representatives 
in September, but with a threatened presidential veto, it was never brought to a vote. Michigan 
congressmen co-sponsoring the House bill were: Representatives Barcia, Conyers, Dingell, Kildee, 
Kilpatrick and Rivers. 

2003 MSU FRUIT SCHOOL

Friday, Feb. 7, through Sunday, Feb. 9

The topic for the 2003 MSU Fruit School is "Modern Fruit Production with Emphasis on Sustainability 
(apple, cherry and peach)." It will be presented over a weekend to accommodate the busy and diverse 
schedules of participants. Experts from the MSU research, teaching and extension staff will present 
information on establishment, management, varieties and rootstocks for modern production of apples, 
tart and sweet cherries and peaches. A special section on sustainability will be included.

The Fruit School will be held at the Clarksville Horticultural Research Station to facilitate pruning 
demonstrations. The registration fee for Michigan residents is $200, which includes most meals, but 
not lodging.

Program flyers, including registration forms, are available from area extension offices and the NWMHRS. 
For more information contact Sandy Allen, MSU Outreach Program Coordinator, 517/355-8362 or email: allens@msu.edu.

NORTHERN MICHIGAN SMALL FARM CONFERENCE
By Jim Bardenhagen, Leelanau Co. MSUE

Small farm operators interested in exploring alternative markets, products and enterprises can learn 
more about the possibilities that are open to them at the upcoming fourth annual Northern Michigan 
Small Farm Conference.

When: January 25, 2003

Time: 8:30 am - 5:30 pm

Where: Evangelical Free Church in Gaylord, MI
(East on M32, 1.9 miles after last light in town)

Cost: $25 for first person and $15 for additional person from the farm or household. Cost includes 
lunch.

Registration Deadline: January 15, 2003

The conference will feature keynote addresses from Robert Farr and Billie Lee. Farr will talk about 
starting a value-added farm business. Lee will discuss initiating change in a local food system by 
establishing a food business incubator. 

The conference will include breakout sessions focusing on soils for organic production, private wood lot management, farm business planning, organic small fruit production, and producing and marketing eggs. 
During lunch, participants may sit at one of several topic tables to discuss poultry and egg production, 
processing, forestry, marketing, grass-fed beef and organic production. 

Past attendees of the Small Farm Conference give the conference high marks and greatly value the 
information received. It has been expanding each year as the Small Farm Conference strives to meet 
the education needs of small farms.

A trade show for viewing equipment, products and information and viewing sustainable agriculture 
videos from Michigan Agricultural Stewardship Association (MASA) are included.

Please use the registration form below to register. For more information, contact the Antrim County 
MSU Extension at 231-533-8818 or Leelanau County MSU Extension at 231-256-9888, or visit www.msue.msu.edu/msue/iac/farmconf/ for complete program details.

NORTHERN MICHIGAN SMALL FARM CONFERENCE - REGISTRATION FORM

Address: ____________________________     ___________________________

 ___________________________________      ___________________________

City: _______________State: ____ Zip: _____

Phone: _____________ Fax:_______________ First person - 1 - x $25.00 = $25.00

Please make check payable and mail to: 
Antrim County MSU Extension or fax to: 231-533-8392 
P.O. Box 427, Bellaire, MI 49615 Phone: 231-533-8818

Email: antrim@msue.msu.edu
The registration deadline is January 15th , 2003—Registration includes lunch and breaks.

If this conference is cancelled by the sponsors due to bad weather, the conference fees you paid will 
be returned at your request. Late registration or walk-in registration will be charged additional $5 per 
person.

REGIONAL LAND USE FORUMS
By Jim Bardenhagen

A Regional Land Use Forum "Setting the Course for Land Use Policy in Michigan" will be held for 
the Northwest Michigan area on January 13, 2003 at the NW MI Horticultural Research Station from 
6:30-9:30 pm.

The agenda for the forum is:

• Local Updates on Land Use/Farmland Preservation Initiatives by various local land use leaders
• State Perspective and Overview on Farmland Preservation Strategies and Land Use Policy by 

David Skjaerland & Stacy Sheridan of Rural Partners of Michigan
• Legislative Assessment and State Policy Opportunities by Scott Everett of American Farmland 

Trust & State Legislators
• Michigan Land Use Partners - Their Initiatives, Technical Assistance and Leadership Networking 

by various members of the Michigan Land Use Partners

The meeting is free and no registration is required. Please call Jim Bardenhagen at 
231-256-9888 if you have questions. Hope you can join us!

TILLING THE SOIL OF OPPORTUNITY
By Jim Bardenhagen

A "Tilling the Soil of Opportunity" class, an innovative educational program, will help enhance the future 
of Northern Michigan’s family farms. The Northern Lakes Economic Alliance, in conjunction with Michigan 
State University Extension and the Michigan Small Business Development Center, is offering this 
10-week business planning class for northern Michigan food entrepreneurs, agri-businesses and 
farmers thinking about analyzing their current business, or starting a business or those wanting to expand 
their business prospects into more profitable ventures.

The NxLevel class, "Tilling the Soil of Opportunity", will offer students a chance to create a business 
plan, explore marketing strategies, to look at a new venture's feasibility, and to learn how to use financial statements as a management tool.

This class is intended to help with the initial "go/no go" decisions every successful agricultural 
entrepreneur must make. Participants from established operations will learn to better evaluate their 
current strengths and weaknesses and how to improve. This class is a perfect opportunity for the 
younger generation to learn about their farm’s future potential in the world of "value-added agriculture."

When: Every Wednesday from January 15 - March 19, 2003

Time: 6-9 pm

Location: Northern Lakes Economic Alliance office in Boyne City

Cost: $250 before refunds

If you are interested in attending or want more information, please call any of the contacts listed below. 
A grant from the Small Development Business Center and local sources will allow a refund of most of 
the $250 registration fee upon successful completion of the course (for this year only). 

Producers will receive an extensive course book and have local experts teaching various parts of the 
class. Wendy Wieland, Jack Middleton, and Jim Bardenhagen, certified NX Level instructors for 
Michigan State University Extension, and Gary Walker of the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance’s 
Small Business Development Center, will facilitate the class. 

Contact:

Wendy Wieland 
231-582-6482 
wieland5@msu.edu

Jack Middleton
989-731-0272
middleto@msue.msu.edu

Jim Bardenhagen
231-256-9888
bardenha@msue.msu.edu

HEARTLAND WINE SCHOOL: FROM BULK TO BOTTLE

On February 24 - 26, 2003, the Heartland Wine School will take place at Oliver Winery in Bloomington, 
Indiana. The school is designed for commercial winemakers and advanced amateur winemakers who 
wish to learn or expand their knowledge relating to wine products and winery operations. 

The overall purpose is to teach basic, practical wine science and production techniques. Program 
topics will cover all aspects of winery operations from the end of primary fermentation through the 
bottling line, including demonstrations of state of the art winery equipment and sensory evaluation 
training.

Enrollment will be limited to 100 students to allow ample working space and a hands-on format 
including four laboratory sessions. For additional information, please visit www.indianawines.org.

Contact:

Ellen Harkness, Purdue University; Ph: (765) 494-6704, FAX: (765) 494-7953, harkness@purdue.edu
or Jill Blume, Purdue University, Ph: (765) 494-494-1749, FAX: (765) 494-7953, blume@purdue.edu.

The New Farm*A*Syst and Orchard*A*Syst 
By Dan Busby

The Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program (MGSP) has a new partnership with the Michigan 
Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP). The new Farm*A*Syst is the assessment 
tool used to verify environmental assurance on your agricultural operation. It is your complete guide to environmental regulations dealing with pesticides, fertilizers, and livestock in agricultural operations. 
The new Farm*A*Syst is a compilation of the Right-to-Farm, Generally Accepted Agricultural 
Management Practices (GAAMP’s) for Pesticides, Nutrients and Manure, updated Federal and 
State legal requirements, and MAEAP verification levels.

The MGSP offers 4 RUP recertification credits for completing a new Farm*A*Syst. The assessments 
offered through the MGSP are free and confidential. 

The MGSP offers 2 RUP recertification credits for completion of an Orchard*A*Syst with your 
Groundwater Technician. From storage of your chemicals to IPM and Drift Management, 
Orchard*A*Syst will help you to evaluate current management practices. Call Dan Busby today 
at 941-4191 for more information or to set up an appointment for either of these practices. They 
are both available and encouraged for fruit growers.

Cost Share and Technical Assistance Available through the MGSP

The Northwest Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program has funds available for groundwater 
stewardship practices, which reduce risk of ground or surface water contamination on your farm. 
FREE Technical Assistance is available for MGSP evaluations (Farm*A*Syst, Field*A*Syst, or 
Orchard*A*Syst), the preparation of an Emergency Plan for the farm, the closing of an Abandoned 
Well, Pesticide Container Recycling, Clean Sweep (the proper disposal of unwanted pesticides), 
and other types of agricultural assistance. Cost Share on Groundwater Stewardship Practices 
available for 2003:

Abandoned Well Closure - 90% up to $500
Pesticide Storage Shed  - 50% up to $500
Pesticide Storage Shed Containment Liner - 50% up to $200
Offset Hydrant (moving fill site from well) - 75% up to $750
Spill Kits (for pesticide storage/mix/fill sites) - 75% up to $35
Pre-Sidedress Nitrate Testing (Row Crop) - 100% up to $8/sample
Clean Sweep (disposal of unwanted pesticides) - Free Assistance
Emergency Planning for the Farm  - Free Assistance

For more information, call Dan Busby at 941-4191.
 

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

Last Revised: 12-30-02