4. MSU Vegetable Crop Advisory Team Alert

http://www.ipm.msu.edu/cat07veg/v05-09-07.htm#2
Vol. 22, No. 3, May 9, 2007
  In this issue

Aster leafhopper and aster yellows testing 2007
Managing cereal rye cover crop to improve benefits in vegetable production
Glyphosate-resistant horseweed confirmed in Michigan
Management of glyphosate-resistant horseweed (marestail)
Regional reports
Weather news

5. MSU New AG Network Vol. 4, No. 2 - May 9, 2007

http://www.new-ag.msu.edu/

The New Agriculture Network's on-line newsletter with seasonal advice for field crop and vegetable growers interested in organic agriculture.

New Ag Network is not offering a bi-weekly on-line newsletter. This edition includes information on:

A manual dibbler for planting time Integrated Weed Management Education Update from MSU Response to weed questions Reports from organic growers   6. MSU Field Crop CAT ALERT May 10. 2007 Vol 22. NO 5   http://www.ipm.msu.edu/cat07field/fc05-10-07.htm This week’s issue discusses some key items of interest to all farmers-organic too. May 10, 2007   Scouting and Thresholds for Aphids in Wheat http://www.ipm.msu.edu/cat07field/fc05-10-07.htm#1   Fear that although Soybean aphid numbers are lown now by July we could have an outbreak. http://www.ipm.msu.edu/cat07field/fc05-10-07.htm#3   Powdery Mildew is beginning to appear on wheat in Michigan http://www.ipm.msu.edu/cat07field/fc05-10-07.htm#8

From MIMFA listserv
May 2, 2007

Dru Montri-Michigan Food and Farming Systems

Thank you to all of those that joined the Michigan Farmers Market Association as charter members at the Membership Kick-off and Market-style Resource Fair on April 20^th!  For those of you that were unable to attend but are still interested in learning more about membership and member benefits, please see www.farmersmarkets.msu.edu.

7. The Michigan Farmers Market Association Kicks Off by Welcoming Charter Memberships

On Friday, April 20, 2007, the Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA) celebrated its Membership Kick-Off and hosted a Market-Style Resource Fair in East Lansing, Mich. with more than 100 farmers market managers, farmers, vendors and friends.

This membership kick-off has been months in the making, from the organizations inception in the summer of 2006 to this months event.  MIFMA was developed nearly a year ago and has grown in leaps and bounds through hard work, great ideas and partnerships throughout the state.  Project for Public Spaces, an organization supporting farmers markets, parks and other gathering places granted Michigan Food & Farming Systems (MIFFS), in partnership with Michigan State University (MSU), money to develop MIFMA, a state-wide association to promote local food consumption in Michigan by connecting more farmers to consumers through farmers markets.

Keynote speakers Jim Farr, President of the Farmers Market Federation of New York, and Diane Eggert, Executive Director of the Federation, began the day by addressing why a statewide association for farmers markets makes sense and how it can provide great benefits, services and resources to its members.  Based on their experience working with the Federation, Jim and Diane offered words of wisdom and examples from the state of New York.  The work they have done and accomplishments they have made set the tone for what MIFMA can and will do for members.

Dan Keane, who is a member of the MIFMA project leadership team spoke to why a statewide association for farmers markets makes sense in Michigan. 

The development of MIFMA is a timely endeavor, said Keane.  I am happy to be a part of this association as both a beekeeper selling my honey at the Hemlock Farmers Market and as a representative of the Downtown Saginaw Farmers Market. 

Elaine Brown, Executive Director of MIFFS, and Dru Montri, MIFMA Project Manager, presented the organizational structure, governance, membership and member benefits of the newly developed Michigan Farmers Market Association.  Information regarding membership and member benefits is available at www.farmersmarkets.msu.edu.

Attendees spent the afternoon visiting with exhibitors and gathering resources to help kick-off their own market season, picking up useful information and networking with people from other markets.  MIFMA will continue to serve farmers markets in the state by making useful information available and providing networking opportunities to farmers markets stakeholders.

When asked what participants felt the most valuable part of the day was, many responded that it was either picking up useful information or networking with people from other markets.  MIFMA will continue to serve farmers markets in the state by making useful information available and providing networking opportunities to farmers markets stakeholders.

I was delighted to see how many respondents put their priority on markets working together toward common goals as the most important part of MIFMA.  I think this should help us focus strongly on work that really does bring together markets, help them clarify and set common goals, and also focus on enhanced communication, said Susan Smalley, who serves on the MIFMA project leadership team and has done a multitude of work with Michigan farmers markets through the C.S. Mott Group for Sustainable Agriculture at MSU. 

On the day of the event, MIFMA welcomed 23 new charter members including six farmers markets, six farmers and 11 individual members.  The list of current charter members is below.

Some of the benefits of being a member include: reduced rates at MIFMA sponsored workshops and events; a 10% discount on purchases made at Eat Local Food, a merchandising and art design company focused on farmers markets; reduced rates on Rapid Market Assessments and market evaluation services; and a great network of resources and collaboration with MIFMA members.  Members will also be highlighted on the online farmers market directory on the MIFMA web site at www.farmersmarkets.msu.edu.

Many more benefits for MIFMA members are in the works.  The leadership team is currently pursuing discounts and reduced insurance for farmers and markets along with developing seminars, electronic benefit transfer training for low-income areas and policy support for members. 

Exhibitors present included MIFFS, the C.S. Mott Group for Sustainable Food Systems at MSU, Food Bank Council of Michigan, Eat Local Food, Michigan Organic Food and Farm Alliance, Michigan Department of Community Health, WIC and Senior Project FRESH, Michigan Department of Human Services, United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service, ACS Governmental Solutions, Michigan Department of Agriculture, Select Michigan, and the Michigan Food Policy Council. 

For more information about the event, the resources provided, or becoming a charter member of MIFMA please visit www.farmersmarkets.msu.edu or contact Dru Montri at (517) 432-3381 or [log in to unmask] 

Farmers and Vendors:
Yolanda Blissett, Homestead Acres
Lylene Hillman and Frank Blissett, Bliss Hill Farm
Richard (Cousin Don) Hobson, Hickory Hill Farm and Aunt Annies Waffles
Dan Keane, Wee Bee Farms
Allen Little, A & M Affordable Elegance
Leanne Roman, Lavender & Peonies, LLC

Friends of MIFMA
Dietrich Bronner, Frankenmuth Farmers Market
Elaine Brown, Michigan Food and Farming Systems
Ron Campbell, Architect
Heidi Enge, Frankenmuth Farmers Market
Elaine Ferris, Mason Farmers Market Association
Laurajeanne Kehn, Frankenmuth Farmers Market
James Dale McCreight, Michigan Department of Human Services
Dru Montri, Michigan Farmers Market Association
Kate Nault, Allen Street Farmers Market
Jan Peterson, Lawrence Farmers Market