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Dear, Mich-Organic Listserv readers: The information offered in the Michigan Organic Listserv is for your information and not necessarily endorsed by Michigan State University. Happy Spring!!

Michigan Organic
Listserv
April, 13, 2011


Upcoming Events of Interest

Crops and Soil Sciences/Horticulture Seminar

When: April 14, 2011, refreshments at 4:00pm, seminar at 4:10pm.

Where: A149 Plant & Soil Science Bldg, East Lansing, MI

Why: Dr. Rufus Isaacs, will present “Understanding and enhancing native bees for integrated pollination of fruit crops”.

How: Event is Free of Charge. No registration necessary.



10th Annual Earth Day at Westwind Milling

When: April 16, 2011, from 1:00-4:00pm

Where: Westwind Milling (8572 Silver  Lake Rd., Linden, MI)

Why: Come celebrate Earth Day at Westwind Milling.

Activities Include:
How: No registration necessary. For more info, call 810 735-9192 or [log in to unmask].

 


Veggie Gardening 101 Presented by Growing Hope

When: April 18, 2011, from 6:00pm-7:30pm

Where: Spark East, (215 W. Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti, MI)

Why: Come learn vegetable gardening basics from an experienced master gardener!  Melissa Kesterson is an experienced organic gardener, past-director of local non-profit Project Grow, and a lead master gardener helping support congregations growing for donation in Food Gatherer's Faith and Food program this year!

You can expect to learn about:

How: Drop-ins are welcome or pre-register by calling (734)786-8401 or emailing [log in to unmask]. Cost: $5 (or $3 for Growing  Gardens members).

Source: http://www.growinghope.net/.



Michigan Food Processors Summit


When: April 27, 2011, from 8:30am-6:00pm

Where: Eagle Eye Golf Club (15500 Chandler Rd, Bath, MI)

Why: Come join Michigan food processors and regulatory and economic leaders to address challenges and discuss opportunities to support the continued growth of the industry in Michigan. The sessions will include industry-specific breakout sessions for processors in the following categories:
How:  Register on-line http://www.regonline.com/Register/Checkin.aspx?EventID=946974. Cost: $40 (Includes lunch and conference material).




Economic Growth through Local Agriculture, Discussion Forums

Identical discussion forums are available at two different locations.

When/Where:

          1401 W Herbison Rd, DeWitt Township Hall, DeWitt, MI
        Eaton County 551 Bldg, 551 Courthouse Dr, Charlotte, MI

Why:  Attention! Agri-business owners, farmers and growers, farmer’s market vendors, community and economic developers, food co-ops, food service professionals, join Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties as well as the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission and Michigan State University to share your ideas and help shape an agriculture economic development plan for our region.

The discussion forums are an opportunity to share your prospective on the current trends, successes, and shortcomings of agriculture in our region.

How: Register online for the April 26th discussion at http://april26discussionforum.eventbrite.com. Register online for the April 28th discussion at http://april28discussionforum.eventbrite.com.

Questions? Contact: Chris Hnatiw (517) 393-0344 ext. 19, [log in to unmask]. Registration is closed but a limited # of walk ins will be accepted.


 

Cooking Classes at Westwind Milling

Bread Baking

When: May 7, 2011, from 1:00pm-4:00pm

Where: Westwind Milling (8572 Silver Lake Rd., Linden, MI)

Featuring water bagels and rye bread.

Cost: $20

Cheese Making

When: May 21, 2011, from 1:00pm-4:00pm

Where: Westwind Milling (8572 Silver Lake Rd., Linden, MI)

Featuring Mozzarrella.

Cost: $30.

How: Spaces are limited, and fill up quickly. To register contact Linda and Lee, [log in to unmask] or 810 735-9192.

 


Heart of Michigan Farmers Market Vendors Wanted

When: Saturday, May 14, 2011, from 8:00am-12:00pm, RAIN OR SHINE.

Where: East side of the Capitol, along Capitol Avenue and Allegan Street, Lansing, MI.

Why: This is a great opportunity to market your local products. The Heart of Michigan Farmers Market, will be held in conjunction with the Heart of Michigan Run/Walk. Both events finish at the Capitol with a Heart of Michigan Farmers Market. This market is coordinated by the Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA) in partnership with the Champions for Charity.

How: The vendor application is now available online at our website http://www.mifma.org/heart-of-michigan-farmers-market-application/ for the May 14th Heart of Michigan Farmers Market.   Please read the vendor application form and the event details and information policy before submitting your application. The deadline for accepting applications is Friday, April 29th. Be sure to send in all materials before that date. We will have room for roughly 50 farmers and vendors from across the state selling their Michigan-grown and processed goods.

This market is coordinated by the Michigan Farmers Market Association and the Champions for Charity. There will be a vendor fee for those wishing to sell their goods at the market. MIFFS and MIFMA members receive a $20 discount on those vendor fees, making the entry fee $40 and $60 for non-members. Vendors requiring electricity will be responsible for an additional $15 fee. 

For more information, contact Maggie Smith, market coordinator, at 517-432-3381 or [log in to unmask] or visit www.mifma.org.


 

Vendors Wanted! Springfield Farmers’ Market

When: Sundays from 10:00am-3:00pm. June 19th-October 16th.

Where: Springfield Farmers' Market (12000 Davisburg Rd., Davisburg, MI), conveniently located in the Shiawassee Basin Preserve, next to the Township Library, softball fields and just down the road from local churches.

Why: The Springfield Farmers' Market is currently seeking vendors of all types: produce, honey, flowers, cheeses, meats, food products, baked goods/breads, artisan items, soaps handmade crafts, etc.  The Market slogan is "Naturally Local", so all items must be made/grown in Michigan, and all items must be naturally grown (if applicable).

How: Cost is $15 per day, or $180 for the season. Market Rules and Application can be found at www.michiganorganic.msu.edu under the Event tab. Application deadline is May 1st.

Any questions can be directed to Laura Haselhuhn, the Market Manager at 248-249-1592, or [log in to unmask].

 

Funding Opportunities

USDA Offers Second Round of Conservation Funding for Organic Producers

Support from the US 2010 Farm bill offers this support for Organic Farmers. The support is intended to encourage and provide opportunities for management that lead to increased levels of soil and water conservation and preservation of quality. Note that this support is specifically for certified organic farmers and the deadline for application is May 20th.   Note that beginning, limited resource, and socially disadvantaged producers may be eligible for higher program payments. The program provides up to $20,000 per year per person or legal entity, with a maximum total of $80,000 over six years. To apply contact your local NRCS office. The contact information for your area can be found at http://www.mi.nrcs.usda.gov/contact/Field%20Offices.html  

LANSING, April 11, 2011 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture is offering organic producers another opportunity to receive financial assistance for implementing new conservation measures. The USDA will conduct a second round of 2011 Organic Initiative funding for producers who submit applications by May 20, 2011.

The USDA’s Organic Initiative reserves conservation financial assistance for producers to plan and implement conservation practices that address natural resource concerns in ways that are consistent with organic production. Some conservation practices eligible for financial assistance include planting cover crops, establishing integrated pest management plans and implementing nutrient management systems consistent with organic certification standards.

Producers who want to participate in the second Organic Initiative sign-up are urged to begin the application process as soon as possible to meet the application selection deadline. Eligible producers include those certified through USDA’s National Organic Program, those transitioning to certified organic production, and those who meet organic standards but are exempt from certification because their gross annual organic sales are less than $5,000.

Under Organic Initiative contracts, producers receive program payments to help offset the cost of the organic conservation measures they implement. Beginning, limited resource, and socially disadvantaged producers may be eligible for higher program payments. The program provides up to $20,000 per year per person or legal entity, with a maximum total of $80,000 over six years.

Producers interested in applying for Organic Initiative funding must submit applications through their local NRCS field office. For more information about the USDA Organic Initiative including contact information for local offices, visit the NRCS-Michigan Web site at www.mi.nrcs.usda.gov.

NRCS is celebrating 75 years helping people help the land. Since 1935, the NRCS conservation delivery system has advanced a unique partnership with state and local governments and private landowners delivering conservation based on specific, local conservation needs, while accommodating state and national interests.

Source: http://www.mi.nrcs.usda.gov/news/11%20NewsReleases/Organic%20Sign-Up%20II.html.





Would you like to help your schools purchase fresh, local foods from area farmers? If so, please read on….
If you have an investment in your local school district you may want to encourage school food service directors to apply for this grant, intended to them plan for and implement local food purchasing from area farmers for school meals.  You can use the sample applications of grants that are at www.michiganorganic.msu.edu on the home page.  Note that the deadline for this application is May 16, 2011.

Announcing the Michigan Farm to School Grant Program!

Food service directors must often work through numerous challenges to start or expand farm to school programs. The goal of the MI Farm to School Grant Program is to help overcome some of these challenges, and initiate and expand farm to school programs across the state.

With funding from the WK Kellogg Foundation, the MI Farm to School Grant Program will award a total of 15 Michigan K-12 schools/districts with funds ($2,000 maximum each) to plan for or implement farm to school programs. The grant year is September 1, 2011 – June 1, 2012.

Eligibility:
Please review the application materials and sample grant applications attached for more information. You can also find these materials on our website at http://www.mifarmtoschool.msu.edu/index.php?id=48. 

To be reviewed, complete applications must be received by 5 pm EST on Monday, May 16th, 2011. Email completed application as an attachment to Jekeia Murphy at [log in to unmask].

 

Surveys

Participate in Michigan Center for Sustainability & Detroit Eastern Market Grower Survey

The Michigan Center for Sustainability and Detroit Eastern Market are working together to increase the southeastern Michigan market for locally grown fruits and vegetables, and are writing to ask for your help by participating in a grower survey?    The survey is intended for growers who sell wholesale or are interested in doing so in the future, and will take 10 to 15 minutes of your time.   The results will help us figure out next steps for proposed new infrastructure that will make it more convenient for growers to sell into southeastern Michigan institutions and Detroit's underserved corner store market.   The new infrastructure is intended to complement and support existing local food activities.  

Your responses are confidential and we'll send a copy of the summary data if you wish when the information is complete.  Also, if you would like to possibly be a grower for these markets please leave a way for us to reach you (at the end of the survey).  

To make it more rewarding for at least one of you to participate, we will give away one Cabela's gift card with a $60 value - that can be used in-store or online - via a random drawing.  Great odds of winning!   Please feel free to forward this to other growers who you feel might be interested.

To fill out the survey visit http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e3nlici2gm3kj340/a009gm97ckgh/questions.

 


Community Needs Assessment for Mid-Michigan

If any vendors in the Mid-Michigan area are looking for commercial kitchen space on a part-time basis, Incu-Bake is assessing community needs for a new social entrepreneurship endeavor in the South Lansing/Holt area. Incu-BaKe, opening very soon, is a shared use, commercial kitchen, offering a wide range of unique incubator services. Incu-Bake's main goal is to connect community, farms, and businesses. It will be especially helpful for individuals who have been selling under the Cottage Foods Law and are thinking about expanding.

Here is an online survey to assess needs and to get put on the list: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/incubake. A discount will be offered to individuals utilizing 50% or more local produce in their value added products.
 
Source: Incu-Bake, http://www.facebook.com/pages/Incu-BaKe/140591002676300



Fruit Production News

J1 Visas Offer Alternative Labor Source by Derrek Sigler, The Fruit Growers News.com

Finding quality labor is an issue most growers must deal with. Many fruit and vegetable growers are aware of the H-2A visa program that allows U.S. employers to bring foreign nationals to the country to fill temporary agricultural jobs for which domestic workers are not available. These same growers are also aware of the obstacles associated with the H-2A system. There is an alternative for some workers, however, with the J1 Visa system.

Few growers are taking advantage of the Exchange Visitor J1 Visa program, which enables experienced interns and trainees to be placed on U.S. farms and agricultural operations. There are some striking differences between J1 and H-2A, however, and the J1 Visa is not an option that will work for everyone.

"The J1 Visa program is a training program," said Bob Jones Jr. of The Chef's Garden Farm in Ohio. "It shouldn't be looked at as a source of labor, but more of as an educational program where you'll get an exchange of ideas."

A key difference of the J1 program is the education, or experience, requirement. The intent is that the workers would arrive with a higher-than-average level of experience, gain additional training, share their knowledge with the host farm and return to their home country to further their agricultural career and improve their community. Two types of J1 visas are allowed for agricultural workers: trainees and interns.

A trainee must be a foreign national who has a degree or professional certificate from a foreign, post-secondary academic institution, and at least one year of prior work experience in his or her occupational field. Five years of work experience outside the United States in the occupational field in which he or she is seeking training also qualifies.

An intern, on the other hand, must be a foreign national who is studying at a foreign post-secondary academic institution outside the United States, or has graduated from such an institution no more than 12 months prior to his or her program start date. The intern must have a minimum of one year of prior work experience in his or her occupational field.

Growers who participate in the program see benefits aside from having experienced help.

"They come with some technical knowledge, but are open for us to teach our methods," said Glenn Cook of Cider Hill Farms in Massachusetts. "They are seasonal, which is often very hard to find from our local population, and they will work more than a local person because they have fewer distractions and commitments and realize they are here to work, to make money, to learn English and to experience American culture."

Trainees and interns are allowed to work in the United States for up to 12 months.

Jones has worked with the J1 program for 15 years, and brings in an average of 10 student trainees each year. Cook has been involved for more than 25 years, and currently hosts six student trainees. Each of them highly recommends the system.

"I have strongly recommended it to many farmers over the years," Cook said. "We have been involved ourselves for about 25 years, and first learned of it through another farmer. Many of these interns return home to establish very impressive farm operations.

We have no plans to change this important part of our farm culture. We have thoroughly enjoyed this part of our farm life, and we have friends around the world now."

The Communicating for Agriculture Scholarship and Education Foundation (CAF) acts as an exchange sponsor for the J1 program. CAF sets up internships and training opportunities through its administering organization CA Education Programs (CAEP). CAEP has created training opportunities for more than 20,000 young adults
CAEP has placed J1 interns and trainees in fruit and vegetable businesses around the country, from small family farms to larger operations.

"We match qualified interns and trainees based on the needs of the host farm or operation," said Craig Schmuck, CAEP coordinator. "The program provides the vocational component to agricultural education for the participant, and hosts often learn as much from them."

As the sponsoring organization, CAEP facilitates the entry of the trainees into the United States as exchange visitors and ensures completion of the necessary paperwork and program objectives set by the U.S. State Department. By handling the visa logistics, travel arrangements, pre-arrival training and technical support, CAEP makes it easier for host farms looking for J1 placements in agriculture.

"I'm very happy to be involved with the program," Jones said. "The best advice I can give is to be flexible. Sometimes you have to make adjustments in how a farm is run to make the trainee more involved, and sometime you have to make adjustments for the ethnic diversity as well. The trainees are coming to learn about American agriculture and the English language. It's not a quick fix for cheap labor, but a commitment to education. It is truly a great program."

To find out more about hosting an intern or trainee, call CAEP at 866-560-1657, or visit, http://www.caep.org/.

Source: The Fruit Growers News.com, https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&view=bsp&ver=ohhl4rw8mbn4.

 


Floor management in organic orchards a challenge by Matt Milkovich, Fruit Growers News

There’s a reason the vast majority of organic tree fruit acres are in the western half of the United States. Growing in the eastern half is a challenge, to say the least.

Ian Merwin, a Cornell University researcher, laid out some of the challenges during the Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable & Farm Market EXPO in Grand Rapids, Mich., last December. For one thing, insect, disease and weed pressure are much greater in the East, and production costs are higher.

But Merwin’s main focus was on the challenges of orchard floor management in an organic system. Here are some tidbits from his presentation:

Orchard floor management begins with soil health, but what makes a soil “healthy” isn’t easy to define. The long-term health and productivity of the orchard is an indicator, as is the soil’s ability to resist erosion and retain water. Biological activity is important, too, Merwin said.

Soil health might not be an easy concept to define, but there’s an easy way to find out how healthy the soil is in an old orchard: Plant a young tree. If it doesn’t grow, you have a re-plant problem – and if you have a re-plant problem, you have a soil problem, he said.

Merwin talked about weeds and cover crops.

Cover crops are one of the mainstays of organic weed control, but the better a cover crop suppresses weeds, the more it competes with fruit trees for nutrients. The root systems of fruit trees, especially young trees on dwarfing rootstocks, are sparse and don’t compete well with weeds and cover crops, he said.

Dormant-season cover crops can provide organic matter or nitrogen when mowed or tilled, but Northeast winters are so long and cold that it’s hard to gain enough biomass and nutrients from them.

A mainstay of organic weed control is mechanical cultivation, but the more orchard soils are cultivated, the more they need cover crops, composts and mulches to help them maintain organic matter and fertility. As for organic herbicides, they’re expensive and not very effective, he said.

Merwin also discussed the concept of Integrated Fruit Production, which integrates conventional and organic production systems. IFP, a science-based system, utilizes IPM techniques and emphasizes soil fertility and quality, plant health and nutrient budgeting. It’s a standard production system in Europe and New Zealand, with a certification scheme similar to the organic industry. Organophosphate and carbamate pesticides are mostly prohibited under IFP, except pre-bloom and for crop thinning.

In orchard tests in New York state, soil health was generally better using IFP techniques than organic techniques, he said.

Source: The Fruit Growers News, http://fruitgrowersnews.com. 


 

Farmers Market News

MIFMA’s Farmers Market Manager Certificate Program Certifies 36 Market Managers

EAST LANSING, MICH –The Michigan Farmers Markets Association (MIFMA) recently certified 36 farmers market managers statewide. The certification came after managers completed MIFMA’s first Market Manager Certificate Program, training them in topics essential to market management.

As farmers markets grow and expand throughout the state, totaling more than 220 markets in Michigan in 2010, so do the needs of the individuals who run these markets and make them a thriving marketplace for local food and farm products.

“MIFMA was thrilled to work with and certify so many qualified farmers market managers committed to growing and improving their markets,” said Dru Montri, MIFMA Director.

Certificates were awarded to 36 farmers market managers from across the state who completed the full six-day program, offering acknowledgement to market organizers and vendors that the market manager is a trained professional.

Each market manager had the opportunity to network with other managers around the state over eight weeks and learn topics like Business Planning and Market Growth Management; Human Relations and Conflict Management; Market Governance, Rules and Enforcement; Fundraising; and Marketing and Outreach. A final manager-to-manager education and networking opportunity completed the program focusing on sharing experiences and lessons learned.

Online resources from the program sessions will become available 24/7 as condensed online learning modules at MIFMA’s new CyberInstitute, which will launch in June 2011. In addition, MIFMA is already planning for next year’s Certificate Program, expected to run from January to March 2012.

To learn more, visit www.mifma.org or contact Maggie Smith at [log in to unmask] or (517) 432-3381.

Source: http://www.mifma.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/1April2011.pdf.

 


Beginning Farmer News

Northeast Beginning Farmer Project, Website for Beginning Farmers

The Northeast Beginning Farmer Project website extends support to aspiring, new and diversifying farmers across the Northeast.  The site provides video footage of experienced farmers and their successful production techniques in action. You can also browse the event calendar, for upcoming classes, events, and trainings.

The Northeast Beginning Farmer project is part of the Cornell Small Farms Program and is funded by a Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Grant from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. To learn more about the Northeast Beginning Farmer Project, visit nebeginningfarmers.org.

 
 

Insect and Disease Control News

Early Insect Control with Horticultural Oils by Mirjana Bulatovic-Danilovich, Michigan State University Extension

Timely application of oil now will lead to fewer applications of miticides and insecticides later in the season.

The horticultural oils offer a valuable option in insect control yet they are probably the least explored alternative. Ever since the mid 80’s when I worked extensively with oils, I have been a proponent of their use. I guess they have proven to be an example for the axiom that it is better to prevent the problem than to deal with it once it is established.

The horticultural oils or “dormant” oils as they are often referred to, can and should be used as very effective control materials for insects that overwinter on the bark, under bark scales, in crevasses, etc. Oil programs are aimed primarily at scale species, adelgids, aphids, mealybugs, mites, plant bugs (eggs and nymphs), psyllids, eggs of certain moths (fall cankerworm, webworm…), leafhoppers, leafrollers (eggs and young larvae), Gypsy moths (eggs and young larvae) and fall web worms (eggs and young larvae). Once on the target pest, oil damages the membranes and the waxy layer of the exoskeleton resulting in suffocation. Timely application of oil will lead to fewer applications of miticides and insecticides later in the season. Oils fit well in IPM and resistance management programs. Toxicity is not a major issue since oil evaporates relatively quickly leaving very little residue. At the time of oil application there is usually not much else active in the orchard; predators are not in the picture yet! 

What are horticultural oils?

The horticultural oils are mainly refined petroleum products. More recently the list has expended to include extracts from the seed of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica) and some vegetable oils such as cottonseed and soybean oils.

Oil effectiveness

In the past, oils had different degrees of refinement. The problems associated with the oil-sprays are most often due to the purity of the oil and rates applied. There are several criteria that need to be considered when determining the effectiveness of oil.

The unsulfonated residue or degree of refinement to remove sulfur impurities of 92% and above is preferred. The higher the percentage the more refine the oil. These highly refined oils are known as “Superior Oils.” There are several trade names for them like, Sun Ultra-Fine Oil, Sunspray, Superior 70 Oil, Supreme Oil, Trilogy (neem product), etc.

Gravity or density reading is referring to the weight of the oil. Paraffinic oil is less dense than aromatic hydrocarbon type.

Viscosity is the most important parameter when selecting the oil for spraying fruit trees. Viscosity is expressed in seconds and represents the time needed for the drop of oil to pass through a standard opening. This in turn relates to the length of time that the oil is exposed to effectively cover the plant before breaking down. The values for dormant oils are from 90 to 150 seconds. For the summer or verdant oils the values are from 65 to 90. To be on the safe side, oils 65 to 70 seconds should be used for summer sprays.

Over time, the term “dormant oil” spray has become synonymous with horticultural oil spray. Initially, the term “dormant oil” referred to a heavier and not as well refined product that was applied during dormant season before bud break or bud swell. Improvements in refining have produced a superior product that is safer to the plants enabling extension of the use-season.

How do oils work?

Superior oils work as contact insecticides and miticides. They can be used by themselves or in combination with other insecticides providing synergistic effect. It is essential to provide excellent coverage so that the targeted pest gets in contact with the oil to have satisfactory control – a minimum of 100 gallons of water per acre is recommended. Oils are mixed with emulsifying agents that allow them to make a milky solution when added to the water. The mixture has a good tank-life, usually up to several days. However, it is best to use fresh mixture and fill the tanks with the amount needed for each day.

Before spraying, oils in the drums should be checked for proper emulsion formulation. This could be easily tested by mixing 2% volume/volume solution of oil in 1 gallon of water, shaking well and letting it sit for 5 minutes. If the solution turns milky, the oil is good and can be used. If the oil separates and stays on the water surface, the emulsifier is gone and the mixture is not safe. The oil should not be used.

Pest control falls into two basic categories: 1) interference with egg development, and 2) reducing the insect or mite population after hatching. In the first instance, the oil may prevent normal oxygen exchange through the egg covering, hardening of the outer membrane and preventing hatching, possibly dissolving the outer covering, by penetrating into the egg itself, oil may cause the coagulation of the protoplasm. When the oil gets in contact with the larval or adult stage of the insect or mite, it may interfere with the insect’s respiratory activity by blocking the tracheal openings on their bodies or, possibly, create imbalance in hormonal activity.

Best time to spray oil?

Oil sprays are best known for their use in “dormancy,” though they could be used throughout the “green” season. With dormant sprays there is a dilemma whether it is better to spray in fall or in spring. In either case there are a couple of things to consider: frost potential and the problem of determining dormancy.

How can we be sure that the trees are truly dormant? Leaf drop does not necessarily mean that the trees are dormant. If mild conditions prevail in the fall, the cells in the wood and cambial layer may still be active. Spraying oil will block and seal the pores and hinder the normal gas exchange killing off the tissue. In our northern climate it is important to have a minimum of 48 cumulative hours of below-freezing temperatures before we can safely apply oil at the dormant rates. Normally, it will take a few days with the temperatures in low twenties or in the teens to satisfy this requirement and stop any activity on the cellular level in the trees.

In spring, just a week of higher than normal temperatures will trigger the “coming-out” of dormancy. Oil applications at this time followed by mild weather are not a problem. However, if the period of above-normal temperatures is followed by a sudden drop in temperatures after the trees have been sprayed, significant tissue damage will occur.

Using oils in the “green” stage during summer is recommended for scale, aphid, and mite control. Superior oils are relatively safe and most fruit trees will tolerate the application at summer rates. Summer oil rates do, however, depend on the overall health of the trees, temperatures, air humidity and “accompanying” materials in the spray tank.

Severely stressed plants should not be sprayed with the oil. Generally, if there is some stress involved, the rate should be cut down to 1¼%. Normally, it is safe to spray 70 seconds oil at 1½% rate. If there is temperature above 75-80°F the rate should be dropped to 1¼ to 1%. It is not advisable to spray oil when the temperature is much above 80°F. High humidity (above 90%) may result in increased injury potential while low humidity allows for faster oil evaporation and lower injury potential. If there is an insecticide in the spray mix, drop the oil concentration to 1%.

When working with oils, it is important to pay attention to the pressure and agitation. Spray should be done at lower pressure (never to exceed 300PSI). Otherwise, the oils can be “driven” into the tissue, which can result in significant phytotoxicity “burn” injury and potential dieback. Damage may and will also occur if the sprayer agitation is not working properly. Under this scenario, the oil will tend to separate and result in non-uniform concentrations on the plant.

Hot mixes

Oil is not compatible with Captan, Sulfur or any other sulfur-containing compound. It is necessary to provide a safe interval (two weeks) between the oil application and use of any of the cited compounds. Otherwise, phytotoxicity will occur.

Source: MSU Extension News for Agriculture, http://news.msue.msu.edu/news/article/early_insect_control_with_horticultural_oils.

 


Note: Lime sulfur is part of typical fruit organic management so this is appropriate.

If you are a certified organic farm, always check with your certifier before implementing any new organic practices. Better safe than losing your certification.

Lime sulfur sprays can improve spring disease control by Mark Longstroth, Michigan State University Extension

Early sprays of lime sulfur reduce disease inoculum in spring

Many diseases of woody perennial plants overwinter as lesions on the plant or areas that were killed the previous year. Spores from last year’s infection reinfest new growth in the spring. Caustic sprays in the early spring can burn the lesions, killing or damaging the fungal spores before they are released in the spring.

Lime sulfur is an effective dormant spray when applied early in the season as growth begins. When applied as a true dormant spray before growth begins, lime sulfur can be used with oil to increase the penetration of the caustic sulfur into the surface of the infected tissues. Once green tissue appears, oil should not be mixed with oil. Oil will carry sulfur into green plant tissue causing injury. It is generally recommended to not use oil within a week of a sulfur spray when green tissue is exposed. Lime sulfur rates should be reduced when green tissue is exposed. Recommended rates vary for different products with dormant rates in the 10 to 12 pounds per 100 gals of water to 5 or 6 pounds when green tissue is exposed.

Lime sulfur (calcium polysulfide) is a caustic material and after application it breaks down, releasing sulfur. It is very effective against diseases that overwinter on the host. Lime sulfur is also effective against many insect pests that overwinter on the plant.

Lime sulfur is registered for use on most fruits, but is most commonly used on small fruit. Lime sulfur is used on brambles to control anthracnose, spur blight and cane blight. In blueberries, the diseases controlled include phomopsis and anthracnose twig blights. In grapes, lime sulfur is effective against black rot, powdery mildew and phomopsis. Lime sulfur is also used in apples, pears, peaches and cherries.

Some formulations of lime sulfur are OMRI certified as organic, but check with your certifier for confirmation.

Sulforix is a commercial formulation of lime sulfur. It can also be used as a dormant spray to burn overwintering fungal lesions. Sulforix is also registered for application during the growing season in some crops, especially in the prebloom period.

Source: MSU Extension News for Agriculture, http://news.msue.msu.edu/news/article/lime_sulfur_sprays_can_improve_spring_disease_control.

 


Soil Building News

Fertilizing Orchards with Livestock Manure by Allen Krizek, Michigan State University Extension

Follow these precautions to preserve food safety and reduce risk of manure loss to surface and groundwater.

Livestock manure applied in bearing orchards that is not properly composted may contain harmful pathogens that pose a risk of food-borne illness. Fruit can become contaminated with manure in many ways: from containers placed on manured ground, by picker’s hands from ladder rungs, by windblown dust from manure application or storage, from dropped fruit and other means.

Growers are advised to check with their buyers to determine if livestock manure can be used in bearing orchards and still meet the buyer’s specifications. Some buyers require certified food safety farm audits that do not allow manure applications. Buyers that accept the USDA Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) farm audit, specify raw or un-composted manure should be incorporated into the soil and not applied within 120 days of harvest.

When livestock manure application is allowed by the buyer and the grower wishes to use manure, fall application immediately after harvest and before the ground freezes is suggested. Orchard applications should be made when soils are still warm, not saturated with water and with an actively growing orchard cover crop.

Orchards that are located on sandy soils are discouraged from receiving fall manure application due to the risk of nitrate leaching to the groundwater. Orchards located on sloped sites (greater than 6% slope) must be managed to prevent the runoff of manure to ditches and other bodies of water. Vegetated buffers and a minimum 150 feet setback from surface waters are most effective.

Fruit growers who decide to use livestock manure on bearing orchards should follow additional management practices (listed below) to prevent the loss of manure to both surface and groundwater.

It may be wise to restrict manure applications to non-bearing orchards or new areas to be planted to an orchard. Take special precautions to prevent manure loss to nearby bearing orchards.

Summary tips:

Determine if fruit buyer or market will allow manure applications.
Analyze manures to determine accurate nutrient levels and application rates.
Do not exceed nutrient application rates recommended by MSU.
Avoid manure applications where soil P levels are high (greater than 75 ppm P Bray P1 test).
Prevent manure losses to surface and ground water.

Bearing fruit orchards

Nutrients used in fruit tree and crop production can come from manufactured fertilizers and/or naturally occurring sources such as livestock manures and legume crops. All nutrients, whether synthetic or naturally occurring, can be lost from the orchard system by natural processes such as runoff to surface water, or leaching to groundwater. Managers must minimize nutrient losses to maximize economic production and to protect water resources from contamination.

Livestock manures vary considerably in their nutrient content, depending on their source and handling. The nutrient content of manure needs to be known to calculate appropriate application rates. Nutrient concentrations commonly found in manures are provided in Extension Bulletin E- 852, Fertilizing Fruit Crops ($2.00 - available from the MSU Extension Bookstore), but specific manures should be analyzed to determine accurate nutrient levels and application rates.

Request manure nutrient content from your supplier, or have the manure analyzed by a reliable laboratory prior to application. A listing of manure testing laboratory is available at: http://web2.canr.msu.edu/manure/labsites.cfm

Caution: Fresh manure or manures that are not composted are high in nutrients and can injure tree roots if applied at excessive rates.

Nitrogen (N)

Although optimum N rates for bearing orchards vary considerably from site to site, use rates of 50 pounds N per acres for in the tree row applications and 100 pounds N (broadcast) of N as an initial guide. Be conservative with N rates until you are familiar with the planting. It is much easier to apply additional N than to manage excessive vigor caused by too high rates. Excessive vigor is particularly damaging in new, high-density apple plantings.

Under Michigan conditions, spring and fall applications have been equally effective. Spring applications are suggested on sandy soils because fall applications may result in nitrogen leaching and potential groundwater contamination.

Spring application of manure should be made more than 120 days before harvest, and when soils are warm, not saturated with water and preferably with an actively growing orchard cover crop.

Manure contains ammonium N and organic N. Generally, all of the ammonium N and 25 to 50 percent of the organic N is available to plants during the year of application. Manure analysis reports usually include total N, available N, P205 and K2O.

Manure must be applied so that rates of available N do not exceed those recommended by Michigan State University, to be in conformance with Michigan Right-to-Farm guidelines. In orchards with high testing phosphorus levels (where soils contain greater than 75 ppm P Bray P1 test), manure rates should not supply more P than is typically removed by the crop (about 50 lbs P205 per acre for a bearing orchard).

Manure should not be applied in orchards where soil P levels are very high (greater than 150 ppm P Bray P1 test), to be in conformance with Right to Farm guidelines.

Table 1. Manure application rates to provide a total of 50 pounds of N per acre. (http://news.msue.msu.edu/news/article/fertilizing_orchards_with_livestock_manure)

Three factors that have the greatest effect on N requirements are soil type, orchard floor management and pruning. Orchards on fertile loam soils may require N at only half the recommended rates, whereas those on very sandy soils may require 50 percent more N. Sites previously used for alfalfa may contain high soil N levels and require much less fertilizer. Heavily sodded orchards may require 20 to 50 percent more N than clean cultivated plantings. Similarly, orchards heavily infested with weeds may require higher rates.

Heavy pruning stimulates vegetative growth and can reduce or replace N requirements. Heavily pruned trees should be fertilized lightly if at all.

Phosphorus (P)

Do not apply phosphorus (P) containing materials (manure or commercial fertilizer) unless soil or tissue tests indicate a need exists. Phosphorus is best applied at the time of orchard establishment by incorporating P into the orchard soil. Always prevent soil erosion to bodies of water, as water and wind erosion are the primary transport mechanism for P. Phosphorus enriched waters result in excessive algal growth, decreased water quality and harm to aquatic life.

If soil or tissue test indicate a need for P, apply 200 to 400 lb of P2O5/acre. Because P moves very slowly in soil, these rates will sustain most fruit crops for many years.

If the Bray P1 soil test level for P reaches 75 ppm, manure applications should be managed at an horticultural rate where manure P added does not exceed the P removed by the harvested

crop (50 lbs of P2O5/A for a bearing orchard). If the Bray P1 soil test reaches 150 ppm or higher, manure applications should be discontinued until nutrient harvest by the orchard reduces P test levels to less than 150 ppm. To protect surface water quality against discharges of P, adequate soil and water conservation practices should be used to control runoff, erosion and leaching to drain tiles from fields where manure is applied.

Potassium (K)

Potassium (K) does not pose a threat to surface or groundwater resources. Apply K when soil or tissue analyses indicate a deficiency exists. Applications of 150 to 300 lb K2O/acre will correct most deficiencies. Stone fruit plantings on light, sandy soils may require these rates as a maintenance program every 3 to 5 years.

Michigan Right-to-Farm Guidelines for manure applications in the orchard

When followed by producers, the Michigan Right to Farm generally accepted agricultural and management practices (GAAMPs) help protect the waters of the state from the release of pollutants in quantities or concentrations that violate established water quality standards. Conformance with GAAMPs provides farmers with protection from nuisance lawsuits.

In addition to the management practices recommended previously in this article, other GAAMPs for manure application in the orchard include:

Manures should be uniformly applied to soils.
The amount of manure applied should be known, so manure nutrients can be effectively managed.
Manures should not be applied within 150 feet of surface water.
If manure is temporarily stacked in the field/orchard:
Keep stockpiles at least 150 feet away from surface waters
Keep stockpiles at least 150 feet away from non-farm homes
Spread manure as soon as orchard and weather conditions allow
Application of manure to frozen or snow-covered soils should be avoided.
Keep records of manure analysis, soil tests and rates of application.

For more information on the Right to Farm GAAMPS, go to: http://michigan.gov/mda

Source: MSU Extension News for Agriculture, http://news.msue.msu.edu/news/article/fertilizing_orchards_with_livestock_manure.

 


Vegetable Production News

NRCS Program Helps Vegetable Grower to More Efficiently Water His Crops by Hembree Brandon, Delta Farm Press

Seventy-one year old vegetable grower Frank Wilbourn no longer has to snake soaker hoses over his fields to water his crops, thanks to a well and underground distribution lines he was able to obtain through a USDA/NRCS program.

He also has a new plastic-covered high tunnel facility, or “hoop house,” that allows him to start plants earlier in the spring and continue them later in the spring.

The irrigation system “has been a blessing in helping to water the things I grow, especially last summer when it was so dry and hot,” he says.

Wilbourn, whose pickup bears a bumper sticker, “No Farmers, No Food,” was able to qualify for cost-share assistance through the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service Small Farmer program, says Larry Pride, soil conservation technician, at the agency’s Marks, Miss., field office.

“One of the objectives is to provide assistance to non-traditional farmers to help promote locally-grown alternative crops, such as fruits and vegetables, and one of the ways to do that is to help them with small irrigation systems that will improve efficiency and enhance productivity.”

The program has been expanded to include historically underserved clients that the mainstream USDA programs typically don’t reach, says Paul Rodrigue, NRCS water management engineer at the Grenada, Miss., field office.

 “These include limited resource farmers who meet certain financial conditions, socially disadvantaged farmers, such as African Americans, and beginning farmers (those who’ve been farming less than 10 years).

“We provide the design/engineering for the projects and assistance with the application process. The farmer works with a contractor for installation, and after the work is complete, we inspect it to be sure it meets the contract specifications and then approve payment.”

The amount of financial assistance varies according to the project and the individual circumstances, he notes.

In addition to small irrigation systems, assistance is available for erection of high tunnel facilities that can extend the growing season for vegetables and other crops and further incentivize locally-grown food.

“These aren’t greenhouses,” Rodrigue notes. “They have no heating or cooling — but are simply plastic-covered structures that enable a grower to get plants in the ground 30 days early in the spring and to maintain production 30 days later in the fall.

Funds through these programs are already committed for Mississippi for 2011, he notes, and applications for assistance would be for 2012.

Frank Wilbourn had already been producing fruits and vegetables for years, but needed a way to more efficiently distribute water to his fields.

Under the NRCS program, he was approved for a well/pumping system and underground lines with hydrants to distribute water in the field. He already had one hoop house on the property, but last year a second one was added through the USDA program.

Wilbourn, who was born here in Quitman County, Miss., says his love for growing things started when he was six years old, helping his father with vegetable production.

“I just loved seeing things grow — putting seeds in the ground and tending them to produce food. In those days, everyone had a garden and grew a lot of their own food. We didn’t go to the grocery store for everything.”

In the 1960s, he says, “Things were really tough in this area; there just weren’t any jobs. I went to Milwaukee, Wisc., and worked in the steel mills. It was hard, exhausting work, but even there, I had gardens to help feed my family — we had six children.”

In 1990, he returned to Mississippi, bought his parents’ place where he had grown up, and began growing vegetables again.”

“Everybody knows Mr. Frank,” says Larry Pride, “and they know the quality of his vegetables. He doesn’t have any problem selling everything he produces.”

“I grow vegetables of all kinds,” Wilbourn says. “Red potatoes, white potatoes, spinach, kale, string beans, butter beans, eggplant, onions, tomatoes, sweet peas, okra, turnips/greens, squash, watermelons, muskmelons, and whatever else I decide on in any given year. And a lot of herbs — rosemary, thyme, basil, parsley, and others.”

He sells to local area residents and also at farmer markets at nearby Clarksdale and Batesville.

“But I give away a lot of stuff, too,” Wilbourn says. “Times are tough and there are a lot of needy folks. Where I can help, I do. There are folks who come out here and help me do things in exchange for vegetables, and I welcome them.

“This is a talent the Lord has blessed me with and it helped me to better take care of my family and to lend a hand to others who were less fortunate.

“Folks today have become so citified they’ve forgotten how to grow things,” Wilbourn says. “If everybody could just grow 5 percent to 10 percent of their own food, it would really make a difference. Too many people have forgotten that the earth is there to help us survive.

“I’m 71 years old, and except for surgery to remove some tumors, which thank the Lord weren’t cancer, I’m still out here every day, planting things and watching them grow.

“I love what I do — when I’m out here working, the problems of the world just fade away. I pray while I work and thank God for all the blessings He has given me and that He is still allowing me, as best I can, to help others.”

Source: http://deltafarmpress.com/management/nrcs-program-helps-vegetable-grower-more-efficiently-water-his-crops?cid=nl_dfpd.

 


Sweet Potatoes Move North by Ron Goldy, Michigan State University Extension

Sweet potato is a common crop in southern states, but they can be grown successfully in northern states like Michigan.

Sweet potatoes are a tropical vine, so when talking about United States production, thoughts turn to states like Louisiana, Mississippi and North Carolina. However, that doesn’t mean they can’t be grown in Michigan. During the 1960s and 1970s, there were over 1,000 acres in Berrien County.

Sweet potatoes are commonly called yams, however, they are neither potatoes nor yams but morning glory relatives. Standard potatoes are related to tomatoes and peppers and the edible portion is an underground stem called a tuber. The “eyes” are buds. Although the edible portion of the yam is a root like sweet potatoes, yams are more closely related to grass or lilies. The name confusion originated from the resemblance sweet potato roots have to yam roots.

The most common sweet potato has a copper colored interior and exterior and a moist flesh. Sweet potatoes come in a range of interior and exterior colors from white to purple. The purple pigment is heat stable so the result after cooking is an interesting purple product. Sweet potatoes also come in dry flesh-types similar to a standard russet baking potato. Desire for flesh type and color varies with ethnicity, so direct marketers need to be aware of ethnic populations in their marketing area and find out their sweet potato preference.

Sweet potatoes are best planted in slightly acidic (pH 6.0) sandy soils which allows for better root growth. They are planted from “slips” obtained from southern nurseries. Slips are vine segments containing two or more leaves and many are already sprouting roots. Soil has to be 65oF, which usually means a late May or early June planting date. If slips cannot be planted immediately, provide them with enough moisture and store them at room temperature – do not place them in a cooler. Cool temperatures after planting can result in spherical roots. Plant slips 12” apart in the row and 32” to 48” between rows. More northern areas should try planting through black plastic to help warm the soil and encourage quicker plant growth, resulting in higher yield as well as weed control.

Being outside typical production areas gives Michigan the advantage of not having many sweet potato diseases and only a few insects. Some diseases and nematodes can be transmitted with slips, so be sure to get them from a reputable nursery. Wireworms can be a problem in some locations, especially if a wireworm susceptible crop was planted in the same location the year before. The biggest problem is weeds, but if they can be controlled early through cultivation or herbicides, the sweet potato plant will grow vigorously and quickly cover the ground to shade out all but the most aggressive weeds. Deer and mice also can be problems since they eat the roots.

In Michigan’s climate, sweet potatoes only need about 80 pounds per acre nitrogen and 150 pounds per acre potash. Nitrogen should be applied in split applications with 30 pounds as a pre-plant and the rest applied just prior to the vines running. If planted through black plastic with drip irrigation, fertilizer can be injected through the drip system starting two weeks after planting and continuing through early September.

Harvest is weather dependent but will usually be late September. Vines should not be allowed to receive killing freezing temperatures as that may impart an off flavor to the roots. Prior to harvest, vines should be mowed off and roots dug and graded. Number one roots are between 3” and 9” long with a diameter between 1.75” and 3.5”. Larger and smaller roots are still edible and can be sold as small, large or jumbos.

Several varieties have been tested under Michigan conditions with Carolina Ruby, Centennial and Covington having good performance (Table 1, can be found at http://news.msue.msu.edu/news/article/sweet_potatoes_move_north). Georgia Jet has good yield, but has a high number of cracked root.

For more information on commercial vegetable production, contact Dr. Ron Goldy, Michigan State University Extension vegetable educator at 269-944-1477 ext. 207 or [log in to unmask].

Source:  MSU Extension News for Agriculture, http://news.msue.msu.edu/news/article/sweet_potatoes_move_north.

 

Organic farmers sue, seek protection from Monsanto by Carey Gillam

More than 50 organic farmers, seed dealers, others sue

* Plaintiffs seek protection from Monsanto's patent claims

* Group says contamination a given as more GMOs approved

KANSAS CITY, Mo., March 29 (Reuters) - A consortium of U.S. organic farmers and seed dealers filed suit against global seed giant Monsanto Co. (MON.N) on Tuesday, in a move to protect themselves from what they see as a growing threat in the company's arsenal of genetically modified crops.

The Public Patent Foundation (PUBPAT) filed the suit on behalf of more than 50 organizations challenging the chemical giant's patents on its genetically modified seeds. The group is seeking a ruling that would prohibit Monsanto from suing the farmers or dealers if their organic seed becomes contaminated with Monsanto's patented biotech seed germplasm.

Monsanto is known for its zealous defense of its patents on a range of genetically altered crops. Its patented "Roundup Ready" soybeans, corn and cotton are favorites of U.S. farmers because of their ability to withstand herbicide treatments.

Monsanto officials could not immediately be reached for comment.

But Monsanto has filed scores of lawsuits and won judgments against farmers they claimed made use of their seed without paying required royalties. Many farmers have claimed that their fields were inadvertently contaminated without their knowledge, and the issue has been a topic of concern for not only farmers, but also companies that clean and handle seed.

"This case asks whether Monsanto has the right to sue organic farmers for patent infringement if Monsanto's genetically modified seed should land on their property," said Dan Ravicher, executive director of PUBPAT, a nonprofit legal services organization, which filed the suit in federal court in the southern district of New York.

The suit also alleges that Monsanto's GMO seeds do more harm than good and claims the patents on genetically modified seed are invalid because they don't meet the "usefulness" requirement of patent law.

"Some say genetically modified seed can coexist with organic seed, but history tells us that's not possible," said Ravicher.  "It's actually in Monsanto's financial interest to eliminate organic seed so that they can have a total monopoly over our food supply."

The suit claims that if plaintiffs do not intend to use the transgenic seed and their own seed is contaminated, Monsanto is committing a "trespass."

"As nontransgenic seed farmers and seed sellers, Plaintiffs already have to deal with the constant threat of transgenic seed contamination that could destroy their chosen livelihood. They should not also have to live with the threat of being sued for patent infringement should that travesty come to pass," the lawsuit states.

Monsanto's genetically altered seeds have been a market mainstay since the mid-1990s, and many of its rivals have their own brands of biotech crops that tolerate herbicide, resist insects and have other useful qualities engineered into them.

(Reporting by Carey Gillam; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)

Source: http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/03/29/monsanto-lawsuit-idUKN2929224220110329.

 


Preparing for the Field Work

Relieving Arthritis Pain after a Long Day in the Fields by Kelly Ewalt, Michigan State University Extension

Farm work can spur arthritis, but you can manage the pain with this helpful advice.

According to the National AgrAbility Program, approximately one-third of adult farmers suffer from arthritis. While not viewed as a traditional disability, farmers who suffer from arthritis may have a hard time accessing equipment, attaching implements or working with livestock. Simple pain management techniques can help.

Exercise can help lessen the disabling effects of arthritis. Losing just one pound of weight can lessen the pressure on joints by four to six pounds. Low impact exercises can assist in increasing strength and range of motion. Recommended exercises include walking, cycling and swimming, for 30-minute intervals three times per week, and remember to include a warm up and cool down.

Non-medicinal pain relief can be helpful as well. Heat therapy is best for relieving soreness and stiffness. Systemic treatment such as warm showers or whirlpools (20 minutes or less) penetrate deeply, while localized treatments such as heating pads increase blood flow and oxygen to painful locations. Cold therapy helps with swelling or sudden/acute pain. This type of therapy works best at the onset of the pain and is most effective in 15- to 20-minute intervals repeated every 1-2 hours.

As always, listen to your body and consult your doctor before starting any therapy program. For more information contact your local Arthritis Foundation

Source: http://news.msue.msu.edu/news/article/relieving_arthritis_pain_after_a_long_day_in_the_fields

 


Job Opportunities

Food Safety Manager

Jacobs Farm/Del Cabo, a grower/shipper of organic culinary herbs, cherry tomatoes and vegetables is seeking a Food Safety Manager to be responsible for the management and guidance of the Division of Food Safety.  The Food Safety Manger will oversee compliance of all facets of food safety regulations.

Responsibilities:
 Principal Duties:
Have comprehensive knowledge of the above in order that:
Skills
Experience
How:  Send resume to Lissett Ortega at [log in to unmask].

 

 

 

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