GM 10.11

MidWest n Edition

Section One

GROWER

October 2011 Volume e 10 r 10 Number

$2.50

Serving All Aspects of Commercial Horticulture

Greenhouse e • Nursery y • Garden n Centerr • Fruitt & Vegetable e • Farm m Marketss • Landscaperss • Christmas

Is fruit firmness the best measure to determine when to harvest apple fruit?~ Page 3 Lowes Creek Tree Farm Page 3

Classifieds . . . . . . . . A20 Fall Harvest . . . . . . A21 Christmas . . . . . . . . . B1 Today’s Marketing. A22

Pheasant Run Farm

by Kelly Gates In 1992, Eric and Ann Franzenburg moved to Van Horne, IA to farm with Eric’s parents.

When they arrived, the farm’s fields were filled with corn and soy beans, and there was a farrowto-finish hog operation.

A few years later, the focus shifted to a completely different crop — medicinal herbs — and Pheasant Run Farm was born.

“At the time, we wanted to expand the farm but the price of land was quite high. So, we put our heads together and tried to figure out a way to gain more profit from the acres that we currently had,” Ann told Country Folks Grower.

“We began to investigate specialty crops and along the way, we took an interest in a concept that an economic development organization here in Benton County had discovered.”

The organization, Benton Development Group, was promoting alternative forms of agriculture in Benton County. One of its main focuses was on culinary herbs.

According to Ann, the niche market was well suited for farmers in the area. Not only could they easily transition to growing herbs, there were two

Owner Ann Franzenburg at farmer's market, selling her cut flowers.

herb and spice manufacturers located nearby — Frontier Natural Products and Tone’s.

“Most of the herbs were being brought in from Israel, Egypt and other countries, so we felt that providing a local source would create a great niche for us,” said Ann. “We started off trying culinary herbs, but over time, we transitioned into medicinal herbs, which is what we still grow today.”

The Franzenburgs didn’t dive into the new niche head first. Instead, they began by experimenting with small plots of various herbs to see which ones would grow well.

They also researched industry trends to determine which varieties to add to

their product mix.

St. John’s Wort was one of the herbs that was in high demand amongst consumers a decade ago.

Today echinacea, milk thistle and skullcap are all the rage and fill the farm’s fields, along with other select species.

“Our original goal was to one day have 100 acres in production and we have accomplished that,” noted Ann. “We currently sell to companies on the East coast and the West coast of the United States, throughout Europe and in Japan. Most of them use our herbs as ingredients in nutritional supplements.”

As demand for Pheasant Run Farm’s herbs increased, the owners started adding

greenhouses to the property. The structures enabled them to start planting seeds earlier in the year. In trays and under cover, the seeds can now develop into plugs that are large, weed-free and ready to be planted as soon as the weather breaks each spring.

Five of the six greenhouses are heated using a corn burning furnace.

Three of them also have sub-floor heating fueled by the corn furnace.

“When the plugs have been transplanted each year, we use the greenhouses for growing vegetables. We grow a lot of tomatoes, plus spinach, ginger and a few other items,” said Ann. “Four years ago, Eric convinced me to start growing cut flowers in the greenhouses too.”

Pheasant Run Farms’ vegetables and flowers are sold at farmer’s markets and to grocery stores that feature locally grown and organic foods. Ann sells her flowers to florists and direct to customers preparing for weddings, parties and other events — sometimes designing the arrangements herself.

Another newer addition at Pheasant Run Farm is a small crop of blueberries, raspberries and strawberries.

According to Ann, the aim is to eventually open a small u-pick operation.

“In the next five years or so, we hope to have a u-pick business up and running here too,” she explained. “We really enjoy growing herbs, vegetables and flowers. It would be nice to share that ‘country experience’ with our customers. We have a lot of research to

do about u-pick operations and changes to make to our farm before we’re ready for that, though.”

Aside from expanding the up-pick division, the Franzenburgs plan to run the family farm in much the same manner as they do now, with only minor adjustments made to their offerings as consumers’ tastes change.

Son Calvin Franzenburg works on pruning and trellising tomatoes in the greenhouse.

Photos courtesy of Pheasant Run

Page 2 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER MIDWEST • October 2011

Farm adds sheep’s milk cheese to fruits and vegetables mix

by William McNutt Variety is the name of the game at Sippel Family Farm near Mt. Gilead, Ohio, where Ben and Lisa Sippel, together with brother-in-law Ben Baldwin, operate a 77 acre small fruit and vegetable farm in rural Morrow County. All are emblematic of what is becoming a major trend toward smaller farms geared to specialty high-value crops, often operated by owners with an urban background.

Lisa and Ben grew up in the Columbus suburb of Worthington, where Ben’s father was a Methodist minister; now at the age of 31 they have developed an extensive direct marketing clientele through Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) for 175 customers who sign contracts for delivery pick up at five different locations. In addition, they set up at municipal markets in Worthington, Clintonville, and New Albany, plus doing a thriving trade providing seasonal fresh produce to area restaurants.

Their latest product development has made them an

Ben and Lisa Sippel with 3 year old Charlie, who gets to eat a lot of vegetables and cheese, as do his parents.

Photos by William McNutt

Lisa Sippel at her regular spot during the Saturday morning Worthington Farmers Market.

anchor vendor at every direct market. After 18 months of research and development effort they manufacture and sell artisan cheeses — not from dairy cows or gots, but sheep’s milk, so far the only such set up in the state. After taking a three-day course sponsored by Ashtabula County Extension service, con-

obtained from a neighboring dairy.

While their acreage has no livestock except Friesan sheep, they do raise 40 varieties of small fruits and vegetables, along with a 300 tree semidwarf orchard, including lettuce, carrots, peas, tomatoes, greens and pumpkins, plus root crops such as turnips and

ducted by an imported sheep’s milk cheese maker from Vermont, where such culture is not uncommon, Lisa and brother Ben embarked on a series of experiments resulting in three types of cheese that are now bestsellers. Oak Creek Tomme and Headquarters Tomme, from sheep’s milk and Moraine, made from cows milk

potatoes.

No sweet corn or strawberries are grown on the former pasture land, which was well provided with organic matter in that time period, making the transition to cultivation much easier. Since the semi-rural location is not conducive to

Farm adds Page A4

Groundswell Community Farm

by Kelly Gates For the past five years, G r o u n d s w e l l Community Farm of Zeeland, MI, has been producing a wide array of produce for sale at farmers’ markets and through Community Supported Agriculture, CSA. The company, now owned and operated by Katie Brandt and Tom Cary, took plenty of work to get up and going.

There was no barn on the property when it was purchased. There was no well. No farming equipment. No greenhouse.

“We literally started from scratch, with a seven acre piece of leased land that had great soil-drained wetland with over 50 percent organic matter,” said Brandt. “The location between Holland, MI and Grand Rapids was perfect. We knew that there would be a lot of great marketing opportunities here, so we decided to sign the lease.”

Although Brandt had never owned and operated a growing business, she did have enough experience at their previous place of employment to know not to try tackling too much in the first year. The goal was to eventually grow all sorts of fruits and vegetables.

And flowers. And have chickens and goats and

This family of four is all smiles as they show off their haul of potatoes that was dug at Groundswell Community Farm bees. But the first planting only included vegetables.

According to Brandt, because Groundswell did not possess a tractor, a neighboring farmer plowed the fields the first time.

“We were grateful to have someone around who was so willing to

help,” she told Country Folks Grower. “The following year, we bought a tractor to use for tilling and cultivation. Then, we purchased a second one, an Alice Chalmers G, for cultivation exclusively.”

The Alice Chalmers is outfitted with a threerow roto-tilling system

that makes prepping the land quick and efficient.

The farm also acquired an EarthWay seeder and a wheel hoe to make planting easier.

Groundswell presently grows more than 200 varieties of vegetables. A few fruits were added to the mix along the way too. But those, said Brandt, are mostly for the staff’s consumption.

“Despite our initial vision of having a lot of different products to offer our customers, we have really found a niche in vegetables,” she noted. “We grow some of the standard things that people have come to expect from a CSA, like tomatoes and carrots.

But we also produce many other crops that grow well in this climate naturally.”

Things like kohlrabi and kale fare well in western Michigan. So do parsnips and parsley root.

There are quite a few squash varieties on the farm’s list of offerings too. Confection winter squash happens to be one of Brandt’s favorites.

She often points confection out to people at farmers’ markets in an effort to entice them to try something different.

The co-owner admits that even the most adventurous eaters shy away from such unusual

Using less water to grow more potatoes in the furrow and percolate below the crop root zone. This means that the water is unavailable to the crops, and can also lead to increased nitrate leaching from the soil.

King and his partners conducted a series of studies on planting potatoes in flat beds instead of ridged rows. One twoyear study compared ridge-row planting systems, a five-row planting configuration on a raised bed where the plant rows were 26 inches apart, and a seven-row planting configuration on a raised bed where the plant rows were 18 inches apart.

Another five-year study on approximately 6,900 acres only compared ridged-row systems and five-row raised-bed systems.

The researchers found that using the flat bed system increased yields by an average of 6 percent, even though 5 percent less water was used for irrigation. This meant that using flat beds instead of ridged rows for potato production led to an overall 12 percent increase in irrigation water use efficiency. The gains were attributed to several factors, especially the probability

ARS research has found that planting potatoes in flat beds instead of ridged rows can improve irrigation efficiency because the configuration allows more water to reach the plant root zone. that planting potatoes in flat beds improves water and nitrogen use efficiency because more water reaches the potato roots.

These findings, which were published this year in the American Journal of Potato Research, could help commercial farmers increase yields and profits, save valuable water resources, and reduce nitrate leaching.

in baskets on a table like a farmer’s market and write how many of each thing people can choose on a white board,” explained Brandt. “They can then walk around and pick what they want. They have the choice rather than getting a box of produce that someone else picked for them.”

The farm’s staff offers pickups at two locations weekly with a current total of 132 CSA members. In the future, these numbers will likely increase. Brandt and Cary hope to also expand their facilities to better accommodate the needs of the farm’s staff and customers.

A barn is on the agenda. One lean-to for drying onions and garlic made the co-owners’ wish list along with another similar structure for hardening off plants. These buildings would join the farm’s 16 ft. X 96 ft. greenhouseused mostly for starting plants — and a small shed that houses a small assembly of tools.

“The barn will be the biggest challenge because of the mucky soil that we have here on the farm,” said Brandt.

“It will be an engineering challenge, but like everything else, we’ll find a way to make it happen.”

Is firmness the best measure to determine when to harvest apples?

Apple flesh firmness is one criteria that is used to determine the maturity, and quality, of apples.

However, it is not the best single indicator to determine the harvest maturity for apples. Apples are harvested at different stages of maturity depending on how long they will be in storage before marketing.

Apples to be used shortly after harvest are tree ripened and picked at a much later stage of maturity than apples that will be stored for 6-9+ months.

Flesh firmness does not reveal anything about the stage of maturity for making such decisions. One of the better indicators would be the starch level or index of the apples. As immature fruit develop on the tree they are composed of starch and as the apple matures the starch is converted to sugars. Once all of the starch is converted

to sugar the apple has no reserves on which to draw and the apple begins to senese. So apples picked at an earlier stage of maturity will have more starch than those picked later.

The starch-iodine index is evaluated by cutting an apple in half and covering the cut surface with a potassium iodide solution for several minutes and the areas of starch in the apple will appear black and the level of staining can be observed. Cornell University has a helpful harvest date publication (http://ecommons.library. cornell.edu/bitstream/1813/3299/2/Pre dicting%20Harvest%20Dat e%20Window%20for%20A pples.pdf) that has a starch staining guide and solution recipe (which can be made at many pharmacies).

Source: www.eXtension.org

October 2011 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER MIDWEST • Section A - Page 3

Research conducted in part at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed that, in some production systems, planting potatoes in flat beds can increase irrigation water use efficiency.

Agricultural Research Service (ARS) agricultural engineer Bradley King, who works at the ARS Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research Laboratory in Kimberly, Idaho, was one of the scientists who led these studies.

ARS is USDA’s chief intramural scientific research agency, and this research supports the USDA commitment to enhancing sustainable agriculture.

When potato production started in Idaho more than 100 years ago, farmers seeded their crops in ridged rows and watered their plants by channeling surface irrigation to flow through the furrows between the rows. Even though most commercial potato producers in the Pacific Northwest now irrigate their crops with sprinklers, they still typically use ridged-row planting systems.

But this planting configuration allows irrigation runoff to collect

varieties at first. But with a little coaxing and a superb online educational outreach, Groundswell manages to persuade more customers to taste test unique vegetables each day.

“One of our CSA members traded us a cooking blog that she created and manages for a free share,” said Brandt. “It works out perfectly because she gets the exact boxes that all the other CSA members get.

So she’s posting information, recipes and cooking tips related to each week’s vegetables as people are trying to decide how they will prepare them.”

The blog, www.groundswellcooking.wordpress.com, is filled with upwards of 10 recipes per week. One entry might include an in-depth description of eggplants coupled with recipes for Baba Ganouj and Japanese Braised Eggplant. Another might start with details about onions and end with one recipe for French onion soup and another for cucumber-onion salad.

For those who don’t care for certain vegetables, the CSA offers plenty of options.

Members can select which items they want during each pickup.

“We lay everything out

Farm adds Continued from A2 on-farm direct selling — the product has to be taken to the consumer rather than the other way around — their business is run that basis, selling only what they produce and grow themselves. Ben gained experience in the trade while working several years for a CSA grower who wanted to leave the business, which Ben then took over, “A background that made it lot easier to persuade the bank to lend money for purchasing a farmland.” Adding a new enterprise was not easy to accomplish, but they did it primarily to have a durable product, that could be held over for sale at the next market, not dumped as is the case with perishable vegetables, when a rainy sales day comes along. All direct market vendors of food are subject to health department checks, doubly so for Sippels, whose dairy type product is subject to Ohio Department of Agriculture on farm inspection similar to that for producers of grade A milk. Since raw milk is utilized, cheese must be aged for 60 days. They have added it to regular deliveries of fresh local produce to Columbus area restaurants; in the case of cheese during most of the year.

Numbers for direct market food ven-

dors have probably doubled in the past 15 years, both in the Midwest and nationally, as younger families flock to the buzz words “fresh and local,” and smaller acreage farmers seek higher income from growing higher unit value crops. Of course this has not gone unnoticed by supermarket chains, who have moved into the local market field. All the Big Box types benefit from the highly flexible definition of what is “local”, since no government agency has even attempted to define the term.

The largest U.S. grocer with $120 billion in annual sales secure produce from 450 miles away from their distribution points, claiming it gets on the sales shelf within a day of the time Ben Sippel could drive the 40 miles to Columbus. Other retailers have varying definitions.

USDA is now in the act by setting up rules for local farm marketing, which will let schools and other institutions, subject to partial government funding, give preference to locally grown and raised food products. Even avid proponents of fresh and local see problems on the horizon, saying it would be impossible to fill food needs from local sources in every case, though a few agree the possibility of doubling cur-

On the cover Flesh firmness does not reveal anything about the stage of maturity for making such decisions. One of the better indicators would be the starch level or index of the apples.

Country Folks The Monthly Newspaper for Greenhouses, Nurseries, Fruit & Vegetable Growers

Page 4 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER MIDWEST • October 2011

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rent local supplies of specialty produce is very doable. Using potatoes as an example farm marketers such as the Sippels can usually market what they produce, but all the potatoes produced in Michigan cannot be eaten by the Michigan natives, the bulk of Michigan potatoes go for chips that are processed and distributed nationally.

While direct marketers and their customers are very much aware of the virtues of their systems, there is little or no research that proves buy-local is more healthful or affordable that the current system. If mid west consumers want almonds and oranges in their supermarkets. They have to come from California, Florida, Texas and similar locations.

Even long time direct market managers find they are affected by new trends toward social media, now almost universal among the younger

generation. Facebook is no longer optional, with 96 percent of the population between 12 and 50 now on line.

Marketing experts gathered at the recent nationwide floral show in Columbus indicated unanimously that the personal Web site may be the best marketing tool, a billboard available at minimum cost to everybody.

What could be a more unique direct marketing experience than offering cheese made from sheep’s milk, as one example? Coupled with offering fresh fruits and vegetables picked the day of sale, direct marketing offers a brand that will become quickly established in the minds of customers. With little ability to service customers at their farm location, Sippels rely on both Facebook and Twitter to acquaint potential customers with what will be available each week in season.

BUYER’S GUIDE INDEX AGTOURISM/AGRITAINMENT Hillside Orchard Farms Inc. Innovative Devices, Inc. Maize Quest Corn Mazes & Attractions Produce Promotions Rockford Package Supply Inc. TokensDirect AUCTIONS Auctioneer Phil Jacquier, Inc. BARNS AND BUILDINGS Four Seasons Tools GGS Structures, Inc. Growers Supply Tasco Dome BERRIES AGRI-SC / D&D Farm Service Awald Farms BioSafe Systems Cool Bot DeGrandchamp Farms, Inc. Innovative Devices, Inc. Krieger’s Wholesale Nursery, Inc. Northwoods Nursery Nourse Farms Inc. Richey Nursery Co., LLC CARTS AND WAGONS Rogan Inc. W.W. Manufacturing Co., Inc. Waldo & Associates Inc. CHRISTMAS ITEMS, OTHER Deer Run Greenery, Inc. JRM Chemical L & H Enterprises Produce Promotions Rockford Package Supply Inc. Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Association CHRISTMAS TREES AGRI-SC / D&D Farm Service Galehouse Tree Farms Innovative Devices, Inc. L & H Enterprises Needlefast Evergreens Inc. Produce Promotions Silver Mountain Christmas Trees Tate’s Tree Company Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Association

EMPLOYMENT/HUMAN RESOURCES Florasearch, Inc. EQUIPMENT-FRUIT & VEGETABLE BDi Machinery Sales, Inc. BioSafe Systems Cool Bot Crop Care Equipment Four Seasons Tools Frontier Technology Inc. Haines Equipment, Inc. Innovative Devices, Inc. Kennco Manufacturing, Inc. KoolJet Refrigeration Inc. Mechanical Transplanter Co. LLC Nolt’s Midwest Produce Supplies Quick Industries, Inc. Robert Marvel Plastic Mulch LLC Roeters Farm Equipment, Inc. Rogan Inc. Stokes Ladders, Inc. Tallman Ladders Inc. Thomas Bros. Equipment Sales Inc.

EQUIPMENT-NURSERY & LANDSCAPE Bamboo Supply Co. BDi Machinery Sales, Inc. BioSafe Systems Dosatron International Inc. Emerald Screening and Crushing Gourmet Seed International, LLC Growing Systems, Inc. Innovative Devices, Inc. KoolJet Refrigeration Inc. Mechanical Transplanter Co. LLC Quick Industries, Inc. Randall Tool & Manufacturing Rogan Inc. Stokes Ladders, Inc. Tallman Ladders Inc. Thomas Bros. Equipment Sales Inc. Thomas Bros. Equipment Sales Inc. Tree Equipment Design, Inc. True Source Enterprises Inc. W.W. Manufacturing Co., Inc. Weaverline, LLC Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Association FARM MARKET ITEMS Cool Bot Hillside Orchard Farms Inc. I & J Manufacturing Innovative Devices, Inc. McCutcheon Apple Products, Inc. Page Seed Company Produce Promotions ProducePackaging.com Putnam Plastics Inc. Richey Nursery Co., LLC Roof Basket Works, Inc. Southern Specialty Foods, LLC TokensDirect

Innovative Devices, Inc. Northwoods Nursery Page Seed Company Shur Farms Frost Protection GREENHOUSE PLANTSFINISHED Harris Seeds J.P. Bartlett Co., Inc. Richey Nursery Co., LLC GREENHOUSE PLANTSYOUNG PLANTS Innovative Devices, Inc. J.P. Bartlett Co., Inc. Vis Seed Co. Inc. GREENHOUSES AND SUPPLIES AGRI-SC / D&D Farm Service Advancing Alternatives, Inc. Al-Par Peat Co. AmeriLux International, LLC Anderson Die & Manufacturing A-V International BioOrganics BioSafe Systems Cool Bot Farm Wholesale Ag Four Seasons Tools GGS Structures, Inc. Good Earth Growers Supply Harnois Industries, Inc. Ludvig Svensson, Inc. Nolt’s Midwest Produce Supplies Quick Industries, Inc. Roof Basket Works, Inc. W.W. Manufacturing Co., Inc. GROUND COVERS Good Earth I & J Manufacturing Ludvig Svensson, Inc. Page Seed Company Vantage Partners HEATING Al-Par Peat Co. Golden Pacific Structures HYDROPONICS A.M.A. Plastics, Ltd - Al’s Flower Pouch II A.M.A. Plastics, Ltd - Ellepots A.M.A. Plastics, Ltd - Hydroponics Dyna-Gro Nutrition Solutions HYDROSEEDING BioOrganics Page Seed Company

FENCING AND TRELLISING Orchard Valley Supply Inc. Wayside Fence Co.

INSURANCE Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Association

FERTILIZER AGRI-SC / D&D Farm Service Acadian AgriTech Al-Par Peat Co. BioOrganics Dyna-Gro Nutrition Solutions Good Earth Grimes Horticulture JRM Chemical Ohio Earth Food, Inc. Page Seed Company The Fertrell Co. USA Gypsum

IRRIGATION Al-Par Peat Co. Anderson Injectors BioSafe Systems Discount Hydraulic Hose.Com Growing Systems, Inc. Harnois Industries, Inc. Robert Marvel Plastic Mulch LLC Toro

FRUIT TREES AGRI-SC / D&D Farm Service BioSafe Systems Harris Seeds

LANDSCAPE PRODUCTS AGRI-SC / D&D Farm Service Al-Par Peat Co. BioOrganics BioSafe Systems Good Earth Innovative Devices, Inc.

JRM Chemical Quick Industries, Inc. Page Seed Company Tallman Ladders Inc. The Fertrell Co. True Source Enterprises Inc. USA Gypsum W.W. Manufacturing Co., Inc.

PACKAGING Grower’s Discount Labels, LLC Page Seed Company ProducePackaging.com Putnam Plastics Inc. Quick Industries, Inc. Rockford Package Supply Inc. Weaverline, LLC

LEASING Innovative Devices, Inc.

PEAT MOSS AND GROWING MIXES Al-Par Peat Co. BioOrganics Good Earth Harris Seeds Page Seed Company

MULCH PLASTIC Harris Seeds Mechanical Transplanter Co. LLC Page Seed Company Robert Marvel Plastic Mulch LLC MULCH-LANDSCAPE Al-Par Peat Co. Good Earth Page Seed Company NATIVE PLANTS Bluebird Nursery, Inc. Engel’s Nursery, Inc. Grimes Horticulture NURSERY YOUNG PLANTS Awald Farms D&B Plants, LLC Harris Seeds Harris Seeds Innovative Devices, Inc. Needlefast Evergreens Inc. Richey Nursery Co., LLC Vis Seed Co. Inc. NURSERY STOCK - FINISHED Awald Farms Creekside Nursery Galehouse Tree Farms Mathisen Tree Farms, LLC Nourse Farms Inc. Tate’s Tree Company Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Association NURSERY SUPPLIES AGRI-SC / D&D Farm Service Al-Par Peat Co. Anderson Die & Manufacturing BioOrganics BioSafe Systems Bond Manufacturing Company Innovative Devices, Inc. Orchard Valley Supply Inc. Quick Industries, Inc. W.W. Manufacturing Co., Inc. ORCHARD SUPPLIES AGRI-SC / D&D Farm Service BioOrganics I & J Manufacturing Innovative Devices, Inc. Orchard Valley Supply Inc. Quick Industries, Inc. Shur Farms Frost Protection Stokes Ladders, Inc. Superior Fruit Equipment Tallman Ladders Inc. ORGANICS Acadian AgriTech BioSafe Systems Four Seasons Tools Good Earth Harris Seeds I & J Manufacturing Innovative Devices, Inc. Marrone Bio Innovations Ohio Earth Food, Inc. Page Seed Company Shur Farms Frost Protection Soil Technologies Corp.

PERENNIALS Bluebird Nursery, Inc. Vis Seed Co. Inc. PLOWS AND CULTIVATORS Discount Hydraulic Hose.Com I & J Manufacturing Innovative Devices, Inc. Kennco Manufacturing, Inc. Roeters Farm Equipment, Inc. Thomas Bros. Equipment Sales Inc. W.W. Manufacturing Co., Inc. PEST CONTROL Al-Par Peat Co. BioSafe Systems Dyna-Gro Nutrition Solutions Harris Seeds Marrone Bio Innovations Orchard Valley Supply Inc. ORO AGRI Inc. Wayside Fence Co. POTS - CONTAINERS Al-Par Peat Co. Anderson Die & Manufacturing Harris Seeds Stuewe and Sons, Inc. Vantage Partners PRODUCE AGRI-SC / D&D Farm Service Frontier Technology Inc. I & J Manufacturing Richey Nursery Co., LLC PRUNING Fanno Saw Works Orchard Valley Supply Inc. Superior Fruit Equipment Tallman Ladders Inc. PUMPKINS AND HALLOWEEN Awald Farms Produce Promotions REFRIGERATION Cool Bot KoolJet Refrigeration Inc. SEED-FLOWER Harris Seeds NESEED Olds Garden Seed Page Seed Company Stokes Seeds Inc. Vis Seed Co. Inc. SEED-VEGETABLE Bejo Seeds, Inc. DPSEEDS Gourmet Seed International, LLC Growing Systems, Inc. Harris Seeds NESEED Olds Garden Seed

Page Seed Company Rupp Seeds, Inc. Stokes Seeds Inc. Vis Seed Co. Inc. SOIL MIXERS AND BAGGERS Page Seed Company SNOW PLOWS Thomas Bros. Equipment Sales Inc. SOIL AND COMPOST AGRI-SC / D&D Farm Service Al-Par Peat Co. BioOrganics Emerald Screening and Crushing Four Seasons Tools Good Earth Soil Technologies Corp.

SPECIALTY FOODS Dillman Farm, Inc. Good Earth Maple Hill Farm McCutcheon Apple Products, Inc. San Francisco Herb & Natural Food Co. Southern Specialty Foods, LLC SPRAYERS Al-Par Peat Co. Crop Care Equipment Jacto, Inc. Kennco Manufacturing, Inc. Roeters Farm Equipment, Inc. Thomas Bros. Equipment Sales Inc. STAKES Bamboo Supply Co. Orchard Valley Supply Inc. TAGS, LABELS & SIGNS Grower’s Discount Labels, LLC Putnam Plastics Inc. Rockford Package Supply Inc. TRACTORS Roeters Farm Equipment, Inc. TRADE SHOWS Empire State Fruit & Vegetable Expo Innovative Devices, Inc. Page Seed Company Penn Atlantic Nursery Trade Show (PANTS) Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Association TRAILERS Advantage Trucks & Salvage, Inc. W.W. Manufacturing Co., Inc. TRUCKS Advantage Trucks & Salvage, Inc. WEED CONTROL AGRI-SC / D&D Farm Service BDi Machinery Sales, Inc. I & J Manufacturing Innovative Devices, Inc. ORO AGRI Inc. Page Seed Company Thomas Bros. Equipment Sales Inc. Weed Badger

October 2011 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER MIDWEST • Section A - Page 5

EDUCATION Empire State Fruit & Vegetable Expo

EQUIPMENT-GREENHOUSE Agri of Virginia, Inc. Bamboo Supply Co. BioSafe Systems Farm Wholesale Ag Four Seasons Tools Golden Pacific Structures Growing Systems, Inc. Innovative Devices, Inc. Quick Industries, Inc. Randall Tool & Manufacturing Rogan Inc. Schaefer Ventilation Equipment Stuewe and Sons, Inc. Tasco Dome Thomas Bros. Equipment Sales Inc. TrueLeaf Technologies Waldo & Associates Inc.

Find the product category you are interested in on this index and then refer to the expanded company listing on the pages that follow.

BUYER’S S GUIDEE COMPANY Y LISTINGS A-1 MIST SPRAYERS RESOURCES, INC. Ponca, NE 68770 Phone: 402-755-4230 AGRI-SC / D&D FARM SERVICE Contact: Doug Wood 2067 Long Hollow Rd. Millerstown, PA 17062 Phone: 717-694-3648 Fax: 717-694-0171 www.agri-sc.com dwood@countryilink.net Agri-SC is a commercial anionic liquid soil amendment that assists in reducing hard pan, water run-off, erosion, crusting and poor root growth. Agri-SC’s unique chemical formulation mixes well, applies easily, is low rate and has been proven in extensive research and successful field results worldwide.

BAMBI’S NURSERY Silverton, OR 97381 Phone: 503-873-6774 ACADIAN AGRITECH Contact: Greg Nichols 30 Brown Ave. Dartmouth, Nova Scotia CN B3B 1X8 Phone: 800-575-9100 Fax: 902-468-3474 www.acadianagritech.com info@acadian.ca Acadian AgriTech is the world’s leading supplier of crop input products derived exclusively from Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed. With over three decades of scientifically proven results, Acadian understands and addresses grower needs to ensure the production of healthy, productive plants.

ADVANCED BIOFUELS USA Frederick, MD 21701 Phone: 301-644-1395

Page 6 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER MIDWEST • October 2011

A.M.A. PLASTICS, LTD - AL’S FLOWER POUCH II Contact: Lisa Janzen 1367 Oxford Ave. Kingsville, Ontario CN N9Y 2S8 Phone: 519-322-1397, 800-338-1136 Fax: 519-322-1358; www.alsflowerpouch.com ljanzen@amaplas.com Al’s Flower Pouch. A burst of beauty in a bag. Now degradable.

A.M.A. PLASTICS, LTD ELLEPOTS Contact: Lisa Janzen 1367 Oxford Ave. Kingsville, Ontario CN N9Y 2S8 Phone: 519-322-1397, 800-338-1136 Fax: 519-322-1358 www.amasplas.com ljanzen@amaplas.com Ellepots by A.M.A. Fast, healthy rooting for your cuttings. Vegetative, nursery, fruit trees, perennials, grapes and more.

A.M.A. PLASTICS, LTD HYDROPONICS Contact: Lisa Janzen 1367 Oxford Ave. Kingsville, Ontario CN N9Y 2S8 Phone: 519-322-1397, 800-338-1136 Fax: 519-322-1358 www.amaplas.com ljanzen@amaplas.com Hydroponic growing mediums (plugs, blocks, slabs), Stonewool nuggets, Deleco tomato clips & truss supports, Lankhorst twines. Ask us about degradable twines & clips.

ADVANCING ALTERNATIVES, INC. 717 Schuylkill Mountain Rd. Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972 Phone: 570-739-1034, 877-546-2257 Fax: 570-739-1258 www.advancingalternatives.com Providing natural ventilation for straight sided and ground to ground structures with our innovative Roll up/Lock Down Curtain Systems. Offering a wide range and variety of parts and supplies for growers and the greenhouse industry.

ADVANTAGE TRUCKS & SALVAGE, INC. Contact: Joe Stearns 933 Ransom Rd. Lancaster, NY 14086 Phone: 716-685-6757 Fax: 716-685-6272 www.advantagetrucks.com joe@advantagetrucks.com AGRI OF VIRGINIA, INC. Broadway, VA 22815 Phone: 540-896-6378

AL-PAR PEAT CO. Contact: Jeff Campbell 5900 Henderson Rd. Elsie, MI 48831 Phone: 989-277-9129 Fax: 989-661-7854 www.alparonesource.com jeff@alparonesource.com Soils: Filled flats, pots, bagged, bulk, custom mixes, retail bag.

Complete supplier for all greenhouse, nursery and landscape supplies.

AMERILUX INTERNATIONAL, LLC De Pere, WI 54115 Phone: 920-336-9300, 888-602-4441

ANDERSON DIE & MANUFACTURING Contact: Rick Anderson 2425 S.E. Moores St. Portland, OR 97222 Phone: 866-950-POTS (5629) Fax: 503-654-5655 www.andersonpots.com info@andersonpots.com World famous Anderson pots for nursery and greenhouse use.

Anderson bands, polycans, flats and biodegradable Eco Choice pots.

ANDERSON INJECTORS 2100 Anderson Dr., P.O. Box 1006 Muskogee, OK 74403 Phone: 800-331-9620 Fax: 918-682-3342 www.heanderson.com sales@heanderson.com Offering a wide range of chemical injection systems that will provide many years of accurate and dependable service. Large and small systems. Acid and fertilizer injection as well as many other chemicals. Since 1956.

AUCTIONEER PHIL JACQUIER, INC. Southwick, MA 1077 Phone: 413-569-6421 A-V INTERNATIONAL Contact: Jim Showalter P.O. Box 336, 401 Broadway Ave. Broadway, VA 22815 Phone: 540-896-6378 Fax: 540-896-7079 www.a-vinternational.com agriavint@aol.com A-V Lifetime Bench Systems utilize fiberglass frames with polypropylene bench tops.

Benches available in single tier, multi-tier display and rolling designs. Bench tops may be purchased separately: 18” x 36” and 24” x 48” available.

AWALD FARMS Contact: Edward Awald 2195 Shirley Rd. North Collins, NY 14111 Phone: 716-337-3162 Fax: 716-337-3600; www.awaldfarms.com awaldfarm@aol.com Awald Farms grows and sells quality red, black and purple raspberry plants as well as blackberry plants and grapevines. Call us to receive a catalog.

BAMBOO SUPPLY CO. Contact: Ron Reycraft P.O. Box 5433 Lakeland, FL 33807 Phone: 800-568-9087 Fax: 866-211-6131 www.bamboosupply.com ron@bamboosupply.net Bamboo stakes, poles and fencing. Staking supplies. Fiberglass stakes. Bamboo and Coco square hanging baskets.

Bamboo plant tag holders.

BDI MACHINERY SALES, INC. Contact: Bill Reiss 430 E. Main St. Macungie, PA 18062 Phone: 800-808-0454 Fax: 610-965-2959 www.bdimachinery.net buydirect@bdimachinery.net Imports and manufactures specialty farm equipment not available from local farm stores.

Supplying vineyard, nursery, orchard and vegetable growers.

Complete catalog online.

BIOORGANICS Contact: Don Chapman P.O. Box 5326 Palm Springs, CA 92263 Phone: 888-332-7676 Fax: 760-322-0146 www.bio-organics.com moreinfo@bio-organics.com BioOrganics offers mycorrhizae inoculants for all types of growing situations - nurseries, farms, orchards, landscaping or home gardens. These beneficial fungi boost root uptake of nutrients and water and create extremely vigorous plants with minimal fertilization.

BIOSAFE SYSTEMS Contact: Mike Larose 22 Meadow St. East Hartford, CT 06108 Phone: 888-273-3088 Fax: 860-290-8802 www.biosafesystems.com mlarose@biosafesystems.com BioSafe Systems offers bactericides, fungicides, algaecides, microbiocides and sanitizers to protect growing crops, water, nursery stock, greenhouse material and harvesting produce.

BLUEBIRD NURSERY, INC. Clarkson, NE 68629 Phone: 402—892-3457

BEJO SEEDS, INC. Contact: Jeff Trickett 1972 Silver Spur Place Oceano, CA 93445 Phone: 805-473-2199 Fax: 805-473-0897 www.bejoseeds.com j.trickett@bejoseeds.com Bejo, a name that stands for quality.... Our focus is quality, market specific vegetable seed.

As part of a worldwide Bejo team, we engage in breeding, seed production, marketing, sales, trials, product development and customer support.

BERRY HILL IRRIGATION, INC. Contact: Trey Snead 3744 Highway 58 Buffalo Junction, VA 24529 Phone: 800-345-3747 Fax: 434-374-0131 www.berryhilldrip.com trey@berryhilldrip.com Drip irrigation for commercial growers and hobby farmers. We sell and stock T-Tape, Toro Aquatraxx, Blue-Stripe Poly, diesel and electric pumps, mulch laying equipment, plastic mulch, vineyard supplies and more. Free catalog.

BOND MANUFACTURING COMPANY Antoch, CA 94509 Phone: 800-359-8665 COOL BOT P.O. Box 96 Gardiner, NY 12525 Phone: 888-871-5723 www.storeitcold.com info@storeitcold.com CoolBot converts a standard window air conditioner to run a walk-in cooler down to 34 degrees. Thousands sold to farmers, flourists and hunters.

CREEKSIDE NURSERY Morrison, TN 37357 Phone: 931-939-2390

CROP CARE EQUIPMENT Contact: Eric Burkholder 50 Wood Corner Rd. Lititz, PA 17543 Phone: 717-738-7365 Fax: 717-738-7369 www.CropCareEquipment.com info@cropcareequipment.com CropCare’s dealer network carries high pressure produce sprayers from 110 to 500 gallons, shielded sprayers for between row applications, smaller sprayers from 25-60 gallons and other produce equipment such as our innovative Picking Assistant and plastic mulch lifter wrap.

D&B PLANTS, LLC Contact: Bob Kuszmaul 27550 School Section Rd. Richmond, MI 48062 Phone: 810-392-3393 Fax: 810-392-3397 DandBplants.com info@DandBplants.com For over 25 years, we have produced vigorous starter plant material that is well branched and thoroughly rooted. Our product line includes flowering shrubs, conifers, evergreens and 2-3 year grafts. Licensed grower of several woody ornamental lines including Proven Winners.

DEER RUN GREENERY, INC. Contact: Mike McMahon P.O. Box 743 Graham, WA 98338 Phone: 866-706-9865 Fax: 360-893-2269 www.christmaswreathsales.com cwreath@centurytel.net Produces fresh Christmas wreaths, garlands, cut greens and pine cones for garden centers and fundraising groups throughout the United States and Canada.

DEGRANDCHAMP FARMS, INC. South Haven, MI 49090 Phone: 888-483-7431

DILLMAN FARM, INC. Contact: Cary Sillman 4955 W. St. Rd. 45 Bloomington, IN 47403 Phone: 812-825-5525, 800-359-1362 Fax: 812-825-4650 www.dillmanfarm.com carydillman@dillmanfarm.com Manufacturer of all natural apple butter, fruit butters, fruit preserves, salsas, mustards, sucrose free spreads and hot apple products. Private labeling available.

DISCOUNT HYDRAULIC HOSE.COM Philadelphia, PA 19124 Phone: 215-744-2828 Fax: 215-744-1045 rfrye@discounthydraulichose.co m DOSATRON INTERNATIONAL INC. Clearwater, FL 33765 Phone: 800-523-8499

BUYER’S S GUIDEE COMPANY Y LISTINGS DPSEEDS Contact: Yvonne Higgins 8269 S. Hwy. 95 Yuma, AZ 85365 Phone: 928-341-8494 www.dpseeds.com info@dpseeds.com Committed to providing the highest quality seed from around the world. We are a hybrid vegetable seed company dedicated to providing seeds of the highest quality to commercial vegetable growers worldwide.

Give us a call!!

DYNA-GRO NUTRITION SOLUTIONS 2775 Giant Rd. Richmond, CA 94806 Phone: 800-396-2476 Fax: 510-233-0198 www.dyna-gro.com info@dyna-gro.com Dyna-Gro manufactures a complete line of superior plant nutrient solutions containing all 16 essential minerals. Great for use in any medium, from soil to hydroponics. Pro-TeKt The Silicon Solution reduces environmental stresses such as heat, cold and drought.

EMERALD SCREENING AND CRUSHING Contact: Keith Kimmerle 125 S. Pioneer Ave. Trucksville, PA 18708 Phone: 570-971-4520 Fax: 570-696-2519 www.emeraldscreening.com mobilescreen31@aol.com Distributor for Powerscreen screening plants, trommel screens and box screens.

Catering to topsoil, compost and mulch producers. Rentals, sales, parts and service.

EMPIRE STATE FRUIT & VEGETABLE EXPO Contact: Jeanette Marvin P.O. Box 267 Macedon, NY 14502 Phone: 315-986-9320 Fax: 315-986-8534 jmarvin@rochester.rr.com New York State trade show for the fruit and vegetable growers and marketers. Education and trade show January 24, 25 & 26, 2012 in Syracuse, NY.

ENGEL’S NURSERY, INC. Contact: Becky Engel 6432 120th Ave. Fennville, MI 49408 Phone: 269-543-4123 Fax: 888-416-6425 www.engelsnursery.com info@engelsnursery.com Wholesale grower of tree and shrub seedlings and transplants.

FANNO SAW WORKS Chico, CA 95927 Phone: 530-895-1262

FARM WHOLESALE AG Contact: Phil Edmunds 3740 Brooklake Rd. NE Salem, OR 97303 Phone: 877-234-1595 Fax: 503-393-3119 www.farmwholesaleag.com info@farmwholesale.com Featuring corrugated plastic Solexx greenhouse coverings, tree guards, grow tubes and harvesting and shipping totes.

FLORASEARCH, INC. 1740 Lake Markham Rd. Sanford, FL 32771 Phone: 407-320-8177 Fax: 407-320-8083 www.florasearch.com search@florasearch.com Key employee search firm serving the nursery, greenhouse, landscape and greater horticulture industry and allied trades, nationally and internationally.

Only industry search firm endorsed by the National Assoc. of Executive Recruiters. Candidate contact encouraged, confidential, always free.

FOUR SEASONS TOOLS 9615 Grandview Rd. Kansas City, MO 64137 Phone: 816-444-7330 www.smallfarmtools.com info@smallfarmtools.com Four Season Tools builds year round organic vegetable farms.

We’ve developed and offer efficient systems for small scale food production. We offer farm consultation, season extending movable greenhouses and uniquely designed farm implements to increase the flexibility and economic viability of your farm.

FRONTIER TECHNOLOGY INC. Allegan, MI 49010 Phone: 269-673-9464

Kurt Zuhlke & Assoc. Inc.

PO Box 609, Bangor, PA 18013-0609

email: sales@producepackaging.com

Over 55 Years In The Industry

GGS STRUCTURES, INC. Vineland Station, Ontario CN L0R 2E0 Phone: 905-562-7341

High Quality Products And Services Our packaging is designed to protect produce, provide excellent visibility to the consumer, reduce shrinkage and enhance the product.

We also offer professional labeling design and application.

Earth Friendly Packaging Made of Recycled PETE

KEEPING IT GREEN Our Clamshells are Recyclable!

Whether you are ordering a case or a truck load, you can rest assured that we have the ability and capacity to service your orders quickly.

www.producepackaging.com

GOURMET SEED INTERNATIONAL, LLC Tatum, NM 88267 Phone: 575-398-6111 GRIMES HORTICULTURE Concord, OH 44077 Phone: 440-352-6600 GROWER’S DISCOUNT LABELS, LLC Tunnel, NY 13848 Phone: 800-693-1572 GROWERS SUPPLY Dyersville, IA 52040 Phone: 800-476-9715 GROWING SYSTEMS, INC. Contact: Dana V. Cable, Sr., President; 2950 N. Weil St. Milwaukee, WI 53212 Phone: 414-263-3131 Fax: 414-263-2454 www.growingsystemsinc.com info@growingsystemsinc.com Manufacturers of plastic propagation trays, Vandana tubeless seeder, convertible tube seeder, convertible plug dislodger, dual rail traveling irrigator, boomless mono-rail irrigator, mono-rail trolley carts, spring lock poly fastener, channel and wire.

HARRIS SEEDS Contact: Richard Chamberlin 355 Paul Rd., PO Box 24966 Rochester, NY 14624-0966 Phone: 585-935-7015 Fax: 585-259-3609 www.harrisseeds.com rchamberlin@harrisseeds.com Full line vegetable and flower seed distributor. Plugs and liners, growing supplies, organic and untreated seeds. Serving professional growers for 130 years.

HILLSIDE ORCHARD FARMS INC. Contact: Lynn McDaniel 105 Mitcham Cir. Tiger, GA 30576 Phone: 706-782-4995 Fax: 706-782-7848 www.hillsideorchard.com We are a manufacturing facility which processes over 600 jams, ciders, pickles, relishes, etc. We also offer private label and contract packaging.

I & J MANUFACTURING 5302 Amish Rd. Gap, PA 17527 Phone: 717-442-9451 Manufacturing row crop cultivators, cover crop rollers, sickle bar mowers (plug free), rotary rakes, horse drawn machinery, etc.

INNOVATIVE DEVICES, INC. Contact: Kai Lee 5235 Raborn Ct. Portage, MI 49024 Phone: 269-567-8862 tillerweeder.com tillerweeder@gmail.com Lee Tillerweeder: A double duty machine. World’s first counter rotating tilling/weeding machine. Highly effective, portable, easy to use. It tills and shreds dense, tall weeds and their roots. 15-30-inches wide, 1-8inches deep. Great for farms, gardens, horticulture.

J.P. BARTLETT CO., INC. Sudbury, MO 01776 Phone: 978-443-8851

GOLDEN PACIFIC STRUCTURES Contact: Gary Baze 313 Jesse Way Redlands, CA 92374 Phone: 909-389-7613 Fax: 513-242-0816 gpstructures.com gbaze@gpstructures.com Quality greenhouse structures and related products including stand alone cold frames, economical gutter connect ranges plus a full variety of coverings, doors, environmental controls systems including fresh air vents, exhaust fans, heat, shade systems and benching solutions.

HAINES EQUIPMENT, INC. 20 Carrington St., P.O. Box I Avoca, NY 14809 Phone: 607-566-2234 Fax: 607-566-2240 www.hainesequipment.com hainesinc@aol.com Manufacturer of agricultural equipment for over 60 years, specializing in fruit and vegetable equipment. Baggers, conveyors, box filler and movers, brushers, buckets, hoppers, loaders, graders, flumes, sizers, water pumps and washers.

HARNOIS INDUSTRIES, INC. St. Thomas, Quebec CN J0K 3L0 Phone: 888-427-6647

JACTO, INC. Contact: Dan Shumaker 19217 SW 119th Ave. Tualatin, OR 97062 Phone: 800-522-8610 Fax: 503-691-4380 www.Jacto.com info@jacto.com Jacto offers both 3pt and trailed cannon and airblast sprayers as well as backpack sprayers.

With 7 cannon, 10 airblast and 4 models of backpacks, Jacto has the right sprayer for your fruit and vegetable needs.

October 2011 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER MIDWEST • Section A - Page 7

For over 55 years, Kurt Zuhlke & Assoc., Inc. has been a part of the many innovative packaging concepts utilized by the produce industry.

GALEHOUSE TREE FARMS Doyleston, OH 44230 Phone: 330-658-2480

GOOD EARTH Contact: Monika Vatenos 5950 Broadway Lancaster, NY 14086 Phone: 716-684-8111 Fax: 716-684-3722 www.goodearth.org m.vatenos@goodearth.org Producer of quality bark and peat moss mixes for commercial growers - in bulk, bags and compressed bales. Supplying retailers with peat moss, organic potting/specialty soils, plant foods, soil, conditioners, barks/mulches, soil covers, ice/snow melters, etc. - for over 70 years.

BUYER’S S GUIDEE COMPANY Y LISTINGS JRM CHEMICAL Cleveland, OH 44128 Phone: 216-475-8488 KENNCO MANUFACTURING, INC. Ruskin, FL 33575 Phone: 813-645-2591

KOOLJET REFRIGERATION INC. Contact: Gene Stampfer 261 Tillson Ave. Tillsonburg, Ontario CN N4G 4G4 Phone: 866-748-7786 Fax: 866-748-7760 www.kooljet.com info@kooljet.com KoolJet designs and builds custom chillers, blast freezers, deep cold freezers, air chillers, process cooling equipment and hydro-coolers for agricultural applications and processes.

KRIEGER’S WHOLESALE NURSERY, INC. P.O. Box 116 Bridgman, MI 49106 Phone: 269-465-5522 Fax: 269-465-4822 www.kriegersnrsery.com Specialized growers of quality small fruit plants including raspberries, grapes, blueberries, gooseberries, currants, jostaberries, asparagus and rhubarb.

Phone: 717-382-4878 Fax: 717-685-3682 www.mazecatalog.com hughmc@cornmaze.com Maize Quest creates corn mazes, games for mazes, maze attractions and hayride audio systems to make your fall harvest season memorable for your guests and easier for you to manage. Call now to learn more.

MAPLE HILL FARM Hillsboro, OH 45133 MARRONE BIO INNOVATIONS Davis, CA 95618 MATHISEN TREE FARMS, LLC Greenville, MI 48838 Phone: 616-754-3200

MCCUTCHEON APPLE PRODUCTS, INC. Contact: Wholesale Sales 13 S. Wisner St., P.O. Box 243 Frederick, MD 21705 Phone: 800-888-7537 www.mccutcheons.com info@mccutcheons.com Complete selection of home recipe Apple Butter, preserves, pickles, relishes, ciders and juices, chips, honey and more.

Perfect for farm market, garden center or country store. Private labeling available. Fast selling High quality - Shelf stable.

Page 8 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER MIDWEST • October 2011

MAIZE QUEST CORN MAZES & ATTRACTIONS Contact: Hugh McPherson 251 E. Maple Lawn Rd. New Park, PA 17352

NEEDLEFAST EVERGREENS INC. Ludington, MI 49431 Phone: 231-843-8524

NESEED Contact: Maureen 3580 Main St. Hartford, CT 06120 Phone: 800-825-5477 www.neseed.com feedback@neseed.com Vegetable, flower and herb seed store for commercial and home growers. Seeds available in bulk and packets. Order by Phone: or online. Request our free catalog online. Flat rate shipping, free USA seed shipping over $99.99, 10% discount over $999.99.

NOLT’S MIDWEST PRODUCE SUPPLIES Charles City, IA 50616 Phone: 641-228-4496

MECHANICAL TRANSPLANTER CO. LLC Contact: Dan Timmer 1150 Central Ave. Holland, MI 49423 Phone: 800-757-5268 Fax: 616-396-3619 www.mechanicaltransplanter.com mtc@egl.net Mechanical Transplanter Co. is the leading U.S. manufacturer of transplanting equipment. We also have the most complete line of plastic mulch equipment.

NAEX CORP. - POULENGER USA Contact: Don Taylor P.O. Box 421177 Houston, TX 77242 Phone: 281-879-0932 Fax: 281-879-1081 www.poulengerusa.com, www.poulenger.com info@poulengerusa.com NaEx Corp. is a manufacturer of agricultural inputs including organic fertilizers, nematicides and pesticides. Also offering

www.noursefarms.com info@noursefarms.com We have made our variety listings & descriptions available for you to review on our Web site.

Free catalog and strawberry plasticulture guide available.

OESCO, INC. Conway, MA 01341 Phone: 800-634-5557 OHIO EARTH FOOD, INC. Hartville, OH 44632 Phone: 330-877-9356 OLDS GARDEN SEED Madison, WI 53704 Phone: 800-949-5017 ORCHARD VALLEY SUPPLY INC. Harrisburg, NC Phone: 888-755-0098 www.orchardvalleysupply.com info@orchardvalleysupply.com America’s choice for vineyards, wineries, orchards and nurseries. Supplies for trellising, training, wildlife control, harvesting and so much more.

ORO AGRI INC. Roanoke, TX 76262 Phone: 817-491-2057

NORTHWOODS NURSERY Molalla, OR 97038 Phone: 503-651-3737

NOURSE FARMS INC. Contact: Nate Nourse 41 River Rd. South Deerfield, MA 01373 Phone: 413-665-2658 Fax: 413-665-7888

L & H ENTERPRISES Lowgap, NC 27024 Phone: 336-352-4048

LUDVIG SVENSSON, INC. Contact: Kurt Parbst 535 Griffith Rd. Charlotte, NC 28217 Phone: 704-357-0457 Fax: 704-357-0460 www.svenssonglobal.com sales@svenssonamerias.com Svensson screens are designed to improve the success of professional greenhouse growers by enhancing the greenhouse climate. Screen solutions are engineered for the greenhouse to conserve energy, moderate temperature, extremes and fluctuations, control day length and reduce pesticide and herbicide usage.

wetting agents, surfactants, biostimulants, salt damage prevention products and moisture management.

PAGE SEED COMPANY 1A Green St. Greene, NY 13778 Phone: 607-656-4107

Fax: 607-656-5316 www.pageseed.com Retail, wholesale, bulk & packaged flower & vegetable seeds, ag & farm products such as grains, silage corn, grass, turf & landscape support - fertilizers, mulch, fabrics, nursery stock, bulbs, etc.

PAIGE EQUIPMENT SALES & SERVICE INC. E. Williamson, NY 14449 Phone: 315-589-6651 PENN ATLANTIC NURSERY TRADE SHOW (PANTS) Contact: Sally O’Shea 1707 South Cameron St. Harrisburg, PA 17104 Phone: 717-238-6304 Fax: 717-238-1675 www.PANTSHOW.com soshea@PLNA.com PANTS is a trade show for nurseries, greenhouse growers, independent garden centers and landscape contractors. PANTS is an association produced event by PLNA. Join us July 31 - August 2, 2012 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA. PRODUCE PROMOTIONS Contact: Karla Wise 2811 U.S. 31 Plymouth, IN 46563 Phone: 888-575-4090 or 574-784-2188 Fax: 574-784-2468 www.producepromotions.com superbservice@mchsi.com Eye catching preprinted signage to help bring the customers to your farm market! We offer many designs in 10-foot feather flags, 3x8-foot banners, slip-

over poly marketeers, road signs, postcards, balloons, so much more!

PRODUCEPACKAGING.COM Contact: Cindy Zuhlke P.O. Box 609 Bangor, PA 18013-0609 Phone: 610-588-7992 Fax: 610-588-6245 www.producepackaging.com cindy@producepackaging.com Keeping it Green - Made of recycled PETE. Earth friendly packaging in a variety of sizes and styles. Clamshells: pints, quarts, half pints, 3 and 4 packs, utility packs, lettuce crispers. Trays, 10 and 15 pound box liners, corrugated, soaker pads.

PUTNAM PLASTICS INC. 255 So. Alex Rd. West Carrollton, OH 45449 Phone: 800-457-3099 Fax: 937-866-9365 www.putnamfarm.como packaging@putnamfarm.com Roadside and farm market packaging solutions for any season.

QUICK INDUSTRIES, INC. 2728 Erie Dr. Weedsport, NY 13166 Phone: 800-356-7354 Fax: 315-834-9220 www.quickstring.com sales@quickstring.com Quick String is a time saving string dispenser that can clip to your belt or wall and allow you to dispense and cut with one hand. The tub will hold the twine, string or plastic tying ribbon in half pound balls, spools or rolls.

BUYER’S S GUIDEE COMPANY Y LISTINGS RANDALL TOOL & MANUFACTURING Jenison, MI 49428 Phone: 616-669-1260 RICHEY NURSERY CO., LLC Contact: Mark Richey 6184 Quarterline Rd. Spring Lake, MI 49456 Phone: 800-798-4079 Fax: 231-798-4079 www.ShrubLiners.com info@richeynursery.com Propagators and growers of pre-

finished pot grown liners of flowering shrubs, broadleaf evergreens and herbs. See our Web site for more info.

ROBERT MARVEL PLASTIC MULCH LLC Contact: Tara Marvel 2425 Horseshoe Pike Annville, PA 17003 Phone: 717-838-0976, 800-478-2214 Fax: 717-838-0978 www.robertmarvel.com

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PLY INC. Contact: Lynn Drown 10421 Northland Dr. N.E. Rockford, MI 49341 Phone: 616-866-0143, 800-444-7225 Fax: 616-266-4921 www.rockfordpack.com ldrown@rockfordpack.com Farm market and produce packaging cartons, bags, banners, labels, agritainment supplies.

ROETERS FARM EQUIPMENT, INC. Contact: Mark or Tim Roeters 565 E. 120th St. Grant, MI 49327 Phone: 231-834-7888 Fax: 231-834-8655 www.roetersfarmequipment.com roeters.eq@att.net Specializing in new and used vegetable equipment. From soil preparation, planting, cultivating, harvesting and packing line equipment.

ROGAN INC. Contact: Rick Rogan 400 S. Devils Glen Rd. Bettendorf, IA 52722 Phone: 563-355-2647 Fax: 563-355-8333 www.roganinc.com rick@roganinc.com Scales and material handling products. Visit our Web site or call to receive special pricing for Country Folks Grower’s readers.

ROOF BASKET WORKS, INC. Lexington, SC 29072 Phone: 800-368-8425

SAN FRANCISCO HERB & NATURAL FOOD CO. Fremont, CA 94538 Phone: 800-227-2830 SCHAEFER VENTILATION EQUIPMENT Sauk Rapids, MN 56379 Phone: 800-779-3267

SILVER MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS TREES Contact: Joan Merrell 4672 Drift Creek Rd. SE Sublimity, OR 97385 Phone: 503-769-7127 Fax: 503-769-3549 www.silvermtnchristmastrees.com joan@slvermtnchristmastrees.com Noble fir, Douglas fir, Grand fir, Nordman fir Christmas trees.

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SOIL TECHNOLOGIES CORP. Fairfield, IA 52556 Phone: 641-472-3963 ext. 105 SOUTHERN SPECIALTY FOODS, LLC Contact: Phil Haines 737 Byne Sunshine Rd. Millen, GA 30442 Phone: 706-554-5560 Fax: 877-340-1611 www.southernspecialtyfoods.com phil@southernspecialtyfoods.com We private label jams, pickled items, salsas, dressings, BBQ sauces and whipped honey. We are a small family owned business offering fast turn around and free shipping. No typesetting or printing charges for our standard private label program.

STOKES LADDERS, INC. Contact: Jerry Hook P.O. Box 445 Kelseyville, CA 95451 Phone: 707-279-4306 Fax: 707-279-2232 www.stokesladders.com info@stokesladders.com Manufacturer of top quality professional grade orchard ladders for growers, arborists, landscapers and homeowners.

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STOKES SEEDS INC. Box 548 Buffalo, NY 14240-0548 Phone: 800-263-7233

October 2011 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER MIDWEST • Section A - Page 9

RUPP SEEDS, INC. 17919 Co. Rd. B Wauseon, OH 43567 Phone: 800-700-1199 Fax: 419-337-5491 www.ruppseeds.com feedback@ruppseeds.com From asparagus to zucchini with everything in between for professional growers of any size and with over 1,100 vegetable varieties from all the major vegetable breeders. Rupp Seeds is uniquely able to help farm families feed their friends and neighbors at home and around the world.

SHUR FARMS FROST PROTECTION 1890 N. 8th St. Colton, CA 92324 Phone: 877-842-9688 Fax: 909-825-2611 www.shurfarms.com info@shurfarms.com The powerful Shur Farms Cold Air Drain is the most fuel efficient, quiet and cost effective method of active frost protection for trees and vines. A computerized frost analysis is available at no charge!

BUYER’S S GUIDEE COMPANY Y LISTINGS Fax: 888-834-3334 www.stokeseeds.com stokes@stokesseeds.com Supplier of high quality vegetable seed since 1881. A sales team of 18 professionals research and evaluate trials year round for the newest and best. Their knowledge assists growers to plant the most productive crop possible.

STUEWE AND SONS, INC. Contact: Eric Stuewe 31933 Rolland Dr. Tangent, OR 97389 Phone: 541-757-7798 Fax: 541-754-6617 www.stuewe.como info@stuewe.com We sell nursery growing containers used for propagating and growing tree seedlings.

SUPERIOR FRUIT EQUIPMENT Contact: Jeff Martin 200 S. Columbia St. Wenatchee, WA 98801 Phone: 509-662-6065 Fax: 509-662-1661 www.sfequip.com sales@sfequip.com Manufacturer of Hickok and Vaca pruning tools and Wells and Wade picking bags and baskets. Distributor of Fanno, ARS, Manzana clippers and Silky saws. Serving the professional fruit industry since 1918.

Page 10 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER MIDWEST • October 2011

TALLMAN LADDERS INC. Contact: Bob Tallman 1460 Tucker Rd. Hood River, OR 97031 Phone: 541-386-2733 Fax: 541-386-4862 www.tallmanladders.com tallman@tallmanladders.com Quality built aluminum tripod orchard ladders. Serving fruit growers and homeowners since 1954. Step up to quality, step up to a Tallman!

TASCO DOME Vineland Station, Ontario CN L0R 2E0 Phone: 905-562-7341

TATE’S TREE COMPANY Contact: Bill Tate 900 Buffalo Ridge Lane Waupaca, WI 54981 Phone: 715-213-5051 Fax: 800-826-3622 www.tatestrees.com sales@tatestrees.com Tate’s are one of Wisconsin’s premier growers of Christmas trees and nursery stock. Nursery grown in the rich, clay soils near Madison, WI. Christmas trees in central part of Wisconsin. No minimums.

THE FERTRELL CO. Bainbridge, PA 17502 Phone: 717-367-1566 THOMAS BROS. EQUIPMENT SALES INC. Contact: Eddie Thomas 41764 Red Arrow Hwy. Paw Paw, MI 49079 Phone: 269-657-3735, 866-214-6135 Fax: 269-657-2110 www.thomasbrosequip.com Specialists in “out of the ordinary” farming needs. Sprayers, tillers, orchard mowers, flail choppers, transplanters, mulch layers, seeders, Round-up applicators, box rotators and fertilizer spreaders.

TOKENSDIRECT Cincinnati, OH 45225 Phone: 800-514-6312

TORO Contact: Bill Wolfram 25108 Custis Neck Rd. Accomac, VA 23301 Phone: 757-710-0320 Fax: 757-787-4433 www.toro.com bill.wolfram.com Advanced irrigation technology for improving yields and conserving precious resources.

TREE EQUIPMENT DESIGN, INC. New Ringgold, PA,17960 Phone: 570-386-3515 TRUE SOURCE ENTERPRISES INC. Contact: David Pratson 7607 Rancho Amigos Rd. N. Bonsall, CA 92003 Phone: 760-545-8163 Fax: 760-749-8310 trueflexkneepads.com truesource@hughes.net

VIS SEED CO. INC. Contact: Hans J. Vis PO Box 661953, 153 La Porte St. Arcadia, CA 91066 Phone: 626-445-1233 Fax: 626-445-3779 www.visseed.com hvis@visseed.com Specializing in flower, vegetable and herb seeds from around the world. We also are a broker for your plug and liner needs.

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VANTAGE PARTNERS Statesville, NC 28625 Phone: 704-871-8700

WALDO & ASSOCIATES INC. Perrysburg, OH 43551 Phone: 800-468-4011 WAYSIDE FENCE CO. Bay Shore, NY 11706 Phone: 800-847-7789

WEAVERLINE, LLC Narvon, PA 17555 Phone: 877-464-1025 WEED BADGER Marion, ND 58466 Phone: 800-437-3392 WISCONSIN CHRISTMAS TREE PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION Contact: Cheryl Nicholson W9833 Hogan Rd. Portage, WI 53901-9279 Phone: 608-742-8663 Fax: 608-742-8663 www.christmastrees-wi.org info@christmastrees-wi.org Christmas trees, wreaths, nursery stock, supplies and more.

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W.W. MANUFACTURING CO., INC. Contact: Ingrid Hawk 60 Rosenhayn Ave. Bridgeton, NJ 08302 Phone: 856-451-5700 Fax: 856-451-4985 www.wwmfg.com info@wwmfg.com Originators of USA made, professional grade, all steel spades and shovels (King of Spades), rakes (Dura Rake), and assorted tools, carts, trailers for nurseries, landscaping, contractors, forestry, groundskeeping and metal detecting.

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Today’s Marketing Objectives By: Melissa Piper Nelson Farm News Service News and views on agricultural marketing techniques.

Sustainability marketing Although the modern usage is debated, the global term “sustainability” is generally thought to have been introduced at a United Nations Conference in 1987. It was chosen to define thinking and acting in a balanced way for the present, while planning for the future. Some agricultural historians note, however, that U.S. producers were using the term in the early 1970’s

to refer to a way of farming that protected natural eco-systems.

In 1990, the idea of sustainability was introduced into the U. S. Farm Bill and since then sustainable agriculture has become a popularized theme for being ecologically sound, socially equitable, using natural resources wisely, and preserving biodiversity in farming.

In 1997, the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education

(SARE) organization defined it as, “Sustainable agriculture does not refer to a prescribed set of practices. Instead, it challenges producers to think about the longterm implications of practices and the broad interactions and dynamics of agricultural systems.”

Today we know that consumers react favorably to production systems they feel are following sustainable methods. The definition that

consumers use remains broad: Organic, naturally-grown, eco-ganic, or natural.

What consumers are saying with their dollars is that they care about how foods and fibers are grown and how that impacts the environment for future generations.

What has followed is called “green” marketing or “sustainable” marketing promoting a product, and the idea of how the product contributes to an environmentallysound and ecologicallybalanced world.

Many producers have already integrated the story behind their product into marketing techniques with story

boards, farm photos, farm history-based brochures, informational labels and certifications.

While sustainable agriculture means a host of different things to consumers, buyers use the term to seek out operations actively pursuing agriculture that strives for longterm stability and sound uses of natural resources. While buyers may not always follow through with this in purchasing from large grocery chains (a bag of apples, is a bag of apples), direct agricultural marketing unites farmer and consumer on a closer basis.

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October 2011 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER MIDWEST • Section A - Page 11

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the importance of the back story — what takes place to make the product or service in the first place. Green or sustainable marketing then becomes as important as the product itself. Consumers ask about the farming method, if packaging is environmentally-friendly, how far the product has traveled from farm to point of sale, if the farm is certified, by which group, and how employees are hired and their working conditions.

If you haven’t already encountered these types of questions, you probably will in the near future. Even if consumers don’t overtly ask the questions while speaking with you, you should be aware that they are thinking about it and seeking out non-verbal clues from how you present yourself and your product. Without a standard definition for sustainability, producers must interpret how green and sustainable marketing ideas are developed for their own operations. This type of doit-yourself marketing has been featured in several USDA and other publications that describe sustainable farming and agricultural innovations.

Sustainable agriculture has rocketed from mere terminology into national policy and will likely be incorporated into future farming programs and research efforts. While there is a difference in how to ultimately define what sus-

Scientists develop new potato lines to wage war on wireworms

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Country Folks To Reach The Buyers You Need Regional or Coast to Coast

by Jan Suszkiw When wireworms feast on potatoes, the results aren’t pretty: The spuds’ surfaces are left punctured, pitted and unappealing. For the past few years, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists and their colleagues have sought a solution in the form of spuds with genetic resistance to the worms, with special attention focused on two wild potatoes from Chile and Bolivia: Solanum berthaultii and S. etuberosum.

Previous studies showed that the wild potatoes resisted Colorado potato beetles and green peach aphids, two very different pests. Given this broadspread resistance, the researchers decided to see how the spuds fared against wireworms, which are the click beetle’s larval stage.

To do this, the researchers crossed germplasm derived from the wild potatoes with a cultivated variety, and then selected 15 topperforming plants from three generations of progeny. Their next step was to plant the proge-

ny lines, called “breeding clones,” in wireworm-infested field plots and compare the damage they sustained with that seen in flanking rows of Russet Burbank potatoes—some treated with insecticide and some that hadn’t been treated.

The results showed that the resistant clones fared just as well, and in some cases better than, the insecticidetreated Russet Burbank potatoes. The research has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Economic Entomology.

Growers now use organophosphate- and carbamate-based insecticides against wireworms, notes Rich Novy, a plant geneticist with the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Small Grains and Potato Germplasm Research Unit in Aberdeen, Idaho. However, the continued registration of some of these insecticides is uncertain. Also, the chemicals don’t always eliminate the slender, brownish-orange pests, which can survive beneath the soil for as long as five years before emerging as adults.

The researchers sus-

pect natural compounds called glycoalkaloids may be protecting the breeding clones.

Fortunately, the total glycoalkaloid concentrations in many of the resistant clones are well below levels deemed harmful to consumers.

Read more about this research in the September 2011 issue of Agricultural Research magazine online at www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr

philosophic considerations to the buyer.

In 1999, the Union of Concerned Scientists noted, “Sustainability builds on current agri-

cultural achievements, adopting a sophisticated approach that can maintain high yields and farm profits without undermining the resources on which agriculture depends.”

Sustainability marketing opens a dialogue for farmer and consumer to discuss these approaches to farming. The back story creates the avenue for agricultural marketing which shows the process of how a product was planted and harvested. Ultimately, the story is yours to develop and present to the buying public.

For additional information on how sustainability and agriculture has developed together, a number of sources are noted through the USDA’s Alternative Farming Systems Information Center at www.nal.usda.gov.

The above information is presented for educational purpose only and should not be substituted for professional legal or business counseling.

ARS scientists have developed potato lines with the genetic ability to resist wireworms, which feed on the tubers.

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Page 12 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER MIDWEST • October 2011

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tainability means to agriculture as a whole, direct marketing has channeled sustainability into a marketing function that signals specific

Ohio State scientist: EPA’s alert on Imprelis is warranted COLUMBUS, OHIO — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is taking appropriate action in alerting homeowners and landscape professionals not to use grass clippings that have been treated with Imprelis, as well as trees that may have been injured from Imprelis, for compost or mulch, says an Ohio State University turfgrass science professor.

Imprelis is a herbicide that was sold by DuPont to licensed lawn care professionals. It was used on residential, industrial and institutional lawns and on golf courses. The EPA and DuPont have received numerous reports of injury to trees, including Norway spruce and white pine, after Imprelis was used.

On Aug. 11, the EPA issued an order to immediately stop the sale, use and distribution of Imprelis, and DuPont is voluntarily implementing a product return program. The active ingredient in Imprelis is aminocyclopyrachlor.

“As a part of the registration process, a company is required to provide the EPA with information regarding the behavior of the pesticide in the environment, such as its potential to leach or volatilize, and also to provide evidence of the persistence of the pesticide after application,” said Dave Gardner, associate professor of turfgrass science and researcher with the university's Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center.

“Based on this testing, there is some concern that residues of aminocyclopyrachlor in compost or mulch could persist at concentrations that would be injurious to ornamentals.”

In fact, Imprelis carried a warning label about this issue, saying: “Do not use grass clippings from treated areas for mulching or compost, or allow for collection to composting facilities.

Grass clippings must either be left on the treated area, or, if allowed by local yard waste regulations, disposed of in the trash. Applicators must give verbal or written notice to property owner/property manager/residents to not use grass clippings from treated turf for mulch or compost.”

The new alert extends the warning to trees that were injured after Imprelis was applied.

Gardner said it’s unclear how long the her-

bicide might have a detrimental effect.

“The exact period of time that this would be a concern is quite variable and dependent on environmental conditions af-

ter application. Because of this uncertainty, the EPA is taking appropriate precautions in warning the public to avoid use of residues that may contain aminocyclopy-

rachlor for mulch or compost.”

More information is available from the EPA at www.epa.gov/pesticides/regulating/imprelis.html

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October 2011 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER MIDWEST • Section A - Page 13

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Scientists point to precarious state of U.S. Pesticide Safety Education Program LAWRENCE, KS — Scientists with the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA), the American Phytopathological Society (APS) and the Entomological Society of America (ESA) recently expressed concern about the precarious state of the U.S. Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP). Funding for the program has plummeted in recent years and is now in danger of evaporating completely.

As the nation’s primary pesticide applicator training and education program, PSEP is responsible for ensuring the safety of applicators, other workers and the public, for protecting the environment and for providing guidance in the proper use and security of pesticides.

“In addition to certifying applicators and delivering education on the safe use of pesticides, the program today is tasked to provide guidance on a wide range of pesticide-related topics — from avoiding spray drift and minimizing development of pest resistance to protecting endangered species,” says Lee Van Wychen, science policy director for WSSA. Collectively, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are responsible for ensuring that the nation’s pesticide training needs are met. Since 1965, federal funds to support PSEP and its coordinators have been provided annually by EPA through USDA’s Cooperative Extension System. In fiscal year 2000, for example, EPA provided $1.9 million for PSEP, but in fiscal year 2011, EPA funding has been eliminated.

The only remaining source of federal funding for PSEP is $500,000 mandated by the Pesticide Registration Improvement Renewal Act (PRIA II), which translates to only $10,000 per state. However, this funding will end in fiscal year 2012 when the statutory authority of PRIA II expires. To compound the problem, most states have significantly reduced their funding for the personnel and basic services needed to support pesticide education through the Cooperative Exten-

sion System.

Statistics show close to 900,000 private and commercial applicators holding PSEP certification in 2010, including more than 100,000 new certifications and more than 225,000 applicators pursuing recertification. In addition, the program has educated more than a million other pesticide users.

“With nearly a 75 percent reduction in federal

support for PSEP over the past decade, there is no question that states will not be able to deliver the same quality of PSEP training or to certify the same number of individuals,” says Carol Ishimaru, APS president.

Earlier today, WSSA released a technical paper on PSEP that addresses its history, goals and funding. The paper also discusses proposed ideas for ensuring more

stable financial resources for PSEP in the future.Examples include: • Allocating additional dollars from federal and state pesticide product registration fees to cover education on the proper use of pesticides.

• Pursuing grants from pesticide companies, commodity groups, conservation groups and others with an interest in pesticide

safety education.

• Changing policies, regulations and statutes to better support funding. For example, most states direct fines for improper use of pesticides into their general funds. These dollars would be an especially appropriate source of support for pesticide safety education.

“There is no one solution to the increasingly precarious state of the

Pesticide Safety Education Program,” Van Wychen says. “A grassroots effort is needed by stakeholders at the state and national level to overcome policy and regulatory impediments and to ensure the program’s sustainability and focus.”

The WSSA technical paper on pesticide safety education is available on the WSSA Web site: www.wssa.net.

American Academy of Floriculture adds new members Eight dedicated industry members were accepted into the presti-

gious ranks of the Society of American Florists American Academy of

New members of the AAF inducted at the SAF’s 127th Convention are (L-R) Kimie Miyamoto, Greg Coleman, Susan Wilke, James Daly, Shelley Pease, Robbin Yelverton, AAF, and Jenny Behlings, AAF. Absent from the photo is Don Coleman Jr.

Floriculture (AAF) in September.

“The stringent requirements of the Academy make AAF an achievement recognized throughout the industry,” said SAF Awards Committee Chairman Chuck Johnson of Smithers-Oasis North America. “Only those individuals who have demonstrated the highest levels of service ... are selected to receive the AAF professional designation.”

Since 1965, AAF has encouraged, measured and recognized profes-

sionals from all parts of the floral industry for the time and energy they dedicate to the floral industry and the communities in which they live.

On Sept. 15, at the Industry Awards Dinner held during SAF’s 127th Annual Convention in Orlando, FL, the following individuals became AAF’s newest members: Jenny Behlings, AAF, PFCI, SDCF, of Jenny’s Floral, Custer, SD; Don Coleman Jr., AAF, of Mayfield Florist, Tucson,

AZ; Greg Coleman, AAF, of Mayfield Florist, Tucson, AZ; James Daly, AAF, of Floralife Inc., Walterboro, SC; Kimie Miyamoto, AAF; of Flora Design Inc.; New York, NY; Shelley Pease, AAF; of Shelley’s Flowers & Gifts, Waldoboro, Maine; Susan Wilke, AAF, PFCI, of Karthauser and Sons Wholesale Florist, Franklin, WI; Robbin Yelverton, of Blumz ... by JRDesigns Floral & Event Professionals, Ferndale, MI.

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USDA expands export opportunities for American cherry producers

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced on Sept. 12 that after 10 years of negotiations, U.S. cherries can now be exported to Western Australia, making cherries the first U.S. fresh fruit to gain access to that market. The market opening positions Australia as the seventh most valuable export market for U.S. cherries.

“The market opening in Western Australia is great news for American sweet cherry producers of the Northwest and even better news

for American agricultural exports, which are forecast to set records this year and next thanks to the dedication of American producers,” said Michael Scuse, Acting Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services. “In fact, U.S. horticultural exports are expected to surge going into 2012, thanks to the high-quality of American-grown fruits and vegetables.”

U.S. cherries from California have had access to the eastern states of Australia since the late 1990s and Washington

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and Oregon have been permitted to export to the eastern Australian states since 2001. Since that time, negotiations have been ongoing between Biosecurity Australia and USDA to gain access for U.S. cherries to Western Australia, which maintains its own regulations.

A final push by importers in Western Australia resulted in the first cherry import into that Australian state last month, and Washington State Fruit Commission/Northwest Cherry Growers used USDA Market Access Program funds to showcase the products as they arrived in Perth, in Western Australia.

The Australian market is a rapidly growing market for U.S. cherries. In 2009, a record 2,334 metric tons of cherries valued at $15.6 million were shipped to the Australian market, compared with $1.4 million in 1999 when the market first opened. Over the years, USDA and the California and Pacific Northwest cherry industries have worked together to develop the scientific research needed to support the phytosanitary negotiations between USDA and Biosecurity Australia. These efforts, along with strong industry market development, have nurtured and maintained exports to this market.

U.S. cherries are sold in Australia at a competitive price, close to that of Australian product, as the Australian dollar has strengthened considerably in the last two years, making imports more affordable.

Since U.S. cherries are counter-seasonal to the Australian crop, the products do not compete directly in the marketplace.

USDA recently forecast fiscal year 2011 and 2012 exports will reach a record $137 billion, $22 billion higher than the previous record set in 2008 and $28 billion above 2010.

Making it in Michigan Conference helps turn ideas into reality EAST LANSING, MI — For new entrepreneurs or established food companies thinking about creating and launching that next new food product or idea, the fourth annual Making It in Michigan conference can help bring that concept to fruition.

Hosted by the Michigan State University Product Center for Agriculture and Natural Resources, the conference is designed to connect budding entrepreneurs and established food businesses with the resources of the center. The conference includes multiple educational sessions, a keynote address from a nationally renowned expert on the consumer packaged foods industry and the opportunity to network with more than 150 vendors of Michigan specialty food products.

Conference attendees will leave the conference equipped with the practical knowledge and industry resources needed to move an

idea from the concept stage to a finished and marketable product. Attendees will be able to corroborate and refine business ideas, connecting with industry experts offering insights and tips on managing the common hurdles often encountered by food companies, including food safety, production, working with copackers, marketing and supply chain issues.

“The conference was designed to help people who have an idea or recipe in their head and are thinking about creating a business opportunity from that, but have no idea what to do or where to start in making their dream a reality,” said Matthew Birbeck, MSU Product Center’s marketing and supply chain specialist. “Especially considering the state of Michigan’s economy, support for new and existing small businesses’ success is critical to the creation of new jobs and sustainability.”

The Making It in Michigan

conference takes place 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 19, at the Lansing Center, located in downtown Lansing.

The educational sessions will bring together leading Michigan experts to help guide attendees through starting businesses in the following areas: • How to Start a Business: Going from Novice to Expert and Pointers for Production; • Nutrition and Wellness: What it Means for the Food Industry; and • Getting My Product to Market: Direct Selling to Consumers and Meeting Demand With Production.

The keynote speaker will be David Browne, senior analyst with the Mintel International Syndicated Reports team. David writes and edits reports on the consumer packaged goods industry targeting retailers, foodservice operators and manufacturers of foods and beverages,

and household and personal care products. With more than 15 years in the natural products industry, he focuses primarily on the fastgrowing natural and organic food market, identifying trends and leveraging them to foster innovation and new product development.

Browne’s presentation will focus on the connection between consumer behavior and attitudes and new natural and organic product innovations that are meeting consumer needs.

Conference participants will also have time to network with this year’s featured partner Varnum Law who will present sessions on legal issues and insurance needs for food businesses.

The center’s director Chris Peterson will present awards, such as Best Innovative Business Idea, to four Product Center clients. MSU Product Center innovation counselors and staff mem-

bers, Product Center clients, business consultants, regulatory officials and food and farming groups will also be available to provide in-depth information and counseling.

In the afternoon, the Marketplace Trade Show will feature more than 150 new and existing businesses that will be showcasing their food products to the Michigan Grocers Association, buyers and conference attendees who can taste and purchase items.

The $70 per person conference registration fee includes breakfast, lunch, educational sessions, digital copies of all presentations and reference materials, and admission to the Marketplace Trade Show.

More information and conference registration materials are available at www.makingitinmichigan.msu.edu .

Those interested in attending may also call Greta McKinney at 517-353-7185 or send an email to mckin134@msu.edu

12MX PLANTER

EXCELLENT FOR PLANTING Squash, Pumpkins, Gourds, Watermelons, Pickles, etc

ROETERS FARM EQUIPMENT, INC.

Page 16 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER MIDWEST • October 2011

565 E.120TH ST. GRANT, MI 49327 PHONE: 231 • 834 • 7888 FAX: 231 • 834 • 8655 www.roetersfarmequipment.com

Age

Perr 100

Perr 1000

40.00 110.00

170.00 700.00

40.00 83.00 110.00

170.00 550.00 700.00

3-0 45.00 2-1 83.00 2-2 92.00 Alsoo Available

225.00 550.00 700.00

Coloradoo Bluee Spruce 8-12" 12-18"

2-0 2-2

Norwayy Spruce 8-12" 12-18" 16-24"

2-0 2-1 2-2

Whitee Pine 8-14" 8-12" 12-18"

White Spruce, Serbian Spruce, Black Hills Spruce, Douglas Fir, Concolor Fir, Canaan Fir, Fraser Fir, Scotch Pine, Austrian Pine, Canadian Hemlock Bare-root Perennials & Deciduous also available

Please Call or Write for a Complete List

Gas burners available to convert your SunDair from oil to LP or Natural gas

A.M.A. Hydroponics’ JS Hook System reduces labor costs Hydroponic tomato growers can reduce installation costs of prewound tomato hooks by using the very efficient JS Hook System, available through A.M.A.

the amount of twine they want on the hook and the length of the freefall.

Hooks are available in 18 cm and 22 cm lengths, made from quality, galvanized

winds, freefalls fall faster and straighter when hanging hooks.

A completely sustainable tomato crop growing option is available from A.M.A. Hydropon-

you have crop and media disposal handled in an environmentally sustainable way. We even offer an ecofriendly footbath solution called Bio-San. BVB Sublime offers increased control to the

grower, increased production in the crop and becomes fuel at the end of the crop, lowering disposal and fuel costs.

You can see the JS Hook System being installed, and our leading edge line of hydropon-

ics growing supplies at www.A.M.A.hydroponics.com .

A.M.A. Hydroponics ships across North America.

Contact Shawn Mallen at 800338-1136 or smallen@ A.M.A.plas.com .

Annual Vegetable Growers’ School slated for Jan. 5 VALPARAISO, IN — The Illiana Vegetable Growers’ School will be held Thursday, Jan. 5, 2012, at Teibel’s Restaurant in Schererville, Indiana.

This school, sponsored by Purdue Extension and University of Illinois Cooperative Extension Service, offers commercial vegetable growers and market farmers opportunities to learn more about pest management, production practices, variety selection,

and marketing; to visit with vendors; and to network with other growers.

Information about registration and more details about the program content will be available online in early December at www.hort.purdue.edu/fruitveg under “Events.” For more information regarding the program, contact Liz Maynard, Purdue Extension specialist, at 219-531-4200 ext. 4206, emaynard@purdue.edu.

Pre-wound tomato hooks save growers time and allow consistent twine adjustments as the crop develops. Hooks are unwound regularly to allow the crop to drop as the vines grow longer. steel, with accurate bending.

A.M.A. uses only the finest horticultural twines from Lankhorst Yarns, in 1/1,000; 1/1,200; or 1/1,500 qualities and several colors including: white, yellow, green, red, blue, and black. Lankhorst’s Elite Horti Twine is the softest in the business making it easier on the tomato plants and because there is much less “ziz-zag” as it un-

ics. Lankhorst compostable Bio Twine on the JS Hook System or traditional hooks, combined with Deleco’s BioClip and compostable truss support, offers the opportunity for the most sustainable and efficient end-of-crop disposal — 100 percent compostability — crop, twine, clips, truss supports. Combine this with The New Substrate, BVB Sublime, also from A.M.A. and

10785 84th Avenue Allendale, Michigan 49401 (616) 892-4090 Fax (616) 892-4290 Email:brian@boschsnursery.com www.boschsnursery.com

Quality Seedlings & Transplants Species Concolor Fir Fraser Fir Cannan Fir Norway Spruce Serbian Spruce BlackHill Spruce White Pine

Age

Size

Per 1,000

2-2, P+2 P+2 P+1 2-1, 2-2 2-2, P+2 2-2 2-2

8-15” 10-18” 8-14” 15-24” 12-18” 10-16” 12-18”

$725.00 $750.00 $595.00 $650.00 $795.00 $695.00 $750.00

Call or write for complete list Brian Bosch/ Owner

Visit Your Local John Deere Dealer LDER AG & TURF EQ. CO. 49290 State Rte. 14 East Palestine, OH 44413 330-426-2166 • Fax 330-426-2989 www.elderag-n-turf.com

COPE FARM EQUIPMENT 6401 SR 87 Kinsman, OH 44428 330-876-3191 • Fax 330-876-8257 www.copefarm.com

October 2011 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER MIDWEST • Section A - Page 17

Hydroponics, part of A.M.A. Plastics Ltd., of Kingsville, ON. The JS Hook System reduces tomato hook installation time by as much as 30 percent, meaning significant labor savings.

Pre-wound tomato hooks save growers time and allow consistent twine adjustments as the crop develops.

Hooks are unwound regularly to allow the crop to drop as the vines grow longer. Installing traditional hooks takes time, particularly due to the “freefall” having to be unwound as the hooks are installed.

With the JS Hook System, from The Netherlands, there is already an unwound freefall so the entire hook hanging process moves quickly and efficiently, automatically dropping exactly the amount of freefall twine specified by the grower.

There are no rubber bands or clips with the JS Hook System, so there is no waste on the ground from these.

Hooks can be shipped with one of two colors of twine in a single case, for example, all white or alternating a white hook and a green one.

Growers can specify

New labor proposals threaten safe, honest farm work for youth LANSING, MI — Farmers are being encouraged to submit public comments as soon as possible regarding the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) proposed revisions to child labor regulations.

Touted by DOL as a move “that will strengthen the safety requirements for young workers employed in agriculture and related fields,” Craig Anderson, manager of the Michigan Farm Bureau Agricultural Labor and Safety Services Department, fears the action goes too far and would rob teenagers of local job opportunities that help to instill agriculture’s strong work ethic.

“There are still some very vague areas in the proposals, but these, on the surface, appear to go way too far,” he said. “These proposals would prohibit grandchildren from working on their grandparent’s farm, would prevent farmers from instilling a solid work ethic in

their children and would leave the farmers liable for fines and penalties just for giving their children chores that involve power equipment. For example, having your kids pick up sticks and branches while you’re cutting firewood would be a banned practice.”

The agricultural hazardous occupations orders under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FSLA) that bar young workers from certain tasks have not been updated since they were promulgated in 1970, the DOL said in a press release.

The department is proposing updates based on the enforcement experiences of its Wage and Hour Division, recommendations made by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and a commitment to bring parity between the rules for young workers employed in agricultural jobs and the more strin-

gent rules that apply to those employed in nonagricultural workplaces.

The proposed regulations would not apply to children working on farms owned by their parents, the DOL said.

The proposal would strengthen current child labor regulations prohibiting agricultural work with animals and in pesticide handling, timber operations, manure pits and storage bins.

The department also is proposing to create a new nonagricultural hazardous occupations order that would prevent children under 18 from being employed in the storing, marketing and transporting of farm product raw materials. Prohibited places of employment would include grain elevators, stockyards and livestock auctions. Anderson said such rules could mean that children under age 18 would be prohibited from exhibiting and selling animals at county fairs, but it was un-

clear if the rules would go that far.

The proposal would prohibit farm workers under 16 from operating almost all powerdriven equipment. A similar prohibition has existed as part of the nonagricultural child labor provisions for more than 50 years. A limited exemption would permit some student learners to operate certain farm implements and tractors, when equipped with proper rollover protection structures and seat belts, under specified conditions.

The FLSA establishes a minimum age of 18 for hazardous work in nonagricultural employment and 16 in agricultural employment. Once agricultural workers reach age 16, they are no longer subject to the FLSA’s child labor provisions. The FLSA also provides a complete exemption for youths employed on farms owned by their parents.

Even with that exemption, Anderson said, the DOL is barking up the wrong tree.

“With the homicide rate among teens at 20.7

per 100,000 (according to childtrendsdatabank.org), and the farm injury rate for all ages at about two per 100,000, I think this effort is misguided,” he said.

The public is invited to provide comments on the proposal, which must be received by Nov. 1. A public hearing on the proposal will be scheduled following the comment period. For more information, go to the proposed rule Web site, www.dol.gov/whd/ CL/AG_NPRM.htm Source: Michigan Farm News, Sept. 15, 2011

The latest Ellepot™ tray from Blackmore Company

TEW MANUFACTURING CORP. FRUIT & VEG. CLEANING & SIZING EQUIPMENT QUALITY LATEX & POLY SPONGE DRYING DONUTS TUFF FOAM® PROTECTIVE PADDING BRUSHES - BEARINGS - SIZING CHAINS - SCRUBBER RUBBER STANHAY, TEW JR.™ & TEW MX™ VEGETABLE SEED PLANTERS

Page 18 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER MIDWEST • October 2011

CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION: 800-380-5839

TEW MFG. CORP.

585-586-6120

PO BOX 87 PENFIELD, NY 14526

FAX: 585-586-6083 EMAIL: tewmfg@aol.com

Blackmore Company’s latest Ellepot™ tray is the 3 x 24 Strip #8891 for 25mm Ellepots™. The “standard” size tray (10 3/4 x 21 1/2 inches) is 1 3/4-inches deep and features fluted cell walls for extra strength that also act as a conduit to get air to the bottom of the cell. Soil volume for loose-fill is 30cc. Contact Blackmore at 800-8748660 or trayinfo@blackmoreco.com or www.blackmoreco.com

Country Folks Grower Classifieds

( 800 ) 836-2888 PO Box 121, 6113 State Hwy. 5 ( ) Fax: 518 673-2381 Palatine Bridge, NY 13428 E-mail: classified@leepub.com Announcements # # # # #

ADVERTISERS Get the best response from your advertisements by including the condition, age, price and best calling hours.

Also we always recommend insertion for at least 2 times for maximum benefits. Call Peg at 1-800-836-2888 CHECK YOUR AD - ADVERTISERS should check their ads. Lee Publications, Inc. shall not be liable for typographical, or errors in publication except to the extent of the cost of the first months insertion of the ad, and shall also not be liable for damages due to failure to publish an ad.

Adjustment for errors is limited to the cost of that portion of the ad wherein the error occurred. Report any errors to Peg Patrei at 518-6733237 ext. 111 or 800-8362888.

Announcements

NOVEMBER ISSUE

ADVERTISING DEADLINE

Thursday, October 20th For as little as $9.25 - place a classified ad in

Country Folks Grower

Call Peg at

1-800-836-2888

or 518-673-0111

or email classified@leepub.com Announcements CAMPAIGN ROAD SIGNS: Awesome prices. Call Beth at Lee Publications 518673-0101 or email bsnyder@leepub.com NEED BUSINESS CARDS? Full color glossy, heavy stock.

250 ($45.00); 500 ($65.00); 1,000 ($75.00). Call Lee Publications 518-673-0101 Beth bsnyder@leepub.com

Farm Equipment Holland Transplanter Co. 510 E. 16th St., Holland, MI 49423 Ph: 1.800.275.4482 Ext. 1 • Fax: 616.392.7996 Website: www.transplanter.com E-mail: hldtrans@iserv.net

Christmas

Fresh Produce, Nursery

Greenhouse Equipment

PUMPKINS, GOURDS, WINTER SQUASH etc.

GREENHOUSE: 84,000SqFt. IBG Arch II structure for sale, gutter connected, disassembled & ready for shipping, 303-915-8589 (Colorado). For photo’s kpriola@hotmail.com

CARLIN HORTICULTURAL SUPPLIES, 800-657-0745.

Greenhouse, Grower, Lawn & Garden and Landscape Supplies. Order online! www.carlinsales.com info@carlinsales.com

ANY SIZE LOTS AVAILABLE

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

Pie, Jack-O-Lantern, White & Munchkin Pumpkins Butternut, Spaghetti, Buttercup, Acorn, Ambercup, Sweet Potato, Sweet Dumpling Squash From Bushels to Tractor Trailer Loads

WRITERS WANTED

Hoeffner Farms Hornell,NY

607-769-3404 607-324-0749 eves Fruit Processing Equipment

Country Folks Grower is looking for self-motivated free-lance writers to contribute to their monthly horticulture trade paper.

2 LANE APPLE SIZER, 1997 Aweta 68’ length, 13 drop weight sizer. Call Sally at 616887-6136 ext 201 or email sally@riveridgepacking.com

Knowledge of the industry a must.

Articles could include educational topics as well as feature articles.

Christmas

Please send resume to Joan Kark-Wren jkarkwren@leepub.com or call 518-673-0141

Buying or Selling Christmas Trees?

Use The Christmas Section

Country Folks

Grower

Greenhouse Supplies

Fruits & Berries

Fruits & Berries Irrigation WHOLESALE NURSERY, INC.

November’s Deadline: Thursday, October 20th For more information on being a part of this section call

800-218-5586

or email dwren@leepub.com

9555 North Gast Road, P.O. Box 116 - Bridgman, Michigan 49106 Phone: 269-465-5522 Fax: 269-465-4822

WHOLESALE GROWERS OF QUALITY SMALL FRUIT PLANTS Grapes Jostaberry

Blueberries Asparagus

PIXWELL Gooseberries Red Rhubarb

Perfection (RED), Imperial (WHITE) and Consort (BLACK) Currants

Custom Services

Red, Black, Purple and Yellow Raspberries

www.kriegersnursery.com

POLITICAL PROMOTIONAL PACKAGES available for reasonable prices.

Call Beth at Lee Publications 518-673-0101 or email bsnyder@leepub.com

ALL STOCK GRADED TO AAN STANDARDS

Miscellaneous C A M PA I G N P O S T E R S : Very reasonable prices. Call Beth at Lee Publications 518-673-0101 or email bsnyder@leepub.com

Native Plants

®

Fencing

IRRIGATION PIPE, over 14,000’, aluminum 3” to 6”, fittings, risers, valves, $12,500.

Steve 716-649-6594

Fencing

F O R SALE

CHRISTMAS TREES & CEDAR POSTS CHRISTMAS TREES FRASER FIR BALSAM FIR CEDAR POSTS POSTS: 7', 8' 4x4 POSTS: 8', 9' RAILS: 12'6" (pheasant fencing) 16" shingle block

Duane or Janet Olson

Specializing in Edible Landscaping.

Blueberries, Blackberries, Raspberries, Grapes, and Fruit Trees.

TN: 931-467-3600 • Fax 931-467-3062 email sales@freedomtreefarms.com www.freedomtreefarms.com

NATIVE GRASSES, sedges, rushes, wildflowers, and herbaceous plants for use in wetland mitigation, restoration, and landscape design.

Contract growing available.

Signature Horticultural Services, Freeland, MD. Call 410329-6466 or fax 410-3292156.

Nursery Liners 67 YEARS RAISING SUPERIOR NURSERY STOCK FOR GROWERS. Blueberry Plants are VIRUS TESTED, and State of Michigan Certified.

COMPLETE LIST of deciduous and evergreen seedlings and transplants at www.hramornursery.com or call 231-723-4846 Hramor Nursery LLC, 2267 Merkey Rd., Manistee, MI 49660

All Plants are grown using TISSUE CULTURE TECHNIQUES by Hartmanns.

Antigo, WI 54409

We can provide the grower with personal cultural advice in the first stage of preparation and beyond. Order Now your Future investment.

Nursery Stock

E-mail: olsonsbalsams@hotmail.com Website: www.olsonsbalsams.com

Blueberry, Raspberry, Blackberry and other Small Fruits.

2 GREENHOUSES & Plants available, $1,400; 9,000 landscape shrub liners, 35¢-$1.45. Call 502-664-7842 for details. In Shelbyville, Kentucky

Phone: 715-623-6590

CONTACT DANNY, TERI OR BOB FOR A FREE CATALOG AND PERSONAL ADVICE. P.O. Box 100 Lacota, Michigan 49063 ph. 269-253-4281 fax. 269-253-4457 email: info@hartmannsplantcompany.com web: www.hartmannsplantcompany.com

October 2011 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER MIDWEST • Section A - Page 19

Number / Classification 35 Announcements 50 Applicators 80 Auctions 110 Bedding Plants 120 Bees-Beekeeping 130 Bird Control 155 Building Materials/ Supplies 165 Business Opportunities 210 Christmas Trees 235 Computers 330 Custom Services 415 Employment Wanted 440 Farm Machinery For Sale 445 F a r m M a c h i n e r y Wanted 470 Financial Services 500 For Sale 505 Forklifts 510 Fresh Produce, Nursery 515 Fruit Processing Eq. 530 Garden Supplies 535 Generators 570 G r e e n h o u s e Plugs/Cuttings 575 Greenhouse Supplies 580 Groundcover 605 Heating 610 Help Wanted 680 Irrigation 700 Lawn & Garden 805 Miscellaneous 820 Nurseries 840 Nursery Supplies 855 Orchard Supplies 910 Plants 950 Real Estate For Sale 955 Real Estate Wanted 1035 Seeds & Nursery 1040 Services Offered 1130 Tractors 1135 Tra c t o r s, Pa r t s & Repair 1140 Trailers 1155 Tree Moving Services 1165 Trees 1170 Truck Parts & Equipment 1180 Trucks 1190 Vegetable 1205 Wanted

Announcements

Country Folks Grower Classifieds

( 800 ) 836-2888 PO Box 121, 6113 State Hwy. 5 ( ) Fax: 518 673-2381 Palatine Bridge, NY 13428 E-mail: classified@leepub.com Nursery Stock LARGE VARIETY of Evergreens, Flowering Trees, Shrubs & Natives in larger sizes. Pre-dug trees available.

700 acres of quality field grown material. 40 years experience. Roger Coffey & Sons Wholesale Nursery P h : 8 2 8 - 3 9 4 - 2 2 5 9 Fa x : 828-758-2240 email: sales@rogercoffeyandsons.com www.rogercoffeyandsons.com

Nursery Stock

Orchard Equipment WALNUT HARVESTING HOOK: Get your walnuts in early for best price. Attaches to painters extension pole. 4ft.long 1/4” rod, $25.00; 5ft.long 5/16th rod, $30.00; (includes shipping/handling). 636-296-7252.

Ed Meyer, 648 Leola Drive, Arnold,MO 63010-1530

Nursery Stock

Packaging BURLAP BAGS: 6x9 1-lb. bags. Excellent for gift baskets, crafts, holiday displays.

Can be stenciled or embroidered. $25.00/hundred plus shipping. 270-465-5469

Sprayers

Seeds

High Performance PTO & Engine Driven Mist Sprayers, Blowers, Foggers, Parts & Accessories

V I S S E E D C O M PA N Y: Specializing in flower seeds from around the world.

Seeds, plugs, cuttings.

Offering the best annual, perennial, vegetable & herb seeds. Celebrating 25 years!

Contact us for a current catalog. PO Box 661953, Arcadia, CA 91066. (P) 626-4451233, (F) 626-445-3779, hvis@visseed.com, www.visseed.com

Spray Under Trees...Roadside Ditches... Forestry Weed & Pest Control...

TR Boss ATV Utility Ranger X-Treme A1 Mist Sprayers Resources 877-924-2474 Email resources@mistsprayers.com • More Info Also At: www.mistsprayers.com

Calendar of Events

Refrigeration

Phone: (216) 426-8882 • www.awrco.com Scales

Scales

Nursery Stock Available - Fruit, Shade, Ornamental Trees - Flowering Shrubs, Small Fruits, Roses, Vines - Rhubarb, Asparagus, Horseradish And More!

VISIT US AT WWW.KELLYWSN.COM

Bareroot - Containerized - Packaged Small Minimum Orders/Free Color Picture Tags

Box 66 Phelps NY 14532 • 877-268-2151 • Fax 315-548-8004 USE CODE # SB1011 FOR $10 OFF YOUR INITIAL ORDER.

Real Estate For Sale

931-473-4740 OAK LINER SALE Call for Prices & Availability

3 Pt Terminator

AMERICAN WHOLESALE CO.

Page 20 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER MIDWEST • October 2011

McMinnville, Tennessee

• Mosquito (West Nile), fly & tick control!

• Fruit & vegetable applications: sweet corn, pumpkins, tomatoes, strawberries, blueberries, melons & small orchards

NEW/USED WALK-IN-COOLER ~ FREEZER BOXES ~ REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS ~ EQUIPMENT Large Inventory ~ All Sizes • Buy • Sell ~ Nationwide • Wholesale Prices

Real Estate For Sale

Forest Nursery Co. Inc.

Spray Without Booms....

Up to 140’

Refrigeration

Real Estate For Sale

Trees

Sprayers

E-mail announcements of your regional event(s) to: jkarkwren@leepub.com We must receive your information, plus a contact phone number, prior to the deadline that’s noted under the Announcements heading on the 1st page of these Grower Classifieds.

SEP 29 - OCT 1 The Landscape Show Orange County Convention Center near Orlando, FL. The show’s theme this year is “Full Sail Ahead.” Some 7,500 visitors are expected.

For complete details and to register, visit www.fngla.org.

SEP 30 - OCT 1 Middle Tennessee Nursery Association (MTNA) Trade Show McMinnville Civic Center, McMinnville, TN. Contact Ann Halcomb, 931-5077322, mtna@blomand.net.

On Internet at www.mtna.com OCT 19 61st Annual Meeting of the IPPS Eastern Region Seelbach Hilton Hotel, Louisville, KY. Contact Margot Bridgen, 631-765-9638.

5 EASY WAYS TO PLACE A COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER CLASSIFIED AD IT IN - Just give Peggy a call at 1. PHONE1-800-836-2888 IT IN - For you MasterCard,Visa, 2. FAX American Express or Discover customers... Fill out

3.

the form attached completely and fax to Peggy at (518) 673-2381 MAIL IT IN - Fill out the attached form, calculate the cost, enclose your check or credit card information and mail to:

Country Folks Grower Classifieds PO Box 121, Palatine Bridge, NY 13428

IT IN - E-mail your ad to 4. E-MAIL classified@leepub.com - Go to www.cfgrower.com 5. ON-LINE and follow the Place a Classified Ad button to place your ad 24/7!

FOR BEST RESULTS, RUN YOUR AD FOR TWO ISSUES!

Cost for each Issue per Zone: $9.25 for the first 14 words, 30¢ each additional word.

(Phone #’s count as one word) # of issues to run______ Total Cost $________ Zone(s) to run in: East Midwest West

$9.25 $9.55

$9.85

$10.15

$10.45

$10.75

$11.05

$11.35

$11.65

$11.95

$12.25

$12.55

$12.85

$13.15

$13.45

$13.75

$14.05

$14.35

$14.65

$14.95

$15.25

Name: (Print)_____________________________________________________________ Address:________________________________________________________________ City:________________________________________St.:_________Zip:_____________ Phone:_________________________________Fax:______________________________ Cell:___________________________E-mail:____________________________________ I have enclosed a Check/Money Order Please charge my credit card: American Express Discover Visa MasterCard Acct#:_________________________________________________Exp. Date:_________ (MM/YY) Signature:_______________________________________________Date:____________ Required

w/Credit

Card

Payment

Only

If you have used equipment for sale, ask about our group of weekly farm newspapers that cover from Maine to North Carolina.

OCT 26-29 PLANET Green Industry Conference Kentucky Expo Center & the Louisville Downtown Marriott, Louisville, KY. Topics will include the new technology, products and services hitting the market.

On Internet at www.Green IndustryConference.org NOV 15-16 Academy for Dairy Executives March 23-24 in Alexandria Bay and Nov. 15-16 in Ogdensburg. A new program that offers the unique opportunity to discover and hone skills that are proven to be essential for well rounded, high performing dairy managers. The 2011 class will be made up of 20 to 30 dairy producers from across the Northern New York region.

The Academy of Dairy Executives will allow dairy managers to further improve their management practices through a three part program over 10 months. Participants attending the Academy will participate in the three, in-depth seminars at sites across the Northern New York Region in 2011.

For more information contact Peggy Murray Farm Business Management, Lewis County CCE, 315376-5270, fax 315-3765281, e-mail mlm40@ cornell.edu or Corey Hayes Farm Business Management, Jefferson County CCE, 315-788-8450 ext.

260, fax 315-788-8461, email cmh298@cornell.edu.

JAN 5 The Illiana Vegetable Growers’ School Teibel’s Restaurant in Schererville, IN. This school offers commercial vegetable growers and market farmers opportunities to learn more about pest management, production practices, variety selection and marketing; to visit with vendors and network with other growers.

Contact Liz Maynard, 219531-4200 ext. 4206 or email emaynard@purdue.edu.

Influence of preharvest factors on postharvest quality

by Erin Silva, University of Wisconsin Obtaining the optimum postharvest quality of vegetables actually begins very early in the farm planning process. The effects of preharvest factors on postharvest quality are often overlooked and underestimated. However, many of the decisions that we make during crop production can greatly influence the postharvest quality of crops. It is critical to remember that vegetable quality is only maintained postharvest – it is not improved during the harvest and storage processes.

Thus, it is of utmost importance to consider the preharvest factors that allow us to maximize the quality of the vegetables going into storage. These factors encompass production and management

decisions concerning soil fertility, variety selection, irrigation, and pest management.

Soil Factors Maintaining good, longterm soil health and quality remains a primary goal of organic production systems. Achieving this goal will ultimately benefit the postharvest quality of vegetables grown on the farm, as the availability of the optimal levels of plant nutrients throughout the growing season will allow for optimal quality of the vegetables throughout the packing and distribution processes. Deficiencies or overabundances of certain plant nutrients can affect positively or negatively a crop’s susceptibility to physiological disorders, disease, and negative composition and textural changes. When opti-

Weed Removal, No Chemical

search has shown that too much soil nitrogen can reduce the vitamin C content of Green leafy vegetables such as swiss chard. Excess nitrogen may lower fruit sugar content and acidity. In certain situations, leafy green plants may accumulate excess soil nitrogen, leading to high concentrations of nitrates in the harvested greens.

Specific examples of excess nitrogen negatively affecting crop quality include (Ritenour): • Altered celery flavor • “Brown-checking” of celery • Weight loss of sweet potato during storage • Hollow stem in broccoli • Soft rot in stored tomatoes Phosphorus and Potassium Phosphorus and potassium also play very important roles in plant growth

STRAWBERRY PLANTS

AC Wendy AC Valley Sunset Jewel Earliglow plus Seascape, Albion and Monterey Summer Varieties

Asparagus Crowns Several All-Male Hybrids Plus Purple Asparagus Free Illustrated Price List

and development. Phosphorus is a key component of DNA and plant cell membranes. This element also plays a key role in plant metabolic processes.

Potassium is important in plant water balance and enzyme activation. High levels of soil phosphorus have been shown to increase sugar concentrations of fruits and vegetables while decreasing acidity. High levels of soil potassium often have a positive effect on the quality of vegetables. Increased soil potassium concentrations have been shown to increase the vitamin C and titratable acidity concentrations of vegetables and improve vegetable color.

Potassium also decreases blotchy ripening of tomato.

Calcium Elemental calcium is an important to plant cell walls and membranes (Ritenour). Deficiencies in soil calcium have been associated with a number of postharvest disorders, including blossom end rot of tomato, pepper, and watermelon; brownheart of escarole; blackheart in celery; and tipburn of lettuce, cauliflower and cabbage.

High soil calcium concentrations reduce these disorders and are associated with other postharvest

benefits, including increased vitamin C content, extended storage life, delayed ripening, increased firmness, and reduced respiration and ethylene production Soil Texture The texture of the soil on which certain vegetable crops are grown may also affect the postharvest quality. For example, carrots grown on muck soils have been shown to have a greater concentration of terpenoids, a chemical that imparts a bitter flavor, than carrots grown on sandy soil.

Irrigation Adequate soil moisture during the preharvest period is essential for the maintenance of postharvest quality. Water stress during the growing season can affect the size of the harvested plant organ, and lead to soft or dehydrated fruit that is more prone to damage and decay during storage. On the other hand, vegetables experiencing an excess of water during the growing season can show a dilution of soluble solids and acids, affecting flavor and nutritional quality.

Excess moisture on the harvested vegetable can also increase the incidence

Factors A22

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October 2011 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER MIDWEST • Section A - Page 21

World’s first, counter-rotating weeding and til ing machine that chops, mulches dense, tall weeds down to their roots, reaches to small spaces, between in-roll plants, young fruit trees and vegetables. Works fast, effective, safe and easy, and economical. Ideal for organic farms, fruit and vegetable fields, gardens, landscaping, and horticultures.

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mizing soil fertility to improve postharvest quality, it is important to remember that these may not be the same soil nutrient levels that produce the highest yields.

Nitrogen Nitrogen is an important mineral element that is used by almost all crops. Nitrogen, as a key component of plant proteins, plays an important role in plant growth and development (Ritenour).

Because of nitrogen’s involvement in protein synthesis, soil nitrogen deficiencies may lead to lower protein concentrations in vegetables, thereby affecting the nutritional composition of the crop. Adequate soil nitrogen supplies allow for the optimal development of vegetable color, flavor, texture, and nutritional quality.

Excess soil nitrogen can be problematic as well. Re-

FAL L HARVE S T

Factors from A21

Page 22 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER MIDWEST • October 2011

of postharvest diseases. To minimize the amount of water on the harvested vegetable brought into storage, it may be beneficial to choose surface or subsurface irrigation rather than overhead irrigation. Vegetables harvested in the early morning, during rainy periods, and from poorly ventilated areas can also experience increased postharvest decay.

Insect Pests Insect pest problems during the growing season can also affect postharvest quality, both obvious and no-so obvious ways. Visible blemishes on the vegetable surface caused by insect feeding can have a negative effect on the appearance of vegetables, thus decreasing their appeal to consumers. Feeding injury on vegetables by insects can lead to surface injury and punctures, creating entry points for decay organisms and increasing the probability of postharvest diseases. In addition, the presence of insect pests on vegetables entering storage leads to the possibility of these insects proliferating in storage and becoming an issue.

Selection of Vegetable Varieties The selection of the right vegetable variety for your farm and market channel can greatly influence the subsequent postharvest quality (Shewfelt and Prussia 1993). Certain varieties are more suited for the longer-term storage that is essential for marketing to larger wholesale outlets.

Other varieties may optimize taste, essential for the post harvest quality of vegetables going to farmers markets or CSA’s.

When planning which

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vegetable varieties to grow on your farm, it is important to consider which harvest windows are needed.

Vegetables harvested at the incorrect stage of maturity will have a significant decrease in postharvest quality. Quality characteristics such as texture, fiber and consistency are greatly affected by stage of maturity at harvest. Fruits and vegetables that are harvested while immature are highly susceptible to shriveling and mechanical damage. Fruits and vegetables harvested at an overripe stage often have poor texture and flavor.

Suboptimal harvest dates lead to a greater susceptibility to post-harvest physiological disorders than harvest dates closer to the proper stage of maturity.

Other Production Considerations Certain production techniques can also help to attain the optimal postharvest quality. These techniques include: • Staking of tomato crops allows the fruit to remain off the ground during the growing season. By keeping the fruit off the ground, fruit blemishes and decay are minimized.

This, in turn, leads to less

postharvest decay in storage. Certain staking techniques also may allow more light penetration and air circulation through the canopy, increasing fruit yield and size (Hanson et al. 2001).

• Pruning certain crops (such as tomatoes) can alter the microclimate around the plants in ways that benefit postharvest quality. For instance, removing some of the plant foliage can allow for better air circulation and thus minimize excess moisture around the fruits, leading to less decay and postharvest disease issues.

• Row covers over leafy greens can minimize physical damage to certain vegetables, especially leafy greens. By minimizing physical injury to the plant tissue, fewer entry points for microorganisms are present on the vegetable surface, thus minimizing the potential for postharvest diseases to manifest.

Adapted from: Silva, E. 2008. Influence of preharvest factors on postharvest quality. In Wholesale success: a farmer's guide to selling, postharvest handling, and packing produce.

Source: www.extension.org

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Lawson Mills Biomass Solutions Ltd In a world of higher costs and less profit, Lawson Mills Biomass Solutions Ltd has developed a system that actually gives back to business owners. This system takes a raw material and by means of a series of integrated components, allows a producer to take a single or multiple products, combine them, create pellets and then cool them to create a finished, useable pellet. Using cold-press and floating roller technologies, the mills provide a level of versatility previously unheard of in the pellet-making world.

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this is costly and time consuming.

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But fuel pellets are just the tip of the iceberg. Because the LM-72 series of mill are designed to produce minimal heat and are able to combine multiple ingredients, the Lawson Mills systems are used by feed producers to create specialty, value added feeds and fertilizers. Farmers and others can produce bedding that can be used

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Through use of the LM-72 series of pellet systems, Lawson Mills Biomass Solutions provides a means to turn waste materials into useable, often saleable products.

Design-build composting and heat recovery systems composting pad floor. The cutting edge ISOBAR™ technology moves the heated steam vapor produced through the composting process across closed-loop, gas-charged tubes to collect the heat.

The heat created is transferred into a reservoir which increases the temperature of the water used for farm heating

and process water applications. This system is able to maintain tank temperatures of 120˚ to 130˚F. The energy captured through this process can be used to heat water for your home, business, greenhouse or stable, potentially saving thousands of dollars a year in propane and

Deisgn Build A24

October 2011 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER MIDWEST • Section A - Page 23

ClearSpan™ Fabric Structures has partnered with AgriLab® Technologies to offer a complete composting and heat recovery system to the rural, horticultural and agribusiness communities. AgriLab Technologies develops, designs, and manufactures heat transfer solutions that are environmentally friendly and significantly reduce dependency on fossil fuels. These systems are designed for heat transfer efficiency, ease of use, safety and cost effectiveness to construct and operate.

Due to increasing energy and fertilizer costs, AgriLab’s technology will play a key role in managing recyclable organic materials, which need to be returned to farm soils and diverted from landfills, reducing methane and CO2 emissions. A reliance on compost and its benefits will help lower the carbon footprint of global food production, while also supporting local economic activity.

The AgriLab system extracts thermal energy through aerobic decomposition (composting).

Steam vapor is produced through this process and then pulled through air channels built into a specially designed, insulated

RFA warns against reported effort to relegislate the RFS Relegislating, repealing, or reopening the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) at this time is bad policy, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) said. That includes the reportedly newest effort by Representative Bob Goodlatte and Representative Jim Costa to waive a portion of the RFS when the corn stocks-to-use ratio falls below an arbitrarily determined level.

“Seeking to relegislate the RFS in this manner would do nothing to address the concerns raised by the livestock constituents of Representatives Goodlatee and Costa,” said RFA President and CEO Bob Dinneen.

“Research clearly demonstrates that implementing an RFS waiver trigger based on the stocks-to-use ratio will not have the effects on corn prices desired by livestock and poultry interests, nor will it mean more corn is immediately available

for feed use. Rather than knee-jerk policy reactions, Congress should maintain the integrity of the RFS to help drive job creation and wean America from its addiction to foreign oil.”

Recent studies have concluded that the RFS has been only a minor contributor to corn prices in recent years. A July 2011 analysis commissioned by the International Centre for Trade and Sustainable

Development found that corn prices would have been exactly the same in 2009/10 if both the RFS and Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit (VEETC) had not existed.

Additionally, the stocks-to-use ratio has limited value as an indicator of expected market dynamics and price. University of Illinois economist Darrell Good cautions that stocks-to-use ratio should only be considered as “a starting

point (for estimating potential price impacts) since very different supply and demand conditions in individual years can lead to similar ratios of stocks-to-use but very different prices.”

The RFA also cautioned that if this effort were to be successful, the loss of ethanol in the fuel supply would hammer American consumers at the pump. A study from the Center for Agriculture Develop-

Page 24 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER MIDWEST • October 2011

pump, resulting in far greater economic pain than the marginal impact ethanol production has on grain prices,” said Dinneen. “In fact, given the disproportionate impact on food pricing exerted by energy and fuel prices, raising gas prices by reducing ethanol use would exacerbate concerns with rising food prices. This is simply the wrong policy to address corn supply concerns.”

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It is critical that the compost bays used in these systems are covered as the heat capture must take place in a controlled environment.

ClearSpan’s Hercules Truss Arch Buildings are the key component for environmental control with an AgriLab system.

The exceptional height and wide open space of fabric structures allow easy access for equipment such as skid steers, conveyors, turning machines and pay loaders. The USA-made, triple-galvanized steel frames are extremely durable and corrosion resistant. Superb air quality allows for better moisture control and limits condensation to produce high-quality compost. Energy costs are far lower in a ClearSpan structure because the abundant natural light eliminates the need for artificial daytime lighting.

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ment (CARD) this past spring estimated that the use of nearly 13 billion gallons of ethanol in 2010 kept gasoline prices $0.89 lower than they otherwise would have been. In the past decade, the average annual savings has be $0.25 per gallon, according to CARD. “If successful, reducing America’s use of its own domestic renewable fuel would wallop consumers at the

Classifieds Equipment Marketing

Wine and Grape Grower will offer features, news and information on growing grapes, and making and selling wines.

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Subscribe today and don’t miss a single issue.

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C H R I S TMA S S E CTI O N Christmas Tree tradition still strong The National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA) recently released results of Christmas Tree purchases for the 2010 holiday season.

The industry group commissions an annual consumer tracking poll with Harris Interactive, Inc. Poll results show that consumers in the United States purchased 27 million farm-grown Christmas Trees in 2010, a slight decrease from the previous year.

Consumers only purchased 8.2 million artificial trees in 2010, a 30 percent decrease over the previous year.

The average amount spent on a farm-grown tree was $36.12, down from $40.92 in 2009.

While some might attribute that decline to a “bad economy,” the analysis is not so cut and dry. Many factors could influence how much a family or individual spends on their particular tree, including

size, species, quality, where purchased, day purchased and even just budget reasons.

“There are many growers and retailers in our industry trying to offer more variety to customers,” said NCTA President Richard Moore, a tree farmer from Groton, NY. “If you sell a three-foot-tall table top tree, you probably won’t get as much for it as a typical sixfoot tree, but it might

help you get a new customer, or keep a longtime customer whose home situation has changed and a smaller tree makes more sense.”

Industry experts point out that many factors can influence sales, including harvest conditions, weather conditions, number of consumers traveling for the holidays and even the number of days between Thanksgiving and Christmas. There

is simply no way to accurately forecast price tags on trees in any given year, and the survey instrument does not delve into why people spend more or less on their tree than in previous years.

The number of trees purchased was within 4 percent of the last two years in spite of the bad economy and that bodes well for the industry’s future. “The good news for family farms growing Christmas Trees is many

families, especially young families are much more likely to have traditional Christmas Trees,” said Moore. “Younger people want the real thing, not a plastic tradition.”

It is estimated that Christmas Tree farms in North America planted about 40 million new tree seedlings in 2011 to replace harvested crops and meet future increased demand.

For more information, visit www.realchristmastrees.org.

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Specialist in Fraser Fir Christmas Trees • Quality Wreaths • Garland (Roping) • Fraser Fir • Bough Material by the Pound WE WELCOME YOUR INQUIRY PLEASE CALL OR WRITE WITH YOUR NEEDS Richard Calhoun rkcdoc@skybest.com

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October 2011 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER MIDWEST • Section B - Page 1

BIG SPRINGS NURSERY and TREE FARMS

C H R I S TMA S S E CTI O N

Lowes Creek Tree Farm

by Kelly Gates Tim and Therese Olson didn’t grow up on a farm. They had never worked at a nursery either. But they both loved growing plants and they also enjoyed the outdoors, two interests that ultimately led them to open Lowes Creek Tree Farm in Aleva, WI. “We knew that we wanted to have our own business someday,” Therese told Country Folks Grower. “So when we graduated from college, we decided to start a Christmas tree farm.

We wanted to create a piece of nature where families could come to choose and cut their own tree each year.”

In 1980, they purchased 240 acres of land. A year later, they started planting several thousand Scotch, Norway and White Pines annually. Over time, an additional 50 acres were added to the mix.

Then around 10 more acres after that.

While the Olsons waited for their trees to grow, they started making and selling wreaths, garland and other handmade bough-based decorations. They still

sell these today at their Norwegian log cabin Christmas Shoppe. The retail outlet also carries a collection of Pipka collectible Santa Claus figurines and other holiday items.

As time passed, consumer demand changed and Lowes Creek Tree Farm adjusted its Christmas tree offerings. Instead of just pines, it began producing Fraser, Balsam and Canaan Firs and an array of spruce trees too.

“One of the challenges of planting Christmas trees is trying to predict what people will want 10 to 12 years ahead of time,” said Therese.

“While we grow mostly firs for our choose-andcut operation, we also have Colorado Blue, Black Hills, White, Norway and Serbian Spruce. We grow White and Red Pine too.”

Many of the evergreens are sold through the farm’s nursery and garden center business, which has been in operation since the mid 1980s. The business not only sells evergreens, it is also a purveyor of landscape trees, shrubs, perenni-

als, annuals, hanging baskets, containers, hard goods and a wide assortment of other related products.

From early spring until fall, customers come to Lowes Creek Tree Farm to purchase plant material for their gardens and landscapes.

Belgian horses and a wagon are brought in each year to offer customers a ride out to the fields to select their trees.

Lowes B3

WREATHS

Powers Tree Farm has always made wreaths for tree customers and thier own retail lots. But in the past few years, Powers Tree Farm has really grown in the wreath business. Now we have cold storage warehouses where we store and ship large quantities of wreaths.

Wreaths are made in a variety of sizes from 6” rings to 60” rings. Offering both plain or mixed using Fraser, White Pine or Boxwood greenery. Also wreaths with cones and candle wreaths.

Page 2 - Section B • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER MIDWEST • October 2011

ROPING

TREES

Specializing in Fraser Fir (Abies fraseri) trees known for great needle retention and great scent. The Fraser is one of the most popular trees on the market. Trees being harvested range from table tops to 14’ + trees. All are individual sized and graded so you get what you pay for.

Powers Tree Farm also offers Roping (garland) in a variety of sizes and mixes.

We make Fraser Fir, White Pine and Boxwood roping mixed or straight.

Roping comes in 20’ and 75’ lengths.

Roping is made fresh then stored in cold storage to preserve freshness. Roping and wreaths when delivered wil be as fresh as when we make it.

D avid: 3 36.977.8585

Andy: 3 36.877.7722

296 Bee Tree Rd. Lansing, NC 28643 Tim and Therese Olson, co-owners of Lowes Creek Tree Farm.

Photos courtesy of Lowes Creek Tree Farm

andy@powerstreefarm.com

www.powerstreefarm.com

Lowes from B2 The company also has its own landscaping design and installation team. Plus, a staff of workers who tend to the Christmas trees and another crew that manages the nursery stock.

“Right now, our retail shop is filled with pumpkins, squash, gourds, corn stalks and other fall products,” said Therese.

“We also sell mums, hydrangeas, evergreens and various plants that customers might be planting in the fall.”

After Halloween, the space will be transformed yet again.

Christmas decor will be

scattered about and the entire focus will shift to the winter holidays.

Belgian horses and a wagon are brought in each year to offer customers a ride out to the fields to select their trees. When snow falls, the wagon is swapped out for a sleigh.

According to Therese, the choose-and-cut operation and nursery/garden center have evolved into the exact vision they had for the farm over 30 years ago.

“We wanted to create a piece of nature where

people could come to cut their Christmas trees and enjoy during the holidays and all year round,” she noted.

“The city of O’Claire has grown up all around us and we have become an island of farmland, preserving this land for people to enjoy as it has been for more than a century.”

The Olsons have traced the farm’s history back to 1868 when it was first sold to a Wisconsin railroad company. Its most consistent use has been as a farm, with one family after an-

other acting as caretakers throughout history.

The business owners plan to continue safeguarding the land’s heritage well into the future.

“Our children are still very young and we will let them decide if they want to take over the farm when they are older. If they do, we’ll be happy. If not, that’s okay with us too,” said Therese. “Either way, we want to make sure that someone takes over the farm who will preserve it the way it is, as it has been for all of these years.”

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Christmas T rees #1 and #2 Fraser Fir up to 12’ at Osseo, WI, near Eau Claire, WI.

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October 2011 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER MIDWEST • Section B - Page 3

www.leepub.com

Email:brian@boschsnursery.com www.boschsnursery.com

Lowes Creek Tree Farm offers a variety of fir, pines and spruces.

Ways to promote your Christmas tree farm

by Sanne Kure-Jensen Do you remember watching your customers trekking across your snow-covered fields with excited children last year? As the families zigzagged through your rows searching for the perfect tree, they were building lasting memories. Today’s busy American family craves Quality Time. If your farm provides a magical

experience, those happy families will not only return for many years to come, they will recommend your farm to their friends.

By the time you read this, there will be less than 60 days until your first customers drive into your parking lot on Thanksgiving weekend.

To help ensure your farm’s success this season, and to bring you

new customers, pull out your Marketing Plan, update it and begin implementation right away. If you don’t have a Marketing Plan, here are some ideas to get you started.

Marketing efforts drive success Plan special events or promotions such as: Photos with Santa, Scavenger Hunt, Bring your Grandparents Day,

Solstice Celebration, Farm Anniversary Party or other theme days.

Consider offering sleigh or hay rides or a bonfire for an evening adventure. Consider a “Back to Basics” promotion where customers trade in an old artificial tree for money off a real Christmas tree. Perhaps you could participate in a local Festival of Trees or invite a scout troop or civic group to decorate themed trees.

For helpful marketing handouts and tem-

plates, go to the National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA) Web site a t www.christmastree.org.

Your success will depend on multiple forms of outreach. Be sure your events get listed on local, regional, newspaper and online calendars and reach out to your audience through the media with press releases and personal contact. Your event press releases should include a description and time of events, your farm

name, general farm hours, address, phone number, logo and contact information. Include photos from a previous year’s event, if available, or photos from your tree farm.

Consider reserving space in your local newspaper’s Holiday Shopping Guide and time on local radio station broadcasts. As your budget and computer skills allow, create some of these: print ads, post card mailers, newslet-

Promote B5

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Page 4 - Section B • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER MIDWEST • October 2011

Thirty to 35 million American homes celebrate the holidays with a fresh Christmas tree. Therefore careful preparation of the holiday season is essential.

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Promote from B4 ters, Valpak inserts, Chamber of Commerce mailers/e-mails, posters, brochures, business cards and/or coupons. If you need assistance, think about hiring outside help. Develop a printing, mailing, emailing and poster delivery schedule. If you decide to use post card mailers with bulk rate postage, send them as much as a month early due to slow holiday mail processing. Posters can be hung at local mar-

kets, libraries, churches, day care facilities or dance and sports centers. Consider reaching out on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. (Enlist a teenager if needed.)

Offer to give a talk on the history of Christmas trees to local clubs, libraries and organizations like Rotary Club, Elks Club, Chamber of Commerce, school PTAs, etc. Offer to share the podium with a wellknown local decorator

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If your farm provides a magical experience, those happy families will not only return for many years to come, they will recommend your farm to their friends.

Photos by Sanne Kure-Jensen • Real Trees are a re-

80 years selling evergreens!

Grown on our Wayne County, OH farms

Fall Planting time is Here!

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You are welcome to come see our stock-Call for additional details

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newable, recyclable resource.

• Christmas tree farms stabilize soil, protect and improve water quality and offer wildlife habitat.

Christmas Trees thrive in soils that cannot easily support food crops.

• After Christmas Trees are harvested, farmers replant fields with seedlings the next spring.

• Tree farms support complex ecosystems including birds, mammals, insects and more.

• Trees are carbon neutral.

While they grow, trees absorb carbon dioxide, filter our air and give off oxygen for us to breathe. When decomposing, carbon, nitrogen and other elements return to soils.

Promote B6

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(preserves, butters, jellies, sauces, mustards and salsas)

WWW.DILLMANFARM.COM • 800.359.1362 {label design by: www.flow-design.com}

October 2011 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER MIDWEST • Section B - Page 5

Orders with deposits BEFORE September 30th are guaranteed the above prices.

who could demonstrate holiday trends with a colorful slide or PowerPoint presentation. Be sure to display your brochures, business cards and/or coupons from your farm.

Before things get hectic this November, review and update your local media contact lists.

Phone or e-mail every media contact with your event plans; offer an interview and farm photo opportunity. Keep in touch; send another press release a week after Thanksgiving and again after Christmas.

You could include human interest stories with photos of happy families in your fields and describe Christmas tree pickup and recycling options in your area.

Your early and midseason press releases should include the following great reasons to use a real Christmas tree. The NCTA Web site lists these and many more benefits over artificial trees.

Balsam woolly adelgid was first found on Mount Mitchell, NC, in 1957. The Fraser fir trees located at high elevations on Mount Mitchell have experienced heavy mortality.

Photo by Robert F. Billings, Texas Forest Service, courtesy of forestryimages.org

Balsam Woolly Adelgid in Fraser Fir

by D. Moorhead and G.K. Douce for Forest Encyclopedia Network The balsam woolly adelgid (Adelges piceae), a native of Europe, was first located in the southern Appalachians in 1957 on Mount Mitchell, NC. It has become a major pest of Fraser fir (Abies fraserii) in the southern Appalachians. Fraser fir is an endemic southern Appalachian tree and the only fir native to the southeastern United States. Fraser fir occurs in the high elevation spruce-fir ecosystem, which is rare in the southern Appalachians (SAMAB 1996). The balsam woolly adelgid has spread throughout the entire range of Fraser fir and now threatens the existence of this rare tree and its unique ecosystem. In addition, Fraser fir is an important species for Christmas tree producers. Balsam woolly adelgid infestations can severely im-

pact Christmas tree plantations via tree damage and the cost of control efforts ( U.S. Forest Service 1989). The balsam woolly adelgid has also become a pest on native true firs throughout Idaho, Washington,

and Oregon.

The balsam woolly adelgid is a small (< 1 mm in length), wingless insect. Adults are black to purplish and slightly round. They are not easily visible to the

Woolly B8

Infestations of balsam woolly adelgid appear as tiny white dots along the limbs and trunks.

Photo by USDA Forest Service, courtesy of forestryimages.org

Page 6 - Section B • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER MIDWEST • October 2011

Promote from B5 • Across the country, over 4,000 communities offer Christmas tree recycling, pick-up and/or chipping programs.

Be sure to take a break and walk among your trees to remind you why you’re spending all this time in the office rather than outside on a beautiful, fall day.

Fall site preparation Ready your site for visitors. Clean your signs and ensure they list accurate farm hours and prices. Clear any brush or branches that may obscure your signs.

Grade your parking lot and have your snow plow in working order.

Consider setting aside a covered area for pre-cut trees and greens for sale during bad weather. Be sure your lighting works; days are getting shorter and daylight savings time will end on Nov. 6. Clean your office and Visitor Center.

Sharpen your saws.

Make sure your baler is working and that you have enough netting in stock for the season.

Consider offering hot chocolate and warm spiced cider to your customers.

When Thanksgiving looms: verify you have adequate staff, small bills for your change box

and cord for tying trees to car roofs. Be sure keep good daily sales records. Take photos and videos of customers and special events. Post these images on social media and state association Web sites and use them for future marketing efforts.

Get your farm listed To help potential customers find your Christmas tree farm, be sure you farm is listed on your local Department of Agriculture Web site and consider joining a state or national growers association and/or a Chamber of Commerce.

Many association and Chamber of Commerce Web sites cover neighboring states and allow users to search by town, farm name or state.

Some association and chamber Web sites offer members an individual page displaying events, promotions, coupons, address, phone number, products, services and hours.

As a Christmas tree grower, you are not alone. Across the country, nearly 15,000 Christmas tree farms grow 350 million Christmas trees and over 100,000 people work in the industry in 47 states according to the NCTA.

Do You Need to Sell Christmas Trees & Products?

Country Folks Grower Readers Need Product to Sell!

Advertise Now to Reach — • Garden Centers • Farm Markets • Nurseries

• Landscapers • Christmas Tree Growers • Greenhouses

Your Ad Now Starts the Process Toward a Good Christmas Season Deadline For The Nov. Issue — Oct. 20

Contact Dan Wren or your sales representative at 800-218-5586 dwren@leepub.com www.cfgrower.com

Anderson Pots: The first is still the best Anderson Die and Manufacturing was founded In Portland, OR by George Anderson in 1954. Originally the firm was a custom diemaker and the manufacturer of various injection molded plastic products. Only a few years after its founding, it began to market the first Anderson nursery container — a 2 inch square pot with drainage holes. Then, Anderson’s attention turned to replacing the nursery field containers of the day — typically used food cans or heavy clay pots. Growers had difficulty in securing enough metal cans from prisons and cafeterias for their needs.

Even when they could get enough metal cans, they still had to punch the holes in each can by hand. Plastic pots with the holes already in place were George Anderson’s answer. A new industry was born.

Growth in the nursery pot business lead to a move to a new larger plant complex off McLaughlin Avenue in Milwaukie, OR, just below the Portland city limits in 1965. Many

additional plastic pot designs were soon in full production and it wasn’t long before Anderson Pots were known throughout the world.

Anderson Pots have always been prized for innovative designs, thick walls, and superb injection molded quality. Anderson pots are reusable — they are not one time use throwaways, but excellent long-term investments for growers.

Today, Anderson Die and Manufacturing’s sprawling manufacturing plant includes a large number of high quality injection molded machines including more than a dozen new Husky Hylectric machines, known for rapid cycle times and consistent quality. They make nursery pots of many sizes and styles, including: Anderson’s unique cross-bottom tree bands, flats, heavy duty saucers and unique bio-degradable plastic pots in the Eco Choice line. Anderson pots are shipped across North America and, occasionally still, overseas. Anderson sells its

line of pots through various nursery supply firms as well as direct (wholesale sales only) from its Oregon headquarters.

With the growing concern about throw-away plastics going into landfills, Anderson’s long-standing reputation for long field life and for their pot’s water saving qualities, suggest the company’s future is bright in its sixth decade as a nursery supplier. Everything they sell is made in the U.S.A. in Oregon, not China or South East Asia. Look for the Anderson Die & Manufacturing name prominently displayed on the bottoms of the plastic pots wherever quality plants are sold. Anderson’s motto is “Quality Plants Deserve an Anderson Pot.” In addition to being a quality, reusable investment that can be justified economically in terms of long term value, Anderson’s recycled polyethylene and polypropylene pots are innovative designs that offer growers: • Higher survival rates • Excellent root devel-

opment • Stacking ribs to inhibit root circling • Improved root protection from the sun’s rays • Improved root protection from cold temperatures • Water saving drainage designs • Ease of handling in potting and grafting Anderson’s strives to always offer competitive prices on quality injection-molded plastic nursery products; prices that are truly bargains for what you

get. But, the company says Anderson is never going to be the cheapest container supplier for nurseries who look only at lowest cost without considering quality and service. If you are looking for the cheapest initial price on pots, you should probably buy elsewhere.

On the other hand, if service and long term value drive your decision making, Anderson Pots may be exactly what you seek. Anderson’s customers tell them their pots last and

last. It is not uncommon to find Anderson pots more than a decade old still in use.

This company has gone against the grain by emphasizing long term value in an age defined by short-cuts and inexpensive plastic throwalways. In its sixth decade Anderson’s strategy is still working.

For more information call 866-950-POTS (7687) or 503-6545629, email info@andersonpots.com or visit www.andersonpots.com

October 2011 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER MIDWEST • Section B - Page 7

Page 8 - Section B • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER MIDWEST • October 2011

Woolly from B6 naked eye. However, a noticeable white woolly mass covers the adults and their eggs, making infestations easily visible. These woolly masses appear as white dots along the trunk, limbs, and buds of infested trees (U.S. Forest Service 1989). Within the United States, the entire population is female, and reproduction occurs via unfertilized eggs. Adults lay up to 100 eggs, and two to four generations are produced each year.

The mobile immature stage, called crawlers, is orange, with small legs and black eyes (Figure 2). The eggs and crawlers are dispersed mainly by wind but also can be dispersed by birds, mammals, and humans.

When feeding, the adelgids inject salivary compounds into the boles of Fraser firs, stimulating the growth of abnormal xylem cells.

These cells, called Roholz cells, are red and wider than normal (SAMAB 1996). The Roholz cells interfere with the ability of the tree to transfer water, causing increased stress. Most species of fir produce a defense response to adeligid infestation, thus reducing the stress.

However, Fraser firs usually do not display this response. Initial signs of damage from infestations include gouting (swelling) of twigs and buds and twig dieback ( U.S. Forest Service 1989). A heavily infested tree may die within two to seven years after infestation.

Chemical control of balsam woolly adelgid is very expensive and time consuming. Ornamental trees or Christmas tree plantations can be treated with chemical controls to lessen the impact, but this is not usually feasible in forested set-

tings ( U.S. Forest Service 1989). Other control efforts have been initiated with little result. Currently, Fraser fir populations remain at great risk from balsam woolly adelgid infestations.

For more informatiojn visit www.extension.org /pages/58027/balsamwoolly-adelgid-in-fraser-fir Source: www.extension.org

Gouting, or swelling, of young twigs in often a response to balsam woolly adelgid infestations.

Photo by Robert L. Anderson, courtesy of forestryimages.org

Immature balsam woolly adelgids, called crawlers, are the only mobile stage in the adelgid life cycle.

Photo by USDA Forest Service, courtesy of forestryimages.org

Make Plans Now to Attend the EMPIRE STATE FRUIT AND VEGETABLE EXPO and DIRECT MARKETING CONFERENCE Oncenter • Syracuse, NY

January 24-25-26 2012 NEW FOR 2012 • Third Day Added • NYS Flower Industries

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800-218-5586 2012 SESSIONS WILL INCLUDE:

• Flower Production • Flower Marketing • Labor • Potatoes • Tree Fruit

• Tomatoes & Peppers • Cultural Controls • Direct Marketing • Pesticide Safety • Vine Crops • Leafy Greens • Cover Crops

• Soil Health • Reduce Tillage • Berry Crops • Cabbage • Cole Crops • Food Safety

• Onions • Garlic • Peas & Snap Beans • Greenhouse & Tunnels • Pesticide Safety • Sweet Corn

For trade show and exhibiting information, please contact Dan Wren, Lee Trade Shows, P.O. Box 121, Palatine Bridge, NY 13428

800-218-5586 or e-mail dwren@leepub.com

For Registration Information go to https://nysvga.org/expo/register/ For Exhibitor Information go to www.leetradeshows.com The 2012 Empire State Fruit and Vegetable Expo is sponsored by:

• New York State Vegetable Growers Association • Empire State Potato Growers • New York State Berry Growers Association • New York State Farmers’ Direct Marketing Association • New York State Horticultural Society • Cornell University • Cornell Cooperative Extension • NYS Flower Industries

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Norway Spruce Age Per 100 2-2 $90 Douglas Fir Age Per 100 2-0 $45 2-2 $88 Fraser Fir Age Per 100 P+2 $90 P+3 $110

Deer browse management plan Effective management of problematic deer takes a multifaceted approach.

Just like controlling weeds takes an integrated pest management approach that considers all the pests’ behaviors, habitats and environmental factors, the same can be done for deer (and other animal pests of plants).

Deer browse management plans should consider the following: 1. Assessment – describe the problem and quantify or qualify the damage including costs, determine what is causing the damage (visual sightings, tracks, feces,

trails, burrow systems, bite characteristics, scars on stems or trunks and migratory patterns), pattern of damage, population size and density, travel routes, seasonal food preferences, generally more damage occurs with winter feeding than summer feeding due to availability of preferred forage. Site characteristics: size of the site to be protected – proximity to alternative available food, open land is less desirable to deer than cover, can other wildlife predators be controlled as well (rabbits, beaver, woodchucks, etc).

2. Techniques – de-

pends on landowner objectives, goal of project, density, population and type of animal causing the damage, and severity of damage. Determine the consequences of each technique for ecological, economic and social issues. Effectiveness will depend on knowledge and behavior of problem species, ecological consequences of the selected methods, interaction between the environment and the chosen techniques. Assess risk to non-target species, keep costs in mind, are the costs reasonable to the expected reduction in damage?

3. Strategy – plan how the chosen technique(s) will be implemented.

One technique can be employed to stop the damage while another to prevent future damage.

List equipment and materials needed and amounts. Acquire permits and safety equipment.

4. Implement – apply the techniques to the treatment area. Document the work done, any changes needed once onsite and future management plans.

5. Results – monitor results to judge effectiveness. Changes in usual

Deer B11

Per 1000 $675 Per 1000 $200 $650 Per 1000 $675 $800

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TRADE SHOW OPPORTUNITIES • KEYSTONE FARM SHOW •

January 3, 4, 5, 2012 • Tues. 9-4, Wed. 9-4 & Thurs. 9-3 York Fairgrounds • York, PA

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October 2011 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER MIDWEST • Section B - Page 9

• BIG IRON EXPO • February 8 & 9, 2012 • Wed. 10-7 & Thurs. 9-4 Eastern States Exposition • West Springfield, MA

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ECO Farming: A new system for the 21st Century CELINA, Ohio — Everyone has an opinion about conventional tillage versus no-till.

Ohio State University Extension, in conjunction with the Natural Resource Conversation Service and the Ohio No-till Council have developed a third tillage system for farmers to consider. ECO Farming is a new concept and way of farming in the

21st century.

“ECO Farming stands for Eternal no-till, Continuous living cover, and Other best management practices,” said Jim Hoorman, assistant professor with OSU Extension.

“In other words, absolutely trying to eliminate tillage as much as possible.”

Hoorman, along with Ray Archuleta of NRCS’ East National Technolo-

gy Service Center, Ohio No-till Council President Dave Brandt, and Mark Scarpiti, Ohio NRCS agronomist, collaboratively defined the ECO Farming concept.

“Continuous Living Cover means that farmers try to keep a living crop on the soil 100 percent of the time,” Archuleta said. Examples include grain crops followed by cover crops,

pasture or hay systems, or perennial plants.

“The goal is to protect the soil from soil erosion, increase water infiltration, and decrease nutrient runoff.”

Other best management practices (BMPs) include the concept of controlled traffic, water table management where applicable, manure management, and integrated pest manage-

ment (IPM).

“The goal is to use an integrated system of conservation practices to solve environmental nutrient issues associated with hypoxia and eutrophication to improve water quality,” Scarpiti said.

From an on-farm standpoint, Brandt has been practicing the concept for 15 years.

“I have reduced my

Deer from B9 conditions such as variations in site conditions, population levels, weather, feeding conditions and other factors may affect expected results.

Ensure that off-site effects are not damaging nearby ecolocommunities or threatened and endangered species.

This article is an excerpt from NRCS - Reducing Deer Browse Damage, Forestry Techincal Note #44. To read the article in its entirety, visit www.mn.nrcs.usda.gov/ technical/ecs/TechNotes/Forestry/TN44ReducingDeerBrowseDamage.pdf

October 2011 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER MIDWEST • Section B - Page 11

fertilizer inputs by 5070 percent, herbicide costs by 50 percent, and reduced my fuel consumption,” Brandt said. “All while adding soil organic matter (SOM) which improved my soil health and increased my crops’ yields over the past 15 years.”

“This system closely mimics natural cycles in virgin soils by feeding the microbes,” said Hoorman, who also is an agriculture and natural resources educator for OSU Extension. “You have 1,000-2,000 times more microbes associated with live roots.”

Plants supply 25 to 40 percent of their carbohydrate reserves to feeding the microbes, which in turn recycle nitrogen, phosphorus, and water back to the plant roots. This natural process improves soil structure and increases water infiltration and water storage.

The ECO Farming innovators insist that for farmers to accept this system, it must be economically viable, and in the long run should also be ecologically sound and environmentally sustainable. The system appears to have all three attributes.

“For 100 to 200 years, farmers have been tilling the soil and basically mining it of nutrients, destroying soil structure and losing 60 to 80 percent of soil organic matter,” said Archuleta.

“Now we can use advanced knowledge of soils, soil health, and soil ecology to work with Mother Nature rather than against her.”

Page 12 - Section B • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER MIDWEST • October 2011