GO 9.11

Eastern Edition n

Section One of Three

September 2011

GROWER

Volume e 20 r9 Number

$2.50

Serving All Aspects of Commercial Horticulture

Greenhouse • Nursery • Garden Center • Fruit & Vegetable • Farm Markets • Landscapers • Christmas

Penn State Variety Trials ~ flowers on hot summer days ~ Page A2 More e than n justt treess at e Farm Mayne’ss Tree Page e B1

Today’ss Marketing g A5 Auctions

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Christmas

B1

Classifieds

B12

Organic c/ e Ag Sustainable

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September 2011 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • Section A - Page 2

Penn State Variety Trials ~ flowers on hot summer days

by Stephen Wagner For the past three years Penn State’s Variety Trials at the PSU Research Station in Landisville, PA, has been graced with rainfall. This year was different. Not only noted for the absence of rain, ultra dry conditions and a furnace of heat prevailed at this year’s event. Though attendance didn’t waver, many attendees took advantage of strategically placed misting units by standing in front of these fine sprays and allowing them to quell overbearing heat. A few days of the week saw the Heat Index registering temperatures of 115 and 120 degrees.

Last year, PSU horticulturist and trial director Alan Michael remembered, “plants looked pretty shabby. This year, they

look about as good as I’ve seen them in many years. We had some horrendous growing conditions early in the year; for the first two to three weeks, we had temperatures just like this. The plants just kind of sat there.

Some of them survived well, others did not. Then we had some very good growing conditions with rain and cooler temperatures, and you can see the plants have really recovered.

They are in full flower. It’s hard to find a bad one, isn’t it?

“There are lots of flags which represent those plants in the first rating (July 1 to 15) that performed well. Trials are really a time sensitive program, kind of like watching a movie. If you see only a few of the scenes you don’t know what the whole movie is like. Now you are looking at one of the scenes which

Trial Director Alan Michael on tour through the gardens.

Photos by Stephen Wagner

is July 21. But how are they going to look in August? And how did they look in early July?”

With that Michael began his walking tour through rows of plants and commented on those he stopped in front of and others nearby. He also chatted about side issues.

“Some people want to know what we do in the way of fertilizer. We put controlled-release fertilizer on at planting. Then we come in with an additional amount of liquid feed, about 300 parts of a 21-5-20. We add iron and sometimes acid depending on what pH the soil is.

“We did have thrips,” he said.

“It was bad. We had horrendous heat for three weeks. I started looking at plants like dahlias and they weren’t flowering. Why weren’t they flowering? Because they were completely infested with thrips.

“I want you to look at some of these mini-petunias and notice how well they’re holding up in the heat. I think we have as good a representation of petunias as we’ve had in the past few years. I also want you to also look at red petunias. If you haven’t paid attention to the red varieties, they have really improved. Even with the conditions that we’ve had, generally the red varieties are the first to go down. Reds are much better now than they used to be.

“What we’re seeing is improvement in fulltime flowering with verbena. Even with plants that are going out of flowering, some of these older varieties, they are continuing to bloom.

“Polls suggest that people like zinnias,” Michael says.

“People love daisy-like plants by a ratio of 2-to-1 when compared to almost anything else.

When we look at the chrysanthemum-daisy-aster kind of plant they always come out twice as much as petunias or anything else.”

A brand new plant introduced by Danziger is Otomeria, which comes from Tunisia,

Attendees browse through the mixed baskets at the Landisville Flower Trials.

Northern Africa. Hot, dry and sandy. These plants love the heat, but it’s how they perform in the greenhouse. They probably aren’t going to bloom really well in the greenhouse, but as far as landscaping and summer blooming, Alan Michael suggests this is a plant you want to look at.

“Otomeria and Portulaca.

You can’t go wrong in heat with portulaca,” says Michael.

“There are probably one or two varieties that are not outstanding. The doubles, however, are

not as good as I would like to see them. They look a little sad and I think that’s because they’ve gone to seed. Some of the other varieties do not do that. When they go to seed they tend to stop flowering.

It’s always interesting and educational to revisit the trial gardens after July 21, periodically in August and into September and the onset of autumn, to experience changes in many of the plants, as your customers would see when planted in their gardens.

Massachusetts annual tomato contest draws 106 entries BOSTON, MA — Tomato farmers from across the state converged on City Hall Plaza on Aug. 22 to display the fruits of their labors at the Commonwealth’s 27th Annual Tomato Contest. A highlight of the kickoff celebration for Massachusetts Farmers’ Market Week, this year’s festival drew 106 entries.

Top prizes went to Idylwide Farm of Acton, Stillman’s Farm of New Braintree, Verrill Farm of Concord, and Ward’s Berry Farm of Sharon.

Entries were judged by a panel of food writers, chefs, cookbook authors, produce experts and state officials.

“Local tomatoes and other produce

are in abundant supply right now at farmers’ markets and roadside stands across the state and I encourage all Commonwealth residents and visitors to stop by a nearby market and discover great, farm-fresh food," said Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (DAR) Commissioner Scott J. Soares, who kicked off the event by reading the Patrick-Murray Administration’s proclamation, declaring Aug. 21-27 as Massachusetts Farmers’ Market Week.

In addition to the presentation of awards, the Tomato Festival included tomato tasting, recipe demonstrations and information on nutrition

Massachusetts A3

Judges grade this year's entries. The panel of judges was made up of of food writers, chefs, cookbook authors, produce experts and state officials.

by Sanne Kure-Jensen It may be a scorching, bright summer day, but Tom and Patti DeCastro are already thinking ahead to the Christmas season at DeCastro Farms in Portsmouth, RI. “We have our staple items each year and always add something new,” Patti DeCastro of Decastro Farms likes to keep things fun. We like to rearrange our store. It takes work, but customers respond and things fly off the shelves.

Patti stressed her demands for quality, “we place boxwood cuttings into oasis foam so customers can keep their boxwood centerpieces watered.” Customers prefer these quality products over dry twigs in foam that wilt long before the holidays are over.

Customers happily drive from far and wide for fabulous greens, fresh holly and lush roping. “This is so much better than what the big box stores offer,” is often heard at the register.

The hoop houses glow pink and red when 1,000 poinsettias start arriving

shortly before Thanksgiving.

Hundreds of festive Christmas trees fill the side yard each year.

Patti remembers making as many as 1,000 holiday fruit baskets each December two decades ago; nowadays, she and her staff might make 100 for the holidays. “Grocery stores carry so many exotic fruits. We now offer other local specialties to appeal to our customers,” Patti shared. We still make at least 150 centerpieces, 250 decorated wreaths and 50 boxwood table-top ‘trees’. Picks, ribbons, mistletoe and kissing balls round out the holiday decorating supplies available at DeCastro Farms.

The DeCastro family is celebrating 50 years of operating a farm stand this year. The Farm Stand is a regular stop for locals seeking fresh fruit and vegetables and other staples.

Many customers purchase Christmas cactus, azaleas and rosemary plants in 4 1/2 to 6 inch pots as teacher and secretary gifts. The farm supplies pumpkins, winter squashes, kale and cabbages

Customers happily drive from far and wide to DeCastro Farms, where the family operating the business likes to rearrange the store to keep things fun and interesting.

Photo by Sanne Kure-Jensen

Four DeCastro families earn their living growing vegetables, fruits and flowers on 100 acres in Portsmouth for RI and Boston consumers, restaurants and wholesalers. (Left to right) Steven and his wife Patti, Tom, Richard and Matthew. Stephen grows the vegetables. Patti and Tom run the farm stand; Tom also supervises the wholesale orders and keeps 23 tractors and their implements in working order. Richard grows the flowers and his son Mathew helps everyone.

Photo provided by Patti DeCastro

through the fall and well into December. Eight thousand to 10,000 mums are sold each fall. Last minute gifts like local honey, preserves and fruit baskets are also available.

Patti and her family like to support local farmers and businesses. By developing a good rapport with each vendor and sticking with just one quality vendor for each product or category, she ensures them greater sales.

Year-round steady movers include Tito’s Chips and Salsa made by the Arcellos of Tito’s Cantina. Local Aquidneck Farms beef and nearby Auclairs Market’s meats are featured. In business for over 100 years, Arruda’s Dairy Farm of Tiverton delivers milk and cream.

Narragansett Creamery of Providence supplies cheeses and yogurt. Patti said, “When our local tomatoes are ready in August and September, we sell over 80 fresh mozzarella balls a

week.” DeCastro Farms is one of only two sites on Aquidneck Island to carry Portuguese sweet breads by Tony’s Bakery in Fall River, MA. Patti is considering offering fresh baguettes made by a local baker.

Long term, she is considering installing an oven and baking on site. Patti loves hearing customers say of her broad offerings, “This is great, now I don’t have to make another stop.”

Their most successful marketing investment was the new sign with space for a changing message. Tom puts up messages announcing seasonal fresh produce, Holly Days, Open Houses or seasonal greetings.

A new company Web site is being developed and should be up well before the holiday season.

The DeCastro’s first Farm Stand was a card table in the front yard in

DeCastro A3

Massachusetts and local farms. The festival and contest are sponsored by DAR, the New England Vegetable and Berry Growers Association and Mass Farmers’ Markets.

Massachusetts Tomato Contest Winners, listed by farm name, town, variety and place are: Slicing category Idylwilde Farm, Acton, Black Velvet, first.

Verrill Farm, Concord, Dafel, second.

Ward’s Berry Farm, Sharon, Scarlet Red, third.

Cherry category Ward’s Berry Farm, Sharon, Sun Gold, first.

Ward’s Berry Farm, Sharon, Mini Charm, second.

Freitas Farm, Middleboro, Sun Gold, third.

Heirloom category Stillman’s Farm, New Braintree, Striped German, first.

Red Fire Farm, Granby, Brandywine, second.

Verrill Farm, Concord, Moskovitch, third.

Heaviest Verrill Farm, Concord, Aussie, 3.21 lbs., first.

Volante Farm, Needham, Orange Persimmon, 3.01 lbs., second.

Taft Farms, Great Barrington, Mortgage Lifter, 2.73 lbs, third.

For more information, visit DAR’s Web site at www.mass.gov/agr and/or follow at twitter.com/agcommishsoares

Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources Commissioner Scott J. Soares presents a trophy to one of this year's winners.

Page 3 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • September 2011

The DeCastro Family: Farmers and farm stand masterminds

September 2011 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • Section A - Page 4

Woodbury FFA member named a finalist for national award WOODBURY, CT — Ryan Daddio of Beacon Falls, a member of the Woodbury FFA Chapter at the Ellis Clark Regional Agriscience and Technology Program at Nonnewaug High School, has recently been named a National Finalist for the National FFA Proficiency Award Program.

Ryan, who recently graduated from Nonnewaug in June, previously was named the state winner for his outstanding Supervised Agricultural Experience Project in the area of Nursery Operations. Ryan’s multifaceted work experience project consisted of working at Ace Begonias in Woodbridge as a Greenhouse worker for the past 4 years.

In addition to this job, Ryan has also been breeding and raising more than 20 different varieties of Orchids, as well as several African Violets at home. During the past two summers, R yan has also been working at Rutgers University’s Turfgrass Research Farm in New Jersey as a research assistant. Ryan’s responsi-

bilities at Rutgers have included grading turf plots where new progenies are grown under varying conditions, as well as collecting, drying and weighing seed from new progenies being produced. Ryan will be attending Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences majoring in Plant Breeding and Genetics and Plant Biotechnology. Because of Ryan’s work ethic and genuine interest he showed during his first summer of internship at Rutgers last summer, he was awarded a $5,000 scholarship from Rutgers as well.

This last spring, along with 13 other Woodbury FFA members, Ryan compiled his four years of records and business information concerning his excellent project and filled out the 20 page FFA Proficiency Award Application. After each of these 14 students was named as state winners and each receiving a check for $250, their applications were sent on to National FFA Judging in August.

Ryan was recently named a National

Cover photo by Stephen Wagner Attendees at Penn State’s Variety Trials wander through the garden comparing varieties and taking notes to determine what they will grow next year.

Country Folks The Monthly Newspaper for Greenhouses, Nurseries, Fruit & Vegetable Growers (518) 673-3237 • Fax # (518) 673-2381 (ISSN # 1065-1756) U.S.P.S. 008885 Country Folks Grower is published monthly by Lee Publications, P.O. Box 121, 6113 St. Hwy. 5, Palatine Bridge, NY 13428.

Periodical postage paid at Palatine Bridge, NY 13428.

Subscription Price: $22 per year. Canada $55 per year.

POSTMASTER: Send address change to Country Folks Grower, P.O. Box 121, Subscription Dept., Palatine Bridge, NY 13428-0121.

Publisher, President ....................................Frederick W. Lee V.P., General Manager ........................Bruce Button, 518-673-0104 ..................bbutton@leepub.com V.P., Production ....................................Mark W. Lee, 518-673-0132 .......................mlee@leepub.com Comptroller .........................................Robert Moyer, 518-673-0148 ..................bmoyer@leepub.com Production Coordinator ....................Jessica Mackay, 518-673-0137 ................jmackay@leepub.com Editor ...............................................Joan Kark-Wren, 518-673-0141 .............jkarkwren@leepub.com Page Composition ..........................Michelle Gressler, 518-673-0138 ................mmykel@leepub.com Classified Ad Manager ......................Peggy Patrei, 518-673-0111 .................classified@leepub.com Shop Foreman ..............................................Harry DeLong

Palatine Bridge, Front desk .......................................................................518-673-0160 Accounting/Billing Office ..................518-673-0149 ....................amoyer@leepub.com Subscriptions .....................................888-596-5329 .........subscriptions@leepub.com Web Site: ...............................................................................................www.leepub.com Send all correspondence to: PO Box 121, Palatine Bridge, NY 13428 Fax 518-673-2699 Editorial email: jkarkwren@leepub.com • Advertising email: jmackay@leepub.com

AD SALES REPRESENTATIVES Bruce Button, Ad Sales Mgr . . . . . . . bbutton@leepub.com . . . . . . . 800-218-5586, ext. 104 Dan Wren, Grower Sales Mgr . . . . . . dwren@leepub.com . . . . . . . 800-218-5586, ext. 117 Jan Andrews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .jandrews@leepub.com . . . . . . 800-218-5586, ext 110 Dave Dornburgh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ddornburgh@leepub.com . . . . . 800-218-5586, ext. 109 Steve Heiser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . sheiser@leepub.com . . . . . . . 800-218-5586, ext. 107 Laura Clary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .lclary@leepub.com. . . . . . . . .800-218-5586, ext 118 Tina Krieger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . tkrieger@leepub.com . . . . . . 800-218-5586, ext. 108 Ian Hitchener (Delmarva) . . . . . . . . ihitchener@leepub.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . 802-222-5726 Tina Acker / Southern PA . . . . . . . Tina.Krispine@verizon.net . . . . . . . . . . . . 610-927-3341 Kegley Baumgardner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . kegleyb@va.net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .540-255-9112 Scott Duffy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Northern New England . . . . . . . . . . . . . 802-484-7240 Wanda Luck / North Carolina . . . . . . . luck@triad.rr.com . . . . . . . . . . . 336-416-6198 (cell) Mark Sheldon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . marksh500@yahoo.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . 814-587-2519 Sue Thomas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . suethomas@nycap.rr.com . . . . . . . . . . . . 949-305-7447 Lee Publications 6113 State Hwy. 5, PO Box 121, Palatine Bridge, NY 13428 We cannot GUARANTEE the return of photographs. Publisher not responsible for typographical errors. Size, style of type and locations of advertisements are left to the discretion of the publisher. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. We will not knowingly accept or publish advertising which is fraudulent or misleading in nature. The publisher reserves the sole right to edit, revise or reject any and all advertising with or without cause being assigned which in his judgement is unwholesome or contrary to the interest of this publication. We assume no financial responsibility for typographical errors in advertisement, but if at fault, will reprint that portion of the ad in which the error appears.

FFA national award finalist Ryan Daddio is shown here at work at his job at Ace Begonias in Woodbridge, CT. Finalist in the category of Nursery Operations. Ryan is one of only four students in the entire country to earn this honor in Nursery Operations. Ryan will now be traveling to Indianapolis, Indiana this October to attend the 84th National FFA Convention, and will be interviewed by horticulture industry professionals, along with the other three national finalists in his area of Nursery Operations to determine the overall national winner. In recognition of being named a national finalist, Ryan will receive a plaque and $300. If he is chosen as the national winner in Indianapolis later this fall, he will receive an additional $500 during a special ceremony held during the FFA National FFA Convention.

R yan was joined by 13 other Woodbury FFA members last spring to be named state winners for outstanding Supervised Agricultural Experience Projects and who were recently judged at the national level as well. The other students who also competed at the national level this

summer are listed below along with the medals they received: Katherine Wade of Woodbury, Gold Medal in Home and Community Development; Kevin Proe of Watertown, Gold Medal in Landscape Management; Andrew Zielinski of Bethany, Gold Medal in Diversified Horticulture; Felice Martin of New Milford, Gold Medal in Diversified Crop Production; Krystina Mancini of Watertown, Silver Medal in Floriculture; Megan Pantaleo of Oxford, Silver Medal in Agricultural Education; Courtney Ireland of New Milford, Silver Medal in Veterinary Science; Margaret Gerowe of Woodbury, Silver Medal in Environmental Science; Mary McCart of Seymour, Silver Medal in Vegetable Production; Taylor Carey of Sherman, Bronze Medal in Agricultural Mechanics; Riva Martin of New Milford, Bronze Medal in Fruit Production; Rebecca Beyer of Naugatuck, Bronze Medal in Small Animal Care; Alycia Fulton of Watertown, Bronze Medal in Agricultural Services.

DeCastro 1961. Betty, at age six, and Stephen, at age 4, learned to make change with their parents, Winfield and Ruth, looking on. The family already sold corn, tomatoes and their own fresh produce. The business moved to its current location with a small structure built by Tom, Stephen and Richard DeCastro and their father in 1975. After several expansions, the business is now a 2,500 square foot retail center. The farm stand also has eight hoop houses for vegetables, herbs and seasonal flowering plants.

Four Decastro families earn their living growing vegetables, fruits and flowers on 100 acres in Portsmouth

for Rhode Island and Boston consumers, restaurants and grocers.

Stephen grows vegetables on about 85 acres. The largest crops are 25 acres of corn, 12 acres of green beans and 10 acres of cabbages mostly grown for wholesale. Richard grows the flowers and his son Mathew helps everyone all across the farm. Tom and Patti manage the Farm Stand and Tom manages the packing of the wholesale orders.

Stephen is the mechanic keeping 23 tractors and implements in working order.

For more information call 401683-4688.

By: Melissa Piper Nelson Farm News Service News and views on agricultural marketing techniques.

Job creation and agriculture All across the U.S. and indeed the world, agriculture’s role in job creation is being explored, debated, tested and statistically compared to other businesses for economic growth potential.

While the industrial and manufacturing age in this country drew workers away from their rural roots and farms, today’s interest in local foods, organic operations and the wave of sustainable

urban farming is opening up new avenues of community development and employment.

This summer’s series of White House Business Council Roundtable events, held throughout the U.S., brought business leaders together with USDA officials to talk about rural development and economic improvement. At a roundtable meeting in York, PA, Deputy Agriculture Secretary Kathleen Merrigan emphasized that the

USDA is seeking advice from business leaders on ways to improve the economic climate. “The President and the USDA are committed to creating good-paying jobs that will help businesses and communities they serve,” said Merrigan.

While some agricultural sectors are feeling the pinch of drought and market slumps, the organic industry has shown steady growth over the past decade, and a recent survey of

economy, “has already taken root and where the potential for global leadership and economic vitality for America is already proven.”

As local communities take stock of agriculture and rural development, it will be interesting to see if these trends continue and where future jobs are created. Agriculture has traditionally been low on the scale of business growth indicator factors as most family farms do not employ large numbers of workers. With the growth of local foods interest and the increasing opportunity to sell directly to consumers, family farms and small agricultural operations are places where job opportunities are being created and sustained.

Your operation already contributes to your local, regional, statewide and even global economy. Money spent at local businesses has multipli-

er factors that reach outward in even the smallest communities.

Encourage your local agricultural groups to monitor and share these findings with the business community. This information provides a basis for community funding opportunities and recognizes the importance of agriculture in building and sustaining local communities.

More information on the Battelle Report is available from the North Central Regional Association (NCRA), 1450 Linden Drive, Madison, WI. The above information is provided for educational purposes and should not be substituted for professional business or legal counseling.

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Page 5 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • September 2011

Today’s Marketing Objectives

organic farmers noted that nearly half of them planned on increasing production and creating more jobs. Urban agriculture in many American cities now offers displaced workers jobs growing foods in communities where people did not always have access to fresh vegetables.

And, the 2007 Census of Agriculture showed that some states, those closest to metro areas, that experienced previous declines in the number of farms, actually saw increases with small organic and naturally-grown operations popping up.

Offshoots of direct food production including bio-energy and bio-science projects are also seen as adding to job creation potential. A North Central States (Battelle Report) study noted that where agriculture and forestry thrive in abundance is where the bio-based

September 2011 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • Section A - Page 6

Sunny summer will bring sweeter apples FISHERS, NY — Apples and cider will be super sweet this year.

That is the consensus of state apple growers of the crop that got off to a wet start last spring but has been basking in sun all summer.

The abundance of sun means apples will have higher sugar content. Sunshine generates higher sugar levels in apples — known as brix levels.

“Sunny weather means sweeter fruit, and happy apple eaters,” said Jim Allen, president of the New York Apple Association.

“New York is going to have a strong, tasty crop and we are going to have plenty of our apples in the marketplace before anyone else,” he said.

“Consumers are going to be delighted with our quality this year,” Allen said.

The annual NYAA crop prediction is determined by a consensus of growers

representing six apple growing districts throughout the state.

The crop consensus was reached during a conference call held on July 28.

The season got under way in earnest in early September when the McIntosh variety was picked. The harvest will last through late October or early November.

The crop is pretty much right on time, despite a slower start to bloom in the spring due to heavy rains, growers said.

New York apple growers predict the statewide crop will be at or near last year’s crop size of approximately 30.3 million bushels.

That number will still easily keep New York ranked second in apple production nationwide, behind Washington State.

Early season varieties, like Jersey

Mac and Tydeman were the first apples off the tree.

High demand for ‘home grown’ fruit is driving consumers to fresh New York apples in bigger numbers than ever before, according to retailers and growers.

More and more data from the world’s top research institutions are proving that apples really do help keep the doctor away, which is also helping move apples off the produce shelves in record numbers.

“Apples are a tasty and convenient way for families to enjoy a healthy snack,” Allen said.

The state’s crop of traditional varieties like McIntosh and Empire look promising, growers said. Popular varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala and Cortland also look good.

The 5-year official crop numbers in New York:

2010: 30.3 million bushels 2009: 32.8 million bushels 2008: 29.8 million bushels 2007: 31.1 million bushels 2006: 29.7 million bushels New York state grows apples on 50,370 acres. The state ranks second in the nation in apple production.

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by William McNutt The continuing recession has left no industry in the U.S. unaffected, creating new challenges, not the least of which for the green industry is too much supply for current demand.

Marketing in today’s market place was the challenge addressed at the OFA convention by Charlie Hall, Texas A&M University, Marvin Miller, Ball Horticultural Co., and Stan Pohmer, industry consultant. Their forecast was for consolidation in both greenhouse and grower numbers, with an already 6 percent reduction in numbers since 2006, which will double in the next 2 years. The problem will be partially self corrected as new growers come online.

With less concentration on filling

greenhouse space, the amount of production will eventually get in line with what will sell. This follows a general trend in agriculture, with 2-3 farmers handling the same acreage as previously handled by 10-12. New services will be added, with more reliance on vendors for information, but sales will continue downward - except in higher income areas. Those hurt most will be mid level income service providers, depending on discretionary spending.

Current surveys show 75 percent of our population have no confidence things are going to get better anytime soon, 20 percent think the economic situation will become worse. If not already learning to live with a mean new age, most will be forced to in the near

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Recessionary effect of the current economy on the floral industry was the subject covered by a panel consisting of: Marvin Miller, Ball Horticultural Co., Dr. Charlie Hall, Texas A&M University, and Stan Pohmer, industry consultant.

Photo by William McNutt

future: an age of frugality, reduced credit, plus a changed value system challenging what, why and when movements in management are made.

This year’s OFA program was geared to this concept, with fewer motivational type speeches, rather an emphasis on solid techniques in business training.

Behavior changes are being forced, customers are more value conscious, with reduced discretionary spending, limitation of driving, trade downs on purchases, plus greater deal seeking along with demand for lower prices.

Our older customers lean to nostalgia, desiring return to a simple life, more

rooted, with less conspicuous consumption. But for younger customers that we have not yet acquired on a steady basis, there is worry about the environment, plus emphasis on sustainability. Grower and sellers of floral products were told they must incorporate such consumer thinking into their promotional and merchandising efforts, work toward convincing the public the product offered is essential, that they cannot get along without it.

With more of our potential customers living paycheck to paycheck,

Economy A8

Page 7 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • September 2011

Update on economy from prime feature of OFA meeting

September 2011 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • Section A - Page 8

Local wheat sees revival in former grain states

by Lisa Rathke, Associated Press WESTFIELD, VT (AP) — New England is seeing a revival in farmers growing grain.

Vermont and Maine were once the bread basket of the northern U.S., but they lost that distinction in the 1800s, when the Erie Canal and intercontinental railroad made it easier to bring grain east from the Midwest.

But small farmers on the nation’s coasts are growing wheat again as more people clamor for locally grown food. An estimated 30 farmers in Vermont and Maine are growing an acre or two of grains, and a number of others with smaller plots.

Ellen Mallory of the University of Maine Extension says they aren’t look-

ing to compete with big growers in the Great Plains but hope to find their own

niche by selling to local bakers, at farmers’ markets and in other venues.

Economy from A7 selling to them becomes more competitive. Even the boomer generation now beginning to retire are trading down from supermarket to discount type stores. We cannot ignore their buying power, those born during 1946-60 still own 28 percent of housing, and receive 36 percent of the national income. The next influx of boomers are now over 55, $7 trillion in wealth is controlled by them. Currently there are 11 million more Generation X than post 1946ers in the country. This younger group is rather sharply split from their parents, more appreciative of the environment, time for relaxation, and appreciation of life in general-in short. This group emphasizes house ownership less than renting,

and move more for job security. They will spend money on landscaping when property is theirs, but want someone else to do it. Green industry types will need to jump start this group so our markets will be used.

When they do achieve stable economic status they can afford to pay for it. One angle is to stress the return on flowers along with landscaping, eg. $250 worth of flowers raises home value by $1000.

Panel recommendations included telling your story through social media, now by far the best way to make contact with a non-newspaper reading younger public. Grower-retailer relationships need to be strengthened, along with closer ties to the consumer. Tell your environ-

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mental story via Web site, include vegetables and fruit in flower planting of varieties adapted for this type of use. All retailers are doing this, but lack the personal detail a greenhouse or garden center can use.

Growers were advised to investigate contracting to other growers, even to the big box stores, often seen as the enemy. This can be a fruitful outlet for smaller growers who can concentrate of fewer and more specialized va-

rieties, plus meeting smaller demand for seasonal items. Other recommendations were to shrink capacity to met sales demand, cut waste, make alliances with other growers to help handle surplus, or even help train smaller growers who might be interested in contracting. Be careful about the impression your product is making, send nothing to market early but assure it is fully mature. Burpee is already using garden

coaches that can be contacted with problems found by customers. Setting up a similar system on a local basis could become profitable, even to the point where cell phone pictures can be sent for diagnosis.

That the Big Box stores are already formidable competition was emphasized in a recent Wall St. Journal article detailing research efforts to develop new varieties, some of which might of-

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Advice given by panel members to check into contracting may be the wave of the future as the floral industry follows the “urge to merge” which in some respects makes it better for all participants — a question not yet settled but will be up for a great deal more discussion.

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by George Looby, DVM Energy costs represent a major component of the total expenditures on any farm and in an effort to inform users

about the latest in conservation activities the Connecticut Farm Energy Program presented a Farm Energy Fair on July 21. The Fair was held at the East-

NE W CONSTRUCTION O R R E N O VAT I O N. . .

ern Connecticut State University located in Willimantic, CT starting at 4 p.m. with displays relating to the subject exhibited in the Betty Tipton Room of the Center. The Institute for Sustainable Energy at Eastern Connecticut co-hosted the program. The latter program was established by the Board of Trustees in 2000 with the mission of identifying, developing, and becoming an objective energy and educational resource to achieve a sustainable energy future.

This wide ranging program is designed to provide support and assistance to municipal and educational programs throughout the state.

The Connecticut Farm Energy Program started in 2009 as partnership between the USDA Rural Development and the Eastern Connecticut Resource Conservation and Development Area, Inc. as a pilot program that provided counties in Eastern Connecticut with a resource that would assist in Grant Writing in applying for those grants offered by the USDA Rural Development for America Program (REAP) for a wide variety of activities and enterprises relating to agriculture. The following year the service was expanded to include three additional counties with grant writing assistance.

Exhibitors occupied the Betty Tipton Room each with displays and educational material that in various ways related to the theme of the Fair. A program was held in an adjacent lecture hall with four speakers who spoke to his particular area of interest. Peter Governale, a Certified International GeoThermal Instructor and Designer, spoke

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about the advantages of geothermal technology and why it should be strongly considered whenever making a major move towards increasing energy efficiency. This technology is one of the most efficient systems yet developed drawing on a constant ground temperature of 50° F to supply both heating and cooling needs.

David Ljungquist, Associate Director of Project Development at the Clean Energy Finance and Development Authority, a quasi state agency which is supported by a levy placed on each customer’s electric bill at the rate of one mill per KWH. The function of Authority is to foster and support the development of alternative sources of energy within the state. These sources include geothermal, solar PV and solar thermal, small wind and fuel cells.

Following Mr. Ljungquist was Tom Wemyss of Pure Point Energy whose primary focus is in the sale and installation of solar energy panels. Tom addressed some of the pros and cons of solar panels that should be considered before finalizing an installation. When considering a roof mounted system the structural integrity of the roof itself must be considered. A new roof is probably good, an old roof somewhat suspect. There is the possibility of damage from hail to any installation.

Ground mounted models are easier to clean although regular rainfalls should keep any installation clean. Elecricity generated can be sold back to the utility serving the farm at the wholesale rate and the return on the investment has been calcu-

Fair A10

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Page 9 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • September 2011

The Connecticut Farm Energy Fair

September 2011 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • Section A - Page 10

Fair from A9 lated at 7-17 percent with incentives.

Concluding the first part of the program was Tim McGrew representing Northeast Utilities who reinforced some of the earlier comments encouraging the efficient use of power including the use of LED lighting and careful research in the purchase of new appliances making sure that their energy star rating is in the 3-5 range.

Following dinner the featured speaker of the evening, Dr. Richard Parnas, Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Connecticut spoke. Dr. Parnas’ topic was “How we can produce and use biofuels in Connecticut.” His current work includes the improvement of fermentation process for producing butanol a drop-in replacement for gasoline. This is but one of several experiments that he is conducting on the Storrs Campus. An additive that has received a great deal of press in the recent past is ethanol as a partial replacement for gasoline. It is Dr. Parnas’ opinion that, given the cost of production, ethanol is not an economical substitute for gasoline. It was further noted that ethanol has an adverse effect on small engines such as chain saws, lawn mowers and similar units. Biofuels can be derived for a wide variety of products that we use in everyday life including wood, sugar (to produce alcohol), waste grease and vegetable oil to produce biodiesel, liquefied manure to manufacture biogas and algae from ponds to produce gas. Algae have three fractions that can be utilized; protein, lipids and sugar. It has been found that biodiesel lowers CO2 emissions, an issue that has long been a concern of environmen-

Panel members (L-R) - David Ljungquist, Dr. Jeff Westfall, John Bartok, Tim McGrew and Tom Wemyss.

Photo by George Looby, DVM talists. Currently butanol is not available commercially but biodiesel is available from several suppliers. It should be noted that butanol is another alcohol derived from plant material that possesses some distinct advantages over ethanol which may lead to its far greater availability and use.

Following Dr. Parnas there was a panel discussion with David Ljungquist, Dr. Geoffrey Westfall, John Bartok, Tim McGrew and Tom Wemyss. Dr. Westfall is the owner of the Brooklyn Veterinary Hospital and Deep Vally Farm Inc. John Bartok is a Greenhouse Energy Specialist retired from the Cooperative Extension Service. David Ljungquist restated his earlier comments regarding the

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TRENTON, NJ — New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher announced on Aug. 22 that a new pest threat to the state’s fruit industry has been found by entomologists from the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station NJAES. Drosophila suzukii, also known as the “spotted wing drosophila,” was found in a vinegar trap on a blueberry farm in Atlantic County. The findings were confirmed by experts at the United States Department of Agriculture’s Sys-

tematic Entomology Laboratory.

Of the thousands of drosophila species, commonly known as “vinegar flies” or “fruit flies,” approximately 175 types are known to exist in North America.

“Both consumers and growers are accustomed to vinegar flies, the tiny flies normally found with overripe, damaged and dropped fruit,” Secretary Fisher said. “What is different with the spotted wing drosophila is that it can also attack healthy fruit still on the bush or tree.”

Rutgers scientists are tracking popula-

tions of the spotted wing drosophila, and are advising growers on the best measures to protect their crops. So far this summer, New Jersey’s blueberry and peach crops have been of high quality and without damage from this tiny pest.

A native of Southeast Asia, Drosophila suzukii, was first confirmed in the United States in California in 2008. Since then, it has been found in Florida, Louisiana, Utah, North Carolina, South Carolina, Michigan, Oregon, and Washington State; and in Alberta, British Columbia, Manito-

ba, Ontario and Quebec, Canada.

“The message to consumers is that, currently, local fruit they find in the marketplace is clean, good tasting and not affected by this new pest,” Secretary Fisher said. “The message to growers is to stay vigilant. And gardeners should remove any overripe or dropped fruit, as timely harvest will help keep populations in backyard gardens from building up rapidly. Composting is not a reliable way to destroy eggs and larvae in fruit.”

operations 80 percent of the energy used is used to generate heat. In his consulting role he assists in developing conservation practices including energy audits. Among the innovations practices employed is the use of thermal blankets in the roofs during cold weather and the use of reflective blankets during the summer months. Tim Mcgrew spoke about the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund which has two components - one is the small business energy assessment program where in-

centives are offered for participation. An express program is also available that assists in retrofitting existing systems.

Tom Wemyss concluded the panel program by reinforcing the idea that solar panels have many positives that should lead to their wider use in both home and commercial opwerations.

There are many technologies available

that can do much to reduce the high costs associated with energy use which also contribute to a cleaner environment. It is up to each user to educate themselves as to which is best suited to their own operations, this will involve some research and time but in the end it appears certain that this expenditure will be well worth it.

Fair from A10 transition taking place in his section but at this time there may be more questions than answers regarding the funding process that will develop under the reorganization but was certain that funding will be available. Dr. Westfall said that he applied to the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund in 2009 to help offset the cost associated with the installation of solar panels at his hospital. The biggest hurdle that he encounter was dealing with his power company, CL&P. John Bartok stated that in greenhouse

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Page 11 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • September 2011

New Jersey fruit industry faces threat from new pest

September 2011 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • Section A - Page 12

Watch out for giant hogweed

by Anna Meyerhoff, Farm Safety Educator, The New York Center for Agricultural Medicine & Health – NYCAMH Giant hogweed, a member of the carrot and parsley family, is an invasive plant that grows in New York and other states. Giant hogweed is dangerous because its sticky sap can cause phytophotodermatitis, a chemical reaction which makes skin hypersensitive to ultraviolet light.

Simply brushing against the plant can cause these effects.

When skin that came in contact with the plant is exposed to sunlight, painful burns and blisters form on the affected area. Symptoms may last for months or even years.

Other effects of exposure to giant hogweed can include long-term sensitivity to the sun, scarring and, if the sap enters the eyes, even blindness.

It prefers moist soil and is commonly found in ditches, parks, and vacant lots, as well as wet areas along ravines and riverbanks. The plants may be 10 to 15 feet tall and have flattopped white flowers.

The stems usually range between two and four inches thick and are marked with spots and purple bristles.

Giant hogweed flowers are similar in appearance to Queen Anne’s lace, and the plant can also be confused with cow parsnip. For comparison photos, visit the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) giant hogweed identification webpage at www.dec.ny.gov/animals/72766.html If you think you have giant hogweed on your property, do not touch it or attempt to mow or cut it down. Contact with the sap usually occurs when people cut or break the stems of the plant. It is important to wear protective clothing and eyewear to prevent skin contact with the sap. If you think you have been exposed to giant hogweed, immediately wash with soap and cold water and avoid sunlight. It may also be necessary to seek medical attention.

The New York Department of Environmental Conservation has had an active program to control giant hogweed since 2008.

Crews are available for free removal or herbicide control of this plant. To

report a site for control, call 845-256-3111. For more information about the NYS DEC Giant Hogweed Control Program, visit www.dec. ny.gov/animals/72570.html NYCAMH offers services that can help your workers stay safe and help your farm with food safety audit requirements. We offer free on-farm trainings in English and Spanish on a variety of topics including Worker Protection Standard, personal

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Dr. Henry K. Ngugi, Penn State Fruit Research and Extension Center Plant

Pathologist Over the last month, I have seen levels of ap-

ple scab that I never imagined possible in conventionally sprayed commercial orchards.

As I write this, I have just returned from seeing two commercial orchards with complete control failure.

In one of the blocks where I obtained samples, an entire crop of “Fuji” is so heavily damaged that it may not be accepted for juice. This is a 30-acre block that

was subjected to a textbook spray program typical for fresh-market apples in the Eastern U.S. And yet, this was not the worst diseased of this grower’s blocks — a “Rome” block nearby is heavily defoliated, with the few remaining leaves covered with “sheetscab” and the few fruit still on the trees being heavily cracked.

What is most troubling to me is that this is not a

one orchard situation; I had just driven past another orchard that I saw last week where the situation is equally bad if not worse, and I have been seeing this level of damage on two to four orchards each week over the last month.

These are not poor fruit growers; they are among some of the best orchardists in Pennsylvania with many years of experience.

Orchards

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In my preliminary review of their spray programs, most of the operations had what I would

Apple Scab A14

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Page 13 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • September 2011

Severe Apple Scab affecting this year’s crop in Pennsylvania

September 2011 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • Section A - Page 14

Apple Scab from A13 characterize as good to very good disease management programs.

There is, of course, variation among orchards and even within blocks of the same farm but overall, affected farms generally have very severe disease given the spray program they implemented.

Why such high levels of disease? It is my considered opinion that if the level of devastation from scab reoccurs in the coming years, it would threaten the Pennsylvania apple industry. There are two reasons, namely growers cannot sustain this level of loses repeatedly and, whatever the cause of the control failure, there are no easy solutions to recommend.

First let us deal with potential causes. I have often said in meetings that whenever yyou observe severe disease in a conventionally managed orchard there are three main reasons that can explain control failure.

Either the disease control program used was ineffective, the products used were not effective or a combination of these two reasons.

A disease management program may be ineffective for many reasons including extremely favorable weather for disease development, wide spray intervals, spray coverage and inappropriately timed applications. The weather was particularly suitable for apple scab this year. In the primary scab season, we averaged almost twice the number of predicted severe infection periods than we observe in a typical year. Frequent rainfall events were a double trouble; growers often could not get into the orchards to spray, and whatever they applied often got washed off.

Resistance of Venturia inaequalis, the apple scab fungus, to major classes of the fungicides labeled for disease control is an equally important factor to consider. In 2010, my laboratory confirmed presence of resistance to sterol demythylation inhibitor fungicide (DMI) in many orchards in Pennsylvania. About 75 percent of the orchards tested had resistance to at least one of the three different DMI fungicides that we evaluated, and we also confirmed high levels of cross-resistance to these fungicides. Unfortunately, this information could

not have come at a worse time for our industry.

The DMI fungicides would have been the best tool in a year like this with frequent rainfall events, multiple contiguous severe infection periods, and the associated difficulty in maintaining correct spray intervals. Indeed, early on I recommended the use of the highest legal rates of the DMI fungicides in orchards with moderate

Apple Scab A15

Severe apple scab on Fuji (Left) and Rome (Right) apples at a commercial orchard near Biglerville, PA.

GENEVA, NY — Abby Seaman, a vegetable crops specialist with the New York State Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program at Cornell University, has been named the Program’s vegetable IPM coordinator. Seaman, a nationally recognized authority, is widely known to New York growers for her realtime alerts on potentially devastating disease and insect pests in their areas.

These alerts help them cope with pests with least-toxic methods.

“Abby Seaman has worked extensively with farmers to implement biological control of insect pests,” says Don Rutz, director of the New York State IPM Program. “She is also a well-known pest information resource for organic farmers.”

Seaman, previously the Program’s vegetable IPM educator, brings nearly

two decades of expertise in pest management to the position. Over that time she has provided hundreds of workshops training thousands of growers in IPM techniques — scouting, thresholds, biological control, and more — to help them prevent and manage insect, disease, and weed pests.

Seaman is a graduate of Cornell University with an master’s of science in

entomology. She replaces Curt Petzoldt, the program’s vegetable coordinator since 1985. “Abby’s vast experience in New York vegetable production will provide a seamless transition,” says Rutz.

Integrated pest management brings together a suite of tactics that help protect the environment — and their bottom line. To learn more about IPM, go to www.nysipm.cornell.edu.

Apple Scab from A14 levels of resistance.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that growers that opted for the high rates have a cleaner crop than those who switched to strobilurin-based pro-

grams but this needs to be confirmed.

We are currently examining isolates from orchards with control failure to determine if

resistance to strobilurins was part of the problem. The concern is that if resistance to strobilurins is confirmed, we shall almost simultane-

ously, have lost two of the most important sitespecific fungicides labeled for apple scab control in Pennsylvania.

Even in the event that

we have a new, highly effective site-specific fungicide, it should be obvious by now that we are dealing with a very formidable and shifty enemy and that at best, such a fungicide will only buy us a few years.

What are the implications of these observations? First, this was an unusually bad year but not all growers face the same level of apple scab severity. If resistance to fungicides turns out to be the main cause of the control failure, then I am certain growers with a clean crop are not very far off from getting resistant V. inaequalis populations.

One of the studies that we need to urgently un-

dertake is an assessment of whether we have resistance to strobilurins.

Later in the fall or winter, I propose we growers, researchers and consultants get together for a discussion on apple scab. We are going to have to think carefully and prepare for radical changes in the way we manage apple scab.

For orchards with a severe problem, I intend to propose a thorough clean-up program on an individual by individual basis. Such a clean-up is essential even if new fungicides become available. I would argue it is required before you introduce a new fungicide in order to buy the new product more time.

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Page 15 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • September 2011

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September 2011 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • Section A - Page 16

Native wasp acts as early warning device for EAB infestations LISLE, IL — Researchers have confirmed that a native wasp that preys on the emerald ash borer was found at Emerson Park in suburban Skokie. The discovery was a result of a partnership between The Morton Arboretum and the Illinois Parks and Recreation Association.

Now, researchers hope that the wasp, Cerceris fumipennis, will serve as a sort of “canary in the coal mine,” or an early warning system for EAB infestation in areas where EAB has not yet been found, according to Dr. Frederic Miller, Research Associate at The Morton Arboretum.

“By the time humans are able to detect EAB visually, the infestation is usually well-established.

We hope this wasp will serve as an effective monitoring tool, giving us an earlier read as EAB makes its way across the country,” said Miller.

Researchers hope that earlier detection in ash trees will help communities’ better control and manage infestations.

Cerceris wasps nest in the ground, commonly in open areas of hardpacked sandy soil with ash trees nearby. Athletic fields, such as ball diamonds, volleyball courts, horse shoe pits, and even parking lots are common nesting locations. The nests are characterized by pencil-diameter holes on top of little mounds of sand. The wasps are most active during summer months, when they feed on a whole family of wood-boring insects called Buprestid, of which EAB is a member, according to Devin Krafka, Research Assistant at

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“Cerceris is a parasitic wasp. It goes out to find a buprestid, or a woodboring insect like EAB, stings it, and brings one back to its nest. Later, it will lay an egg on it and place it in its own chamber. When the egg hatches, the larva will eat the beetle,” said Krafka.

To help in the hunt for the wasp, The Morton Arboretum set up a new “biosurveillance” program. The Cerceris Identification and Awareness program (CIA for EAB) enlists the help of park district staff and park users to look for wasp nests and EAB carcasses near them. The Cerceris wasp is a good candidate for this pilot program, as it doesn’t harm humans.

This new program asks the community to be “Citizen Scientists” to help fight invasive pests.

“We need park professionals and residents to watch ball fields for signs of ground-nesting wasp activity or the actual nests,” said Edith Makra, Community Tree Advocate at The Morton Arboretum, who leads the CIA citizen science effort. “We first need to locate and confirm the presence of Cerceris so that we can enlist ‘Citizen Scientists’ in future monitoring that can help manage EAB to protect ash trees.”

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on the baseball field. He immediately contacted The Morton Arboretum and that’s when Krafka went to check it out.

“First I saw it flying around, and identified it visually,” says Krafka, “Then I saw the dead EAB carcasses on the ground.”

The Cerceris is different from the Oobius wasps the city of Chicago recently released to fight EAB. Cerceris is native to the area and can thrive in our

environment. Tiny, almost invisible, the Oobius wasps are from China. Federal officials introduced Oobius wasps in hope they will reduce the number of EAB in the city. Whereas researchers hope Cerceris, a much larger wasp easier for biosurveillance, will help them locate EAB infestations early.

Scientists never really paid attention to Cerceris since the 1800s. It wasn’t until it was discovered that the bugs

preyed on EAB that the insect was back on their radar. Across the Northeastern U.S., from Minnesota down to Missouri, east to the Atlantic Coast, researchers are on the lookout for the wasps. As the local leader in this national effort, The Morton Arboretum discovered Cerceris Illinois this summer.

As of now, EAB has only been found in Northeast Illinois, as far west as Winnebego County, and as far south as Champaign and Vermillion counties. But people are bracing for the first discoveries of EAB further south and west in the state of Illinois. The discovery of the Cerceris wasp could help communities not yet affected by EAB early detect a potential infestation.

EAB is native to Asia and is suspected to have arrived in this county in cargo utilizing wood packing material.

In its native range, EAB attacks and

kills trees that are weakened by stresses such as drought, disease, and mechanical injury. Unfortunately, in North America, EAB also attacks and kills healthy trees.

This invasive pest is so aggressive that virtually all ash trees are at risk, and trees may die within two to four years after they become infested. Already, tens of millions of North American ash trees have succumbed to this borer. If EAB is not contained, the devastation to our ash trees may be similar to that of our American elms, which were decimated by Dutch elm disease.

The potential impact from EAB in Illinois is significant. Ash trees account for 6 percent of forests state-wide, and 20 percent of residential trees in the northeastern part of the state, or approximately 130 million ash trees.

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Page 17 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • September 2011

Wasp from A16

September 2011 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • Section A - Page 18

Farmers markets could generate tens of thousands of jobs with modest federal support WASHINGTON, D.C. — Over the last several decades, thousands of farmers markets have been popping up in cities and towns across the country, benefiting local farmers, consumers and economies, but they could be doing a lot better, according to a report released recently by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). What’s holding farmers markets back? Federal policies that favor industrial agriculture at their expense.

“On the whole, farmers markets have seen exceptional growth, providing local communities with fresh food direct from the farm,” said Jeffrey O’Hara, the author of the report and an economist with UCS’s Food and Environment Program. “But our federal food policies are working against them. If the U.S. government diverted just a small amount of the massive subsidies it lavishes on industrial agriculture to support these markets and small local farmers, it would not only improve American diets, it would generate tens of thousands of new jobs.”

UCS released the report just a few days before the 12th annual U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Farmers Market Week, which began on Sunday, Aug. 7.

According to the report, “Market Forces: Creating Jobs through Public Investment in Local and Regional Food Systems,” the number of farmers markets nationwide more than doubled between 2000 and 2010 jumping from 2,863 to 6,132, and now more than 100,000 farms sell food directly to local consumers.

All that growth happened with relatively little help. Last year, for example, the USDA spent $13.725 billion in commodity, crop insurance, and supplemental disaster assistance payments mostly to support large industrial farms, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

The amount the agency spent that year to support local and regional food system farmers? Less than $100 million, according to USDA data.

In 2007, the most recent USDA figure, direct agricultural product sales

amounted to a $1.2 billion-a-year business, and most of that money recirculates locally. “The fact that farmers are selling directly to the people who live nearby means that sales revenue stays local,” O’Hara said. “That helps stabilize local economies.”

Keeping revenues local also can mean more job opportunities. Last summer, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack asked Congress to set a goal in the 2012 Farm Bill of helping at least 100,000 Americans to become farmers by, among other things, providing entrepreneurial training and support for farmers markets. O’Hara’s report takes up Vilsack’s challenge and argues that

supporting local and regional food system expansion is central to meeting that goal.

In the report, O’Hara identified a number of initiatives the federal government could take to encourage new farmers and the growth of farmers markets in the upcoming Farm Bill.

For example, the report called on Congress to: • Support the development of local food markets, including farmers markets and farm-toschool programs, which can stabilize communitysupported markets and create permanent jobs.

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• Level the playing field for farmers in rural regions by investing in infrastructure, such as meatprocessing or dairy-bottling facilities, which would help meat, dairy and other farmers produce and market their products to consumers more efficiently. These investments could foster competition in food markets, increase product choice for con-

sumers, and generate jobs in the community.

• Allow low-income residents to redeem food nutrition subsidies at local food markets to help them afford fresh fruits and vegetables. Currently, not all markets are able to accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.

“Farmers at local markets are a new variety of innovative entrepreneurs, and we need to nurture them,” said O’Hara. “Supporting these farmers should be a Farm Bill priority.”

FISHERS, NY — McDonald’s plan to offer apples in every Happy Meal could lead to big gains for sales of New Yorkgrown apples.

“If we can get them to serve as many apples as they do hamburgers, we’ll be all set,” said Jim Allen, president of the New York Apple Association.

In July, McDonald’s announced plans to change its traditional Happy Meal through a new initiative called “Commitments to Offer Improved Nutrition Choices.”

Beginning this month , all Happy Meals now include apple slices.

This means that when a mom or dad

orders a Happy Meal for his or her child, they will automatically get a small pack (about 1/4 cup) of apple slices with the meal. If the parent only wants fries, or only wants apple slices, they have to specify that option.

Until now, apple slices were only optional selections in Happy Meals.

Some industry estimates claim McDonald's sold about 220 million of the meals in the United States last year. Of those, around 24 million were likely sold with apple slices, based on the company’s statement that only 10 percent of Happy Meal sales saw customers requesting ap-

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ples when it was optional.

The company has been sourcing apples from New York orchards since 2004, when it first introduced apple slices to its menu.

Traditional New York-grown apple varieties like Empire and Gala have been ideal for slicing, due to their high acidity, flavor and resistance to browning.

Allen said growers will be bracing for a rush of demand from McDonald’s this fall.

“Even without the new business from McDonald’s, consumer demand for our apples has been at record highs, so this will likely motivate growers to add even more trees and expand,” Allen said.

“This is big news for the industry and the rural economy,” he said.

Allen said McDonald’s move will also help secure new apple customers for the future.

“McDonald’s will give exposure to our fruit for a new generation of fans,” Allen said.

“McDonald’s reaches consumers that we never could on our own. Some kids are going to taste our apples for

the very first time. We hope to get them excited and have them become lifelong customers,” Allen said.

McDonald’s began rolling out the new Happy Meal, with the goal of having them available in all 14,000 restaurants by early next year.

New York is the second biggest apple growing state in the U.S., with an estimated 30 million bushels expected to be harvested this fall off of 700 orchards.

Page 19 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • September 2011

Change in Happy Meals good news for New York apple growers

September 2011 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • Section A - Page 20

Seneca County — good taste in a great place!

by Bobbie Harrison Seneca County CCE, Agriculture Economic Development Specialist SENECA COUNTY, NY — Throughout the summer, Seneca County Cornell Cooperative Extension has worked to bring together local farmers and value-added producers with local consumers, chefs, and cooks. Seneca County CCE assists with the Seneca Falls Farmers Market held each Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Peoples Park in Seneca Falls and provides cooking techniques for recipes featuring locally grown produce to residents throughout the county.

As a means to build relationships between farmers, value-added food producers and local chefs Seneca County CCE, in cooperation with the Seneca County Chamber of Commerce, hosted a Farm to Chef Meet and Greet. In a research survey of nine restaurants conducted in Columbia County, NY, it was found that 56 percent of restaurants said that buying local was very important and 33 percent of restaurants found it to be important.

All felt that the use of local food products was important to support the local food movement and support local producers.

On average, restaurants purchased from eight individual farm businesses, with some purchasing from as few as two farms to as many

aged cheese and butter samples from pastured dairy cows to share.

Montezuma Winery and Hosmer Winery expressed interest in serving the local market. Tina Hazlitt brought her Cabernet Frank VevJuice (non-alcoholic) drink. NY Natural Chevon showcased goat meat, Summer and Italian sausage and “Kidz Stixs.” South Seneca County was well represented by Dave and Rita’s Farm Market and Bakery,

a source of yeast and quick breads, muffins and cookies and by Copper Beacon Herb Farm, known for its production of fine culinary herbs.

Luke Houghton of Pure Catering shared that, “Local products in my dishes are the expectation of my clients.”

The diversity of the farm and food sector was recognized at the Celebrate Seneca County

Seneca A21

MASTER MIX INC. Chef Sean Agate of Vineyard 109, Hotel Clarence, Seneca Falls, NY with Tom Murray, Muranda Cheese, Waterloo, NY. Photos courtesy of Seneca CCE

as 20 farms. Farmers made an average of two deliveries per week to as many as eight deliveries per week. In addition to deliveries, chefs and cooks obtained products from roadside stands and farmers’ markets as well. Once inside the restaurant, 29 percent of the dishes prepared con-

tained mostly local products and over half of the dishes prepared had some local products.

Restaurants represented at the Farm To Chef Meet and Greet included the Hotel Clarence, Bull’s Run Grille & Alehouse, River Park Grille, and Pure Catering and Events.

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Agriculture event held on the opening night of the Seneca County Fair, along with the 100th anniversary of the Cornell Cooperative Extension system.

The purpose of this event was to connect local businesses with local consumers and recognize the work of Cornell Cooperative Extension.

The Seneca County wine sector was represented with tastings through the Seneca Lake Winery Association, Cayuga Lake Wine Trail and Zugibe Vineyards. Meadville Pumpkin Patch shared homemade donuts to promote its upcoming fall events and corn maze.

Allan Buddle provided information on his organic Orchardland beef and samples of beef were provided through Ellen

Ten Eyck by the New York State Beef Industry Council and pork by the Hartman’s representing the New York State Pork Producers. Jeff Kostick’s Cayuga Lake Creamery (voted USA Today’s No. 1 ice cream parlor in New York state) was especially busy that evening.

Sean Agate, chef of Vineyard 108, Hotel Clarence provided wings dryrubbed with his special seasonings and samples of four dipping sauces.

He said, “I had fun. These events are a great way to meet other people and learn what’s available.”

The plant sector was well represented with beautiful lilies from Ruth Charter’s Little Red Barn and plants and gift ideas from the Lilac Farm. New 100th Cornell Cooperative Extension Anniversary cake at Celebrate Seneca County Agriculture, Seneca County Fair. Left to right: Ave Bauder, Seneca County CCE Executive Director, Al Green, former Seneca County Executive Director and 4-H, Youth Development Program Leader, Board members: Tom Challen, Mark James, Sue Sabol, Steve Churchill (Seneca County Board of Supervisors), Mike Heusler, and “Doc” Malchoff, Assistant Extension Agent, Seneca County 1947-48.

to the area is Good Shepherd Wool and Insulation, a company that processes wool fleece into home insulation.

Besides these businesses, Muranda Cheese, Dave and Rita’s Farm Market, Tastefully Simple, Seneca County Farm Bureau, and the Seneca County Soil and Water Conservation District were on hand to showcase their products and services and to join in the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Cornell Cooperative Extension.

In reflecting on the last 100 years of Cornell Cooperative Extension, Executive Director Ave Bauder said, “Seneca County CCE connects local residents to the land grant system. We look for research-based information that can

meet local needs which will ultimately improve the lives of county residents and strengthen the communities in which they live. We look forward to the next 100 years.”

The next event to showcase the Finger Lakes wine and culinary experience will be the Cork and Fork event to be held Sept. 16-17 at the Rodman Lott and Son Farm south of Seneca Falls. If interested in participating as a vendor, call the Seneca County Chamber of Commerce at 315-568-2906. If not a vendor, celebrate the good taste of Seneca County and the bounty of the Finger Lakes region by purchasing a ticket to attend.

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Page 21 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • September 2011

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September 2011 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • Section A - Page 22

New ISO standard improves protective clothing for agricultural farmers and workers using pesticides A new ISO standard on protective clothing will help farmers and agricultural workers to reduce job-related risks when using liquid pesticides.

Pesticides are commonly used in farming against pests, diseases and weeds. Depending on the toxicity and the use scenario they pose health risk if users do not wear adequate protective clothing. The new ISO standard defines specific protection levels. It allows pesticide manufacturers to indicate on the product label the required level of protection needed. It allows garment manufacturers to produce, certify and sell protective clothing with defined protection levels. It allows

farmers and agricultural workers to buy and use protective clothing according to the pesticide manufacturers use requirements.

The new ISO 27065:2011, Protective clothing – Performance requirements for protective clothing worn by operators applying liquid pesticides, addresses the protection of farmers and workers mainly during the application phase of pesticides, i.e. the work phase where most operator contamination occurs.

The standard deals with performance requirements of protective clothing materials, seams, and garments and defines three levels of protective clothing with specified resistance to

penetration by pesticide products: • Level 1: The potential risk of contamination is relatively low. The performance requirements for level 1 garments have been developed in view of low spray drift landing on the operator, e.g. from tractor boom sprayers • Level 2: the potential risk of contamination is higher but not so high as to require the use of liquid-tight materials • Level 3: the potential risk of contamination requires use of garments made with liquid-tight materials. This level is suitable for high-exposure scenarios where it has been determined that garments that prevent liquids from penetrating/permeating provide

adequate protection.

The standard will help test laboratories, fabric and garment manufacturers, manufacturers of pesticide products, trainers, regulators to make decisions regarding protective clothing for protection against pesticide products.

Helmut Eichinger, Chair of ISO/TC94/SC 13, comments, “ISO 27065:2011 will help pesticide users to be better protected and improve quality and performances of protective clothing, as well put safer protective clothing on the market. It will also contribute to reducing the risk to occupational health for operators and workers who use liquid pesticides.”

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Page 23 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • September 2011

PANTS Aug. 2-4, 2011 Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, Oaks, PA

Brent Bardun and Bob Hegeman of Spring Valley Greenhouse talk with customers about their clematis and other vining plants.

Melvyn Corner and Jon Stevens of D&B Plants were on hand to dicuss plant materials availability with customers.

Andy Powers, Powers Christmas tree Farms and Nursery,shows the wreath racks that prevents the crushing of wreaths during shipping.

Paul Burn and Don Lane show the versatility of Wellmanster’s new 360° cart with a zero turn radius.

Bryant Rawls and Scott Case exhibited a sampling of Bilmar Nurseries’ quality B&B trees.

Bill DiMartino and Henry Jenkinson displayed the wide range of plant material available from Kube-Pak.

Paul Ferretti and Kevin Kelly show ‘Moonrise’ to attendees. This new Japanese Maple variety is available from Kelleygreen Nursery.

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Paul Plumlee and Charles Woehler explain the benefits of Sato’s customizable labels and tags.

Steve Keefer, Dave Bemmels and Tim Weaver of Griffin Greenhouse & Nursery Supplies helped attendees with their greenhouse supplies needs.

Frank Weaver shows the ease of the Weaverline 46 Mulch Bagger.

September 2011 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • Section A - Page 24

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GROWER

Section B

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

More than just trees at Mayne’s Tree Farm HILL VIEW CHRISTMAS TREE FARM A Growing Tradition Since 1954 High Quality Pennsylvania Grown Cut Trees Douglas Fir - Concolor Fir - Fraser Fir - Grand Fir Sizing from 3 to 12 feet plus.

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by Sally Colby One short line — ‘we offer more than just trees — on Merhl Mayne’s brochure explains how a Frederick County, Maryland, farm entices customers with late April asparagus, keeps them coming back through summer and fall, and reminds them to return for Christmas trees.

Mayne moved from Shady Grove, MD, to Buckeystown, MD, in 1956 with his parents Mehrl and Janice. He was involved in 4-H as he grew up on the family farm, and helped his father with the family’s dairy, haymaking and seed business.

In 1966, the family started to plant Christmas trees, but Mayne says they weren’t successful at first. “We didn’t pay attention to seed source or trees,” he said. “We bought two-year old seedlings from places where they weren’t controlling disease, and they were pushing height with nitrogen.”

Mayne says that because his father was familiar with plant breeding, they started to breed their own Scotch pines in the early 1970s. “We did pretty well,” he said, “then there was a problem with disease in Scotch pine. But our trees were highly tolerant to diplodia, so we had others grow seedlings for us, and then we’d resell the seedlings.”

Today, Mayne grows primarily Fraser fir and Douglas fir on 55 acres of irrigated ground. Trees are sold primarily through choose-and-cut, with cut trees available for customers who prefer that convenience. “We have a good location and easy access in and out,” said Mayne. “We take people out to the Christmas tree fields in wagons, then they cut a tree and drag it to the edge of the road. We load up the trees, bring them in, bale and tie them down.” Al-

Maynes B9

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

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Page 1 - Section B • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • September 2011

Country Folks

September 2011 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • Section B - Page 2

Trees for Troops In 2005, the National Christmas Tree Association created the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

Trees for Troops is a program of the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation.

Since the program’s inception in 2005, Christmas Tree growers from across the United States have generously continued to provide fresh cut Christmas Trees to military families. This program has touches the lives of military families at more than 50 bases

across the United States and overseas.

Christmas Tree growers can participate in many ways: • Many state/regional associations have a person who coordinates the donation of trees. They work with one or more “Pick-up” locations farms/lots that are willing to serve as collection points for anywhere from a hundred to a couple thousand trees.

Visit www.christmastr ee.org/t4tcoor dinators.pdf to see if your state/region has a coor-

dinator.

• Become a “Trailer Drop” location: • Christmas Tree farms/lots submit a contract (to the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation) and a fee for the Trailer Drop program and commit to loading a minimum of 100 trees at their farm or lot.

• FedEx provides a trailer, while supplies last, at your farm or retail location. Trailers are loaded, picked back up by FedEx and trees are transported to military families stationed

at bases throughout the U.S. You can also support the program by: • Placing a donation bucket at your farm/lot for consumers to donate.

• Purchasing and/or selling a Trees for Troops commemorative ornament or charm bracelet.

• Hosting a fundraiser to benefit the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation.

• Making a donation to the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation.

The Trees for Troops Web site has many promotional ideas and material,

as well as customizable sample press releases and letters to help make the program a success.

For more information on the Christmas SPIRIT

Foundation or Trees for troops, visit www.christmastree.org/t4t.cfm or www.christmasspiritfoundation.org.

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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.

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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.

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Page 3 - Section B • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • September 2011

Schroeder’s Forevergreens named 2011 Grand Champion CHESTERFIELD, MO — Sue and Tom Schroeder, owners of Schroeder’s Forevergreens in Neenah, WI, became Grand Champion of the National Christmas Tree Contest this summer at the National Christmas Tree Association’s (NCTA) Annual Convention & Trade Show. The convention was held

in Huron, Ohio. The Schroeders entered a Balsam fir from their farm as the prize-winning conifer.

As Grand Champion Christmas Tree growers, Sue and Tom will present the official White House Christmas Tree to

Schroeders B4

This Scotch pine tree, entered by Dan and Ken Wahmoff, owners of Wahmoff Farms in Gobles, MI, was selected as the Reserve Champion in the National Tree Contest.

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September 2011 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • Section B - Page 4

Schroeders from B3 First Lady Michelle Obama for the 2011 Christmas season to be displayed in the Blue Room.

Trees in the contest are entered into five species categories: True Fir, Douglas-fir, Spruce, Pine and Other. A panel of judges, made up of long-time growers and past contest winners, voted to select the first, second and thirdplace winners in each category. Then convention attendees and a panel of consumer judges voted for their favorite among the species finalists.

Those vote totals determined the Grand Champion and Reserve Champion trees. The winners were announced at the Awards Banquet held Friday, Aug. 12.

“Since an American farmer gets to provide a Christmas Tree they grew for the White House to display, it

strengthens the fact that farm-grown trees are such an important tradition in our country,” says NCTA President Richard Moore, a Christmas Tree grower from Groton, NY. “There is nothing better for our industry than to showcase our farm crop in the most famous house in America.”

The Schroeders had entered trees from their farm in the national contest before. To enter the national contest, growers must first win their state/regional competitions. 2011 was the fourth year the Schroeder’s had done that and entered a tree in the national contest. Finally winning the contest and earning Grand Champion status validated their hard work and persistence, said Sue Schroeder.

Sue and Tom Schroeder, owners of Schroeder’s Forevergreens in Neenah, WI, entered this winning balsam fir at the National Christmas Tree Association Annual Convention & Trade Show. As Grand Champion Christmas Tree growers, Sue and Tom will present the official White House Christmas Tree to First Lady Michelle Obama for the 2011 Christmas season to be displayed in the Blue Room.

Photos by Joan Kark-Wren

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Schroeders B5

Schroeders from B4

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nally winning is 100 percent exciting,” said Schroeder. “I know we’ll love the experience and we wouldn’t trade it for

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anything.”

A Scotch pine tree, entered by Dan and Ken Wahmoff, owners of Wahmoff Farms in Gobles, MI, was selected as the Reserve Champion in the National Tree Contest. Traditionally, the Reserve Champion farmers have been able to provide a fresh Christmas tree from their farm for the residence of the

Vice President.

White House staff will travel to the Schroeder’s Wisconsin farm this fall to select the tree to be displayed in the Blue Room, serving as the centerpiece of the holiday decorations. The Blue Room tree will need be much bigger than the 6 to 8 foot contest trees, 18 1/2 feet tall to be exact.

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harvested and presented to the First Lady shortly after Thanksgiving. All of the contest trees, including the winners, following the convention were chipped into mulch and recycled. Complete List of Highest National Tree Contest Finishers by Category are: True Fir First Place (Grand Champion) — Sue and Tom Schroeder, Schroeder’s Forevergreens, in Neenah, WI. Second Place — Don and David Tucker of Tucker Tree Farms in Laurel Springs, NC. Third Place — Dave Vander Velden of Whispering Pines Tree Farm in Oconto, WI. Douglas-fir First Place — Paul and Sharon Shealer of Evergreen Acres Tree Farm in Auburn, PA. Spruce First Place — Glenn

Battles of Sugar Pines Farm LLC in Chesterland, Ohio.

Second Place — Dale Hudler of Hudler Carolina Tree Farms in West Jefferson, NC. Pine First Place — (Reserve Champion) Dan and Ken Wahmhoff of Wahmhoff Farms Nursery in Gobles, MI. Second Place — Geoff Feisley of Feisley Tree Farms in Belmont, Ohio.

Third Place — John Hensler of Hensler Nursery Inc. in Hamlet, IN. Winners of the National Wreath contest, also held during the NCTA convention were: Undecorated Wreath Category: Richard and Mary McClellan of McClellan’s Tree Farm in Pennsylvania.

Decorated Wreath Category: Evelyn Casella of Christmas Creek Ranch in Washington.

Page 5 - Section B • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • September 2011

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

September 2011 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • Section B - Page 6

Shearing Recommendations for Christmas Tree Producers

by Melvin Koelling Christmas tree production has become a significant industry in much of the United States. Established growers have expanded their production and new growers have entered the business. Operations range from a few acres managed for cutyour-own markets to large acreages producing trees exclusively for the wholesale market. Regardless of the size of the operation, management practices have become more sophisticated as growers attempt to increase both the quantity and the quality of production while holding production costs at acceptable levels.

As the Christmas tree industry has intensified its tree management practices, the marketplace has likewise be-

come more demanding. Tree quality has become a principal concern for both growers and consumers. Increasingly, higher quality trees are required to maintain sales in a very competitive market.

Many factors contribute to tree quality. One of the most important during the production period is proper shearing.

This article suggests some ways to improve the quality of shearing and thereby contribute to the production of quality trees.

Objectives of shearing Shearing is done to regulate and direct the growth of individual trees. The objectives are to develop a symmetrical shape, which is characteristic of quality trees,

and to increase foliage density, which will result in a fuller tree with uniform foliage.

Though some variation in the shape of trees is permitted both by USDA grading standards and by consumer preferences, the ideal tree has a “two-thirds taper"; that is, the base of the tree is two-thirds as wide as the height. For a tree 6 feet tall, the width of the base would not exceed 4 feet. Other degrees of taper are permitted, though market demand for

both narrow and wide trees is lower.

Acceptable tapers will vary to some degree by species; wider tapers are more acceptable for pines than for true firs, spruces and Douglas fir.

Tree response to shearing As indicated, the purpose of shearing is to direct the growth of branches and foliage

Shearing B7

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so the shape and the amount of foliage developed will be acceptable. The shearing technique needed to reach these objectives varies by species group.

Pines respond differently than spruces, firs or Douglas fir.

When pine branches produced in the current

growing season are cut, new buds develop at the bases of needle fascicles near the cut ends. Normally five to seven buds develop on an uncut branch, but 10 to 18 buds will form in response to cutting.

Cutting the branches directs the shape of the tree, and the

additional buds will develop into twigs that will increase foliage density. New bud formation is best on twigs produced during the current growing season; however, cuts made into older (second-year) tissue will also result in buds.

Shearing into this older tissue is usually not nec-

essary if annual shearing has occurred. To obtain maximum bud development, shearing must occur during the active growing season. Shearing at other times will result in branch dieback and misshapen trees.

Douglas fir, the true firs and spruces respond differ-

ently to shearing. These species are characterized by lateral buds along the twigs in addition to a terminal bud cluster. When a branch is cut during shearing, new buds do not form at the bases of the needles, as with pines. Rather, the lateral bud nearest the cut surface assumes dominance and the new terminal or lateral branch tissue develops from this point.

Shearing of these species should be delayed until late summer when branches have stiffened and bud formation is complete.

Shearing tools and equipment Several types of tools and/or equipment are used to shear Christmas trees. These include hand clippers, hedge clippers and shearing knives. A leg

guard should also be considered part of shearing equipment. Besides hand equipment, some mechanically powered trimmers are also available.

Power trimmer use is restricted by tree size, terrain and condition of the plantation (weeds, tree spacing, furrows, etc.).

Choice of shearing equipment depends on the species of tree, the age of the tree and individual preference. Many growers use one type of tool (e.g., hedge clippers) when trees are small but another (knives) for older trees.

Shearing equipment must be kept clean. Accumulated pitch on clippers and knives increases the difficulty of shearing and

Shearing B10

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Page 7 - Section B • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • September 2011

Shearing from B6

September 2011 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • Section B - Page 8

2011 NCTA Convention & Trade Show Aug. 10-13, Huron, Ohio

Jim Rockis, Reliable Source, talks with Derick Proctor about the availability of seedlings and transplants.

Doug Kell, Kelco Industries, goes over an order with Steve Mannhard, Fish River Christmas Tree Farm, Summerdale, AL. Photos by Joan Kark-Wren Vicki Smith, Joseph Noblett Tree Stands, explains the benefits of their stands to Pat Olive of Olive Trees in Stacy, MN.

Freeman Geiser goes over the benefits of the Steiner MC 400 Tree Farm Mower with Steve and Avery Wilcox of Wilcox Farms in La George, Ohio.

Tommy Wagoner, Wagoner’s Fraser Knoll Supplies and Equipment talks with Ken and Mary Joyner of Cruise in Trees, Cutler, IN. The spray equipment exhibited by Ackerman drew interest from attendees.

Donna Revak and Jan Donelson from the Minnesota Christmas Tree Association were busy promoting the Go Green/Get Real marketing campaign designed to help people better understand the importance of real trees. More information about the program can be found on their Web site: www.mncta.com.

Henry Helms, Helms Christmas Tree Farm, Vale, NC, tries out the Easy Lift Harness as Tod Scovitch, Easy Lift Products Intl., as James Pitts from Plum Tree Farm in Plumtree, NC look on.

Ken and Tom Wahmhoff of Wahmhoff Farms Nursery were busy throughout the show.

Juanita Peckham helps Mindy Core, Cedar Ledge Tree Farm in Mansfield Center, CT with the Trees for Troops Teddy Bear silent auction. Bears are numbered 1-1000, the #1 bear was sold on e-bay for $101.50! For more information on the bears contact Juanita at Memory Lane Christmas Tree Farm, Rantoul, KS.

most all of the trees are sold at one price except for some 9’ and 10’ Fraser firs that are individually priced. Mayne’s barn is decorated for Christmas and filled with wreaths, roping, tree stands, watering spouts, tree disposal bags and an assortment of McCutcheon’s jellies and jams.

Several local crafters also offer Christmas items in the barn.

Many of the customers who come to select a Christmas tree are already familiar with other Mayne’s Farm products.

“We grow asparagus, strawberries, sweet corn, and keep going with a variety of crops,” said Mayne. Mayne picks up peaches, apricots and nectarines from nearby Catoctin Mountain Orchard, and sells vegetables and produce at two farmers’ markets in the greater Washington, D.C. area. In October, customers are treated to the pumpkin patch at

Mayne’s Tree Farm, where they can choose from a wide variety of shapes, sizes and colors.

Mayne plants a lot of standard pie pumpkins, as well as deep red-orange ‘Cinderella’ pumpkins (the French heirloom ‘Rouge vif D’Etampes’), white ‘Full Moon’ and blue ‘Jarrahdale’. Farm visitors enjoy fall harvest activities including hayrides to the pumpkin patch, a corn maze, moon bounce, pumpkin sling shot and face painting.

Each year after corn harvest, Mayne plants rye as a cover crop. He rolls it down the following spring and it serves as a weedsuppressant mat for pumpkins. Mayne says that pumpkins help draw customers to the farm for Christmas trees. “That’s why we got into the pumpkin business,” he said. “We lost a lot of trees over two years, so to get customers to come back, we planted pump-

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Page 9 - Section B • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • September 2011

Maynes from B1

Merhl Mayne establishes rye as a cover crop following corn, then plants pumpkins in the rolled-down rye.

Merhl Mayne, of Buckeystown, MD, inspects his Christmas trees for insects and disease.

Photos by Sally Colby kins. When we took them on a hayride back to the pumpkin field, they could see the Christmas trees. I don’t make that much from the pumpkins — we use it as advertisement to get people to come back at Christmas time.”

As soon as the sweet corn season ends in late August, Mayne starts preparing orders for the Fraser fir wreaths and white pine roping he picks up in North Carolina. “I collect the orders for churches and schools

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that sell them as fundraisers,” he said, adding that his wreath sales have gone up about 30 percent in the last four years. “I call the orders in by the first of October.” Mayne makes several trips during the week prior to Thanksgiving so that goods are distributed and ready for retail sales right after Thanksgiving.

Mayne is careful to establish Christmas trees according to the soil type in each field. When it’s

time to revamp a Christmas tree field, Mayne uses a Ventrac stump grinder to destroy the stumps, then deep-tills the ground to prepare the seedbed. Once the ground is ready, he root prunes 2-2 transplants prior to putting them in the ground. “I plant the trees, then come back and put spring oats in as a companion crop to protect them from the wind,” he

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September 2011 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • Section B - Page 10

Shearing from B7 can become a safety hazard. Detergent solutions, mineral spirits and petroleum distillates are effective cleaning agents.

Steel wool is commonly used with these solutions to remove accumulated pitch.

Teflon- based or other non-toxic lubricants should be used on mechanical trimmers after cleaning. Other lubricants can dry or burn the remaining foliage on the sheared tree.

Time of shearing The proper time for shearing depends on the species and the growing location within the region. Pines — including Scotch, white, red and Austrian —

should be sheared during the active growing season when terminal growth is nearly complete. In the southern portion of the region, this usually occurs between June 1 and 10; in the more northerly states, shearing begins between June 20 and 30. Shearing can continue through mid-July to early August, depending on location, but most growers plan on being finished by Aug. 1 at the latest. Late shearing results in the development of fewer and weaker buds.

Likewise, shearing too early (late May to early June, depending on location) results in the production of too many

buds, which can develop into weak and often spindly branches.

Within the pines, longer-needled species such as Austrian, red and white pines should be sheared early in the shearing period. Buds on these species are slower to develop than those on Scotch pine. Earlier shearing of these species provides more time for bud formation and development, thereby contributing to fuller branch development the following spring.

Because of differences in bud location and plant response, shearing of Douglas fir, the true firs and spruces begins at

the end of the active growing season (late July and early August) and continues through the dormant season. Some evidence suggests that bud vigor and twig growth the following growing season will be better if shearing is done during late summer and early fall rather than the following spring before growth begins.

Guidelines for shearing pines The shaping/shearing process for pine species should begin in the second growing season after planting. Examine each tree and remove double or multiple tops.

Shearing B11

Maynes from B9 them from the wind,” he said. “Oats don’t take a lot of water, and they help keep the weeds out. Then I put four pounds of ladino clover over top.” The

clover helps maintain nitrogen levels and creates a solid mat between tree rows. To those who say that clover invites deer, Mayne explains that the

deer are already here and he’d rather they eat clover than the young trees.

To ensure an ample supply of water to crops throughout the season, Mayne’s father established irrigation on the farm in the 1980s. With

this year’s dry summer, irrigation proved to be a crop-saver. A 125 HP pump can pump 425 gallons/minute from a spring-fed pond, and irrigation couplers set up in strategic spots throughout the farm allow quick

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pipe changes.

Many of Mayne’s Tree Farm customers have been coming for years, although there are new customers every year who discover the farm. “I use newspaper ads, banners, and I’m on the internet with a web-

site,” said Mayne. “Facebook is a lot easier than email — you can answer questions and not have to deal with spam.”

Visit Mayne’s Tree Farm at www.maynes treefarm.com and on Facebook.

It iss Betterr to o burn n a candle n cursee thee darkness than Hand dipped tapers • Slow Burning • Drip-less • Smokeless • Moderately scented • Natural waxes In addition to Paraffin, we offer natural wax option candles in True Bayberry, Beeswax, Palm Wax and Soy.

Also Available Storm candles — recycled wax • Soy candles • Display racks • Fire starters • Private label available • Reed diffusers • True Bayberry Candles, a Traditional Christmas Candle • Balsam Wood Reed Diffusers • Tapers in Christmas scents • Holiday Votives and Tea Lights in Holiday Scents Adirondack Chandler, 21 Cooper Street, Glens Falls, NY 12801 Phone: 518-798-1800 Fax: 518-824-5739 Website: www.adkchandler.com info@adkchandler.com

No minimum

Maine Christmas Trees THIS YEAR BUY YOUR FRESH WHOLESALE BALSAM FIR TREES FROM AN EXPERIENCED MAINE CHRISTMAS TREE FARM.

Call For Confidential Wholesale Price Sheet

Sorbco, LLC.

226-10 Jamaica Ave. Floral Park, NY 11001 Our Website: www.sorbco.com Attention: Charles Rick 800-240-5288 or charles@sorbco.com

Our trees are the highest quality and freshest you can find. Our growers can fill your orders with Fraser Fir and Scotch Pine.

We offer trees from table top to large hall trees.

Exceptional Christmas Trees,

Maine is the largest producer of Balsam Fir Christmas Trees in New England.

Balsam Fir Canaan Fir Douglas Fir White Pine Col. Blue Spruce White Spruce

Deal Directly with a Maine Grower.

For Grower Nearest You

Call (207) 793-4658 OR

Visit our website at www.mainechristmastree.com

Incorporated 1962

Wreaths, and Roping

Sizes from 6-12’, B&B also available 766 Addison Road, Painted Post, NY 14870 www.EmpireEvergreens.com 607-368-0434

Douglas, Fraser & Concolor Fir, Norway, Blue & White Spruce and White Pine.

Located in Columbia County, PA

Call 570-336-3117 TESTER’S VERMONT CHRISTMAS TREES Barton, VT 05822 802-525-3814 Mountain Grown Balsam & Fraser Fir 5 - 12’ Tractor Trailer Lots of 4 - 16’ Balsam & Fraser Fir All Grades Check our prices @ www.vermontchristmastrees.com

SHOWERS TREE FARM

Shearing from B10 The remaining terminal shoot should be cut back to a maximum length of 12 to 14 inches. Little, if any, shearing of side branches should occur.

The basal branches on each tree should be removed to form a handle to accommodate the tree stand. Usually 1 inch of handle should be present for each foot of tree height at maturity. All branches up to this height (8 to 10 inches) or to the first complete whorl of lateral branches should be removed.

In the third growing season, shear both the terminal leader and the lateral branches of the tree. Begin by cutting the

terminal leader to a length of 12 to 14 inches, or less if the lateral whorl immediately below the terminal is not strong and vigorous. The cut on the terminal branch should be made at an approximate 45 degree angle so needle fascicles on one side will be higher than those on the other. This practice will favor the development of a new terminal bud in a position where terminal dominance can be expressed. This will contribute to the development of a straight stem. The lateral branches of the terminal whorl are then cut so they are approximately two-thirds as long as the terminal shoot. Following cutting, the line established by the relationship between the top of the terminal shoot and the ends of cut lateral branches of the terminal whorl is extended downward to determine where other lateral branches should be cut.

Minimal shearing of lateral branches in the first few years is recommended. The aim is to remove only excessively long branches. Many growers will shear trees in the third and fourth growing

seasons to develop an 85 to 90 percent taper. This is done to develop width in the tree — in later growing seasons, lateral growth of the lower branches will be considerably less than on upper branches. If shearing of the sides is “too tight” early in the life of the tree, trees with a narrow or candlestick taper are likely to result. This is especially likely if the trees are allowed to grow to heights taller than 7 feet.

In the fourth and later growing seasons, shearing continues in much the same manner as in year three. The length of the terminal shoot should not exceed 12 inches. Cutting of the laterals will follow the taper relationship established by the terminal and top laterals. It is important to maintain straight sides on the tree and avoid rounded or bullet-shaped trees. These result from failure to cut the laterals on the upper portion of the tree short enough in relation to the length of the terminal.

Trees so sheared appear unnatural and are not as well accepted in the marketplace as are more symmetrically shaped trees.

In the year of harvest,

Aspers, PA

Showvaker’s Quality Evergreens

Now taking orders for...

(410) 374-1499 • (717) 465-1220

-The Fall Digging Season -Cut Christmas Tree Orders for the Holiday Season.

2020 Garrett Rd. • Manchester, MD 21102

CHRISTMAS TREES Douglas Fir, Fraser Fir White Pine, Blue Spruce - Early Order Discount - Quantity Discount

Varieties Available Douglas Fir, Fraser Fir, White Pine, Blue Spruce, Norway Spruce, White Spruce, Hemlock

Other Varieties Available Call for Appt. to Visit

Call for Pricing and Availability or to View

Web site: qualityevergreens.com E-mail: info@qualityevergreens.com

717-677-6816

Shearing B15

www.showerstreefarm.com

HALABURA TREE FARMS 35 Dreher Rd. Orwigsburg, PA (Schuylkill Co.) 570-943-2137 office 570-943-7692 fax Douglas Fir Concolor Fir Hemlock Shade & Flowering Trees Available

White Pine Norway Spruce Arborvitae

Blue Spruce Serbian Spruce Frazier Fir

Cut & B&B available • Reasonable Prices • Delivery Available

Balsam & Fraser Fir For Prices and Availability (Deal Directly with Each Member) Contact

Vermont Christmas Tree Association www.vermontchristmastrees.org

shearing should be minimal. Trees are more natural looking and marketable if only light trimming is done. The basic shape of the tree will have been determined by past shearing activities. Shearing cuts at this time should be light, removing only those lateral branches that extend beyond the general outline of the tree.

If multiple terminal shoots are present, they should be thinned to one centrally located branch.

Usually the terminal branch will be left a little longer than it had been in previous years. It should not exceed 15 inches in length, however.

Growers do not agree whether trees should be sheared early or late during the shearing period in the harvest year. Some growers will complete the shearing of non-harvestable trees before shearing those to be harvested. They do this because they believe that bud set following shearing will be better if trees are sheared earlier rather than later. Obviously, bud set on trees to be harvested need not be particularly full or complete. Other growers will shear trees to be harvested early so that bud set, needle elongation and coverage of the cut twig ends can occur to the fullest, thereby making the tree look as natural as possible. Unless shearing is done late (after Aug. 1), it is probable that needle elongation and bud set will be adequate to provide a natural appearance.

Guidelines for shearing firs and spruces As indicated earlier, growth patterns and twigbud anatomy are different for these species than for pines. The branches of spruces and firs, including Douglas fir, are char-

Jim Rockis Wholesale West Virginia Grown

FRASER FIR CHRISTMAS TREES 6’ - 7’ 7’ - 8’ 8’ - 9’

304-282-3470

Hartikka Tree Farms Christmas Trees Fraser - Canaan - Balsam Nordman - Concolor Blue Spruce - Meyer Spruce (800) 508-5099 • Fax (860) 376-8963 www.treeman2.com Voluntown, CT

FRASER FIR PROMOTIONALS

6 Ft. to 9 Ft. • (Mixed Grades) • (Very Full) •

FOR PARTIAL OR TRUCK LOAD PRICES CALL

802-533-7044

Vermont Grown

www.SALOMAACHRISTMASTREES.com

Page 11 - Section B • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • September 2011

FOOTHILL FARMS -- CHRISTMAS TREES Large Selection for Wholesale Buyers

September 2011 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • Section B - Page 12

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.

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

Announcements

OCTOBER ISSUE

ADVERTISING DEADLINE

Thurs., September 22nd

Custom Services POLITICAL PROMOTIONAL PACKAGES available for reasonable prices.

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

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

Christmas

Country Folks

Use The Christmas Section

Grower

October’s Deadline: Thursday, September 22nd For more information on being a part of this section call

800-218-5586

or email dwren@leepub.com

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

available from Tilcon, NY Inc. Licensed for use in NY and NJ. Contact Mike DiRenzo on

845-480-3249

FOR SALE: MINI STRAW BALERS, makes ornamental bales 3”x4”x7” or 4”x5½x10” bales. Sell well at auctions, markets, stands. Low inputs, great returns. Send for information. Countryside Machine Shop, 24935 Lincoln Ave., Wilton,WI 54670

For Sale

Farm Machinery For Sale

Buying or Selling Christmas Trees?

HIGH QUALITY BULK AGLIME

www.tilconny.com

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

Greenhouse Equipment

Farm Equipment

Holland Transplanter Co.

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

Fertilizer & Fertilizer Spreading

3PT. PORT BYRON 1 row sweet corn harvester, nice; Vermeer 3” hose reel, gas irrigation pump & travel gun.

315-536-8718

M I N I S T R AW B A L E S fo r Halloween or any occasion.

Call David King 717-529-3897

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

JAVO 4 station pot filling machine, w/ phase convertor.

Also, soil hopper with conveyor, $10,000 OBO. (4) 16x96 cold frames, $200 each OBO. 410-253-4877

Fruits & Berries

Fruits & Berries

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

Farm Market Items Affordable USA MADE Items.

Full line of heavy duty items, poles - hooks - trellis items, arbors - fences - indoor items.

Free 400 plus Items Catalog.

Custom Display Racks. Also accepting custom orders.

Serving customers since 1999. A&L Iron Works, LLC, 624 Buchland Rd., Narvon, PA 17555. 717-768-0705, Fax 717-768-0245

WHOLESALE GROWERS OF QUALITY SMALL FRUIT PLANTS BLUEBERRIES ARE OUR SPECIALTY

Grapevines Blueberries Jostaberries Gooseberries

Red Raspberries Purple Raspberries Yellow Raspberries Black Raspberries

Black Currants Red Currants White Currants Asparagus

www.kriegersnursery.com ALL STOCK GRADED TO AAN STANDARDS

Fertilizer & Fertilizer Spreading ®

Christmas Trees

Christmas Trees

High Quality Christmas Trees

1.800.508.5099

CHRISTMAS TREES: Wholesale. Top Quality PA Grown Fraser Fir, Canaan Fir, Douglas Fir, Balsam Fir, White Pine, Colorado Blue Spruce and Norway Spruce. FREE Color Catalog. CARINO NURSERIES P.O. Box 538CF Indiana, PA 15701. 800-2237075. www.carinonurseries.com

HARTIKKA TREE FARMS

FRASER FIR CHRISTMAS TREES

Fraser - Canaan Balsam - Nordman Concolor - Blues Meyers www.treeman2.com

Fish LIVE GAME FISH Oldest Fish Hatchery Estab. 1900

Call 888-596-5329 for Your Subscription

336-877-7722 Christmas Trees

Wholesale and Choose & Cut Top Quality Fraser Firs 4 Ft - 14 Ft Available

Mountain Magic Christmas Tree Farm (near Marion, VA; just off of I81)

276-783-7732 Ask For Charles

email sales@freedomtreefarms.com www.freedomtreefarms.com

Fish ZETTS FISH FARM & HATCHERIES Large Selection of Game Fish Pond Equipment & Supplies, Aquatic Plants SEND FOR COMPLETE CATALOG P.O. BOX 239, DRIFTING, PA 16834 PHONE: 814-345-5357 www.zettsfish.com

Wreaths Also Available Call for More Information

Specializing in Edible Landscaping.

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

TN: 931-467-3600 • Fax 931-467-3062

Truck, Air, U.P.S. Parcel Post Delivery

ALL SIZES

Voluntown, CT

Christmas Trees

AGGRAND: Complete line of Natural Liquid Organic Fertilizers For Agricultural Crops, Pastures, Nurseries, Gardens, Lawns www.aggrand.com Use REF number 1827825 605-4384308

KOI

Fresh Produce, Nursery

Fresh Produce, Nursery

Pumpkins

Large & Small, Sold by the Bin

Indian Corn Corn Stalks

Garden Barn 518-747-8843

Greenhouse Supplies

USED NURSERY POTS FOR SALE 1 gal . . .9c 2 gal . .15c 3 gal . .19c 4 gal . .25c 5 gal . .50c 7 gal . .60c Please Call Frank Geiger 203-255-1024

Geiger’s Garden Center 40 Bel ont St. Fairfield, CT 06430

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

Native Plants

Nursery Stock

Real Estate For Sale

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

GARDEN CENTER

Heating

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.

Tired of the High Cost of Fossil Fuel?

Do You Have Large Heating Needs?

Portege and Main, a well established North American company with over 35 years experience building and improving outdoor wood, coal, and biomass stoves is now offering a fully automatic chip/biomass stove for large heating needs; greenhouses, businesses, warehouses, schools, etc.

Easily adaptable to any established heating system.

& 3 Bedroom Home on 8+ Acres on CT Shoreline 5 automated greenhouses, retail store plus all equipment included. Loyal customers. Great opportunity. Seller will help with transition. $

699,000.

Call Rob Chase, Broker

Indian River Realty LEYLAND CYPRESS: 3 gallon 36-42”, $10.00. Quantity discounts. Also larger sizes.

OT T E R B E I N N U R S E RY, Newburg, PA 717-423-0119, 717-423-0146(Fax)

Nursery Stock

203-606-1902

Nursery Equipment

FLORASEARCH, INC.

FOR SALE: Wholesale Plant Nursery & equipment, all or in part. Near Ithaca,NY www.nurseryequip.homestead.com

In our 3rd decade of performing confidential key employee searches for the nursery, greenhouse, and horticulture industries and allied trades worldwide. Retained basis only.

Candidate contact welcome, confidential, and always free.

FLORASEARCH, INC. 1740 Lake Markham Road Sanford, FL 32771 407-320-8177 7 (phone)) • 407-320-8083 3 (fax) Email: search@florasearch.com Web Site: www.florasearch.com

Help Wanted

NY APPLE ORCHARD – 103 acre U-pick operation growing 16 varieties. Also grows pumpkins, Indian corn, squash, etc. Circa 1840 farmhouse, Apple House w/kitchen & more.

Loyal customer base.

$795,000 UNITED COUNTRY

Nursery Stock

For more information on the complete line of Portege and Main hydronic boilers, contact: Karl at HALLEN’S SAWMILL 315-852-9507 Help Wanted

Real Estate For Sale

1-800-999-1020 Ext. 454 www.unitedcountry.com

Seeds 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

Sprayers

Parts, Sales & Service for Durand-Wayland & Myers Arendtsville Garage 135A Main St. • Arendtsville, PA 17303

717-677-7416

Real Estate Wanted WANTED: Farm Market or small farm in Eastern Penn., Delaware, New Jersey, New York or New England. Contact Barry at 215-493-8730

Refrigeration

Refrigeration

Nursery Liners 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

Help Wanted

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

AMERICAN WHOLESALE CO.

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

Phone: (216) 426-8882 • www.awrco.com Box 66 Phelps NY 14532 • 877-268-2151 • Fax 315-548-8004 USE CODE # SB811 FOR $10 OFF YOUR INITIAL ORDER.

*Attention* Nurseriess and d Landscapers Evergreen Trees Arizona “Blue Ice” Cypress Leyland Cypress White Pine Norway Spruce

Irrigation

Nursery Stock

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

Steve 716-649-6594

#1½ 6-7’ Douglas Fir, $15.00; #2 Douglas Fir, $13.00. 814404-4662

Lumber & Wood Products LOCUST 4x4’s, fence posts, split rails, lumber. Natural, chemical free non poisonous alternative to pressure treated that has strength and lasts a lifetime. 518-883-8284

L

K

86 MUST SELL: 2½ ACRES trees, shrubs, gravel cover, seedlings, some large caliber, 40 varieties. Enough to start a nursery. Will sell all or part. Exceptional deal. 845692-4476

Japanese Maples-Bare Root

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

Grafted three year old container grown-nice size Twenty varieties availableCall for brochure FREE shipping $11.00 per tree See our display Ad Kelleygreen Nursery Paul Ferretti-Sales Rep 843-832-1500 office 843-814-1757cell 843-695-0794 fax pauljferretti@bellsouth.net

*Alll Treess Suitablee forr Transplanting* Sizes range from 6-15 ft Good Selection, Excellent Quality Priced d to o Sell Buyer required to arrange for digging minimum order 10 trees Contact: Ralph Hall “Ralphs Christmas Trees”

540-854-7947 Location: 7519 Belmont Rd. Spotsylvania, VA 22551

Real Estate For Sale

Real Estate For Sale

HERITAGE FARM FOR SALE Wealthy Coastal Community North of Boston ($6/lb Tomatoes, $5/lb Peaches) Contact Ed Maccaro 978.375.6775 emaccaro@gmail.com www.historicfarmforsale.com

Roofing

Roofing

ROOFING & SIDING e Metall Roofing g & Siding..

BUY DIRECT – Wee manufacture

ABM M & ABX X Panell - Standingg Seam m - PBR R Panel LOW PRICES - FAST DELIVERY – FREE LITERATURE

A.B. MARTIN ROOFING SUPPLY, LLC Ephrata, PA 1-800-373-3703 N e w v i l l e , PA 1-800-782-2712

Full line Pole Building material. ~ Lumber - Trusses - Plywood.

www.abmartin.net • Email: sales@abmartin.net

Sprayers

Sprayers

Spray Without Booms....

Up to 140’ • Mosquito (West Nile), fly & tick control!

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

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

3 Pt Terminator

Page 13 - Section B • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • September 2011

Country Folks Grower Classifieds

September 2011 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • Section B - Page 14

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 Trees B&B TREES: White Pine 5-6’ $25.00; 6-8’ $35.00. Also available Douglas Fir, Blue Spruce. Call 717-870-7610 SEVERAL RARE JAPANESE Umbrella Pines 4-7’ range.

Discounted. Also other specimens. 631-261-7450

Used Equipment

Vegetables

HILLING MACHINE/ BED SHAPER built in 2006 by Buckeye Tractor. Single row, heavy duty, low hours, excellent condition, always stored inside. 3- point hitch attachment. 716-913-5975

Ga lic Farm Alpha 18rYears

Call 888-596-5329 for Your Subscription

Trees

Trees

HALABURA TREE FARMS 35 Dreher Rd. Orwigsburg, PA (Schuylkill Co.) 570-943-2137 office 570-943-7692 fax Douglas Fir Concolor Fir Hemlock Shade & Flowering Trees Available

White Pine Norway Spruce Arborvitae

Blue Spruce Serbian Spruce Frazier Fir

Cut & B&B available • Reasonable Prices • Delivery Available

“We grow great Garlic” Planting & Table Stock

German White 2.5” avg.

German Red 2”+ Spanish Roja 2”+ Elephant Garlic Large Bulbs - Good Keeper Quantity Discount Available

Stan and Adeline Erkson 259 Salt Springville Road Fort Plain, NY 13339-4316

518-993-2975

email: info@alphagarlicfarm.com www.alphagarlicfarm.com

NOW TAKING ORDERS for garlic seed. 585-637-2204 www.scgarlic.com

Luncheon, Workshop on Selling Outdoor Lifestyles.

Need a place to stay? Call the Hampton Inn in Chicopee at 413-593-1500 o r v i s i t w w w . chicopee.hamptoninn.com.

LANDSCAPE TREES

SEP 29 - OCT 1

Norway, Serbian & Blue Spruce White Pine, Hemlock & Arbs 5’ - 10’ Dogwoods, Maples, etc.

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.

Plants Dug Fresh When Ordered Other Sizes & Types Available

Helen & Ed’s Tree Farm 570-498-6209 email: Nursery@epix.net

OCT 16-19

220 acres near I80-I81 in PA

ISHS Symposium on High Tunnel Horticultural Crop Production Ramada Inn and Conference Center, State College, PA. Contact Michael Orzolek, 814-863-2251 or mdo1@ psu.edu.

On Internet at http://horticulture.psu.edu /cms/ishs2011

www.helenandedstreefarm.com Trucks

Trucks

Martin’s Farm Trucks, LLC

Trucks for All Your Needs - Specializing in Agri-Business Vehicles

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

2006 Wabash 48’x96” Reefer Trailer, Flat Alum Floor, Carrier Ultra XT, 11,706 Hrs, Spring Susp, Manual Sliding Axles, Leyman 6000# 6’ Deep Platform Lift Gate Inside Back Door - $9,500

1997 Volvo WG42T SA Tractor, Day Cab, Cum M-11 Plus 400HP, 10 Spd, Spring Susp, 33,200GVW, 510K miles, Good Rubber, Very clean rust wise $6,900

888-497-0310

Calendar of Events

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.GreenIndustry Conference.org OCT 29

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 11

SEP 15

11th Annual Celebration of Connecticut Farms Jones Family Farms in Shelton, CT. Tickets are $150 each (with $75 of that being tax deductible).

To purchase tickets or request an invitation, visit CelebrationofCTFarms.org or call 860-247-0202.

NENA’s Simple Gathering Tarnów Garden Center, 788 Sheridan St., Chicopee, MA. 10 am - 2 pm. RSVP by Sept. 8. Two ways to register by calling 508-653-3112 or visiting www.NewEnglandNursery Association.org.

Garden Center Tour, Networking,

How to Run A Successful CSA Many Hands Organic Farm, 411 Sheldon Rd., Barre, MA. 9 am - 12 pm. Tour the field growing areas, hoop houses, farm equipment and CSA packing area. Register online with a credit card or Echeck at www.nofamass.org. Preregistration is required unless arranged by phone with the organizer, Ben Grosscup at 413-658-5374.

Cancellations will be honored and refunds issued with notice made ( except $8 processing fee) by Oct. 19.

Potluck lunch will be shared when workshop ends. Bring

5 EASY WAYS TO PLACE A COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER CLASSIFIED AD PHONE IT IN 1. Just give Peggy a call at 1-800-836-2888

2.

3.

FAX IT IN For you MasterCard,Visa,American Express or Discover customers.. Fil out 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

4.E-MAIL IT INE-mail your ad to 5.

$9.25

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$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

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If you have used equipment for sale, ask about our group of

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2012 National Green Centre Overland Park Convention Center,6000 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS. Call 888-233-1876 or info@ nationalgreencentre.org.

Mid-Atlantic Fruit & Vegetable Convention Hershey Lodge, Hershey, PA. Contact Bill Troxell, 717694-3596 or pvga@pvga.org.

On Internet at www. mafvc.org

JAN 24-25

FEB 25-26

Second Annual NJ Plants Trade Show More info TBA.

West Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Assn. Winter Annual Meeting Days Hotel, Flatwoods, WV. Contact Art Yagel, 304-5752787 or artymoke@ hotmail.com.

acterized by the presence of single needles and lateral buds located along the twig. As previously mentioned, when branches are cut during shearing, new buds do not form at the bases of needles.

Rather, the lateral bud nearest the cut twig end will assume dominance, and growth the following growing season will begin

from this point. For this reason, the time of shearing is not as critical for these trees as for pines.

Shearing for spruces, firs and Douglas fir usually begins in late July or early August and may continue through fall, winter and early spring.

Shearing for newly established plantations should begin during the third

growing season after planting.

Each tree should be examined, and double terminal branches and double stems removed. Basal pruning to form a clean handle should also be completed.

If a symmetrical growth pattern is developing naturally in the tree, little, if any, shearing will be necessary at this time.

In the fourth and later years, shearing should concentrate on maintaining a central leader (terminal branch) and sym-

metrical tree shape. Unless excessive terminal growth has occurred (15 inches or more), the terminal shoot should not be

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cut as long as full lateral branch development is occurring. This is particularly true if several lateral buds are located along the terminal shoot. Generally it is desirable to maintain growing conditions (effective weed control and adequate soil fertility) favorable for the formation of at least one lateral bud per inch of terminal branch. These buds will develop into lateral branches and so increase tree density. If fewer buds are present (less than one per inch of terminal shoot length), the terminal shoot should be cut back to approximately 12 inches in length; with the cut made approximately 1/2 inch above a lateral bud.

Other lateral branches that extend beyond the line established from the cut ends of the terminal shoot through the ends of the lateral branches of the terminal whorl should also be cut.

After the tree is about 5 feet tall (usually in the fifth or sixth year after planting), shearing practices should change slightly. The length of the terminal shoot should not be allowed to exceed 12 inches and in some cases should be cut shorter.

This depends on the fullness and the number of lateral branches developing from the terminal whorl. It is sometimes difficult to obtain full foliage development in the tips of spruce and fir trees. Reducing the length of the terminal will thicken the tree as lateral branch development continues throughout the tree, and lateral buds and twigs of the terminal whorl increase in length. Little, if any, shearing of lower branches will be necessary because these tend to grow less rapidly than branches near the top of the tree.

In the harvest year, only minimal shearing is required, especially for spruces. Removing competing leaders and lightly shearing the top are usually all that is necessary.

Douglas fir require more shearing because upper

Shearing B16

Page 15 - Section B • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • September 2011

Shearing from B11

September 2011 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • Section B - Page 16

Shearing from B15 branches tend to grow rapidly and secondary growth flushes can result in excessively long terminal shoots. Shearing this growth back to maintain tree symmetry is usually all that is required because lower branches grow less.

Some problem situations One of the challenges in shearing Christmas trees is maintaining a strong central terminal branch.

This is essential to maintain good form and to produce a tree of a saleable height in the shortest time possible. Unfortunately, problem situations that require special attention frequently develop in the terminal whorl of branches.

Competing terminals This situation arises when two or more terminal branches or shoots are present. It usually develops after the trees have been sheared at least once and results from the failure of any one newly formed or existing bud to assume a dominant position. Failure to cut the terminal branch at an angle during shearing increases the likelihood that multiple shoots will develop. To correct this situation, remove all but one of the competing terminals.

Select the strongest branch that is most centrally located and remove the others by cutting at the base with a hand clipper, rather than a shearing knife. After the selection of a dominant terminal, the shearing process proceeds normally.

No visible terminal The opposite situation to that described above is to have a terminal whorl of branches with no one branch assuming a dominant position. This condition may result from shearing too early so that too many shoots develop or from damage to the bud that would have developed into a terminal branch.

Recommended treatment is to select a strong lateral branch and allow it to become the terminal shoot.

This requires cutting back all other laterals and positioning the selected lateral in a central dominant position.

Some lateral branches may need to be removed entirely. Developing a dominant branch may require tying it to other shorter shoots, using a splint or using commercially available terminal branch training devices.

Damaged or broken terminal - Occasionally terminal branches are damaged. Insects such as the pine shoot borer, birds (grackles find Christmas trees attractive nesting sites) and strong winds commonly cause breakage or injury.

Two approaches are suggested for correcting such problems. If only the upper portion of the terminal has been damaged, it should be cut immediately below the point where the damage begins.

For pines, if this is done early in the summer, new

buds will form at this point from which growth will occur the following year. Whether the laterals in the terminal whorl should be sheared depends on how long the terminal branch is. An alternative is to select a vigorous lateral branch and either splint or tie it to the base of the damaged terminal so that it develops into the terminal position.

For species such as firs and spruces, the bud left for the terminal branch may not develop or the terminal bud on nonsheared trees will fail to

grow. In this case, a lateral branch farther down the terminal shoot can be trained to assume the terminal position. To do this, select a vigorous lateral shoot and tie the base of it to the main stem so it is placed in a central position. The end bud on this shoot will develop into the new terminal for the tree.

Another approach is to tie two opposite laterals together at the base so they are vertical. After tying, cut the weaker one immediately above the point of tying. This technique works best in mid sum-

mer when newly developed branches are still relatively flexible.

Strong lateral competing for terminal position - In some species, notably Scotch pine, it is not uncommon for a lateral shoot formed the previous year to assume a strong dominant position and compete with the current year’s terminal for the terminal position. Usually this shoot should be removed at its point of origin; however, it may sometimes be desirable to leave it and remove the

current season’s terminal whorl of branches. This recommendation is appropriate when growth on the original terminal is weak or, more commonly, crooked. This situation and the resulting need to select a new terminal branch are more common on some varieties of Scotch pine than others.

Conclusion Shearing Christmas trees is probably the single most important process that affects tree quality. Correct shearing, together with excellent

cultural practices — including effective weed control, maintenance of adequate fertility and control of damaging insect and/or disease problems — will help assure the production of high quality trees will be competitive in today’s marketplace.

For more information visit http://forestry. msu.edu/extension/ExtD ocs/shear.htm#Tree%20re sponse%20to%20shearing Source: Michigan State University Department of Forestry

AUCTION CALENDAR

SECTION C

Send Your Auction Listings to: Country Folks GROWER, P.O. Box 121, Palatine Bridge, NY 13428-0121 • Phone 518-673-3237 • Fax 518-673-2381

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ADDISON COUNTY COMMISSION SALES Rte. 125 • E. Middlebury, VT 05740 Sale every Monday & Tuesday Specializing in Complete Farm Dispersals “A Leading Auction Service” In VT. 800-339-2697 or 800-339-COWS 802-388-2661 • 802-388-22639

DANN AUCTIONEERS DELOS DANN 3339 Spangle St.,Canandaigua, NY 14424 585-785-2161 www.cnyauctions.com/dannauctioneers.htm

ALEX LYON & SON Bridgeport, NY 315-633-2944 www.lyonauction.com

FRALEY AUCTION CO. Auctioneers & Sales Managers Licensed & Bonded 1515 Kepner Hill Rd., Muncy, PA 570-546-6907 570-546-9344 www.fraleyauction.com

AUCTIONEER PHIL JACQUIER INC. Southwick, MA 413-569-6421 • www.jacquierauctions.com

HARRIS WILCOX, INC. Bergen, NY 585-494-1881 www.harriswilcox.com

BUFFALO VALLEY PRODUCE AUCTION Mifflinburg, PA 570-966-1151

HUNYADY AUCTION CO. Hatfield, PA 800-233-6898

C.W. GRAY & SONS, INC. Complete Auction Service Rte. 5, East Thetford, VT 802-785-2161

MARK FERRY AUCTIONS Latrobe, PA 724-423-5580

Buffalo Valley Produce Auction Inc. Pennsylvania’s Freshest & Finest Produce

Full Line of Produce YOUR PUMPKIN CONNECTION FOR THE NORTHEAST

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Turn right, travel 300 yds. turn left. Auction straight ahead.

Neil Courtney, Manager www.buffalovalleyproduce.com

Thursday, September 8 • 1:00 PM: 10400 Gillete Rd., Alexander, NY. Western NY Gas & Steam Engine Assn. Consignment Auction. Dann Auctioneers, Delos Dann, 585-396-1676 www.cnyauctions.com/dan nauctioneers.htm Saturday, September 10 • 9:00 AM: Town of Lansing Highway Dept., Rts. 34 & 34B, Lansing, NY. Municipal Surplus & Contractor Equipment Auction. Roy Teitsworth, Inc., Auctioneers, 585-243-1563. www.teitsworth.com

MILLER’S AUCTION Argyle, NY 518-638-8580 PIRRUNG AUCTIONEERS Wayland, NY 585-728-2528 ROY TEITSWORTH, INC., AUCTIONEERS Geneseo, NY 585-243-1563 www.teitsworth.com WILLIAM KENT, INC. Stafford, NY 585-343-5449 or 585-548-7738 WOLGEMUTH AUCTION Leola, PA www.wolgemuthauction.com wolgemuthauc@juno.com WRIGHT’S AUCTION SERVICE 48 Community Dr. Derby, VT 14541 802-334-6115 www.wrightsauctions.com

Friday, September 16 • 10:30 AM: 1226 S. Philadelphia Blvd., Aberdeen, MD. 5 Properties and 6.76 +/- Acres to be offered. Leaman Auctions Ltd., 717-464-1128, AuctionZip Auctioneer ID #3721 ed@leamanauctions.com www.leamanauctions.com Saturday, September 17 • Atlantic City, NJ. Rental Returns of Construction, Aerials, Attachments, Support, Trucks & Trailers. Alex Lyon & Son, 315-633-2944 www.lyonauction.com

• 8:00 AM: Teitsworth Auction Yard, Groveland, NY. Special Fall Consignment Auction of Farm & Construction Equipment, Heavy & Light Trucks. Consignments welcome. Roy Teitsworth, Inc., Auctioneers, 585-243-1563. www.teitsworth.com • 9:00 AM: Windmill Farm Market, 3900 Rt. 14A, 5 Mi. S. of Penn Yan, NY. Equipment Consignment Auction. Dann Auctioneers, Delos Dann, 585-396-1676 www.cnyauctions.com/dan nauctioneers.htm Friday, September 23 • South Bend, IN. 2 Auctions in One Day! Complete Liquidation of Late Model Construction, Support Equip. & Large Job Completion of Late Model Construction, Support Equipment & Large Job Completion of Late Model Earthmoving Equip., Trucks & Trailers. Alex Lyon & Son, 315-633-2944 www.lyonauction.com Saturday, September 24 • 8:30 AM: Gray’s Field, Rt. 5, Fairlee, VT. Public Consignment Auction of Farm Machinery, Construction Equipment, Autos, Trucks, Trailers and small tools.

Consignments accepted on Friday from 8 am till noon. C.W. Gray & Sons, Inc., Complete Auction Services, 802-785-2161

Calendar C2

Page 1 - Section C • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • September 2011

Country Folks

September 2011 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • Section C - Page 2

More U.S. farmers relying on Internet

by The Associated Press THE TREND: The number of farmers with Internet access on a variety of digital gadgets has dramatically increased,

changing the way farms do business.

HOW THEY USE IT: Farmers say it helps them speed up their work flow, improve their farming techniques,

market their crops, connect with customers and retailers, and fulfill a variety of regulatory requirements.

THE FINDINGS: A government re-

port says more than half of America’s farms now have access to the Internet, with farmers in the West with the highest access.

Calendar from C1 • 9:00 AM: Routes 39 & 219, Springville, NY. Lamb & Webster Used Equipment Auction of Farm Tractors & Machinery. Roy Teitsworth, Inc., Auctioneers, 585-243-1563. www.teitsworth.com Thursday, September 29 • 10:00 AM: Bath, NY (Steuben Co,). Steuben Co. Surplus Vehicles, Heavy Equipment & Accessories. Pirrung Auctioneers, Inc. 585-728-2520 www.pirrunginc.com Friday, September 30 • 9:00 AM: Showaker IH Sales & Service, 44 Hair Rd., Newville, PA. Public Auction of rare & unique memorabilia. Two day event - Sept. 30 - Oct. 1.

Quality collection of Farmall, McCormick & IH. Leaman Auctions Ltd., 717464-1128, AuctionZip Auctioneer ID #3721 ed@leamanauctions.com www.leamanauctions.com Saturday, October 1 • 9:00 AM: 145 Paul Rd., Exit 17, Rt. 390, Rochester, NY . Monroe County Municipal Equipment Auction. Heavy Construction Equipment, Cars & Trucks. Roy Teitsworth, Inc., Auctioneers, 585-243-1563. www.teitsworth.com Saturday, October 8 • Martinelli Construction, 234 Thomaston Rd., Morris, CT. 2008 IH 4400 Truck w/rolloff, Komatsu CK30 Track Skidsteer, Kubota Track Excavator; Utility & Equipment Trailers; IR 642 Lull Lift & Manlift; tools.

Auctioneer Phil Jacquier, 413-569-6421 • 9:00 AM: Hamburg Fairgrounds, Hamburg, NY. Municipal & Contractor Equipment Auction. Roy Teitsworth, Inc., Auctioneers, 585-243-1563. www.teitsworth.com Friday, October 14 • Detroit, MI. Alex Lyon & Son, 315-633-2944 www.lyonauction.com Saturday, October 15 • Sweet Water Farm Auction, 26 Barker St., Three Rivers, MA. IH 5088 & 1086, JD 2020, Dozer, IH Silage Trucks, Equipment, Owner George Foskit. Auctioneer Phil Jacquier, 413569-6421 • 8:30 AM: Gray’s Field, Rt. 5, Fairlee, VT. Public Consignment Auction of Farm Machinery, Construction Equipment, Autos, Trucks, Trailers and small tools.

Consignments accepted on Friday from 8 am till noon. C.W. Gray & Sons, Inc., Complete Auction Services, 802-785-2161 Wednesday, October 19 • Allentow, PA. State Auction. Complete Liquidation of Automotive Dismantling Operation.

MAC Car Crusher, Rubber Tired Loaders, Rollback & Dump Trucks, Vans. Over 100 Cars (40-50 running), UN-

BELIEVABLE Accumulation of Motors, Transmissions, Shocks, Glass & Much More.Online bidding available. Alex Lyon & Son, 315-633-2944 www.lyonauction.com Saturday, October 22 • 9:00 AM: Syracuse, NY (NYS Fairgrounds).

Onondaga County Area Municipal Equipment Auction of Municipal & Contractor Equipment. Roy Teitsworth, Inc., Auction-

eers, 585-243-1563. www.teitsworth.com Saturday, November 5 • Canaan Tire, Gandolfo Dr, Canaan, CT. 5 Oliver Tractors, 1989 Ford Service Truck, Tire and Service Equipment, Office Equipment. Auctioneer Phil Jacquier, 413-569-6421 • 8:30 AM: Gray’s Field, Rt. 5, Fairlee, VT. Public Consignment Auction of Farm Machinery, Construction Equipment, Autos, Trucks,

Trailers and small tools.

Consignments accepted on Friday from 8 am till noon. C.W. Gray & Sons, Inc., Complete Auction Services, 802-785-2161 Saturday, December 3 • 9:00 AM: Teitsworth Auction Yard, Groveland, NY.

Special Winter Consignment Auction of Farm & Construction Equipment, Heavy & Light Trucks, Liquidations & Consignments.

Roy Teitsworth, Inc., Auctioneers, 585-243-1563. www.teitsworth.com

Lakes Produce Auction Finger 3691 Rte. 14A • Penn Yan, New York

Mon. - Wed. - Fri. 9:00 AM PRODUCE • PUMPKINS

FALL MUMS

(315) 531-8446 ORDER BUYER

PRIME POTTER COUNTY FARM FOX HILL FARMS - THE HOOPES FAMILY

PUBLIC AUCTION - OWNERS RETIRING SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10 @ 10:15 A.M. 1820 FOX HILL ROAD ULYSSES (POTTER CO.) PENNSYLVANIA 16948

Between U.S. Rte. 6 (Galeton-Coudersport) and State Rte. 49 at Ulysses. (App. 24 miles south of Wellsville, NY) Offering the Home Farm of 297 acres with 231 prime tillable (irrigatable) acres with excellent crop production records! App. 6 acres pasture lot, managed hardwood forest land.

Buyer will have option to rent up to 1000 additional tillable acres!

Ultra clean, modernized, 5 bedroom, two story home; heated shop, various machinery and hay storage sheds, lime/fertilizer building, grain storage bins, 70 ft. truck scale.

Owner Financing to Qualified Buyer!! Possible vegetable crop contracts to qualified buyer!

Natural gas to house/shop/dryer from off site well available at 1/2 commercial rate cost!

Owner has 1/2 of gas rights that are leased for next two years and can be purchased by farm buyer at that time.

NOTE: Jim and Sandy came here in 1981 after 7 years of farming in Chester County. This hard working, progressive family has done exceptionally well here and are just finishing up their 31st crop year on this productive, well known farm. It can be yours!

SEE DETAILS and PICTURES on our WEBPAGE: www.pirrunginc.com Make An Appointment now with the owners to view this farm and see the growing crops!

Private land strip next to farm!

Jim and Sandy Hoopes 814-848-9753 Office OR Jim’s cell 607-738-5970

James P. Pirrung PIRRUNG AUCTIONEERS, INC. Wayland, New York 585-728-2520 www.pirrunginc.com Penna Lic. #AY-000205L and #AU-001672L NOTE: Complete Line of “Up Town” Machinery Sells the same day Dec. 10 at 11:00AM. Watch web and future issues for details! It’s a big one!

Shippensburg Auction Center 1120 Ritner Hwy, Shippensburg, PA

Produce and Flower Auction every Tuesday and Thursday at 9:00 AM, Pumpkins, Gourds, Fall Corn, Mums & Asters Are Coming In!

Nursery Stock Sale Thursdays at 10:30 AM until further notice with second auctioneer Come to

Shippensburg Auction Center

for all your produce, flower or shrubbery needs.

Our 26th year of friendly, reliable courteous service.

717-532-5511 Auction 717-532-3642 David Leinbach 717-532-7288 Norman Zimmerman

Have you ever been told that your favorite homemade bread, or salsa, is “good enough to sell?” Do you have additional fruit or vegetables from your farm or home garden that you would like to make into a commercial product? Penn State Extension’s Food for Profit, is a one-day workshop to help you work through the maze of local and state regulations, food safety issues, and business management concepts that all must be considered in setting up a commercial food business.

The course will be held at Penn State Extension Office in Cumberland County, located at 310 Allen Road, Carlisle, PA on Tuesday, Nov. 1, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This session is co-sponsored by the Shippensburg University Small Business Development Center.

Food for Profit will take

you step-by-step through the entrepreneurial process. It will provide you with the information and skills to assess if your idea will be something that will sell at a profit. Conducting a feasibility study (to see if yours is a good business idea), performing marketing research, and beginning to draft a business plan are a few of the concrete tools taught by certified instructors and business experts. By attending this class, you can learn how to evaluate the opportunities on paper before you look for funding or take action (saving money and time).

If you want to develop the skills to be innovative and visionary in your business — to grow your food venture — you will enjoy and benefit from this course. If you’re searching for innovative ideas about how to get your enterprise off

FALL PRODUCE SALES

WINTER SQUASHES, PUMPKINS, MUMS & OTHER FALL PRODUCE SOLD AS THEY COME IN

Sales Tuesdays & Fridays Starting @ 10:00 AM

Chautauqua Produce Auction 7844 Rt. 474, North Clymer, NY 14724

716-355-6500

www.chautauquaproduceauction.com

Snyder County Produce Auction 6130 South Susquehanna Trail Port-Trevorton, PA 17864 9 Miles South of Selinsgrove Along 11 & 15

PUMPKINS • GOURDS SQUASH • MUMS • PRODUCE BEDDING PLANTS FLOWERS NURSERY STOCK Sale Days Are Monday, Wednesday & Friday at 10:30 AM Any Questions Contact

570-374-0284 or 570-374-3793

the ground, this program is for you.

The tuition cost of $40 per person includes all materials and lunch.

Registration is through the Penn State cvent online system at www.cvent.com/d/vcq7 3p, or by calling 877489-1398. For further information about workshop content, contact Extension Educator Winifred McGee, wwm1@psu.edu, 717270-4391. Pre-payment and registration are required for this popular workshop.

Wet summer could spell potato blight in Maine EXETER, ME (AP) — Maine potato farmers could be facing potato blight because of the wet summer.

The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association says three farms along the state’s central coast have “suspicious” crops. In a new report, the group said heavy rain could mean trouble for potato farmers in Aroostook County and the central coast.

Potato farmer Steve Crane, of Exeter, told WCSH-TV that he expects an average crop but that he considers himself lucky.

Brown or olive green spots on plants, or white fuzzy fungus, are signs of possible blight.

The Farmers and Gardeners Association recommends destroying plants suspected to have the disease.

Maine Potato Board director Don Flannery said there’s not enough time in the growing season for the disease to spread too much.

Page 3 - Section C • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • September 2011

Food for profit class offered

by Penn State Extension

September 2011 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • Section C - Page 4

Vermont organic farmers celebrate 40th anniversary BURLINGTON, VT — Forty years ago in Putney, VT, a small group of farmers gathered to talk about how to market their crops, be better farmers, and share their techniques for growing wholesome, healthy food. That was the beginning of the Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA).

There are now seven NOFA chapters in the Northeast. Since 1971, NOFA Vermont has facilitated the extraordinary growth in Vermont’s food landscape through educational programs,

establishment of farmers’ markets and Community Supported Agriculture, and development of an organic certification program, Vermont Organic Farmers.

In celebration of 40 years of organic farming, NOFA Vermont is launching the Taking Root Capital Campaign, to raise $325,000 for the purchase of a new home in Richmond. A new office will increase NOFA Vermont’s capacity to serve as a networking hub and give us a stronger base from which to mentor beginner farmers, increase the

NFU submits comments opposing regulations on small leafy green growers WASHINGTON, D.C. — National Farmers Union (NFU) submitted comments on July 28 in opposition to a proposed rule by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that would allow the largest produce handlers the power to establish on-farm practices for all growers of leafy greens.

“Under a leafy green marketing agreement, handlers are effectively given power over producers, requiring them to comply with standards that were developed without growers in mind,” said NFU President Roger Johnson. “These standards will conflict with the realities of small- and medium-sized diversified farms, certain conservation measures and existing wildlife and environmental regulations, and will be enforced through burdensome recordkeeping

requirements and commodity-specific metrics.”

The 150 signatories on the California and Arizona leafy green marketing agreements comprise nearly 90 percent of U.S. leafy green production.

“A rapidly growing trend in the United States is the movement to buy fresh, locally grown food,” said Johnson. “By dictating how produce must be handled, marketing agreements for leafy greens would significantly hinder the ability of producers to participate in the buy fresh, buy local movement.

In addition, at a time when our nation faces an ever-growing obesity crisis, family farmers should be encouraged to grow greater quantities of healthy, fresh produce, not deterred by restrictive growing and handling practices.”

TRADE SHOW OPPORTUNITIES

acreage in organic production, nurture the growth of local and regional markets, and increase access to local and organic food for all Vermonters.

NOFA-VT has increased the number of organic farmers and producers in Vermont from 17 in 1985 to 580 in 2010. Charlie Nardozzi, gardening expert of Ferrisburgh says, “NOFAVT is one of the key organizations responsible for the revival of farming in Vermont. NOFA has helped not only preserve Vermont’s agricultural heritage, but is helping it grow into a new and vibrant era.”

The 40th anniversary celebration is set for Oct. 1 at High Meadows Farm in Wesminster West, near the site of NOFA-VT’s birthplace. Attendees will

be able to participate in the launch of an online-auction to support the Taking Root Capital Campaign.

“We look forward to getting many of the founders back together this fall, along with all our current members and friends, near the site where the original scheming took place,” said Enid Wonnacott, NOFA-VT Executive Director. “We want to celebrate that vision and the learning community that was spawned and has grown for over 40 years.”

More information and ways for the community to get involved in the Taking Root Capital Campaign are available online at www.nofavt.org/capital-campaign.

Beautiful

WHOLESALE PUMPKINS

CRITZ FARMS

Face Pumpkins $85/bin FOB Also Pie Pumpkins, Corn Stalks, Indian Corn & Gourds Cazenovia, NY

1-800-442-3225 Delivery Available

• KEYSTONE FARM SHOW •

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

• VIRGINIA FARM SHOW • Jan. 19, 20 & 21, 2012 • Thurs. 9-4, Fri. 9-4 & Sat. 9-3 Augusta Expoland • Fishersville, VA

• BIG IRON EXPO •

11

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

13, 14 & 15

• MATERIAL HANDLING & INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT EXPO • February 8 & 9, 2012 • Wed. 10-7 & Thurs. 9-4 Eastern States Exposition • West Springfield, MA

• EMPIRE STATE FRUIT & VEG EXPO • Jan. 24, 25 & 26 2012 Oncenter Convention Center • Syracuse, NY

• HARD HAT EXPO • March 7 & 8, 2012 • Wed. 10-7 & Thurs. 9-4 New York State Fairgrounds • Syracuse, NY

• MATERIAL HANDLING & INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT EXPO • March 7 & 8, 2012 • Wed. 10-7 & Thurs. 9-4 New York State Fairgrounds • Syracuse, NY FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW TO EXHIBIT AT OR ATTEND ANY OF THESE SHOWS

CALL 800-218-5586 www.leetradeshows.com • mwhite@leepub.com

32

Page 5 - Section C • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • September 2011

September 2011 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • Section C - Page 6

O RGAN I C / S U S TAI NAB L E A G

Mother Earth Organics Mother Earth Organics mission is to raise environmental consciousness, provide the organic tools and knowledge to heal the earth and promote soil and plant health. For the good of all living beings.

Through the elimination of carcinogens and other toxins from our communities, people in

this generation and future generations will benefit with better health and the pursuit of happiness.

Healthy soil is alive with organisms, and has good drainage and organic matter for water retention. Pesticides and herbicides kill soil organisms.

Depleted soil is compacted, requires chemical inputs for plant yield, and

needs to be healed for useful production.

Let us bring you the benefit of a jump start back to the garden.

Mother Earth Organics is a manufacturer of 100 percent natural/organic soil and solution plant healthcare products.

They sell in commercial and consumer sizes: 16 oz., 32 oz., 1 gallon, 5 gal-

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For more information visit www.motherearthorganics.com, call 800-7705010 or 215-542-1100, or e-mail info@motherearthorganics.com

business and/or seriously disrupt the stability of a community dependent on that crop. By growing a variety of crops, farmers spread economic risk and are less susceptible to the radical price fluctuations associated with changes in supply and demand.

Properly managed, diversity can also buffer a farm in a biological sense. For example, in annual cropping systems, crop rotation can be used to suppress weeds, pathogens and insect pests. Also, cover crops can have stabilizing effects on the agroecosystem by holding soil and nutrients in place, conserving soil moisture with mowed or standing dead mulches, and by increasing the water infiltration rate and soil water holding capacity.

Cover crops in orchards and vineyards can buffer the system against pest infestations by increasing beneficial arthropod populations and can therefore reduce the need for chemical inputs. Using a variety of cover crops is also important in order to protect against the failure of a particular species to grow and to attract and sustain a wide range of beneficial arthropods.

Optimum diversity may be obtained by integrating both crops and livestock in the same farming operation. This was the common practice for centuries until the mid-1900s when technology, government policy and economics compelled farms to become more specialized.

Mixed crop and livestock operations have several advantages. First, growing row crops only on more level land and pasture or forages on steeper slopes will reduce soil

erosion. Second, pasture and forage crops in rotation enhance soil quality and reduce erosion; livestock manure, in turn, contributes to soil fertility. Third, livestock can buffer the negative impacts of low rainfall periods by consuming crop residue that in “plant only” systems would have been considered crop failures. Finally, feeding and marketing are flexible in animal production systems.

This can help cushion farmers against trade and price fluctuations and, in conjunction with cropping operations, make more efficient use of farm labor.

Soil management. A common philosophy among sustainable agriculture practitioners is that a “healthy” soil is a key component of sustainability; that is, a healthy soil will produce healthy crop plants that have optimum vigor and are less susceptible to

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What is sustainable agriculture?

Plant production practices Sustainable production practices involve a variety of approaches.

Specific strategies must take into account topography, soil characteristics, climate, pests, local availability of inputs and the individual grower’s goals. Despite the sitespecific and individual nature of sustainable agriculture, several general principles can be applied to help growers select appropriate management practices: • Selection of species and varieties that are well suited to the site and to conditions on the farm; • Diversification of crops and cultural practices to enhance the biological and economic stability of the farm; • Management of the soil to enhance and protect soil quality; • Efficient and humane use of inputs; and • Consideration of farmers’ goals and lifestyle choices.

Selection of site, species and variety.

Preventive strategies, adopted early, can reduce inputs and help establish a sustainable production system.

When possible, pest-resistant crops should be selected which are tolerant of existing soil or site conditions. When site selection is an option, factors such as soil type and depth, previous crop history, and location (e.g. climate, topography) should be taken into account before planting.

Diversity. Diversified farms are usually more economically and ecologically resilient. While monoculture farming has advantages in terms of efficiency and ease of management, the loss of the crop in any one year could put a farm out of

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pests. While many crops have key pests that attack even the healthiest of plants, proper soil, water and nutrient management can help prevent some pest problems brought on by crop stress or nutrient imbalance. Furthermore, crop management systems that impair soil quality often result in greater inputs of water, nutrients, pesticides, and/or energy for tillage to maintain yields.

In sustainable systems, the soil is viewed as a fragile and living medium that must be protected and nurtured to ensure its long-term productivity and stability. Methods to protect and enhance the productivity of the soil include using cover crops, compost and/or manures, reducing tillage, avoiding traffic on wet soils, and maintaining soil cover with plants and/or mulches. Conditions in

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most California soils (warm, irrigated, and tilled) do not favor the buildup of organic matter. Regular additions of organic matter or the use of cover

crops can increase soil aggregate stability, soil tilth, and diversity of soil microbial life.

Efficient use of inputs. Many in-

puts and practices used by conventional farmers are also used in sustainable agriculture. Sustainable farmers, however, maximize reliance on natural, renewable, and on-farm inputs. Equally important are the environmental, social, and economic impacts of a particular strategy. Converting to sustainable practices does not mean simple input substitution. Frequently, it substitutes enhanced management and scientific knowledge for conventional inputs, especially chemical inputs that harm the environment on farms and in rural communities.

The goal is to develop efficient, biological systems which do not need high levels of material inputs.

Growers frequently ask if synthetic chemicals are appropriate in a sustainable farming system. Sustainable approaches are those that are the least toxic and least energy intensive, and yet maintain productivity and profitability. Preventive strategies and other alternatives should be employed before using chemical inputs from any source. However, there may be situations where the use of synthetic chemicals would be more “sustainable” than a strictly nonchemical approach or an approach using toxic “organic” chemicals. For example, one grape grower switched from tillage to a few applications of a broad spectrum contact herbicide in the vine row. This approach may use less energy and may compact

the soil less than numerous passes with a cultivator or mower.

Consideration of farmer goals and lifestyle choices. Management decisions should reflect not only environmental and broad social considerations, but also individual goals and lifestyle choices. For example, adoption of some technologies or practices that promise profitability may also require such intensive management that one’s lifestyle actually deteriorates. Management decisions that promote sustainability, nourish the environment, the community and the individual.

Source: www.sarep.ucdavis.edu/concept.htm

www. cfgrower. com

Page 7 - Section C • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • September 2011

O RGAN I C / S U S TAI NAB L E A G

September 2011 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • Section C - Page 8

Shoppers say they favor organic and U.S.-grown foods KNOXVILLE, TN — According to recently released survey findings of a Tennessee-based advertising and marketing agency, American consumers shop more often for food with labels that read “natural,” “organic” or “grown in the USA.” “This looks baffling on the surface, because we Americans like our bananas, oranges and strawberries yearround. We’re used to eating fresh fruits and vegetables grown out of season, including some that can’t even be grown in the U.S.,” said Suzanne Shelton, president of Shelton Group.

She said the popularity of “organic” and “grown in the USA” food labels reflects concern about food contamination, support for family farms and apprehension about the economy. Buying locally grown and U.S.grown food is viewed as “a way to

help fellow Americans.”

The annual survey found that 25 percent of Americans said that the best description on a food label is “100 percent natural” or “all natural.” Twentyfour percent said the best label is “USDA Certified Organic,” while 17 percent preferred “grown in the USA.” “Consumers are more label-savvy than ever when it comes to food shopping,” said Tony Banks, assistant director of commodity marketing for the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. “For those who are interested in organic food, pay attention to where the label says it was grown; it could be an organically-grown import.”

Banks also noted that specific food labels, especially on produce, can allow shoppers to support their local farmers. Virginians can look for “Virginia’s Finest” and “Virginia Grown”

labels and store signage if they prefer to buy foods grown or processed in the state.

“Some grocers also have signs advertising food grown and processed locally, so that’s something to look for when shopping,” Banks said. “Such food can often also be found at farmers’ markets, but just because food is sold there doesn’t necessarily make it local.

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A federal matching grant will boost local food producers and tourism by encouraging bed and breakfast operators to feature locally produced food and agricultural products. New York State Agriculture Commissioner Darrel J. Aubertine announced the $73,824 grant awarded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program (FSMIP). New York is one of 19 states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to receive 25 grants.

The Department will receive the grant in cooperation with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Madison County, which will lead the two-year project, NOFA-NY, the

Empire State B&B Association, Central New York Bounty, the New York Small Scale Food Processors Association and the University of Illinois Extension.

“This continues our efforts to boost locally produced food products in New York and to encourage agri-tourism,” said Commissioner Aubertine. “This is another market channel for our local producers that will help them build their business.”

“FSMIP provides our state partners with matching funds to explore new and innovative approaches to marketing U.S. food and agricultural products,” said Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan.

“USDA supports state

and local projects ranging from research to retail to ensure that quality American products are marketed efficiently and effectively.”

Steve Miller of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Madison County said, “This is a great opportunity for New York producers to have visitors from outside the State, as well as New Yorkers, to be able to taste the high quality foods we have to offer and to be able to bring some of these back home with them.

The project stands to benefit both the tourism and agriculture industries.”

The program will encourage B&B operators

to feature locally produced food and agricultural products in meals served to their guests, carry shelf stable local products such as jams, maple syrup and sauces, and to measure the economic impact on producers of sales made through this specialized marketing channel.

All producer organizations and B&B owners are encouraged to participate in the project which will begin this Fall. For more information on how to participate: contact Steve Miller at sgm6@cornell.edu 315-684-3001 x127 or Jonathan Thomson at jonathan.thomson@agm kt.state.ny.us.

Deadline for floriculture intern scholarships is Oct. 1 ALEXANDRIA, VA, — Applications are being accepted for the American Floral Endowment’s (AFE) Vic & Margaret Ball Intern Scholarship and the Mosmiller Intern Scholarship Program for eligible students looking to gain experience in greenhouse production, floral retail and wholesale, and allied trade fields.

These two intern scholarship programs aid students in gaining handson, real-world experience in floriculture. The Vic & Margaret Ball Intern Scholarship Program, established in 1992 by a generous gift from Vic and Margaret Ball, specifically funds training at floriculture production greenhouses throughout the U.S. The Ball’s created this program to assure future students would have the ability to take advantage of practical greenhouse experience opportunities without financial worry.

The Mosmiller Intern Scholarship Program was established in 1975 to honor former AFE Chairman and retail florists Colonel and Mrs. Walter E. Mosmiller Jr. Funding from the Mosmiller program helps support students who participate in internships at a retail florist, wholesaler, or allied trade company.

To be considered for these scholarship opportunities that are administered by AFE, students must: • Be a U.S. citizen currently enrolled in a floriculture/environmental horticulture program at a two- or four-year college or university in the U.S.; • Maintain a “C” or better GPA; • Complete the internship prior to graduation.

Both scholarship programs are awarded twice each year. To be eligible for scholarships, the deadline for receiving applications at the AFE office is March 1 in the spring and Oct. 1 in the fall. Applications can be downloaded from the AFE web site www.endowment.org

Page 9 - Section C • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • September 2011

Commissioner announces grant to promote local foods

September 2011 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • Section C - Page 10

Page 11 - Section C • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • September 2011

September 2011 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • Section C - Page 12

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