GM 9.11

MidWest n Edition

Section One of Two

September 2011

GROWER

Volume e 10 r9 Number

$2.50

Serving All Aspects of Commercial Horticulture

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

First time for everything ~ Page 2

Local produce offered in mall location Page 3

Classifieds . . . . . . . . A12 Organic . . . . . . . . . . . A9 Christmas . . . . . . . . . B1 Today’s Marketing. . A5

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

First time for everything

by Kelly Gates The Carlsons of Bayfield, WI may be pros at growing today.

But 23 years ago, not a single one of the family members had ever worked at a growing operation, let alone owned one.

It was 1988 when Keith and Laura Carlson partnered with their son Eric and his wife Ellen Kwiatkowski to start Blue Vista Farm of Bayfield, WI. Their primary goal was to create a new lifestyle, one with a focus on self-sustainability and a connection to nature.

“The first years were tough.

We were only able to work here part time and it took quite a few years to actually start making any income from the land at all,” said Eric. “We started with an abandoned farm that had an acre of old Cortland apple trees on it and a century-old barn that was being used as storage. Now, we have 20 acres in production, pick-your-own and wholesale divisions and we have a large gift shop too.”

According to Eric, the Carlsons had several things going for them from the getgo. The soil was good. The slope of the land was wellsuited for growing a variety of fruits. And the property was in a prime location for both direct sales and a pick-yourown business.

Everything else was accomplished with good, old-fashioned hard work. The first crops they planted were arranged in small plots so the family could manage the farm while working other jobs. Then, as time passed, they were all able to work full time at Blue Vista Farm, a change that enabled them to expand their total acreage in production.

“Today, we have about five acres of blueberries, five acres of raspberries and seven acres of high density apples,” Eric told Country Folks Grower. “We used to grow flowers to sell for weddings too, but we don’t do that anymore. The garden is still there though, with around one acre of flowers for our customers to enjoy.”

Daughter Rita Carlson picking black raspberries.

The garden is located next to the old dairy barn. With the backdrop of a stone foundation and old wooden boards, some visitors say that the setting reminds them of the Provencal region of France, he added.

The barn not only looks beautiful, it is functional as well. It is used as a gift shop for the farm’s homemade organic jams and jellies.

Ellen makes some standard flavors. She also creates unique combinations like raspberry ginger, raspberry chipotle, blueberry lavender and strawberry and basilusing strawberries brought in from a nearby farm.

Classical music is typically playing inside the barn. It bounces off the high ceilings and echoes out across the fields where pick-your -own customers can hear.

“We get a lot of people who want the experience of picking their own fruit, especially on Mozart Sundays. Most of our business however, is direct sales here on the farm,” said Eric. “People come into the barn and select berries and apples from our coolers. We also sell some wholesale to a company in Minnesota and another business with three locations in Milwaukee.”

Blue Vista Farm is the largest organic blueberry farm in the entire state, with many varieties of blueberries, raspberries and apples in production each year.

There are North Blue, North Country, Patriot, Duke Chippewa and Northland blueberries, among others.

Raspberry varieties grown there include, but are not limited to Prelude, Nova, Royalty and Canby. The growers are also experimenting with around 300 linear feet of black raspberries.

The list of apple varieties is equally impressive. Cortland, Honeycrisp, Zestar, Sweet 16, Liberty and Gala are just a few of them.

“While we do grow conventional fruit too, organic is our main push with the added emphasis on sustainability,” said Eric. “We water everything using trickle irrigation with pressure compensating emitters. We also closely monitor the soil, pests and other things to minimize the amount of chemicals we use.”

When chemicals are necessary, the Carlsons reach for eco-friendly products. They even use many of the certified organic sprays on their conventional blueberries for good measure.

While the chemicals are good for the plants, Eric would like to protect himself from exposure. One of the farm’s future plans involves purchasing a tractor with a spray cab to divert the spray away from him as he drives the tractor.

“I’m 51 now and don’t want to put my health at risk, so we will be investing in a spray cab

Keith Carlson pressing cider with children at the farm.

Photos courtesy of Blue Vista Farm soon,” he said. “We would also like to sell a lot more products in our gift shop. And, because our barn was built back in 1917, it is really in need of updating.”

Another aim for Blue Vista Farm is to implement even greater eco practices throughout the operation.

When these new things are in place, the farm will be sev-

eral steps closer to the vision the Carlsons had when they bought the abandoned property 23 years ago. A vision that is now closer than ever to being fully realized.

Ellen Kwiatkowski with a basket full of celosia. Blue Vista Farm grows about one acre of flowers for their customers to enjoy.

Local produce offered in mall location

by William McNutt The trend toward direct selling of specialty produce is moving at an ever faster pace, with some long range predictions indicating as much as 10 percent of total sales may come from this source in future years.

In the Columbus, Ohio area, several market locations are soliciting additional vendors, while long established ones have waiting lists. This includes the suburb of Worthington, now observing the 25th anniversary of its municipal market, which has 80 vendors during the Summer season.

According to recently appointed market manger Michelle Mooney, over 120 applied for space. A breakthrough of sorts occurred when a major mall development, Easton Town Center, opened the first such location this Spring in central Ohio. In a bit of a break with tradition, it’s open on Thursdays from 37 p.m. With 20 million visitors a year to what has become almost a tourist attraction, sales expectations are high.

Worthington retains a Saturday downtown 9 a.m. to noon schedule.

Fifty-five vendors at Easton display wares in small tents provided by the Center, with common logos, in a parking lot set aside at sale time. Beau Arnason, vice president of Steiner Corp., who supervised the original set up and now manages Easton Town Center, said the addition of a fresh food market met a demand from consumers who are interested in buying locally produced food, both for better quality and taste. Both he and market manager Heidi

Maybruck say a definite increase in Summer shopping traffic has been noticed. They have also worked with Local Matters, a nonprofit group profiled in Country Folks several months ago, who run a booth at the market for cooking demonstrations.

Ten suburban locations in Franklin County have regularly scheduled weekly markets, with many of their vendors setting up in several locations.

One is in the center of Columbus, where office workers can stretch lunch hour time to purchase locally produced fresh fruit and vegetables, plus many other items.

These include artisan cheeses, bakery goods, honey, spices, specialty coffees, candies, pasta, pretzels, ice cream, and many ethnic food products, but mostly specialty fruits and vegetables.

The usual and unusual are on tap in both Worthington and Easton. Greenhouse growing, plus use of high-tunnel culture helps extend local production plus enabling small acreage growers to extend the growing season of high-value items.

All direct marketers in the area require vendors to certify that their produce is grown on their farms, though borrowing of a similar commodity from a neighbor is usually permitted.

The shopping mall location of Easton draws many customers for multiple purposes.

Shoppers can use a “veggie valet” on the site to store purchased produce while attending a movie or eating at one of the 20 restaurants on site.

Many of the restaurants are also customers of the weekly market.

Franchised products are not

Heidi Maybruck, market manager and Beau Arnason, pose in front of a typical vendor location. Rain had threatened the sale day, but cleared enough that most vendors were sold out by 7 o’clock.

Photos by William McNutt

allowed to compete with the baked goods vendors who prepare their goods at home.

The need for a central processing facility has been discussed, which would enable freezing or canning fresh produce, to sell during Winter months, thus extending the season for both producer and consumer.

Direct marketing in heavily populated urban areas is turning into a win-win situation. Arnason says Easton Mall, located in the mid- to higher-income part of Northeast Columbus, is in an

According to FMI, most of us drive less than 5 miles to a primary food market, but over half will do more driving to find the lowest price and greater variety — not always the case for the direct market vendor, who sets usually higher prices based on quality, freshness and, in many cases, the uniqueness of their fewer but specialized offerings.

Interest in organic foods continues to increase, with several vendors in both the Worthington and Easton markets offering organically grown products as is the case in every other direct market location in the county.

Easton Mall market is just the latest in a series of advances made by farmers markets. In the state capital of Columbus, a weekly market can be found at the internationally known Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Center of Science and Industry, and the Wexner Center for the Arts at OSU and Columbus Commons, newly renovated downtown park and recreation site. An attempt is being made to recruit new vendors to fill the new sites, plus scheduling to assure their is no overlapping of sale days. With numerous interstate highways and a major turnpike carrying heavy traffic through Ohio, surveys are now being conducted to set a pilot enterprise at four rest stops this summer, which was already done several years ago at three stops on the Ohio Turnpike.

Expectations for 1,500 direct farm markets in Ohio by 2015, when the next 5-year report is due, do not seem out of line.

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

One of the vendors at Easton Mall where tents are furnished by the Mall, and similar logos go on each tent. High winds can be a problem, since the parking lot where vendors assemble cannot anchor the structures.

area of younger, higher income parents concerned about best nutrition for their children. Supermarkets have adopted the same approach, using pictures of their local suppliers from large acreage Ohio growers and promising fresh, locally produced food, with bagged products labeled as to point of origin.

Various produce commodity groups are working to establish a system to trace produce sold in wholesale and retail locations back to the grower.

Consumers who buy directly know immediately who their supplier is. Nevertheless, direct food sales probably do not make up more than 2-3 percent of that from supermarkets and may possibly stabilize at 5-6 percent in the future, according to food marketing experts from Ohio State University’s Department of Agricultural Economics.

American consumers seem to be satisfied with where they buy food, whether it be in the supermarket or a direct market outlet, according to recent reports from the Food Marketing Institute. According to its surveys, most give strong support for “locally grown” though there seems to be no agreed upon definition of what local means, other than within state boundaries.

But consumers in general prefer foods grown in the U.S. compared to imports, which covers most of any seasonal missing list. They also want to know where their food, domestic or imported comes from, plus assurance that it is safe to eat, a stipulation rigorously enforced in this country, perhaps more so than any other.

Floral show draws international crowd, record attendance

by William McNutt More than 9,000 attendees from 25 countries flocked to the four-day trade show and Short Course of OFA, the largest gathering of floral producers in the country and the largest such gathering in Columbus Convention Center, held each July in Columbus, Ohio.

Fifteen hundred exhibit booths covered every phase of the industry, as did the over 130 educational sessions offered to participants. OFA members came to catch the latest information for assistance in making a profit — not easily done in these recessionary times. Garden centers in particular are hurting along with associated landscaping operations for many reasons, cutbacks in house building being a prime factor. The tendency of younger families moving into cheaper apartment housing with limited acreage, plus both spouses working, is a prime factor causing less patronage.

A very well attended session early in the conference posed the somewhat provocative question “why don’t customers love us any more,” the only educational meeting not recorded.

Panel members included Joe Baer, ZenGenius Visual Merchants; Art

Parkenson, Lancaster Farms; Christina Salwitz, The Personal Garden Touch; Angela Palmer, Plants Nouveau; and Jean Van Krevelen, White Willow Media.

Opening commentary from the panel included such tidbits as love and loyalty are gone, dollars are the main component of love, higher price will sometimes be overcome by better service, attractive displays, and Web site promotion. Customers can get the same material from big-box stores, that may have 35 choices available, while you offer 100, but they can cut price quicker than you and move product faster, which stays fresh. When a customer comes into your store, you have about 10 seconds for his or her first impression to become the final one. Service does pay off, it may be the only advantage we have — and don’t forget the bigbox stores can also put up very good looking displays.

Panel members were unanimous in recommending closer ties between retailers and suppliers of products, including plant breeders and wholesalers. Other topics included how to display product, interaction between

Cover photo courtesy of Blue Vista Farm Eric Carlson, owner of Blue Vista Farm, the largest organic blueberry farm in Wisconsin.

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

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

(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.

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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 .........................Allison Swartz, 518-673-0139 ....................aswartz@leepub.com Classified Ad Manager ...................Peggy Patrei, 518-673-0111 ...................classified@leepub.com Shop Foreman ..........................................Harry DeLong

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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 Laura Clary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . lclary@leepub.com . . . . . . . . . . . . .800-218-5586, ext. 118 Steve Heiser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . sheiser@leepub.com . . . . . . . . . . . 800-218-5586, ext. 107 Tina Krieger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . tkrieger@leepub.com . . . . . . . . . . . 800-218-5586, ext. 108 Ian Hitchener . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ihitchener@leepub.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 802-222-5726 Kegley Baumgardner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . kegleyb@va.net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 540-255-9112 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.

Design award winners at OFA: First Row: Peoples Choice winner Lorraine Miheli of Floral Garden in Mansfield, Ohio; Judy Mellon, Delaware, Ohio; Jody Brow-Spivey, Expressions Floral Design, Gahanna, Ohio, and Juan Tracy, Flowers of the Falls, Idaho Falls, Idaho. Second Row: Designer of the Year Runner Up Dee Conrad of Petals and Leaves, Powell, Ohio. Third Row: Designer of the Year Daniel Stober of Chicago Flower & Garden, and Amanda Smith, Petals & Leaves, Powell, Ohio.

Photos by William McNutt

customer and seller and open houses to display new items for sale.

Suggestions were made to tie merchandise to seasonal displays, eg.

Christmas in Springtime, a time of new beginning; don’t overdo and end when emphasis/uniqueness is gone.

Don’t label any display with other than generic names, variety names are not that important to the customer. They want to know how to grow it and what the final product will look like in front of their residence.

Remember 80 percent of garden center business comes from 20 percent of the customers, concentrate on keeping the regulars ad adding new ones with similar interests.

It was pointed out the big-box stores do have fewer displays, but always sufficient quantity, and won’t run out before a sale is over. Put a limit on days of special sales. Take advantage of social media to tell what you have, promote everything possible online, which is both quicker and easier to update.

Why lose an estimated third of your time on preparing quickly outdated newsletter content that takes both time and money? The Generation Y and X we are all after are too busy with other activities to pay devoted attention. They usually have limited space, so educate them on pot culture, window side cultivation of edible plants, mixing of fruits, flowers and vegetables and offer classes in this type of culture, make it exciting. This will have to be customized and specific though benefits of outdoor exercise can certainly be stressed. Implement with Facebook, do not promote your accomplishments, but what prospective customers can achieve with such an approach. Retailer marketing and branding of product helps, but is not a total package. Ultimately what counts is what the customer wants, and is both able and willing to buy.

One audience response reported on several garden centers plus a greenhouse who did 20 percent of their sales on the internet, if the order was over $50, it would be delivered. One operator in Columbus ties in with a local TV station to provide weekly tips on cur-

rent crop availability. Others reported contracting for wedding and banquet decorations. Most favor regular surveys of potential customers, asking what do they want to know. Many are working with community projects to develop gardens from which harvests can be sold direct or contributed to food banks.

Competition is a fact of life, best estimate is 11,000 garden centers in the U.S., with many fated for weeding out in these tough economic times — giving rise to one comment that the problem was not oversupply but under demand.

Ground is still being lost, we may repeating former cycles where mom and pop stores gave way to independent groceries who now have been largely replaced by supermarkets, some of them now overtaken by super supermarkets. Price, service and variety are still driving forces, interest must be constantly renewed; remember it can be fun to plan a garden and plant flowers, but the hard work comes in the heat of Summer. Best recommendation: stay positive, focused, feel the connection and communicate it to customers. Don’t sell only the product, sell the concept of joint effort.

With an increasing number of retail outlets preparing their own advertising copy, then sending it directly via internet to current and potential customers, several sessions focused on the subject. It was often pointed out that we buy something for two primary reasons: Business and emotional attraction.

In addition to classes, in-store signage can provide a warehouse of information, from how to plant and cultivate flowers, in addition to providing welcome for customers old and new.

Make the customer feel important, he or she has little regard for you, but values what you offer them. No one really cares if you’re the fourth generation running that greenhouse. Focus on generation X and Y, they will be your customers in 10 years. After all, AARP now emphasizes the 55 year level, the over 80 membership will not be around too long.

Today’s Marketing Objectives 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, agri-

culture’s role in job creation is being explored, debated, tested and statistically compared to

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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 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 clos-

est to metro areas, that experienced previous declines in the number of farms, actually saw increases with small organic and naturallygrown operations popping up.

Offshoots of direct food production including bio-energy and bioscience 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 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 multiplier 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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September 2011 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER MIDWEST • Section A - Page 5

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

OFA Short Course provides global perspective on horticulture Nearly 9,000 people from more than 25 countries gathered in Columbus, Ohio, in July for the OFA Short Course, horticulture’s premier convention and marketplace.

“Horticulture professionals from across the world know that the OFA Short Course is the place to get business solutions

to keep their business competitive and profitable,” said Michael V. Geary, CAE, OFA’s Chief Executive Officer. “In spite of the poor spring weather in numerous areas of the United States, the challenging economic conditions, and the event being organized during the week of a national holiday, participa-

tion held strong and was consistent with last year,” said Geary.

The OFA Short Course featured 130 educational sessions, workshops, tours, learning labs, and numerous entertainment and social events for growers, garden center retailers, interior plantscapers, florists, and emerging profes-

sionals. An expanded focus this year was the Garden Center Live! area, which featured an interactive marketing lab, merchandising displays, and a merchandising contest.

The sold-out exhibition, the largest all-industry horticulture trade show in the United States, connected buyers and sellers, showcased the latest in equipment and plant material, and

provided a global perspective on horticulture.

“The OFA Short Course is where the industry meets,” said OFA’s new President, Mike McCabe of McCabe’s Greenhouse & Floral in Lawrenceburg, IN. “Just look at who comes to the event each year. It doesn’t matter what size your company is or what part of the world you’re from.

There’s always some-

thing new, and that’s why I’ve been coming for more than 35 years,” said McCabe.

Members and leaders from other trade associations were in attendance as OFA continues to bring together the industry for networking, partnership, and collaboration.

The next Short Course will take place on July 14-17, 2012 in Columbus, Ohio.

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

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

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‘AgrAbility’ Bus creating accessible agriculture at Ohio State Farm Science Review LONDON, OHIO — The “AgrAbility” Bus will increase accessibility to events at Ohio State University’s Farm Science Review, Sept. 2022 at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center in London, Ohio. Review staff and Ohio AgrAbility partnered with the Madison County Ride program to provide a handicapped-accessible bus to meet the needs of individuals with a disability attending Farm Science Review.

The “AgrAbility” Bus will be available from noon to 4 p.m. daily to transport individuals between the exhibit area and field demon-

strations. The bus will be available at the main shuttle location near the Review administration headquarters building.

“This is a great opportunity for farmers faced with the challenges of a disability to get out to the field demonstrations and see new tillage and harvesting equipment and take a look at new crop production techniques and strategies,” said Kent McGuire, Ohio AgrAbility Program coordinator in the Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering.

Visitors to the Review can also stop by the

OSU ag safety education area on Land Avenue in the exhibit area to learn more about how Ohio AgrAbility helps bridge the gap so farmers with disabilities can continue to succeed.

Ohio AgrAbility is a program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture promoting independence for people in agriculture who want to continue to farm after experiencing a disabling condition. The program works with a wide array of conditions, including brain or spinal cord injuries, back injuries, amputations, visual or hearing

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cultural, and Environmental Sciences, OSU Extension and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center. It attracts upwards of 140,000 visitors from all over the country and Canada, who come for three days to peruse 4,000 product lines from 600 commercial exhibitors and learn the latest in agricultural research, conservation, family and nutrition and gardening and landscape.

Farm Science Review pre-show tickets are now on sale for $5 at all OSU Extension county offices. Tickets will also be available at local agribusinesses. Tickets are $8 at the gate. Children 5 and younger are admitted free. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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

R E TA I L G A R D E N C E N T E R or C O M M E R C I A L P R O D U C T I O N. . .

impairments, heart disease, respiratory problems, repetitive motion injuries, diabetes, and arthritis.

The display will contain several assistive technologies and informational resources to help farmers with a disability maintain productivity. Each day, AgrAbility staff will provide assistive technology “show and tell” sessions on items such as tractor lifts, standing wheel chairs, and simple solutions for grasping issues and arthritis.

In addition, Ohio AgrAbility will partner this year with the Uni-

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.

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

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.

O RGAN I CS/S U S TAI NAB L E A G Organic and conventional farming methods compete to eliminate weed seeds in soil Weeds are hard to kill; they seem to come back no matter what steps people take to eradicate them. One reason is because of the persistence of weed seeds in the soil.

Organic farming and conventional farming systems both have their methods of taking on weed seeds, but does one show better results than the other?

The authors of a study reported in the journal Weed Science conducted tests that compared conventional farming with organic systems. This research determined

weed seed viability under both systems over a two-year period in two separate locations.

To compare these systems, researchers buried seeds of two types of weeds, smooth pigweed and common lambsquarters, in mesh bags.

Tests were conducted at agricultural research locations in Maryland and Pennsylvania. Seed viability was determined by retrieving seeds every six months over the twoyear period.

Depth of seeds in the soil, environmental conditions, and soil manage-

ment are among the factors that affect seed persistence. Under conventional soil management, tillage is an important practice that manipulates the depth of seeds and environmental conditions that can influence weed seed persistence. Organic soils have enhanced biological activity, with more carbon, moisture and microbial activity that could lead to greater seed decomposition.

The organic soils in this study were higher in total soil microbial biomass than the soils of the conventional farming tests.

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squarters seeds had a shorter life span in just one of the four experiments, while the conventional methods had the shorter life span in two of four experiments.

These results leave an ambiguous answer to the question of which farming system can better eliminate seeds deep in the soil to control

weeds from their source.

Full text of the article, “Weed Seed Persistence and Microbial Abundance in Long-Term Organic and Conventional Cropping Systems,” Weed Science, Vol. 59, No. 2, April-June 2011, is available at www.wssajournals.org/doi/full/ 10.1614/WS-D-1000142.1

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 year-round.

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.”

Twenty-four 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 organicallygrown 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. The most important thing is to always read the label or ask questions.”

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

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This was measured by phospholipid fatty acid content. But the results of the tests did not lead researchers to conclude that this microbial biomass has a dominating role in seed mortality.

Pigweed seeds showed a shorter life span under the organic system in two of four experiments.

Organic system lamb-

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

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 site-specific 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 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 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. Condi-

tions in 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 inputs 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

Update on economy from prime feature of OFA meeting

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 agricul-

ture, 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 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

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

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, 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 environmental 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 varieties, 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 offer opportunity for subcontracting to growers in metro areas where these outlets are located.

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

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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.

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

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

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Greenhouse Supplies 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

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Fruits & Berries

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

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Heating

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Help Wanted

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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

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

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

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

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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 12 MSU Student Organic Farm Workshop and Tour Dates MSU Horticulture Teaching & Research Center, 3291 College Rd., Holt, MI. All workshops run from 15 pm. Cost is $40/workshop or $125 for the series of 4 & is payable at the workshops. Register at www.hoophouse.msu.edu under the Workshop tab or e-mail admontri@msu.edu Tours are $3/adult, payable at the start of the tours. Kids are free.

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

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

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

On Internet at www. mtna.com

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61st Annual Meeting of the IPPS Eastern Region Seelbach Hilton Hotel, Louisville, KY. Contact Margot Bridgen, 631-7659638.

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

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

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NOV 15-16 Academy for Dairy Executives March 23-24 in Alexandria Bay and Nov. 15-16 in Ogdensburg. A new program that offers the unique opportunity to discover and hone skills that are proven to be essential for well rounded, high performing dairy managers.

The 2011 class will be made up of 20 to 30 dairy producers from across the Northern New York region.

The Academy of Dairy Executives will allow dairy managers to further improve their management practices through a three part program over 10 months.

Participants attending the Academy will participate in the three, indepth seminars at sites across the Northern New York Region in 2011. For more information contact Peggy Murray Farm Business Management, Lewis County CCE, 315-3765270, fax 315-376-5281, e-mail mlm40@cornell.edu or Corey Hayes Farm Business Management, Jefferson County CCE, 315-7888450 ext. 260, fax 315788-8461, e-mail cmh298@cornell.edu.

JAN 8-9 2012 National Green Centre Overland Park Convention Center,6000 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS. Call 888-233-1876 or info@ nationalgreencentre.org.

JAN 11-13 Illinois Specialty Crops, Agritourism and Organic Conference Crowne Plaza Hotel Convention Center, Springfield, IL. Contact Diane Handley, 309-557-2107 or dhandley@ilfb.org.

JAN 20-21 Iowa Christmas Tree Growers Winter Meeting Best Western Motel, Marshalltown, Iowa. Contact Jan Pacovsky, 641-3944534 or 641-330-3237.

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

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

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Calendar of Events

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 The Morton Arboretum.

“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 man-

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age EAB to protect ash trees.”

Once park districts alert The Morton Arboretum about possible nests, Krafka and other research assistants will confirm they belong to the Cerceris wasp. This was the case in Skokie.

John Gacki, Parks Supervisor for the Skokie Park District noticed nests and colonies in the ground when doing work 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

EAB Infestations A15

Cerceris is a parasitic wasp. It goes out to find a wood-boring insect like emerald ash borer, stings it, and brings one back to its nest.

New statistics show Michigan farm exports growing New figures released by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) show that Michigan’s overall agricultural exports in 2010 grew just over 10 percent from 2009. The data show 2010 export levels reached $1.75 billion.

“Congratulations to our ag exporters as they continue to succeed in the global marketplace.

It’s exciting to see Michigan’s agricultural exports gaining a stronger foothold in the global economy, but

there is still work to do,” said Keith Creagh, Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development. “Michigan is home to a tremendous array of great products.

There are many new economic development opportunities available for our producers and processors through exporting. Building the New International Trade Bridge will help achieve our goal to double our ag exports by 2015 since Canada is one of our biggest mar-

kets and is an important gateway to the rest of the world.”

“Michigan’s growing strength in agricultural exports is key as we develop a statewide export infrastructure,” said Michael A. Finney, President and CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “State agencies are working with the U.S. Department of Commerce to deliver Michigan exports in much greater volumes around the world.”

The growth in Michi-

gan soybean exports for 2010 was especially dramatic, gaining more than 40 percent from 2009. Soybeans and their products are the largest of Michigan’s agricultural exports with $588.7 million in 2010, followed by feeds and grains with $276.3 million in 2010, and wheat and products with $194.3 million in 2010.

More than one-third of the total agricultural products grown in Michigan are exported each year. Michigan’s

high-quality, dependable agricultural exports support about 14,700 Michigan jobs based on USDA multipliers, and generate further economic activity in the state. According to USDA estimates, each $1 in agricultural exports stimulates an additional $1.31 in other business activities.

The newly released data also show Michigan as the seventh largest exporting state in the U.S. for fruit and preparations with $144.6 million in ex-

ports, the ninth largest exporter for vegetables and preparations with $158 million in exports, and the sixth largest exporter of “other” agricultural products with $175.4 million in exports.

For more information of MDARD’s International Marketing Program, contact Jamie Zmitko-Somers at 517241-3628 or zmitkoj@michigan.gov.

Or, visit www.michigan.gov/agexport or follow them @MIAgExport.

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 at-

tacks 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 statewide, and 20 percent of residential trees in the northeastern part of the state, or approximately 130 million ash trees.

EAB Infestations from A14 the insect was back on their radar. Across the Northeastern U.S., from

Minnesota down to Missouri, east to the Atlantic Coast, researchers are

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

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Flower power puts a hurt on caterpillars

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

ARS scientists are investigating the ability of anthocyanins, healthful chemical compounds that give fruit and flowers blue and purple color, to control insect pests such as the corn earworm.

by Jan Suszkiw U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists in Peoria, IL, are investigating the pest-fighting potential of anthocyanins, healthful chemical compounds in the form of plant pigments that give blueberries, plums, grapes and flowers such as petunias their blue and purple color.

In experiments conducted at the National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, operated in Peoria, IL, by USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS), cor n earwor m caterpillars forced to feed on blue areas of petunia petals gained less weight than larvae that fed on white areas. ARS is USDA’s principal intramural scientific research agency.

Additional experiments showed that anthocyanins isolated from the petunia

petals also slowed the caterpillars’ growth rate. Cabbage looper caterpillars were also evaluated. Those that ate the blue petal areas of a petunia cultivar used in the tests died at higher rates than larvae that ate the white areas.

Although it’s unclear what petal compound or compounds were involved in the loopers’ deaths, their toxicity was apparently increased by the anthocyanins’ presence, according to Eric T. Johnson, a molecular biologist with the center’s Crop Bioprotection Research Unit.

He and his colleagues also are interested in maize proteins that are produced during the crop’s seedling stage.

The seedlings are quite resistant to insects, and the re-

searchers suspect this may be partly due to a combination of resistance biochemicals and proteins.

If the proteins’ resistance role can be confir med, then it may be possible to express the genes responsible for those proteins at a later stage in the plant’s life cycle. However, this would be contingent upon expressing them at sufficient levels, adds Johnson.

Ultimately, studies of plant-produced substances like anthocyanins could give rise to new crop varieties that boast dualuse phytochemicals — fighting pests on the one hand and benefiting human health on the other.

Read more about the research in the August 2011 issue of Agricultural Research magazine.

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

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 coordinator.

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

Chub Lake Tree Farm fulfills couple’s lifelong desire

A customer looks on while his Christmas tree is baled for transportation.

Photos courtesy of Chub Lake Tree Farm

by Kelly Gates When they were young, Jim and Bev Whorton grew up on farms in north central Missouri. As adults, both opted to enter the forestry industry, a choice of profession that ultimately brought them to Minnesota, where there was a wealth of trees to tend to and plenty of property for producing trees.

According to Jim, the environment was ripe for

two former farmers with lifelong desires to start a growing operation of their own.

“Our farm roots never escaped us and we eventually bought a 30 acre parcel in 1985 and started planting Christmas trees,” Jim told Country Folks Grower. “The tree farm not only got us back into growing, it also provided adequate work for our two teenage sons.”

The company, Chub Lake Tree Farm of Carlton, MN, started out with a mix of Scotch pines and Balsam firs. A few “exotic” fir varieties were also added over time, mostly when technological advances produced new trees with better needle retention and survivability.

No machinery was used when planting the fields. Each seedling was

put into the earth by hand, a method still used there today. Jim explained the process in detail. “We plant by hand and shovel, usually in two-person teams. Since our sons are grown now, it’s just the two of us, plus a few neighbors who help out each year,” he said. “One person carries a bucket of onefoot seedlings with eightinch root systems while the other person digs a hole the size of a one-gallon bucket. Then, whoever is holding the bucket plants the seedling while another hole is dug nearby.”

While one might think that the diggers have the hardest job, it’s actually the people doing the planting who feel it most, he added. They are continually crouching and

ChubLake B3

WREATHS

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

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

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

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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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ChubLake from B2 manually burying the root systems before standing up to do it all again. To avoid overworking any individual,

the teams rotate jobs several times per day.

After the new trees are in place, the focus at Chub Lake Tree Farm

shifts to maintenance.

Jim and Bev keep an eye out for pests and mow between the rows to keep vegetation under control.

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“By the time the trees are about three feet tall, we begin looking for correctional problems,” noted Jim. “We might have to trim off an extra trunk that has started to grow.

Mostly though, we are shearing, creating a basic shape that will one day be a great looking Christmas tree.”

When the same trees are several years older, Jim and Bev swap out their shears for machetestyle knives. Knives are swung downward across the outside of each tree in a long, sweeping motion. The sharp blades effectively slice off any unwanted branch tips that jut out beyond the desired form.

Although they have occasionally hired help, the

Whortons feel shearing is a task best done themselves. Because it is freeform, “it is a technique that develops over time,” said Jim. “You can always cut off more, but once a section has been accidentally lopped off, it’s too late and not possible to fix the tree.”

Around the holidays, the activity level at Chub Lake Tree Farm picks up significantly. The business, a choose-and-cut Christmas outlet, must be readied for the influx of visitors who descend on the property beginning the weekend after Thanksgiving.

The family always has an open fire to welcome guests. Everyone is offered the opportunity to roast hot dogs. Hot apple cider and cookies are also on hand.

Jim and Bev set out small sleds intended for lugging rosy-cheeked children out to the fields and freshly cut trees back to the heated barn.

There are also handmade wreaths available for purchase inside the barn.

“We designed the farm to promote the family experience of selecting a tree together. For many, it is a half day event,” Jim said. “We love having people come out and hang around by the fire or in the barn, enjoying the day and soaking in

the atmosphere.”

Since there are inevitably some customers who are in a hurry, Chub Lake Tree Farm offers a great selection of precut trees too. Some are harvested directly from the farm’s fields while additional trees are brought in from other tree growers. A Boy Scout troop buys trees annually from the Whortons and a supermarket purchases trees for resale. Also, the Whortons, with customer assistance, provide trees to the “Trees for Troops” program.

During the past 25 years, Jim and Bev have fine-tuned their farm.

They have slightly altered the types of trees that they carry, honing in on those that customers request the most.

The Whortons are certainly capable of handling the day-to-day tasks on the farm now and for many years to come. They are scheduled to plant another crop of trees in 2011.

When they do, the duo will be bound to the business for at least another 10 to 12 years.

According to Jim, they’ll probably plant again the next year. And the next one after that.

“We will be doing this for as long as we possibly can,” said Jim. “This is our life.”

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Bev Whorton, at left, and Jim Whorton, at right, pose with soldiers from a local National Guard unit who participated in “Trees for Troops” day at the farm.

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

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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-win-

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

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.

ning conifer.

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.

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 third-place 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.

“Entering but not winning the national contest is both rewarding and frustrating, knowing that you were so close, but finally winning is 100 percent exciting,” said Schroeder.

“I know we’ll love the experience and we wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

A Scotch pine tree, entered by Dan and Ken

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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. The selected tree will be 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.

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Program offers protection from stray chemicals estimated 500 participants in the program, Hahn said. And earlier this year the program expanded to serve Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota. Talks are under way to expand the program to Colorado, Montana, North Dakota and Nebraska, and other states have expressed initial interest.

“It was surprising,” Hahn said of the sudden interest. “We’re currently investigating those opportunities and at the same time making sure we take care of what we’ve already committed to.”

Program participants with approved pesticidesensitive field areas are eligible to purchase yellow yard signs reading “No Drift Zone” and directing readers to the program’s Web site at DriftWatch.org. There, users can work with a Google map with mark-

ers indicating each piece of land and the reason the land is being protected, including the growth of organic fruits or vegetables.

But crops aren’t the only things protected through the program.

Purdue University maintains 160 honey bee colonies at four sites, all of which appear on the Drift Watch list.

Greg Hunt, a Purdue professor and honey bee specialist, said the bees are used for educational and research purposes.

That includes, for example, the study of preventative methods for Varroa mites, which are essentially large ticks that will suck the blood from bees and reproduce in their insides, destroying bee colonies.

Hunt said researchers have occasionally found a few hundred dead bees in front of various hives — not due to the mites but

rather to pesticides used during corn planting.

“I wasn’t too concerned about pesticide drift, but I’m becoming more concerned about it as time goes on,” Hunt said.

Hunt said the Drift Watch program can also serve as an educational opportunity or a conversation starter when it comes to beekeepers.

“It gives beekeepers a way of making their neighbors aware their bees are present,” Hunt said. “Avoiding pesticide kills is all about talking to your neighbors, the growers, and letting them know there are practices they can do to minimize bee kills.”

Bruce Bordelon, a Purdue professor of horticulture and landscape architecture, said chemical drift has been “a long-standing problem.”

“In the 20 years I’ve been here at Purdue it’s always been something

we’ve been trying to deal with,” Bordelon said.

“This is all about communication. I don’t believe there is any applicator out there that doesn’t care if he wipes out a soybean field, but sometimes they don’t even know those fields are there.”

Bordelon said chemicals commonly used can be particularly damaging

to more susceptible crops, such as tomatoes.

“These are avoidable mistakes,” Bordelon said. “Once that damage occurs, it’s done for a growing season. Especially later in the season, when they’re flowering, (farmers’) yields will drop to nothing. They can just be total losses, and that’s just a bad deal for everybody involved.”

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LAFAYETTE, IN (AP) — Dan Cassens has put a lot of time and money into his 20-acre Christmas tree farm in Lafayette.

It takes about seven years for a Christmas tree to mature, meaning that if something goes wrong this season, such as a wayward drift of chemical herbicides from a nearby farm, Cassens might be out of business.

“I’ve got a lot of money invested per acres because I have a lot of trees per acre,” Cassens said.

“A lot of folks don’t recognize the value that’s there.”

That’s why when Cassens learned of Drift Watch, a collaborative network of growers and chemical application companies to prevent chemical drift, he signed right up.

This is Cassens’ second year in the program, which provides a Webbased network through which users can clearly see registered areas crop dusters and chemical applicators they should take extra care to avoid.

These sensitive areas include specialty commercial crops, beehives, managed habitats housing at-risk or endangered animals, or surface sources of public drinking water.

“Our goal is to enable those communications at the local level,” said Leighanne Hahn, water quality and endangered species specialist with the Office of the Indiana State Chemist. “It’s a form of social media when you look at the overall objective, except we’re targeting a specific group of needs.”

The idea for the program was first floated in 2007, with a prototype of the Web site launching in 2008.

Statewide, there are an

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

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 cut-your-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 become 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 pro-

duction 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 “twothirds taper"; that is, the base of the tree is twothirds 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 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

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tion 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

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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 differently to shearing.

These species are characterized by lateral buds along the twigs in addi-

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Shearing from B6 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 re-

stricted 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 increas-

es the difficulty of shearing and 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 midJuly to early August, depending on location, but most growers plan on being finished by Aug. 1 at the latest. Late shearing results in the develop-

ment 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

Shearing B8

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Shearing from B7 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. 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 estab-

lished 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,

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 (af-

Shearing B9

Shearing from B8 ter 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 twig-bud anatomy are different for these species than for pines.

The branches of spruces and firs, including Douglas fir, are characterized 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

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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 symmetrical tree shape.

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

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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 branches tend to grow rapidly and secondary growth flushes can

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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

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Shearing from B9 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 non- sheared trees will fail to grow. In this case, a lateral branch farther down the termi-

nal 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 summer 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 situa-

trees will be competitive in today’s marketplace.

For more information visit http://forestry. msu.edu/extension/Ex tDocs/shear.htm#Tree %20response%20to%20 shearing Source: Michigan State University Department of Forestry

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

tion 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

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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

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called on Congress to: • Support the development of local food markets, including farmers markets and farm-toschool programs, which can stabilize community-supported markets and create permanent jobs. For example, the report found that the Farmers Market Promotion Program could create as many as 13,500 jobs nationally over a five-year period, if reauthorized, by providing modest funding for 100 to 500 farmers markets per year.

• Level the playing field for farmers in rural regions by investing in infrastructure, such as meat-processing 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 consumers, 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.”

Kansas senator: Everything on table for farm cuts WICHITA, KS (AP) — Sen. Pat Roberts says everything is on the table when it comes to the farm program as the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee grapples with recommendations for budget cuts.

On Aug. 25 the Kansas Republican said in Wichita farmers and ranchers would support some budget cuts but also want a common sense approach. He says whatever farm bill the agriculture committee puts together should be

policy oriented.

Kansas farmers told the committee during a field hearing in Wichita that the crop insurance program was the most valuable program for them, especially during the ongoing drought in Kansas.

Gov. Sam Brownback urged the group to develop a federal policy to help states deal with declining aquifers.

Sen. Debbie Sabenow, a Democrat from Michigan, says the committee has an October deadline for recommending cuts.

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

2012 SESSIONS WILL INCLUDE: • Flower Production • Flower Marketing • Labor • Potatoes • Tree Fruit • Tomatoes & Peppers • Cultural Controls

$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

Implement tires not to be left by the wayside Proper implement tire selection and care is key to productivity

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

Because implement tires are used only for a couple of weeks out of the year, their care and selection may seem trivial to many farmers, but in farming, timing is everything, and if a farmer is experiencing downtime during those couple of weeks out of the year, the yield can be catastrophically affected. That’s why it is important for farmers to take a close look at what type of tire they put on their implements.

Speed rating The vast majority of implement tires are rated for 25 to 30 miles per hour. Yet, it’s becoming more common for larger implements such as balers to be towed behind a pickup truck or even a semi-tractor trailer. In this case, it’s crucial to select a highwayrated implement tire.

Traveling at high speeds causes high temperatures to develop under the tread bars, which will weaken the rubber material and cord fabric. While there may be no visible evidence of damage at the time, the strength of the tire can become severely compromised, potentially leading to a blowout.

Though a highway implement tire may allow farmers to arrive at their destination more

quickly, they have to realize what they’re giving up in terms of performance in other areas. Because the compounding and construction of highway tires are significantly different than non-highway tires, they may not have the durability in the field that many farmers look for in a tire.

Load capacity Choosing an implement tire at the appropriate load capacity isn’t just as simple as comparing it to the weight of the implement. Many people fail to take into account the effect of road use on load capacity.

If being used for higher speeds or particularly rough gravel roads, Scott Sloan, product engineering manager for Titan Tire Corporation, recommends using a tire with a higher ply rating. Doing so will not only ensure the tires aren’t loaded beyond their limit, but can also help decrease susceptibility to puncture damage in the field.

Size and shape In addition to being concerned about the field damaging their tires, farmers are concerned about their tires damaging the field.

Sloan stresses that even minor subtleties in the shape of tires can have a significant impact on

the field. Specifically, he warns against choosing tires with a squareshoulder design.

“If you are cultivating after the crop is up, the edges of a squareshoulder implement tire can cut the roots off,” Sloan explains.

“A rounded shoulder ensures minimal crop and field damage.”

Tread design Implement tires have traditionally been ribbed, but as tractors are becoming more powerful, many farmers are becoming more concerned about the traction of their implement tires, especially when working in wet soils. As such, lugged implement tires are becoming more common.

“A ribbed tire tends to plow through deep mud, rather than rolling, which can be hard on both the field and the fuel efficiency of the tractor,” says Sloan. ”So, if you work in extremely muddy conditions and see very little road travel, a lugged tire may be a good option. If you see much road time, a ribbed tire will last longer than a lugged.”

A lugged tire design also has better resistance to puncture damage from stubble, which is a major concern for many farmers.

Radial versus bias

Bias tires are generally less expensive than radials, and because price is the deciding factor for many farmers, bias tires are chosen more often than not. There are, however, many benefits to using radial tires on an implement.

“With radials, you won’t have to sacrifice as much performance in one area to get performance in another,” says Bill Campbell, president of Titan Tire Corporation. “They have a much stronger carcass and are less susceptible to wear and damage. So, they’ll have a longer lifespan.”

Radials are also able to carry the same weight at lower inflation pressures than a bias.

This means better flotation in the field and less soil compaction. Their strong carcass makes for better resistance to puncture damage and better roadability with less tread wear.

Choosing a replacement tire In choosing a replacement tire, it’s important to match the size to the exact overall diameter (OD) of the existing tires, and because sizes can differ slightly between brands, it’s important to use the same brand of tire.

Implement tire care Regularly checking the air pressure of im-

plement tires is the best way to ensure their longevity. The deflection caused by underinflation can cause the tire to wear rapidly and unevenly, particularly in the shoulder area, eventually leading to cracks in the carcass. Overinflation, on the other hand, creates an underdeflected tire, leading to increased wear on the center of the tire. Moreover, the tightly stretched carcass becomes more susceptible to impact breaks.

“I’d recommend putting the implement on blocks during the offseason,” says Sloan. “If a tire goes flat, you don’t want the weight of the implement on the rim, because that rim can cut into the sidewall, and when spring rolls around, you might have to replace it rather than just inflating it.”

Bottom line

When it comes to implement tires, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Although choosing a brand or type of tire may seem like a trivial decision based on price, choosing the wrong implement tire can lead to shortened lifespan and unplanned downtime during a crucial time of year. A farmer must base his or her decision on how the tire will be used, with special attention given to speed rating, load rating, tread design, size and shape, and construction type. Proper selection and care will ensure an implement will be running when the farmer needs it most.

For more information on Goodyear Farm Tire products and services, visit the company’s website at www.titanintl.com or e-mail Titan International at sales@titan-intl.com.

This Family Friendly House Situated in a Beautiful Country Setting Rural Route Cooperstown, NY

Could Mak e Your Dr eams Come True...

More than a house, a wonderful way of life. 3.5 acres, Kitchen with built in Dishwasher, Stove, Refrigerator/Freezer, Ample Cupboards and Work Island. Dining Area - Living Room adjacent to Den, 3 Bedrooms with 3 Baths. Large, Glassed Sunroom, Outside Deck, Insulated Barn with concrete floor. Oil Hot Water Baseboard Heat.

You owe it to yourself to come and take a look.

Owner will carry mortgage for qualified buyer with down payment. Otsego Lake Privilege.

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Agriculture Secretary Vilsack holds White House Rural Forum to discuss jobs and economic opportunities in Wisconsin WEST ALLIS, WI, — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack held a White House Rural Forum at the Wisconsin State Fair on Aug. 4 with businesses and community leaders, farmers and ranchers to explore ways federal, state and local officials can work together to improve economic conditions and create jobs.

The forum is part of a series of meetings that are being held across the country this summer with senior administration officials.

“The White House Rural Council is focused on creating good-paying jobs in Wisconsin and across America that help businesses grow and communities thrive,” said Vilsack. “The best ideas come from the American people, so this Rural Forum gives me an opportunity to hear directly from Wisconsin residents about their ideas on how we can put people back to work and

expand the rural economic base here and across the country.”

In June, President Barack Obama signed an executive order establishing the first White House Rural Council, chaired by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, and a series of working groups have been held in recent weeks to advance the council’s objectives. Since his inauguration, Obama’s administration has taken significant steps to improve the lives of rural Americans and has provided broad support for rural communities.

The Obama administration has set goals of modernizing infrastructure by providing broadband access to 10 million Americans, expanding educational opportunities for students in rural areas, providing affordable health care, promoting innovation and expanding the production of renewable energy. In the long term,

these unparalleled rural investments will help ensure that America’s rural communities are repopulating, self-sustaining, and thriving economically.

The White House Rural Council is working collaboratively to build on the administration’s economic strategy for rural America and make sure that continued federal investments create maximum benefit for rural Americans. Secretary Vilsack is working to coordinate USDA programs across the government and encourage public-private partnerships to improve economic conditions and create jobs in rural communities. The Aug. 4 event served as an opportunity to educate participants about USDA programs and other the resources across the federal government that can help rebuild and revitalize America’s rural communities.

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Web Design and e-Commerce Workshop offered ing, you may wish to take on the creation and maintenance of your own Web site.

In an effort to help you answer and explore some of these questions, MSU Extension-Jackson County will hold a Web Design and e-Commerce Workshop at Jackson District Library Carnegie branch. The workshop will take place on two

Monday evenings, Oct. 3 and 17 from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

This five-hour class will walk participants through the practical, financial and marketing aspects of creating a Web site. It will compare the costs of building your own Web site with having a firm build a Web site for you. It will also walk participants through

several ways of creating their own Web site.

The emphasis will be on hands-on learning.

If you begin the class with a good Web site idea, an Internet service provider (ISP) and a domain name, you will have a Web site by the end of the class. The class is designed to help you apply lessons learned as you proceed in the class. Other top-

ics presented will include selling items on an online auction site and dealing with online monetary transactions.

Graduates of this class will know whether it makes sense for them to build their own Web site or have it done by someone else.

In addition, they will gain the knowledge to actually build a Web site if they choose to.

All web development tools used will be meant for beginners.

Some computer experience is necessary, as participants will be asked to use a computer as part of the class.

The cost of the class is $150 and includes all reference materials and software as well as meals and refreshments.

To register, call the MSU Extension Office in Jackson County at 517-788-4292.

The deadline for registration is Sept. 19. This program is sponsored

by MSU ExtensionJackson County, the Food System Economic Partnership, and the MSU Product Center.

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

w w w. c f g r o w e r. c o m

In this day and age, a Web site is a must. But what should your Web site do for your business? Should it serve as a billboard or online yellow pages or should it be your storefront?

These decisions don’t just require thought, but a careful comparison of costs and deployment of your time and energy. In addition, with a little train-

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 green-

house production, floral retail and wholesale, and allied trade fields.

These two intern scholarship programs aid students in gaining hands-on, real-world experience in floriculture. The Vic & Margaret Ball Intern Scholarship Program, estab-

lished 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.

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

NFU submits comments opposing regulations on small leafy green Coming 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 mediumsized 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.”

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 in-

ternship 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

Soon - The newest publication in the Lee Publications, Inc. family of agricultural papers Sept/Oct

Section One

Serving g Thee Professionall • Growerr • Winemakerr • Seller

Classifieds Equipment Marketing

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

As readers of Country Folks and Country Folks Grower you know the value of our publications as you run and improve your business.

If your current business or future plans include grapes or wine you can now have a publication with those same benefits for that branch of your business.

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