Editor’s Letter: Plan, reflect, learn
Here at Fruit Growers News (FGN), we are looking forward to the late fall as it provides an opportunity to plan, reflect and learn.
Check out the FGN October 2024 issue, packed full of content related to plant health, research, grapes, berries, Great Lakes EXPO and more.
Titan Farms
Explore how this Southeast grower monitors soil health and plans to improve operations to protect peach crops from pests and diseases.
USApple forecast
This fall, USApple released its forecast. Growers are reporting favorable growing conditions and are eyeing great crops. Unusual for Michigan, this year the state’s growers will complete a trio of larger than normal harvests. With growers planting high-density orchards and adopting other innovative growing practices, expect Michigan growers to continue producing larger crops.Pennsylvania follows a record-breaking 2023-24 harvest. “We never picked that much fruit on this farm,” said Steve Frecon of Frecon Farms. “It was chaotic and busy, but I’d take that every year if I could get it. Overall, this year is an average size crop.” Read more in this year’s report.
Philip E. Marucci Center for Blueberry and Cranberry Research and Extension
FGN toured Philip E. Marucci Center for Blueberry and Cranberry Research and Extension, which conducts and shares research vital to the cultivation of quality blueberries and cranberries while also developing new cultivars for the industry.
Michigan Viticulture Field Day
Also don’t miss out on the pruning approaches that may preserve cold-damaged vineyards. FGN dives into details from Mike de Schaaf’s research, which was presented at the 35th annual Michigan Viticulture Field Day.Schaaf is the farm manager at Michigan State University’s (MSU) Southwest Michigan Research & Extension Center in Benton Harbor, Michigan, you can read about his research here.
Great Lakes Fruit & Vegetable EXPO
Looking ahead to December, there are plenty of opportunities to learn at the Great Lakes Fruit & Vegetable EXPO in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Read more about educational sessions that will discuss apple, blueberry and cranberry crop management.
Here at FGN, we look forward to connecting with you in Michigan in December! Feel free to email us if you’d like to schedule time to meet.
Written by Doug Ohlemeier, assistant editor for FGN