Feb 17, 2020
International Tree Fruit Association Precision Vision 2020 63rd Annual Post Conference and Tours

The International Tree Fruit Association’s “Precision Vision 2020,” 63rd Annual Post Conference and Tours took place from Feb. 13-14 in northwest central Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. #ifruittree

Stephen Kloosterman, associate editor

The first stop on the tour were the Riveridge Orchards and Cider Plant.
IFTA
Justin Finkler of Riverridge receives a gift from IFTA President Lisa Jenereaux.
V-style Trellis
Riverridge Orchards use a V-style trellis system, unlike most other Michigan growers.
Justin Finkler of Riverridge describes orchard operations.
Riveridge IFTA
The Riverridge stop on the tour included a brisk walk across the orchard.

Photo of a brisk walk in a winter orchard

VTrellis closeup
Some of the linkages in Riverridge’s V-type trellis system.
This is the Automated Ag platform picker that’s compatible with the cutting-edge Cyclone harvest assist system. Finkler said they will be using it next year.
Rennhack Orchards was the next stop on the tour.
pruning photo
Dave Rennhack gave a pruning demonstration.

Dave Rennhack
Dave Rennhack
cold walk
Winds on Thursday made for remarkably cold tour conditions.

a photo of apple trees in winter

 

Riley Orchards

Riley Orchards
Andy Riley, his father and son showed attendees their Wildfire Galas in west central Michigan.
Michigan State University Extension agent David Jones (speaking) assists growers in west-central Michigan. With him is IFTA President Lisa Jenereaux.
Mike Van Agtmael of Van Agtmael Orchards in Hart, Michigan.
IFTA tour
Mike Van Agtmael shares a laugh with IFTA attendees.
IFTA 2020 Precision Vision group shot
A group shot of some of the attendees of IFTA 2020 Precision Vision at Van Agtmael Orchards.
Eric and Elizabeth Roossinck
Eric and Elizabeth Roossinck
The sun briefly broke out for a few minutes during the tour.
The sun briefly broke out for a few minutes during the tour.



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