Feb 6, 2018

Michigan Spring Peach Update meeting March 13

A meeting to learn about all aspects of peaches and peach growing is the one day 2018 Michigan Spring Peach Update held in southwest Michigan on March 13.

High quality peaches are always in demand and appreciated by consumers. The 2018 Michigan Spring Peach Update is the best annual meeting in Michigan to learn about this crop. This one-day meeting will take place at Michigan State University’s (MSU) Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center, 1791 Hillandale Road, Benton Harbor, Mich, which is 2.5 miles east of I-94 exit 30 to Hillandale Road. Registration, coffee and socializing begins at 8 a.m. with the program starting at 9 a.m and ending at 4:30 p.m.

The meeting will focus on peaches varieties, insect and disease management, marketing strategies, rootstocks, tree training, grower panel on planting decisions, how to store peaches, processing peaches.

Guest speakers include Lawton Pearson of Pearson Farms, Georgia; Dan Ward, Rutgers University; Julianna Wilson, MSU; David Jones, MSU Extension; Marisol Quintanilla, MSU Entomology; John Thwaites of Thwaites Farms, Ontario; Phil Brannen, University of Georgia, and Bill Shane, MSU Extension. Attendees will be eligible for credits toward their recertification of their Michigan pesticide applicators license.

Deadline for early registration is Monday, March 5. Early registration is $45 per person or $35 for current Michigan Peach Sponsor members, with tasty catered lunch, coffee breaks and handouts included. Registrations mailed after March 5 or at the door are $5 more per person. To pay in advance by check or money order, please fill out the registration form and mail with payment by March 5. After this time, you may register at the door with check, money order or cash. Credit cards will not be accepted.

For additional meeting information contact the conference coordinator Bill Shane at 269-944-1477 ext. 205, 269-208-1652 cell, email [email protected]

Numerous accommodations are available along at I-94 exits 23, 27, 28 and 29 in Berrien County in the vicinities of Benton Harbor, St. Joseph, and Stevensville, Michigan

This meeting is sponsored by the Michigan Peach Sponsors, Crop Production Services, MSU Extension and the Michigan Society for Horticultural Science.

–Bill Shane, Michigan State University Extension

Photo above: Michigan Spring Peach Update meeting coordinator Bill Shane. Photo: Gary Pullano