Note: There is an easy new way to access call recordings. The season’s calls are now archived on a telephone messaging system. Dial: 641-715-3800, then enter this access code: 95226. Follow the directions in the greeting to listen to any of the Organic Apple Growers’ Hour calls from the 2008 season.
Participants (6 total): Deirdre Birmingham, Mineral Point, WI; Sam Atkins, Bayfield, WI; Tom Galazen, Bayfield, WI; John Aue, Richland Center, WI; Lisa DiPietro, Madison, WI; Michael Phillips, Groveton, NH
Discussion Topics:
1. This season’s weather at Lost Nation Orchard and its affect on Michael’s management strategy.
2. Michael’s spray schedule: why he sprayed, what he sprayed, when he sprayed.
3. Michael’s assessment of the success of his orchard management strategy.
4. Assessment of insect pressure and insect damage at Lost Nation Orchard.
5. Season overview for North Wind Organic Farm in Bayfield, WI.
6. The importance of picking up drops on a weekly basis.
7. Balancing sulfur sprays and the promotion of beneficial fungi.
8. Season overview for Atkins Orchard in Bayfield, WI.
9. Do Brix levels reflect the overall health of the tree?
10. Advanced Growers retreat March 6-8 in Michigan; Michael will attend the retreat.
11. Success with managing high pest pressure using Aza-Direct, Neem oil, Pyganic, molasses, Surround, sulfur and calcium at Schaeffer’s Orchard Run.
12. General patterns of insect pressure and emerging pest issues this season in the Upper Midwest.
13. The need to focus on uniform application when using a hand wand for sprays
14. Staying power of Surround greatly enhanced when applied as a matrix with Neem.
If you would like to hear the recording of this call, you can access it via the archive described above, or you can dial (712) 432-1284, then enter this access code: 868736. The recording will be available at this number until it is erased by another call.
Organic Apple Growers’ Hour: Call archive
