OTFA Field Day at Al-Mar Orchard in Flushing MI
Saturday, August 6th, 9:00AM to 5:00PM

Catch up with OTFA charter member Jim Koan and his son Jake Koan at
the AlMar Orchard Field Day. Jim and Jake will be on hand to share
their insights into the art of growing organic apples under always
unpredictable Midwestern growing conditions. Organic researchers from
MSU will also be present to share some of the ongoing projects
happening at AlMar. Topics to be discussed will range from on-farm
production of heritage and "organic friendly" apple tree varieties to
novel approaches to organic pest and weed management. Be sure to
reserve your spot today so you don't miss out on this fun and
informative day!

Cost is $20 per person (includes lunch). Registrants can pay when they arrive.

Please register by Tuesday, Aug 2, by contacting OTFAinfo@gmail.com or 715-808-0060

The address for GPS or Mapquest searches is: 1431 Duffield R, Flushing, MI 48433


Agenda:

8:30-9:00 AM — Registration

9:00-10:00 AM — Introductions of speakers and overview of Almar's history and present operation. Challenges for this 2011 growing season Spray and management program for this year with Jim Koan and Dr. Matt Grieshop (handout).

10:00-11:00 AM — Discussion of Hog project at SE orchard with Jim Koan, Krista Buhrer and Dr. Matt Grieshop (handout).

11:00 -12:00 PM — Trip to 40, demo Swiss Sandwich, discussion of other cultural practices, discussion of high density vs moderate density, varieties and tree establishment/soil preparation with Jim Koan and Dr. Matt Grieshop (handout).

12:30-2:00 PM — Lunch

2:00-3:00 PM — Farm nursery project, discussion of mistakes made, future directions including bi-axil and tri-axil trees  (handout)

3:00-4:00 PM — Visit to Farrow orchard and discussion by Dr. Anne Nielsen, John Pote and Dr. Matt Grieshop on AFW and other research going on at AlMar or View hogs including new borns and observe work done by them in North orchard Jim Koan and Krista Buehrer (handouts)

4:00-5:00 PM Tour of organic hop project and and native wildflower plots for supporting beneficials, pest control, and pollination with Jim Koan, Dr. Matt Grieshop and  Dr. Rufus Isaacs or Discussion of biopesticides (Nematodes, Virus, Bt, Fungi, Mating Disruption) by Nate Walton and others (handouts)

5:00-? PM — Social hour and furthur discussion of the organic movement, NOSB, NOP, and the creation of an national organic farmers union. Camping welcome for those that wish to continue conversations into the wee hours.