Tree Fruit Nutrition Training with John Kempf

John Kempf has outlined the science behind a strategically applied nutrition-based system in pome fruit production, mainly in Oregon and Washington orchards, and more recently in the Northeast. Using field observations, John has provided an interpretive framework with which to decipher the nutritional requirements of trees, targeting nutrient type and developmental phase of the crop. At the recent 2019 CCE LOF Winter Fruit Schools, John gave insights into the movement of minerals within the tree and how this applies to the remediation of issues apple growers face such as fire blight, bitter rot, and bitter pit.
Based on positive feedback received from several growers who attended John Kempf's talks at the recent 2019 CCE LOF Winter Fruit Schools, additional educational opportunities to continue learning about tree fruit nutrition and much more have been offered. On March 5th there was a webinar entitled "Integrated Nutritional Management for Pome Fruit Production with John Kempf" that covered Sap analysis & Nutrition management of Honeycrisp focusing on bitter pit resistance. The webinar was recorded and the link available, along with the additional downloadable resources discussed there in, at the bottom of this page.
In addition, there will also be an orchard walk, or mini-tour of 2-3 Honeycrisp blocks (including at least one site to be planted in the spring of 2019), at VanDeWalle Fruit Farm on Saturday March 30th, from 8:30 am to noon. The orchard walk will cover aspects related to site preparation and how to manage for high-quality soils (organic matter, soil physical condition, and nutrient availability). Management of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, and the important role of micronutrients for young and mature Honeycrisp trees, will be discussed with John and grower host Scott VanDeWalle, who has followed some of John's recommendations. Register for the orchard walk using the link below.
Resources:
Integrated Nutritional Management for Pome Fruit Production with John Kempf Webinar recorded March 5
Orchard Walk with John Kempf March 30 Register Now for this Free Event
View a variety of John's previous webinars (including a recent one on promoting and maintaining plant health).
Honeycrisp (pdf; 69KB)
- Honeycrisp program John referenced on the webinar
Apple and Pear Sap Sampling Guide (pdf; 839KB)
- Sap analysis guide John referenced on the webinar
Upcoming Events
Wayne County - DEC Certified Pesticide Applicator License Pre-Exam Training via Zoom
March 22, 2021 : DEC Certified Applicator Pre-Exam Training Day 1
This training is only for those with experience and does not qualify for the 30-hour official DEC training - you are exempt from the 30 hour training (and eligible for this coaching session) if you have pesticide application experience, either through working on your own farm or through employment on another farm.
March 24, 2021 : DEC Certified Applicator Pre-Exam Training Day 2
Workshop without manuals can register by Mar 5,
This training is only for those with experience and does not qualify for the 30-hour official DEC training - you are exempt from the 30 hour training (and eligible for this coaching session) if you have pesticide application experience, either through working on your own farm or through employment on another farm.
March 29, 2021 : DEC Certified Applicator Pre-Exam Training Day 3
This training is only for those with experience and does not qualify for the 30-hour official DEC training - you are exempt from the 30 hour training (and eligible for this coaching session) if you have pesticide application experience, either through working on your own farm or through employment on another farm.
March 31, 2021 : DEC Certified Applicator Pre-Exam Training Day 4
This training is only for those with experience and does not qualify for the 30-hour official DEC training - you are exempt from the 30 hour training (and eligible for this coaching session) if you have pesticide application experience, either through working on your own farm or through employment on another farm.
Orleans County - DEC Certified Pesticide Applicator License Pre-Exam Training via Zoom
March 22, 2021 : DEC Certified Applicator Pre-Exam Training Day 1
This training is only for those with experience and does not qualify for the 30-hour official DEC training - you are exempt from the 30 hour training (and eligible for this coaching session) if you have pesticide application experience, either through working on your own farm or through employment on another farm.
March 24, 2021 : DEC Certified Applicator Pre-Exam Training Day 2
Workshop without manuals can register by Mar 5,
This training is only for those with experience and does not qualify for the 30-hour official DEC training - you are exempt from the 30 hour training (and eligible for this coaching session) if you have pesticide application experience, either through working on your own farm or through employment on another farm.
March 29, 2021 : DEC Certified Applicator Pre-Exam Training Day 3
This training is only for those with experience and does not qualify for the 30-hour official DEC training - you are exempt from the 30 hour training (and eligible for this coaching session) if you have pesticide application experience, either through working on your own farm or through employment on another farm.
March 31, 2021 : DEC Certified Applicator Pre-Exam Training Day 4
This training is only for those with experience and does not qualify for the 30-hour official DEC training - you are exempt from the 30 hour training (and eligible for this coaching session) if you have pesticide application experience, either through working on your own farm or through employment on another farm.
Wayne County - DEC Certified Pesticide Applicator License Exam
April 1, 2021
Newark, NY
A Certification Exam will be administered on April 1st at Noon by the DEC to Qualified Applicants. The fee for the exam is $100: bring a check payable to NYSDEC the day of the exam. You must register with DEC to take the exam. To register for the exam or if you have questions regarding the Certification Process, please contact Chris Wainwright at the Bath DEC office (607) 622-8264.