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
Apples
Apricots
Asian Pears
Blueberries
Cherries
Currants
Gooseberries
Nectarines
Peaches
Pears
Plums
Raspberries / Blackberries
Strawberries
Unusual Fruit
Upcoming Events
Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) Training & Food Safety Plan-Writing Workshop
February 2 - February 3, 2023
Newark, NY
Goals of this workshop:
- Understand how GAPs (Good Agricultural Practices) impact produce safety, and how you can improve practices on your farm to reduce the risk of microbial contamination
- Learn the difference between a FSMA Inspection and a GAPs audit, and learn what is needed to have a USDA GAP/GHP audit and the 2 types (Basic & Harmonized)
- Begin writing a farm food safety plan that complies with a USDA GAP/GHP Audit
This workshop is targeted at Mott's growers who need to have a successful GAP audit for the 2023 harvest. However, all farms and organizations are invited to attend.
We will have several breaks, including a lunch break, scattered throughout the day, but feel free to step away whenever you need to. Lunch and snacks provided. Note: All times are approximate. Time spent on each topic varies depending on audience and questions/discussion. There will be time for questions at the end of each section and a final opportunity for questions when we close for the day.
Instructors Confirmed: Craig Kahlke (CCE-LOF), Robert Hadad (CCE-CVP), Caroline Boutard-Hunt (CCE-Yates), Judy Wright (CCE-Seneca), and Representatives from NYS Dept. of Ag & Mkts.
How Profitable Will My New Orchard Investment Be? 1-day, hands-on skills class
February 7, 2023
Highland, NY
The Eastern NY Commercial Hort Team and the Lake Ontario Fruit Team are offering a 1-day, hands-on course at 5 locations in NYS in January and February for tree fruit farms on using farm financial information and other resources to make decisions about long-term investments or changes to their business. We will apply the techniques covered in the 8-part webinar series in December to scenarios using sample financial data from fruit farms in NYS.
Apple Leafcurling Midge IPM - Webinar
February 16, 2023
In recent years, the apple leafcurling midge (ALCM) has become an increasingly problematic pest in many orchards across the northeast.