 Organic Vineyard Management
August 19, 3 p.m., at the NW Michigan Horticultural Research Station
6686 S. Center Hwy (County Rd 633)
Three miles north of Crain Hill Rd., in Leelanau County
Learn how to manage diseases and insects in the vineyard using organic practices. We will cover the main grape diseases and organic control strategies, with time allowed for discussion. Veteran organic growers will share their experiences.
This presentation is in conjunction with the Hort Station Annual Open House. For information on other presentations, wine tasting, and dinner call Jackie at 231-946-1510.
Presenters: Annemiek C. Schilder, associate professor in the Plant Pathology Department at Michigan State University and Rufus Isaacs, associate professor in the MSU Department of Entomology.
Cranberry Marsh Site Selection
August 24, 1:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Manistee Conservation District Office
8840 Chippewa Hwy (US 31)
South of Bear Lake, in Manistee County
Cranberry farming can be lucrative, but requires an appropriate site, significant investments in infrastructure, and appropriate state permits. Learn about site requirements, permitting, and Generally Accepted Agricultural Management Practices (GAAMPs).
Inside presentations start at 1 p.m.; a field trip follows, near Kaleva.
Presenters:
Erik Johnson, Michigan Department of Agriculture, Mark Longstroth, MSU Extension, Kim Fish, Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment
Please pre-register for Cranberry Marsh Site Selection by calling the Michigan Land Use Institute at 231-941-6584. For more information, contact Jim Sluyter at 231-941-6584, ext. 15 and jimsluyter@mlui.org, or visit www.localdifference.org/get farming. Pre-registration for Organic Vineyard Management is not necessary.
 Renewable Energy for the Small Farm
Tuesday, September 7, 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
NW Michigan Horticultural Research Station
6686 S. Center Hwy (County Rd 633)
Renewable energy technologies and efficiency can offer energy independence, bolster a farm’s bottom line, or create new revenue sources. Learn about small-scale wind and solar, farm-scale biodiesel, hosting a lucrative community wind project, and USDA funding.
Food Safety on the Farm
Food safety is a major concern for buyers and consumers. Explore ways to assure that your farm is producing clean, safe food and learn how new food safety legislation may affect your farm.
Wednesday, September 22, 6:30 - 9:00
Student Center, Baker College
9600 East 13th Street
Cadillac, MI 49601
GAP Audit Field Trip
More and more buyers use Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) Audits to confirm agri-food safety on the farm. See how a GAP audit is conducted and what the auditor will look for on this field trip. If you have a GAP manual, bring it along. Participation limited; please pre-register early!
Thursday, September 23, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Bardenhagen Farms
7881 E. Pertner Rd., Suttons Bay
Please pre-register for these free events by calling the Michigan Land Use Institute at 231-941-6584. For more information, contact Jim Sluyter at 231-941-6584, ext. 15 and jimsluyter@mlui.org, or visit www.localdifference.org/get farming.
 Farm Tour Series:
Visit the Pros
Tours are free, but space is limited, so please pre-register by calling Jim Sluyter at 231-941-6584, ext. 15, or email jimsluyter@mlui.org
- Shetler Family Dairy: Observe the bottling process, their distinct direct-marketing approach, and the basics of a sustainable dairy farming operation.
Thursday, June 24, 10 a.m. to noon
5436 Tyler Road SE, Kalkaska Map
- Bardenhagen Farms: Specializing in cherries and apples, with tarts moving toward certified organic, this farm sells wholesale and at farmer’s markets.
Saturday, June 26, 2-4 pm
7881 E. Pertner Rd, Suttons Bay Map
- 9 Bean Rows Farm at Black Star: A hoophouse, an artisan bakery, CSA, and farmer’s markets make this a very successful collaboration.
Sunday, July 11, 1-3 pm
10844 E. Revold Road, Suttons Bay Map
- Ware Farm: This big operation shows how an “industrial farm” can transition to supplying local markets with berries, asparagus, mixed vegetables, and mushrooms.
Monday, August 2, 1-3 pm
9094 Alkire Road, Bear Lake Map
- Five Springs Farm: This small, diversified vegetable farm in Manistee County operates off the electric grid with wind and solar power.
Sunday, September 12 1-3 pm:
3480 Potter Road, Bear Lake Map
 Seed Saving
There are plenty of growers—from big farms down to backyard gardens—saving seeds, bulbs, rootstocks and more in the region. We could be a lot more systematic about it if we join forces and work together.
For information contact Jim Sluyter, jimsluyter@mlui.org or 231-941-6584 ext. 15.
Here are some of the workshops we’re preparing. Check in often for scheduling information.
- Renewable Energy: Make Hay While the Sun Shines: Wind, solar, and other clean energy can work for growers. We’ll explore them at the workshop and learn more by visiting the off-the-grid Five Springs Farm, near Manistee.
- Organic Grapes/Table Grapes: We have a strong wine industry, but consumers and producers also want organic options. This workshop looks at both opportunities. August 19, 3:00 p.m. at the NW Michigan Horticultural Research Station. Details soon.
- Cranberry Farming: There’s a strong demand for cranberries, which produce strong profits from small acreage. But infrastructure is expensive. Learn about this colorful crop, from planting and tending to harvest and marketing. August 24, 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. near Bear Lake. Details soon.
For information, call Jim, 231-941-6584 or 231-889-0199, email jimsluyter@mlui.org |
