Meetings on June 13, 2008

Montcalm Community College, Sidney, MI

Friday, June 13, 2008

1.  Important Tree Industry Meeting  11:00AM - 2:00PM

Many growers have been hearing about the possibility of a check off program for the Christmas tree industry.  Check off programs allow commodity groups to “tax” themselves and use the funds collected to pay for marketing and research for that industry.  Such a check off program would be administered by a board of Christmas tree growers selected by USDA and administered through the USDA.

Please join fellow growers on Friday, June 13 from 11 am  - 2 pm at Montcalm Community College for an explanation of what a check off for the Christmas tree industry might include.

Michigan is one of only three or four locations around the US to have the opportunity to host Hugh Whaley, an expert in commodity check off programs, to answer your questions and facilitate discussion among growers on how a check off program may work for Christmas tree producers.

All Christmas tree growers are welcome to attend, and you are encouraged to invite other growers in your area.  You do not need to be a member of the Michigan Christmas Tree Association to attend and there is no charge for the event.  To learn more about a possible check off program for the industry prior to the meeting, please visit: www.checkoffstudy.com

A casual lunch will be served and your RSVP is greatly appreciated.

Simply phone, fax or e-mail Marsha at the MCTA office!

800-589-8733

517-545-4501(fax)

marsha@mcta.org

2.  Pest & Disease Workshop - 3:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Presented by the MSE AoE Team and MCTA

Every grower of Christmas trees in Michigan has had to deal with pest damage.  During this focused workshop, participants will learn about the identification, biology and management strategies of the many insects, weeds and diseases affecting Christmas trees.  Integrated pest management approaches will be discussed as a tool in the management of these various pests while minimizing risks to employees and the environment.  The program will also feature a "hands-on" lab for growers to study various plant problems and test their knowledge.

2:30 - 3:00   Registration

3:00 - 3:45   Pesticide Issues - MI Department of Agriculture

3:45 - 5:00   Insect Identification and Management - Deb McCullough, MSU, Entomology

5:00 - 5:45   Dinner

5:45 - 6:30   Top Ten Problem Weeds - Steven Gower, Plant Pathology, Crop & Soil Sciences, MSU

6:30 - 7:30   Disease Identification and Management - Dr. Dennis Fulbright, Plant Pathology, MSU

7:30 - 8:30   "Hands on Lab" growers will be able to examine insect and plant samples and discuss identification and management strategies.  Growers are welcome to bring their own samples and concerns. - Russ Kidd and Jill O'Donnell, MSU Extension

Pesticide credits available to participants (4 points anticipated).

$40 for MCTA members, $60 for non-members  (Price includes dinner.)

Click here for registration form.