October 2024 - 4

Plan, reflect, learn
EDITOR'S LETTER
T
his year is just flying by! It's hard to
believe it is already October, and all of
us here at FGN are looking forward to
the months to come, especially December.
The late fall provides us an energy that
is enticing - one that lets us plan, reflect
and learn.
In this issue, on page 12, we explore how
Titan Farms, a Southeast grower, monitors
soil health and plans to improve operations to protect peach crops from
pests and diseases.
This fall, USApple released its forecast. Growers are reporting
favorable growing conditions and are eyeing great crops.
Unusual for Michigan, this year the state's growers will complete a
trio of larger than normal harvests. With growers planting high-density
orchards and adopting other innovative growing practices, expect
Michigan growers to continue producing larger crops.
Pennsylvania follows a record-breaking 2023-24 harvest. " We never
picked that much fruit on this farm, " said Steve Frecon of Frecon
Farms. " It was chaotic and busy, but I'd take that every year if I could
get it. Overall, this year is an average size crop. " Read more in this
year's report on page 8.
On page 16, FGN toured Philip E. Marucci Center for Blueberry
and Cranberry Research and Extension, which conducts and shares
research vital to the cultivation of quality blueberries and cranberries
while also developing new cultivars for the industry.
Also don't miss out on the pruning approaches that may preserve
cold-damaged vineyards. FGN dives into details from Mike de Schaaf's
research, which was presented at the 35th annual Michigan Viticulture
Field Day. Schaaf is the farm manager at Michigan State University's
(MSU) Southwest Michigan Research & Extension Center in Benton
Harbor, Michigan, and you can read about his research on page 6.
Looking ahead to December, there are plenty of opportunities to learn
at the Great Lakes Fruit & Vegetable EXPO in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Turn to page 22 to learn more about educational sessions that will
discuss apple, blueberry and cranberry crop management. Here at FGN,
we look forward to connecting with you in Michigan in December! Feel
free to email us if you'd like to schedule time to meet.
EDITORIAL
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OCTOBER 2024 | VOLUME 63 | ISSUE 10
The opinions and views expressed by authors, contributors and
Doug Ohlemeier, Assistant Editor
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4 | OCTOBER 2024
-Doug
October 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of October 2024
