Grape Growers Rejoice, the Great Lakes Expo Grape Section is Here!

Nov 24, 2023

By Esmaeil Nasrollahiazar

Attention grape growers, enthusiasts and industry experts! Get ready for a transformative experience at the Great Lakes Expo grape section, a premier event designed to enrich your grape cultivation journey with the latest knowledge, cutting-edge technologies and best practices. Join Michigan State University Extension on Dec. 5, 2023, at the esteemed DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, Michigan, for a day of unparalleled insights.

Dive into a world of grape expertise

Embark on a journey guided by our esteemed speakers, offering a comprehensive agenda that spans the spectrum of grape cultivation. Delve into the wisdom of:

Rufus Isaacs, Michigan State University (MSU): Explore strategies to safeguard your berry crops against insect pests, from bloom to harvest.
Cain Hickey, Penn State University: Gain insights into frost protection techniques, equipping you with knowledge to shield your vineyards from the perils of frost.
Brook Wilke, Kellogg Biological Station: Join a trailblazer in regenerative agriculture exploring the integration of biochar to enhance soil health and promote sustainability in grape cultivation.
Paolo Sabbatini, MSU: Unravel the mysteries of canopy architecture and fruit microclimate, focusing on flavonoid accumulation and antioxidant capacity in Merlot grapes.
Tefera Mekuria, Wonderful Nurseries: Journey towards enhanced grapevine seedling standards with a renowned plant pathologist sharing strategies for disease-free and genetically true-to-type grapevines.
Timothy Miles, MSU: Explore disease management strategies and optimize vineyard health under the guidance of an extension specialist.

An event not to be missed

While the knowledge shared is priceless, attendance at the Great Lakes Expo grape section requires registration. Secure your spot today by visiting our registration website.

As an added incentive, we are thrilled to offer restricted use pesticide credits for this meeting. This is a fantastic opportunity to not only gain knowledge but also earn credits vital for your professional growth.

Both wine and juice growers are warmly welcomed to attend. Whether you're an experienced grape cultivator or just starting out, the Great Lakes Expo grape section is an invaluable resource for elevating your grape cultivation practices. Together, let's cultivate a future of thriving grapevines and exceptional winemaking.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to be part of a transformative event that celebrates the art and science of grape cultivation. See you there!

Source : msu.edu

Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.