Early spring 2018 events for greenhouse, nursery and Christmas tree growers
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EmailSeven events during the early spring focus on plant nutrition, marketing, sustainable nursery crop production, worker protection standards and solar power.
Greenhouse, nursery and Christmas tree growers have the opportunity to participate in numerous events hosted by Michigan State University Extension during the winter and spring of 2018. The topics of the sessions vary widely to appeal to all greenhouse, nursery and Christmas tree growers.
Grower operations of all sizes and types will benefit from the worker protection standards (WPS) and respirator fit-testing meetings to learn how to comply with the updated Environmental Protection Agency WPS requirements. Wholesale growers will benefit from the Managing Substrate pH, Winter Nursery Meeting and Sustainable Christmas Tee and Nursery Production programs. Garden retailers will especially benefit from the Marketing Boot Camp, held in Novi, Michigan. Register today for these exciting events!
2018 Worker Protection Standards and Respirator Fit-Testing Meetings
The Worker Protection Standards and Respirator Fit-Testing Meeting will be Jan. 16 in Novi, Michigan (more dates for Fennville and Sparta coming soon). Craig Anderson of Michigan Farm Bureau will explain which standards apply and how to comply, and will discuss OSHA Right-to-Know. Melissa Millerick-May, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, will discuss hazard communication program development and respirator selection. A MDARD pesticide inspector will discuss regulation and inspections. Participants are eligible for eight RUP credits. Register for $40 (early bird) or $60 (within two weeks of the program date).
Register now:
- Novi: Jan. 16
- Sparta: Coming soon. Contact Amy Irish-Brown at irisha@anr.msu.edu for more information.
- Fennville: Coming soon. Contact Carlos Garcia-Salazar at garcias4@anr.msu.edu for more information.
Managing Substrate pH and EC for Optimal Plant Nutrition
Managing Substrate pH and EC for Optimal Plant Nutrition will be Jan. 24 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Garrett Owen will cover how to test the initial pH of substrates and components upon delivery, pH and EC management and corrective procedures, alternative substrates, and how alternative substrates affect your pH management. Space is limited. Register free at Managing Substrate pH and EC for Optimal Plant Nutrition.
Agricultural Solar Electric Investment Analysis Webinar Series
Evaluating the financial prudence of an investment in solar requires careful consideration of installation costs, the value of production and operation and maintenance costs. This six-part webinar series will provide practical guidance to farmers who are considering investing in a solar electric system so they are able to make fully informed investment decisions. The 75-minute webinars sponsored by MSU Extension will be live 7 – 8:15 p.m. EST on Thursdays beginning Jan. 18 through Feb. 22. The registration fee is $40 for the series. Registration information can be found at Agricultural Solar Electric Investment Analysis Webinar.
Pesticide Applicator Core Manual Review
The Pesticide Applicator Core Manual Reviews will take place Feb. 9 and March 28 in West Olive, Michigan, and Feb. 28 in Cadillac, Michigan. Prepare for the MDARD Core Pesticide Applicators Certification exam with this review session. The morning reviews cover the National Pesticide Applicators Certification Core Manual and the Michigan addendum. Reviews are followed by lunch and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development exams are given that afternoon. Register for Ottawa County review sessions at Pesticide Applicator Core Manual Reviews.
2018 Winter Nursery Meeting
The 2018 Winter Nursery Meeting is scheduled for Feb. 16 in West Olive. More information is coming soon. Contact Heidi Lindberg for more information.
2018 Marketing Boot Camp
The 2018 Marketing Boot Camp is set for Feb. 28 in Novi, Michigan. This interactive day will help boost morale, unify vision and ready the troops for the busy spring selling season. Register for $49 per person ($69 after Feb. 14) at 2018 Marketing Boot Camp.
Sustainable Christmas Tree and Nursery Production Webinar Series
MSU Extension will be offering five live webinars on ornamental nursery and Christmas tree production topics. The 90-minute webinars will be live 12:30 – 2 p.m. EST on Wednesday, Jan. 31, and all Wednesdays in February (Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28). Topics covered will be IPM, insect and disease management, nutrient deficiency trouble shooting, weed management, and abiotic issues. Participants are eligible for two RUP credits per webinar. Register now at Sustainable Christmas Tree and Nursery Production.
