Hi Art (and everyone), Yes, I was a much more regular contributor in the past. But then, in general, there was a lot more discussion going on the forum, which stimulated more responses. I am happy to confirm I am alive and well, and that the apple industry in Ireland (small though it is) is doing reasonably well. In 2016 there was an outstanding crop, despite the weather being only slightly warmer than usual. But there was moisture whenever it was needed, and everything just seemed to go right, with an exceptional autumn for harvest, with mostly dry and mild weather. The big crop has led to its own problems with culinary apples, which are oversupplied, and the processors also took less than usual. In a few weeks the growers will be giving away free "apples for tarts" apples prior to World Pi day (as in the number 3.14 - ratio of diameter to circumference of a circle), with the catch that whoever gets the free apples and makes the pie, must in turn give that away free. A sort of pay-it-forward idea that we hope gets a bit of traction. Con
PS Thanks to Dave for the rather comforting and (as usual) comprehensive response. ________________________________ From: kellyorchards [kellyorcha...@gmail.com] Sent: 24 January 2017 13:40 To: Con.Traas; apple-crop@virtualorchard.com Subject: RE: [Apple-Crop] Future of Extension Assistance to Apple Crop I hadn't heard from you in a while and was worried. You used to be a regular contributor. Art Kelly Kelly Orchards Acton, Maine -------- Original message -------- From: "Con.Traas" <con.tr...@ul.ie> Date: 01/24/2017 8:16 AM (GMT-05:00) To: apple-crop@virtualorchard.com Subject: [Apple-Crop] Future of Extension Assistance to Apple Crop Hello to all from Ireland. We're having a very mild winter but trees still dormant at the moment, and at least pruning is progressing well. I note from the article below that the ability of public sector staff to contribute via a group such as this may become limited. However I would be very hopeful that all growers make good on any deficit that might arise. I look forward to many years of happy discussion of all things apple. Con Traas The Apple Farm Ireland https://www.buzzfeed.com/dinograndoni/trump-usda?utm_term=.swOPx7BX7#.dsPjm5B85 _______________________________________________ apple-crop mailing list apple-crop@virtualorchard.com http://virtualorchard.com/mailman/listinfo/apple-crop
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