Jon:
Dennis Courtier (of NBT) brought samples to the recent MAIA meeting at Eckert's in Belleville, IL. It is large, conical (without pronounced lobes), moderately dark red, very crisp with a mild sweet flavor.
Hello all,
I met with the Clinton County Cooperative Extension Board
recently regarding the activities of this Extension Commercial Fruit
Program. For those unfamiliar with the area, it is
NY's northeasterly corner, tucked up there against Quebec, across the
north end of Lake Champlain opposite Vermont.
I had a bit of show and tell for the Board - and
taste - bringing along some of this program's focal points
concerning rural economic development , namely a number of cold hardy
wine grape cultivars under evaluation here, and of course, Honeycrisp
(as the Champlain region grows them so well) and now too a taste of MN
1914.
Regarding MN 1914, we appear to have more color variation than Ed
mentions, with much of that same beautiful blush that really
well-finished Honeycrisp are capable of.
The Board members - most well aware of Honeycrisp (though for
some, believe it or not, it was still unknown right here in one
of NY largest Honeycrisp production regions! -- an oversight I was
attempting to correct). There was an interesting response to MN 1914
in contrast to Honeycrisp. All liked the similar crispness, some
found it to be a bit spicier in flavor to Honeycrisp, some preferred
it to Honeycrisp, all liked both apples.
I cooperated with MN to place some small trial plantings of MN
1914 here years back when it was first available for this
type of evaluation. I especially like its
similar keeping quality and eating quality to Honeycrisp,
and I especially like its timing in the production season: Paula Red
season here.
Since we are to an extent, ceding the Paula Red market simply
because points to the south arrive at that limited market before our
apples can, we are at an economic disadvantage. For those who realized
the potential of these attributes early on, MN 1914 is likely to
be an enviable early apple to have in a diversified apple portfolio -
and diversification into high quality apple cultivar choices that
bring better points to the grower are the only way to go in order to
remain in business.
As to the indirect question regarding the marketing
rights, I think the approach mirrors change in the
markets and also government's and government policy-makers' and
politicians' shifts of position and also funding, as to how
agricultural research is to be financed. From a
point of many, we are now down to a few apple breeding
programs. The latter are truly national resources yet they have
been left to winnow away on strapped State experiment station
funds.
I think, under the changed circumstance, MN made the right
choice, and I applaud the State for its inclusionary plan for MN1914
that allows its states growers to grow and sell MN1914 within
MN.
I also realized the significant investment that high
density orchards represent, as does a first rate
marketing plan and distribution network. Over-production,
particularly in instances of poorer grade quality arising from sub-par
production practices, or growing cultivars in climes poorly
suited to their varietal characteristics, compromises the very purpose
of production - making your investment plus a return for re-investment
and a fair profit. It is doubtful that many of our
standard bearers , when the time comes to replant them, can in fact be
replanted and manage to recoup the investment costs of doing so.
I think we should applaud, and cheer a shift to linked
production-marketing as both a coming diversity of cultivars and
constrained production levels might help lift all boats.
This has been of course, just one person's perspective.
Mine.
Best Regards, Kevin Iungerman.
ed
On 10/22/06, Jon Clements <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
FYI, you may find this amusing, although it really bugs me when they
say 'Honecyrisps!!!' Do we say McIntoshs, or Delicious's???
:-)
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6358718
While we are on the subject, MN-1914 (aka 'NBT') has hit the industry
media lately, anyone have any comments (they want to publicly share)
on a new era of apple growing?
Jon
Jon Clements
Extension Tree Fruit Specialist
UMass Cold Spring Orchard
393 Sabin Street
Belchertown, MA 01007
VOICE 413.478.7219
FAX 413.323.0382
IM mrhoneycrisp
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Kevin Iungerman, Extension Associate
Cornell Northeastern NY Commercial Fruit Program
Serving NY's Upper Hudson and Champlain Region
(Albany, Saratoga, Washington, Essex and Clinton Counties)
Growing McIntosh, Honeycrisp, and other fine apples and fruit!
50 West High Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020
Phone: (518) 885-8995
FAX: (518) 885-9078
email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Cornell Northeastern NY Commercial Fruit Program
Serving NY's Upper Hudson and Champlain Region
(Albany, Saratoga, Washington, Essex and Clinton Counties)
Growing McIntosh, Honeycrisp, and other fine apples and fruit!
50 West High Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020
Phone: (518) 885-8995
FAX: (518) 885-9078
email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
