I am sorry about that sent one line. Me or my computer had a problem. As
discussed our program is sulfur et. al. for fungicides and mating disruption,
entrust and surround for insects. The two holes were fertilizer and weed
control. We found an organic fertilize and some weed control, however the most
important thing that has come out of this work for me is the use of a much
more
reduced-risk program on all my other acres. IPM or IOPM or whatever has been
standard practice for many years. I use degree day models, leaf wetness hours
and all other available information to time spray applications for maximum
effect. I do not spray just to be spraying. Anyone who believes that need only
look at the cost of product to understand this approach. Also I farm land
that has been in my family for 5 or 6 generation and I plan on leaving it to
my
grandchildren. I intend to do the best job as an environmentalist as possible
and still produce a marketable product. As for the statement about trusting
a local producer the same as a used car salesman I have been growing apples
and other produce for 26 years and hope to do so for 26 more. If I do not
deliver a consistently good product then I won't have the customers to sell my
product to. I know I can deliver a much better product to my local market be
it
apples, peaches, sweet corn or something else because of the ability to
harvest at the time of best flavor as opposed to the time of best shelf-life.
All
products are held to some standard of safety in the marketplace. The
certification on the package is only as good as the person who signed the
form. I
will always trust who and what I know when the other choice is a complete
unknown.
Kenny Barnwell
Edneyville, North Carolina
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