Re: [apple-crop] Sizing cold storage
Ernest & David, Thank you for those responses. Some very good points you mentioned that warrant further consideration. I do like the multiple room approach for delayed cooling of Honeycrisp. I want to target most sales towards retail with a small wholesale operation. There will be no alternate storage nearby in this area so that's why I was leaning towards bigger rather than smaller. No Smartfresh or CA storage to be used here. As far as estimated sales per month I really don't have an idea what I could do. Looks like I have some figuring out to do! Cheers, Nick Lucking Cannon Valley Orchard Cannon Falls, MN ___ apple-crop mailing list apple-crop@virtualorchard.net http://virtualorchard.net/mailman/listinfo/apple-crop
Re: [apple-crop] Mankar Ultra-Low Volume Herbicide Applicators
Hi Matt, I currently own a Mankar P-50 walk behind sprayer. It was purchased for a small Christmas tree plantation. A few of the larger Christmas tree growers here in MN use them with good results. However, some conifers when the new growth has hardened are tolerant to glyphosate so I never noticed drift being an issue. I've never used it in the orchard for fear of glyphosate damage. We had a couple rows of Honeycrisp that had smaller, stunted leaves due to glyphosate damage with a normal handgun sprayer. I refuse to use it in the orchard ever again. The Mankar walk behind sprayer does get quite tiring to push it over large acreages especially in the summer while it is hot and the tall weeds cause resistance on the spray hood. Also, I always wear a pair of Tyvek coveralls and chem boots as walking behind it all day does cause chemical to build up on clothing even though only a small amount is emitted. It does not have a problem killing weeds several feet tall. Cheers, Nick Lucking Cannon Valley Orchard Cannon Falls, MN ___ apple-crop mailing list apple-crop@virtualorchard.net http://virtualorchard.net/mailman/listinfo/apple-crop
Re: [apple-crop] Sizing cold storage
Thanks for the replies. The problem lies in the fact that this would be a new operation from the ground up so actual data is not yet available. Just wondered if there was some figure to get me in the ballpark if I decide to pursue this venture on 30 acres. Nick Lucking Cannon Valley Orchard Cannon Falls, MN ___ apple-crop mailing list apple-crop@virtualorchard.net http://virtualorchard.net/mailman/listinfo/apple-crop
[apple-crop] Sizing cold storage
Does anyone have any good guides on how large a cold storage facility should be on your orchard? For example if one was to grow 15,000 bu. how much should you have capacity for storing, 50%, 75%? I can't really find much info on this. Cheers, Nick Lucking Cannon Valley Orchard Cannon Falls, MN ___ apple-crop mailing list apple-crop@virtualorchard.net http://virtualorchard.net/mailman/listinfo/apple-crop
Re: [apple-crop] Sprayer Calibration Between Training Styles
Vincent, I would like to do alternate row spraying in the high density block and at 4 mph, I noticed poor coverage similar to what Peter mentioned. Are you guys going every row? Also, my rows are very, very tight up against the deer fence and that speed it was hard to get turned around without downshifting. Cheers, Nick Lucking Cannon Valley Orchard Cannon Falls, MN ___ apple-crop mailing list apple-crop@virtualorchard.net http://virtualorchard.net/mailman/listinfo/apple-crop
Re: [apple-crop] Sprayer Calibration Between Training Styles
Thanks for the responses. So when you guys use the spray controllers do you try to maintain the same GPA across all blocks? Seems like if you don't have one (like me) and you mix a tank to apply across multiple training styles with varying row spacing the pesticide rate per acre would be out of whack between them. Here's my scenario. 1.5 acres is conventional free standing and 1.5 is tall spindle. When I did TRV calculations last season and checked the GPM of sprayer nozzles obviously with the difference in row spacing the rate was way higher for the tall spindle block. When I adjusted the gear speed so the GPA would match the free standing block, tractor speed was way too fast ~4 MPH. I suppose I could get another set of smaller nozzles for the tall spindle block to try to keep things even between blocks. Any further advise? Cheers, Nick Lucking Cannon Valley Orchard Cannon Falls, MN ___ apple-crop mailing list apple-crop@virtualorchard.net http://virtualorchard.net/mailman/listinfo/apple-crop
[apple-crop] Sprayer Calibration Between Training Styles
Hi everyone, Just curious as to how you guys with larger orchards spray blocks in your orchards when some might be high density and others free standing. Do you do a couple of calibrations with different gear/ pressure settings or just do all of one style block at a time? Cheers, Nick Lucking Cannon Valley Orchard Cannon Falls, MN ___ apple-crop mailing list apple-crop@virtualorchard.net http://virtualorchard.net/mailman/listinfo/apple-crop
Re: [apple-crop] Dr. Jeff Masters\' WunderBlog -- Damaging freeze hits the Midwest U.S.
We got hit pretty hard here in MN. There are some of us that lost 90-100% of our apple crops. I lost 100% on all older trees. The Honeycrisp on tall spindle are a little behind so they have not even put out flowers yet so there is potential to get fruit there. Last Monday and Tuesday when the freeze hit we were just at king bloom opening on Zestars and Pink most other varieties. Nick Lucking Cannon Valley Orchard ___ apple-crop mailing list apple-crop@virtualorchard.net http://virtualorchard.net/mailman/listinfo/apple-crop
Re: [apple-crop] Painting Trees
Randy, I've noticed on mature trees where I had yellow belly sapsucker (woodpecker) damage and I've painted them, the birds do not return to peck. I had quite a bit of vole damage last year where I had painted trunks but no guards. I have started to add hot pepper sauce to the latex paint should the critters make it though the guard. Nick Lucking Cannon Valley Orchard ___ apple-crop mailing list apple-crop@virtualorchard.net http://virtualorchard.net/mailman/listinfo/apple-crop
Re: [apple-crop] Hedging tall spindle trees
Mo, I looked up the old thread you mentioned. Very informative! I actually ordered a CD ROM version of Pommier, le Mur fruitier so hopefully I can cut and paste to translate on google. How have the blocks been working out in your farm? Nick Lucking Cannon Valley Orchard___ apple-crop mailing list apple-crop@virtualorchard.net http://virtualorchard.net/mailman/listinfo/apple-crop
Re: [apple-crop] Hedging tall spindle trees
Here's the link to the video that Mo Tougas took. Thanks Mo! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SNxztQr-80&feature=related Nick Lucking Cannon Valley Orchard___ apple-crop mailing list apple-crop@virtualorchard.net http://virtualorchard.net/mailman/listinfo/apple-crop
[apple-crop] Hedging tall spindle trees
Hello everyone, Has anyone here hedged their tall spindle blocks? Comments on doing so? Jon and Mo, I watched your youtube video on it and it looked interesting. Just ordered the hedge trimmer attachment for my weed whip so we'll see how it trims at bud break! Nick Lucking ___ apple-crop mailing list apple-crop@virtualorchard.net http://virtualorchard.net/mailman/listinfo/apple-crop
Apple-Crop: Rely Herbicide around new trees
I have a bit of lambs ear and common lambsquarters to clean up in the orchard before winter. Has anyone used Rely herbicide around newly planted trees without ill effects? The label seems to advise against it. I really hate to go through with Roundup this late though. Much appreciated, Nick Lucking Cannon Valley Orchard Cannon Falls, MN -- The 'Apple-Crop' LISTSERV is sponsored by the Virtual Orchard <http://www.virtualorchard.net> and managed by Win Cowgill and Jon Clements . Apple-Crop is not moderated. Therefore, the statements do not represent "official" opinions and the Virtual Orchard takes no responsibility for the content.
Re: Apple-crop: Turf in row middles
Yeah, as a turf major I knew it was going to be tough going with the weeds but wanted to try to get it done to prevent erosion. I do have overhead irrigation but the crab grass comes in so thick here. I think next year I'll just plant a temp. cover crop that can be tilled under until the main grass is seeded in the fall. Thanks for the responses, Nick Lucking Cannon Valley Orchard Cannon Falls, MN -- The 'Apple-Crop' LISTSERV is sponsored by the Virtual Orchard <http://www.virtualorchard.net> and managed by Win Cowgill and Jon Clements . Apple-Crop is not moderated. Therefore, the statements do not represent "official" opinions and the Virtual Orchard takes no responsibility for the content.
Apple-Crop: Turf in row middles
Hello everyone. This year for seeding the new row middles I used a Brillion seeder and a perennial rye/kentucky bluegrass mix I made. Started to come in real nice until the crabgrass came up on Memorial day and choked everything out. My question is: Does anyone know of a product that I can use to knock out the crab grass where food crops are grown? All the labels I look at for the usual stuff Acclaim, Siduron, Dimension, etc. are only for ornamentals or non food areas. Thanks, Nick Lucking Cannon Valley Orchard Cannon Falls, MN -- The 'Apple-Crop' LISTSERV is sponsored by the Virtual Orchard <http://www.virtualorchard.net> and managed by Win Cowgill and Jon Clements . Apple-Crop is not moderated. Therefore, the statements do not represent "official" opinions and the Virtual Orchard takes no responsibility for the content.
Re: Apple-Crop: Rainfastness of sprays
Mark, The rule I use, which works with most of my pesticides is that once the spray is dry it should be as rainfast as it is going to get. Of course there are exceptions to this rule which will be noted on the label. It may say rainfast one hour after application or some number. From what I have read though on your particular pesticide, Delegate, it is very rainfast and probably follows the once it's dry it's rainfast. If the humidity was not too high, I am assuming it was dry on the surface by the time the rain hit so I bet your fine. Could be wrong though! Nick Lucking Cannon Valley Orchard Cannon Falls, MN On Jun 15, 2010, at 2:33 PM, Mark Angermayer wrote: Apple-Crop: Scaffolds 6/14Today, the forecast was supposed to be clear of rain. I needed to get a spray on peaches. I applied Delegate at the full rate. About 15 minutes afterward, it rained about 1/4". My question - I know a locally systemic material like spinosad is supposed to be very resistant to wash off, but how long does it take for enough of it to be absorbed in the tissues to become rainfast? Was this a wasted spray? Thanks, Mark Angermayer Tubby Fruits Bucyrus KS -- The 'Apple-Crop' LISTSERV is sponsored by the Virtual Orchard <http://www.virtualorchard.net> and managed by Win Cowgill and Jon Clements . Apple-Crop is not moderated. Therefore, the statements do not represent "official" opinions and the Virtual Orchard takes no responsibility for the content. -- The 'Apple-Crop' LISTSERV is sponsored by the Virtual Orchard <http://www.virtualorchard.net> and managed by Win Cowgill and Jon Clements . Apple-Crop is not moderated. Therefore, the statements do not represent "official" opinions and the Virtual Orchard takes no responsibility for the content.
RE:Apple-Crop: Phil Brown wind machines
I was also looking into these, specifically the 5' 3pt. mounted one. Pretty reasonably priced if it can cover 5 acres per their website. Nick Lucking Cannon Valley Orchard Cannon Falls, MN -- The 'Apple-Crop' LISTSERV is sponsored by the Virtual Orchard <http://www.virtualorchard.net> and managed by Win Cowgill and Jon Clements . Apple-Crop is not moderated. Therefore, the statements do not represent "official" opinions and the Virtual Orchard takes no responsibility for the content.
Re: Apple-Crop: organophosphates
I'll admit, I still use Imidan and it is the most used out of the 5 insecticides I rotate with including the newer chemistries. I know it's days are numbered since there will be a reregistration coming back around for it. I did an internship for Gowan Co couple of years back and I know we were trying to push it for some crops like cranberries as well. As far as producing apples in more natural ways, since I am a small grower I have tried a few novel ideas. About 5 years back when I had a light crop when I first took over my parent's orchard I used clear plastic bags over all the apples. The Ziploc bags with the slide lock were the fastest to install. I had perfect looking apples but the amount of plastic I used was absurd on the one acre I decided to treat. Maybe I'll try Kaolin clay and oil as my only sprays one year, or maybe I'll try importing more beneficial insects specific to the pests I have in the orchard. Tough to get away from conventional pesticides though as I need marketable apples every year for return on investment to keep my farm sustainable. I totally agree with the others that stated that people will just import the food from somewhere else where the regulations are not as tight. Nick Lucking Cannon Valley Orchard MN -- The 'Apple-Crop' LISTSERV is sponsored by the Virtual Orchard <http://www.virtualorchard.net> and managed by Win Cowgill and Jon Clements . Apple-Crop is not moderated. Therefore, the statements do not represent "official" opinions and the Virtual Orchard takes no responsibility for the content.
Apple-Crop: Tree Planters
Hey guys, Just looking at both the Phil Brown and Detco tree planters. Does anyone have experience with either of these machines that they could share? I'm sure many of you have used the Phil Brown Welding one. I'm looking to plant my apple and evergreen trees with it. My current tree planter is too small unfortunately. Any help greatly appreciated. Nick Lucking Field Manager Cannon Valley Orchard -- The 'Apple-Crop' LISTSERV is sponsored by the Virtual Orchard <http://www.virtualorchard.net> and managed by Win Cowgill and Jon Clements . Apple-Crop is not moderated. Therefore, the statements do not represent "official" opinions and the Virtual Orchard takes no responsibility for the content.
RE: Apple-Crop: Attaching trees to trellis
Bill, That's good to know. On that note, when I plant these new trees should they be planted directly inline with the trellis system? Or be 2-3, or more inches off the wire initially? Thanks for the help, my horticulture degree did not quite cover this! Nick Lucking Field Manager Cannon Valley Orchard Cannon Falls, MN -- The 'Apple-Crop' LISTSERV is sponsored by the Virtual Orchard <http://www.virtualorchard.net> and managed by Win Cowgill and Jon Clements . Apple-Crop is not moderated. Therefore, the statements do not represent "official" opinions and the Virtual Orchard takes no responsibility for the content.
Apple-Crop: Attaching trees to trellis
Hello everyone, I see that the U clip is a popular item to attach B.9, M.9, etc. trees to a trellis. Are you guys going with the larger version to allow for growth or is the smaller version better for this application? Does anyone have any problems with the metal rubbing bark of the tree? Thanks for the input, Nick Lucking Field Manager Cannon Valley Orchard Cannon Falls, MN -- The 'Apple-Crop' LISTSERV is sponsored by the Virtual Orchard <http://www.virtualorchard.net> and managed by Win Cowgill and Jon Clements . Apple-Crop is not moderated. Therefore, the statements do not represent "official" opinions and the Virtual Orchard takes no responsibility for the content.
Re: Apple-Crop: posts for organic orchard
For my new tall spindle orchard I am putting in this spring I was going to use Best Angle stakes just like you mentioned with larger end posts. However, I wanted my trellis to be 10 ft tall to maximize space and custom run stakes would need to be produced to get the 12' length. With the small quantity I needed, it was not possible. I do have Best Angle stakes on other trees and they are nice but they are too expensive for single stakes at every tree for the new training systems. I am still going to do a metal trellis but with the help of my local fence builder. Maybe the original poster could do the recycled decking material for posts. I have seen a few pictures of trellises with this. Nick Lucking Field Manager Cannon Valley Orchard Cannon Falls, MN -- The 'Apple-Crop' LISTSERV is sponsored by the Virtual Orchard <http://www.virtualorchard.net> and managed by Win Cowgill and Jon Clements . Apple-Crop is not moderated. Therefore, the statements do not represent "official" opinions and the Virtual Orchard takes no responsibility for the content.
