Thank you for a successful 2022 Spring Workshop
On behalf of the Nova Scotia Fruit Growers' Association, I want to thank everyone who attended our 2022 Spring Workshop. We had over 60 people attend our virtual session on March 29th, and almost as many attend our in-person pruning workshop on March 30th.
March 31st, 2022
On behalf of the Nova Scotia Fruit Growers' Association, I want to thank everyone who attended our 2022 Spring Workshop. We had over 60 people attend our virtual session on March 29th, and almost as many attend our in-person pruning workshop on March 30th.
Many thanks to everyone who attended, those who shared their knowledge and research, and those who contributed to make it happen, specifically Jeff Wentzell, Crystal MacCrae, Shayne McLaughlin, Harrison Wright, Vicky Levesque, Keith Fuller, Susie Blatt, Shawkat Ali, Jun Song, Lynn Godlien, Jenn Haverstock, Dr. David Rosenburger, Lisa Jenereaux, Waldo Walsh, Danny Davison, Kelley Penner, and Cassian Ferlatte with the other members of the Production Committee.
See you again in 2023!
Register for Spring Workshop: starts tomorrow
We can't wait to see you tomorrow!
We can't wait to see you tomorrow!
Register here for the virtual portion of the event:
https://events.zoom.us/ev/AODZOjD1nDwDw7RvR7nQfIj3qfEjH8KD_p-Ko1gE8epfrDSHt1hQy8RRgeH58vxLQgBZufg
Growing Good Growers Tailgate Event
Are you looking for an informal event tailored toward new growers, where you can feel free to ask questions and chat with others? Then you are invited to the NSFGA's next "Growing Good Growers" tailgate event.
Are you looking for an informal event tailored toward new growers, where you can feel free to ask questions and chat with others? Then you are invited to the NSFGA's next "Growing Good Growers" tailgate event.
Thursday March 24th at 10:00am
Stirling Mountainside Farms, 261 Bains Rd, Centreville
The topic will be pruning non-bearing trees in a high density system. Varieties will be Honeycrisp and Ambrosia. This will be a great follow up to the last session where the same topic was discussed but on bearing trees. Coffee and treats will be available.
Reminder that all are welcome to attend these events, and that they are intended to be informal and inform new and less experienced growers on the topics at hand.
Question, discussions and different viewpoints are welcome! Please RSVP to contact@nsapples.com if you plan to attend.
Save the Date: Spring Workshop
It is time for the annual NSFGA Spring Workshop, which will give us an opportunity to gather both online and in-person this year!
It is time for the annual NSFGA Spring Workshop, which will give us an opportunity to gather both online and in-person this year!
March 29th, 2022, 8:30 – 12:00 on ZOOM:
Research updates and panel discussion “Managing Black Rot in our Nova Scotia Climate”
March 30th, 2022, 10:00 - 12:00 IN PERSON:
Pruning Workshop
Click here for more information!
NSFGA’s New Executive Director
NSFGA has hired Emily Lutz to be the next Executive Director of the organization. She has started in the office at Blair House and will be available on a full time basis to manage the day-to-day business of the NSFGA.
NSFGA has hired Emily Lutz to be the next Executive Director of the organization. She has started in the office at Blair House and will be available on a full time basis to manage the day-to-day business of the NSFGA.
Emily grew up on Lutz Family Farm and her life has been steeped in agriculture. After getting degrees from both St. Thomas University and Acadia, she worked several jobs before becoming a municipal councillor. She has extensive experience in governance, advocacy, and leadership, and is looking forward to helping the tree fruit industry in Nova Scotia thrive.
Job Posting: Executive Director
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director (ED) holds one of the senior positions within the NSFGA and is accountable for the day-to-day management of the association. The ED will represent and promote the interests of the NSFGA membership by fostering the growth and development of a viable and sustainable tree fruit industry.
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director (ED) holds one of the senior positions within the NSFGA and is accountable for the day-to-day management of the association. The ED will represent and promote the interests of the NSFGA membership by fostering the growth and development of a viable and sustainable tree fruit industry.
For more information and to apply, see the full job posting online at Indeed.
Application deadline: 2022-02-18
Annual Convention 2022 - Registration now open
As you know, the NSFGA 2022 Annual Convention on January 26 has morphed from an in-person to a hybrid to a fully virtual event over the space of a few weeks. The Annual Convention Committee has worked hard to make this Convention a success and with the help of Jeff Wentzell (NSDA), it has become a reality.
As you know, the NSFGA 2022 Annual Convention on January 26 has morphed from an in-person to a hybrid to a fully virtual event over the space of a few weeks. The Annual Convention Committee has worked hard to make this Convention a success and with the help of Jeff Wentzell (NSDA), it has become a reality. We would therefore warmly welcome you to register for the 2022 Annual Convention as there are many excellent speakers and sessions that are relevant and practical so you won’t want to miss them. Visit the event page to register for the Convention. On the event page you can check out the agenda, speakers and sessions in the event.
Pesticide points will be awarded under NS Environment course T2058 and is worth 2.5 points (0.5 pts in Labelling and 2.0 pts in Pest Management). Points are awarded to specific sessions listed in the agenda and tuning-in is mandatory to qualify for points.
We really look forward to having you join us on January 26th. If you have any problems with the registration, please don’t hesitate to contact me and, with Jeff’s help, we’ll get it sorted out.
Remember, the AGM is now on January 19th at 1:00 via zoom. If you did not get the link for the AGM, please let me know.
Scotia Horticultural Congress 2022 "Celebrating Survival" is on January 24th and 25th. Visit the HNS event page to register for the free Congress. Note that you must register separately for the HNS event if you want to attend the joint labour session taking place on the afternoon of January 25th from 3 PM to 4:30 PM.
Annual Convention 2022 update - now fully virtual
The Annual Convention Committee is just reeling as our hopes for an in-person 2022 Annual Convention on January 26th have been dashed by the new Covid restrictions and the significant increase in cases in this province.
The Annual Convention Committee is just reeling as our hopes for an in-person 2022 Annual Convention on January 26th have been dashed by the new Covid restrictions and the significant increase in cases in this province. The Committee has therefore made the decision to move to a fully virtual event yet again with the aid of Jeff Wentzell and his NSDA team. The line up of excellent speakers is still happening so it will be very informative.
The AGM will remain via Zoom on Wednesday, January 19th at 1:00 p.m. The AGM booklet was sent out to members on December 23rd.
The Wednesday social evening (kitchen party), which was to be the highlight of the Convention this year, and the Thursday research update morning have been postponed until March 9th, 2022 and will join the Spring Workshop.
On behalf of the Board, Teresa, and myself, we wish you the very best for 2022 and while we can anticipate change which is the new normal, the industry remains strong and vibrant because of its great members. Happy holidays to you all.
Annual Convention 2022
Planning is well underway for the 2022 Annual Convention which is to be held on January 26th at the Old Orchard Inn. The committee is putting together a great lineup of speakers with the theme Protecting Your Investment. We also have a great event planned for Wednesday night that you will not want to miss!
Good afternoon NSFGA members,
Planning is well underway for the 2022 Annual Convention which is to be held on January 26th at the Old Orchard Inn. The committee is putting together a great lineup of speakers with the theme Protecting Your Investment. We also have a great event planned for Wednesday night that you will not want to miss!
Please note that due to current Covid regulations, you will be required to show Proof of Vaccination in order to attend.
Stay tuned for more details. We look forward to seeing you in January!
Sincerely,
Annual Convention Committee
2021 Virtual Summer Orchard Tour available online
The NSFGA Annual Summer Tour was virtual! A dedicated group of growers are your guest speakers and Michelle Cortens is your host, and together they explore a wide range of technical topics to share with you.
The NSFGA Annual Summer Tour was virtual! A dedicated group of growers are your guest speakers and Michelle Cortens is your host, and together they explore a wide range of technical topics to share with you.
Over the week of August 9th, a total of four videos were released each day including information on a finger weeder, 2D canopies, concrete trellis system, weather stations, root pruning, replant disease, hedging, irrigation, sizing Gala, captan restrictions, crop load management, M7 rootstock, and plant in place.
You can watch the videos at any time on the 2021 Summer Tour YouTube Playlist.
Video: February Apple Month - Buy Local Apples!
From Nova Scotia's tides to its farmlands where we harvest delicious apples. We've been here for centuries harvesting healthy, locally grown, apples. Times and technology have changed. Our commitment to providing fresh apples has not. Buy local apples!
From Nova Scotia's tides to its farmlands where we harvest delicious apples. We've been here for centuries harvesting healthy, locally grown, apples. Times and technology have changed. Our commitment to providing fresh apples has not. Buy local apples!
Please feel free to share this video using the Youtube link: https://youtu.be/Bdk3IhiO-4E
NSFGA Annual Convention Starts Tomorrow! Here's what you need to know.
Our event is just one day away! The agenda is now finalized and can be downloaded here or on the event platform.
Our event is just one day away! The agenda is now finalized and can be downloaded here or on the event platform.
The convention is NS Environment course number T1922 with points awarded for specific sessions. Join live to "Managing risk of protecting the crop" for 0.5 points in Human Health & Safety. Join live to "Research Updates" for 0.5 points in Professionalism. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are also available to certified crop advisors for a value of 0.5 in crop management for each of the four speaker sessions.
Now is the time to get logged in and familiarize yourself with the event space platform.
To Access the event
Enter the email address you registered under.
Click “Log In”
Enter your password. This was set during the registration process.
Click “Log In”
If you are unable to remember your password, click on the "forgot password” link located on the login page.The forgot password link will ask for your email address and send an email with a password reset link.
We are kicking off on the mainstage at 9:00 a.m. Atlantic Standard Time on Wednesday, January 27th. Once underway, the full virtual conference experience awaits you. Together with our speaker sessions, there are exhibitors, sponsors, networking, and much more. Here are some tips to prepare to get the most out of the conference.
Tips for Getting Started
Before Wednesday:
Create your profile, add a picture and update your information.
Starting Wednesday:
Take time to explore our Lobby and review the agenda for sessions you would like to attend.
Check out our speakers and other attendees.
Make sure you have access to a desktop computer and review our systems requirements and make sure you are accessing the event from a supported browser and device. (we recommend desktop for best viewing experience)
Questions/Issues?
For technical issues please reach out to our team via support@nextechar.com with any issues that arise.
Reminder: Agenda and Registration for Annual Convention
The NSFGA 2021 virtual Annual convention is coming up on January 27th, 2021. The program is fantastic and very informative so don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn, grow, and virtually connect with other members of the apple industry.
The NSFGA 2021 virtual Annual convention is coming up on January 27th, 2021. The program is fantastic and very informative so don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn, grow, and virtually connect with other members of the apple industry. You will need to register for the 2021 NSFGA virtual Annual Convention by clicking this link: Register for Annual Convention. After you register, you have the opportunity to build your own profile as there will be a published list of attendees available so that you can connect with both old and new friends. The theme of the Convention is Sweet & Sour: The Business of Growing Great Fruit.
We so appreciate the support of our wonderful sponsors and the NS Department of Agriculture. We also have a great trade show with very interesting virtual experience booths. Please take the time to come and join us and I can assure you, you’ll not regret it.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the office of the NSFGA.
Agenda and Registration for the 2021 NSFGA Virtual Annual Convention
Registration for the 2021 NSFGA Virtual Annual Convention is now open! It will be held Wednesday, January 27, 2021 with the theme Sweet & Sour: The Business of Growing Great Fruit.
Registration for the 2021 NSFGA Virtual Annual Convention is now open! It will be held Wednesday, January 27, 2021 with the theme Sweet & Sour: The Business of Growing Great Fruit.
The Annual Convention Committee has been working hard this year to bring you the very best Annual Convention possible. While it can’t be done in person because of Covid-19 realities, we have an exciting and interactive platform company working with both HNS and NSFGA to bring a seamless flow from Scotia Horticultural Congress to NSFGA Annual Convention as back-to-back events.
Download the Annual Convention program to see the great lineup of speakers, informative sessions, a grower panel, industry and research updates. The event will also include a virtual experience tradeshow with live contacts and recognition of our great sponsors.
Registration is free! To register for the 2021 NSFGA virtual Annual Convention, please click on the following link: Register for Annual Convention. After you register, you have the opportunity to build your own profile as there will be a published list of attendees available so that you can connect with both old and new friends.
We look forward to you joining us for the 2021 NSFGA virtual Annual Convention!
SAVE THE DATE for the NSFGA Annual General Meeting for Wednesday, January 13, 2021, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
The NSFGA Annual General Meeting will be held virtually through ZOOM on Wednesday, January 13th from 1:00-2:00. As members, this is your time to find out what the Association has been doing for the year.
The NSFGA Annual General Meeting will be held virtually through ZOOM on Wednesday, January 13th from 1:00-2:00. As members, this is your time to find out what the Association has been doing for the year. The AGM booklet will be sent out to all members prior to the meeting and the ZOOM invitation will be provided closer to the date.
SAVE THE DATE for the Virtual NSFGA Annual Convention: Wednesday, January 27, 2021!
We are excited to announce that NSFGA, in partnership with HNS, is going to host a virtual Annual Convention for January 27, 2021 as Covid-19 is still very much with us. We are just in the process of finalizing details with the platform provider and will update you very soon.
We are excited to announce that NSFGA, in partnership with HNS, is going to host a virtual Annual Convention for January 27, 2021 as Covid-19 is still very much with us. We are just in the process of finalizing details with the platform provider and will update you very soon. The platform will offer exciting features such as a 3-D tradeshow, great promotion for our sponsors, networking lounges, as well as informative sessions.
The theme is “Sweet & Sour: The Business of Growing Great Fruit” and will include very interesting speakers. It will be the best experience for all so stay tuned for further details. We look forward to working with you in putting on this virtual Annual Convention and making it the very best it can be.
Summer Tour: Videos 8-9 released on Thursday, Aug 13th
Video 8: Exploring an organic perspective
Swing back to the Port Williams area with your guide Michelle Cortens, Tree Fruit Specialist with Perennia. Awaiting us there is Josh Oulton of TapRoot Farms with an organic management system. He shares his wisdom on starting an organic orchard block and maintaining it with the most effective pest control methods. He discusses apple varieties and the challenges in our climate and the market. Josh offers recommendations to anyone considering organic production.
Video 9: Leaf rolling and leaf curling - catching the culprits
Finally, ending off where we started, we're back at the Kentville Research and Development Centre. Your guide Michelle Cortens, Tree Fruit Specialist with Perennia again brings you to see Dr. Suzanne Blatt, AAFC Entomologist. She shares research progress on those pesky insects that roll and curl leaves – namely leafrollers and apple leaf curling midge. She walks over to the growth chamber where leafroller adults are fluttering and larvae are wiggling as she explains the idea of using volatiles for mass trapping. Next she shows us a trap being swarmed by apple leaf curling midge that she is monitoring to generate a degree day model. The pest is an issue in some orchards, and we unfurl a leaf to find the larvae.
Thank you to our video tour sponsors:
Summer Tour: Videos 6-7 released on Wednesday, Aug 12th
Video 6: Farming in a freeze, hurricane, hail, and pandemic
Take a pit stop at the office to cool off and listen to a panel discussion with three local growers. Your guide Michelle Cortens, Tree Fruit Specialist with Perennia is curious to learn how they have dealt with challenges over the last few years and any wisdom they can share. Hear from Larry Lutz, David Power, and Andrew Bishop. Over the last few years their farms have been faced with a freeze in June of 2018, hail and hurricane Dorian in 2019, and now COVID-19. Learn how they have adapted, tackled risks like fire blight, changed nursery tree practices, found new opportunities, and how they are adjusting during COVID-19.
Video 7: Thinning with an extra boost
The next stop is at Birchleigh Farm to follow up with a fruit thinning trial that is a repeat from last year. The primary investigator is your guide Michelle Cortens, Tree Fruit Specialist with Perennia. She is especially interested to see how the heat wave affected the trial. Michelle brings you with her to the field to evaluate thinning efficacy and crop tolerance of thinner combinations using mineral oil. She shows you how her team measured fruitlet diameter using the Orchard Tools App in order to time thinning treatments. Follow the trial through significant stages including after flower fertilization, when phytotoxicity shows up, and after final fruit set. The research was funded by the Nova Scotia Fruit Growers’ Association and the NSDA Crop and Livestock Management Trials Program.
Thank you to our video tour sponsors:
Summer Tour: Videos 4-5 released on Tuesday, Aug 11th
Video 4: Responding to replant disease with field research
The secrets of the soil await you and your guide Michelle Cortens, Tree Fruit Specialist with Perennia as you arrive at Nazinga Farm. Walking into a young planting you find Keith Fuller, Soil Scientist at AAFC, in the field. He explains apple replant disease and the reasoning behind the PicPlus field trial. Keith shares interesting results from all the field sites including the response in average tree growth. Just when you thought you couldn’t see the elusive nematode we dive into the microscope to understand Dr. Tom Forge’s (AAFC Nematologist) research and results. The research team was also lucky to have Dr. Shawkat Ali (AAFC Pathologist) to investigate the associated pathogens.
Video 5: Revealing replant disease in greenhouse research
Next your guide Michelle Cortens, Tree Fruit Specialist with Perennia takes you back to the Kentville Research and Development Centre. Swing around the back of the building to meet Keith Fuller, AAFC Soil Scientist, at the greenhouses. Keith explains the pot test for replant disease to detect the presence of apple replant disease in soils from old orchards. Collect a sample with Keith and then go into the greenhouse to prepare the experiment. After transplanting apple seedlings to compare growth in pasteurized and nonpasteurized soil, will the response be noticeably different? Absolutely.
Thank you to our video tour sponsors:
Summer Tour: Videos 1-3 released on Monday, Aug 10th
This year the NSFGA Annual Summer Tour is virtual for the first time ever. Each year the tour alternates between visiting orchards on the east and west side of the Valley as a way for Nova Scotia growers to learn local technical and research information. This year the tour is on the east side of the Valley.
This year the NSFGA Annual Summer Tour is virtual for the first time ever. Each year the tour alternates between visiting orchards on the east and west side of the Valley as a way for Nova Scotia growers to learn local technical and research information. This year the tour is on the east side of the Valley. Over the next week, a total of nine videos will be released on topics including rootstock trials, new plantings, apple replant disease, a grower panel discussion, fruitlet thinning, organic production, and entomology research.
Video 1: Grab your coffee, the tour is beginning
Immerse yourself in the tour experience with this video including introductions by Peter Eisses, President of the NSFGA. Help acknowledge the incredible generosity of our sponsors. Gather for special messages from the Hon. Keith Colwell and Cody Blois, MP for Kings-Hants. Say hello to each member of the NSFGA Production Committee in their element. Then buckle up and take a passenger side seat with your guide Michelle Cortens, Tree Fruit Specialist with Perennia.
Video 2: Rooted in rootstock trials
Arrive at the Kentville Research and Development Centre with your guide Michelle Cortens, Tree Fruit Specialist with Perennia. Find Dr. Suzanne Blatt, Entomologist with AAFC, in the research orchard at an NC-140 rootstock trial with the scab-resistant variety Modi. The rootstocks include G.11, G.30, G.41, G.202, G.214, G.222, G.890, G.935, G.969, and M9.T337. Take a step out and look at the properties that matter on each tree. Dr. Blatt shows us how the rootstocks compare in terms of vigour, yield, root suckering, and crop efficiency.
Then follow Dr. Blatt to an on-farm rootstock trial at Wohlgemuth Farms using Buckeye Gala. The rootstocks in the research include B.10, G.11, G.41, G.935, G.969, G.4814, IFO#2, M9.T337, and M.26. Although this research is still young, get a sneak peek into measurements of trunk cross sectional area, root suckers, and yield.
Video 3: Come and look at this new planting!
Go on the road to Port Williams with your guide Michelle Cortens, Tree Fruit Specialist with Perennia to meet Rob Peill at Townplot Orchards. Pull in to get a close look at the picturesque new planting that you usually only see from the road. Take a walk through the orchard and hear from Rob’s experience with Honeycrisp and Ambrosia on several different rootstocks. Hear from Rob about every aspect of his new planting including land preparation, trellis system, weed control, pest priorities, and defruiting. Briefly visit his organic block with scab resistant varieties. Then take a spur-of-the-moment visit to Rob’s tree nursery to see an interesting comparison between t-buds and chip buds. Rob’s final comments point out that he relies so much on the skilled labour on his farm.