Join the Leelanau Conservation District to learn about a systems approach to growing perennial crops. Experts will discuss the importance of integrating native beneficial habitat for pollinators and soil invertebrates, how to improve soil health and its benefits, the impact of alley vegetation management, and the value of sap analysis for nutrient balance.
We are really excited for this year’s line-up of presenters!
2nd Annual Perennial Farm Ecosystem Conference
Date: September 8th
Location: Community Meeting Room -Leelanau Government Center Building Suttons Bay, MI
Program Narrative: To provide a valuable and educational session that gets tree fruit and vineyard growers thinking about alternatives to conventional growing practices and how implementing alternative practices could benefit their bottom-line and the environment.
Presenters:
Dr. Debbie Aller – Cornell University Extension Associate, Soil Health Program, School of Integrative Plant Science Soil and Crop Sciences
Topic: Soil Health in Perennial Systems and cover cropping in Vineyards
Robert Kremer – Adjunct Professor Plant Science & Technology University of Missouri
Topic: Alley Vegetation Management Affects Orchard Productivity and Ecosystem Health
Bob Kremer currently serves as an Adjunct Professor of Soil Microbiology in the School of Natural Resources and in the Division of Plant Science & Technology at the University of Missouri. He retired after a 32-year career as a microbiologist with U.S.D.A, Agricultural Research Service. Dr. Kremer’s research projects included biological control of weeds; pesticide fates in the environment; soil microbe-plant-pesticide interactions; soil health assessment in various ecosystems; biological products testing; and genetically-modified crops and glyphosate in agricultural production systems. He has co-authored two books, 30 book chapters, and authored or co-authored 170 refereed research articles. Dr. Kremer is a Certified Soil Scientist and a Fellow of the American Society of Agronomy and of the Weed Science Society of America.
Stephanie Frischie – Xerces Agronomist
Topic: Living Orchards: Integrating habitat for soil invertebrates, beneficial insects, pollinators and other wildlife with tree crops. Examples from the Midwest and Spain.
Based in Indiana, Stephanie provides pollinator and beneficial insect habitat expertise in Canada, the U.S. and Latin America for a range of land use types – farms, energy infrastructure, natural areas, and urban green spaces. She also works with the native seed industry and researchers to plan and develop seed supply of important plant species for creating and restoring habitat. Stephanie is a founding board member of the International Network for Seed-based Restoration.
Scott Wall – President and CEO of New Age Laboratories
Topic: How plant sap analysis can benefit your nutrient management plan
NEW AGE Laboratories is a Multifaceted Sciences and Technologies company specializing in Plant Sap Analysis, Environmental Chemistry, Food Safety Testing, Microbiology, Agricultural Testing services, and Field Laboratory Design and Construction.