Fruit growers were an important part of the

MOSES conference in La Crosse, WI, February 27-29, 2020!

Our members who lead well-attended workshops, universities, we had a great turnout at our usual apple and pear grafting workshop. We had a chance to learn and connect with other organic fruit growers as well as others in the organic and sustainable agriculture world.

Thursday, February 27, all day

OFGA board member Rami Aburomia from Atoms to Apples and Peter Werts from the IPM Institute of North America presented the Organic University Class Strategies for Successful Organic Tree-Fruit Production in Midwest. They talked about how to raise organic tree fruit in the Midwest where growers must manage more insects, diseases, and weeds than in arid regions. Participants learned about timely management and could leave with a clear understanding of the pest complex of tree fruit, both essential to the success of small and midsize orchards.

Friday, February 28, 8:30 am

OFGA member Annie Klodd and Natalie Hoidal, both from the University of Minnesota Extension held a workshop about Vegetable and Fruit Challenges in a Changing Climate.

Friday, February 28, 10:30 am

David Sliwa (Plum Ridge), long-time OFGA member and supporter of the association, teach you how to grow Perfect Pears for the Upper Midwest. He brought scion wood to the workshop that he helped participants graft later that day at the OFGA grafting workshop.

Friday, February 28, 3:30 pm

Those missed the Organic University class on Thursday, could get a glimpse into Caring for Perennial Fruits on Your Farm or Homestead at this workshop by Rami Aburomia (Atoms to Apples, OFGA board member) and Peter Werts (IPM Institute of North America).

Friday, February 28, 6:00-8:00 pm

Our usual OFGA Grafting Workshop and Scion Wood Exchange on Friday night brought 80 experienced orchardists and beginners together to match rootstock to scion wood. They left with hundreds of trees ready to go into the ground.

Friday, February 28, 8:00-9:00 pm

We took care of association matters during the OFGA annual meeting, welcomed two new board members, several new members, renewed friendships and established new connections with fellow fruit growers.

Saturday, February 29, 8:30 am

In this workshop by Brooke Knisley (Alternative Roots Farm, OFGA member and board supporter) and Bill Warner (Snug Haven Farm), participants could learn about Mid-Winter Vegetable Production, a great addition to those growing fruits during the rest of the year.

Saturday, February 29, 10:30 am

Annie Klodd (University of Minnesota Extension, OFGA member) and Andy Petran from the Twin Cities Berry Company showed participants Organic Options to Manage SWD in their workshop about spotted wing drosophila.

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