UW-Extension Commercial Fruit Production School Starts January 27

This Commercial Fruit Production School is for existing producers wanting to improve their operation and for beginning producers looking to start a successful fruit business. The series involve six intensive sessions that are intended to provide you with an understanding of production and marketing of tree fruits, bush fruits, strawberries, raspberries, and grapes.

Mark your calendars for the following dates and topics:

• Jan 27 – The Basics of Commercial Fruit Production: The first session will focus on the infrastructure, planning, and knowledge necessary before putting a single plant in the ground. We’ll cover site selection, orchard layout, water, equipment, and pest management.
• Feb 3 – Apples, Tart Cherries, Plums: Establishment and management of tree fruit crops with emphasis on variety selection, establishment, pruning and pest management for apples, tart cherries, and plums.
• Feb 10 – Bush Fruits: This session will cover variety selection, establishment, and management of bush fruits with an emphasis on blueberries, currants, and aronia.
• Feb 17 – Strawberries and Raspberries: Everything you need to know about strawberry and raspberry production.
• Feb 24 –Wine and Table Grapes: Wine and table grapes are a specialized kind of fruit production. This session will introduce you to grapes and get you started.
• Mar 3 –Markets, Labor, and Enterprise Budgets: You’re able to grow a nice crop. Now what? This session will cover harvest, post-harvest handling, marketing, and economics.

It will be a combination of distance learning and live presentations with all sessions will be from 6:30 – 9:00PM in Room # 207 at the Douglas County Courthouse.The registration fee for the Series is $10/person/session or $40 for the entire series. For more information or to register please call 715-395-1363 or email:  jane.anklam@ces.uwex.edu.