Posted: 02.23.2011

There is still time to enroll in the Midwest School for Beginning  
Apple Growers, a three-day workshop for people wanting to start an  
orchard business.  The class will be offered March 4-6, 2011 on the UW- 
Madison campus.

If you are starting or considering starting an orchard business—no  
matter what scale—this class will give you the skills and information  
you need to avoid risk and meet your goals.

Now in its second year, this unique program combines the expertise of  
seasoned growers and university faculty. Primary instructors will be  
Bob Barthel of Barthel Fruit Farm in Mequon, Tom Griffith of Door  
Creek Orchard in Cottage Grove and Jackie Hoch of Hoch Orchard and  
Gardens in LaCrescent, Minn. Joining them will be UW–Madison fruit  
specialists Patricia McManus and Rebecca Harbut.

The school will emphasize sustainable and organic production methods  
including integrated pest management strategies, as well as risk  
management and business planning. The course also offers participants  
a great opportunity to network with others who share their interest in  
making a business out of growing and selling apples.

The Midwest School for Beginning Apple Growers is sponsored by the UW- 
Madison Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems and the Wisconsin  
Apple Growers Association, and is open to the public. Registration for  
the program costs $300. 

For more information, contact John Hendrickson  
at (608) 265-3704 or jhendric@wisc.edu, 
or visit the CIAS web site: www.cias.wisc.edu 

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