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CHRISTMAS TREE AREA OF
EXPERTISE TEAM
Michigan State University Extension |
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Seventh International Christmas Tree Research & Extension Conference
Kettunen Center |
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Monday Farm Tour B & G Trees, McBain Michigan - John and Lynn Bevier have been wholesaling and retailing trees in Florida, Alabama and Michigan for over 25 years. They manage 250 acres and grow 6 varieties of trees. At their farm in McBain you will visit one of Michigan State University's True Fir Demonstration Plots. The demonstration plots where design to obtain and out-plant as many Abies species as possible, determine the hardiness and growth rate of each species and evaluate the appropriateness and suitability of each species for use as a Christmas tree and for ornamental purposes. As we tour the farm we will have a discussion on Phytophthora root rot, nutrient management and deer fencing.Wednesday Tours Dutchman Tree Farm is one of the largest wholesale operations in Michigan and the U.S. Growing Scotch pine, Fraser, balsam and concolor firs, spruce, and Douglas fir on the 4,500 acres they have in production. Each year they harvest approximately 450,000 trees. Steve Vander Weide and his partner, Joel Hoekwater have 100+ employees during peak season and have may other contractors and sub-contractors that work in the fields and shipping yard. Along with the viewing the many species they have in production we will be visiting their red pine storage and shipping areas, center pivot irrigation system to discuss water use in Michigan, pot-in-pot production for nursery and Christmas trees markets and PMAP project looking at herbicide alternatives. Northwest Michigan Horticulture Station
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