Conservation district farm tour is Sept. 9.

August 29, 2016

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RIVERTON TOWNSHIP — Dr. Walter Pett, Michigan State University’s apiculture and pollination extension specialist, will be speaking at The Pentwater Patch, 6870 S. Brye Road on Friday, Sept. 9.

Pett will introduce farmers to the managed pollinator protection plan during the Mason-Lake Conservation District’s free fall 2016 Farm Tour, which begins at 5 p.m.

The farm tour will begin at the Lundberg Brothers’ New Horizon Farm, 2133 W. Marrison Road, with the introduction of farming for soil health through the use of cover crops and a demonstration of a rainfall simulator.

The tour will then go to the Pentwater Patch where topics of discussion will include how to protect bees and other native pollinator insects, as well as how to stay in compliance with state law in regards to pesticide usage.

The tour will also include a visit to C. Peterson & Son’s farm, 1316 W Marrison Rd, where attendees will get to see how Aaron’s Spray Service from Acres Co-op can streamline many farm operations and reduce the risk of pesticide spills on the farm, while also looking at a chemical building provided by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services’ Farm-bill cost share program. They will also learn how to sign up for similar incentives to reduce environmental risk on the farm through federal programs.

The farm tour is made free to all those that attend by the Mason County Farm Bureau, through a grant from Michigan Farm Bureau and the United States Dept. of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service.

The Mason-Lake Conservation District is requesting a RSVP to 2.5 hour event so that enough free food (taco bar and desserts from Orchard Market) – can be provided to everyone who participates.

Call 231-757-3707 ext. 5 or email jordan.devries@macd.org.

In addition, Michigan State University will host six listening sessions around the state for stakeholders concerned about the health of managed bees in Michigan.

These listening sessions will be held from late August to early October and will each be two hours. A short presentation will be followed by time for input. We invite local beekeepers, fruit and vegetable growers and others with interest in the long-term health of honey bees and other managed bees to attend one of these sessions to provide input.

See more information here. 

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