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BF 223: Introduction to Tree Fruit Production

General Course Resources

Instructor Contact
Webinar Schedule and Participant Guide
Pre-Course Survey
Favorite General Orcharding Resources
Cider Resources
Additional Tree Fruits and Tree Nuts
Kiva U.S. - 0% Interest Loans up to $15,000
Navigating in Teachable; Getting a Course Completion Certificate; and More
FORUM: Introduce Yourself; Meet Your Peers

Week 1: Basic Botany, Your Orchard Goals, and Business Planning

Week 1 Webinar Link, Slides, and Recording
Meet Black Diamond Orchard
Week 1 Additional Resources
QUIZ: Complete Following Week 1 Lecture
ACTIVITY and FORUM: Industry Trends and Grower Stories

Week 2: Site Evaluation, Prep, and Establishment

Week 2 Webinar Link, Slides, and Recording
Site Evaluation: The Basics
Is My Site Right? Tools for Assessing a Potential Orchard Site
QUIZ: Site Selection and Prep (complete after March 7)
ACTIVITY and FORUM: Siting Your Orchard

Week 3: Varieties, Rootstocks, and Training Systems

Week 3 Webinar Link, Slides, and Recording
Resources for Choosing Cultivars and Rootstocks
Orchard Training Systems
Quiz: Complete Following Week 3 Lecture
ACTIVITY and FORUM: Cultivars, Rootstocks, and Training Systems for Your Orchard

Week 4: Cultural Management

Week 4 Webinar Slides, Link and Recording
Pruning Videos to Watch Before Lecture
"Cookbook" Training Guidelines
Trellis Building Resources
Thinning Resources
Nutrient Management Resources
Pruning Old, Neglected Apple Trees
Grafting and Propagating Fruit Trees
Quiz: Complete Following Week 4 Lecture
ACTIVITY and FORUM: Considering Pruning Strategies
ACTIVITY and FORUM: Read ahead and comment before Week 5 webinar

Week 5: Pest Management and IPM

Week 5 Webinar Link, Slides and Recording
IPM - some foundational resources
IPM - digging deeper
Orchard IPM References for Farmers Outside the NE US
Video: Scouting Procedure for Scab and Red Mites
QUIZ: Pest Management and IPM
ACTIVITY and FORUM: Pest Management

Week 6: The Harvest!

Week 6 Webinar Link, Slides and Recording
Harvest Management Resources
Apple Maturity Indicators Video
Peach Maturity Indicators Video
Direct Marketing Resources
Black Diamond Farm: Harvest, Storage, and Markets
QUIZ: Harvest
ACTIVITY and FORUM: Harvest Considerations
Additional ACTIVITY and FORUM: Reach out to your local extension!
Post-Course Survey: Complete for a Chance to Win!
Staying Connected After This Course Ends + A Special Offer

Site Evaluation: The Basics

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