This is the last weekly message for 2008. Messages will be updated only as needed through-out the winter (for instance, one will be sent when we re-schedule the Organic Grower's Meeting). Regular messages will start again sometime in March.

We in fieldservice hope that these messages have helpful. We are always open to suggestions for improvement. Finally I have managed to get the attachments sent out in Adobe, after several growers reported difficulty opening Word attachments. Your comments and suggestions are appreciated.

I hope you all have a relaxing winter.

Charlotte Leaming, (and the rest of the OKTF Fieldservice)


HARVEST HORTICULTURAL MESSAGE
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31ST 2008


MEETINGS:
The BCFGA HORTICULTURAL FORUM has been CANCELLED for 2008.

MATURITY:
Last day of receiving for 2008 season will be Friday, November 7th.

Pink Lady:
Pink Lady harvest is starting. Growers may hold off until as close as the November 7th end of receiving as possible as long as the fruit doesn’t freeze on the tree. Currently the forecast does not call for freezing temperatures, but it does look like it could get rainy. There are no penalties for B or C category fruit. Xfcy requires 45% #4 red colour. Fancy requires 25% #2 colour.

Note; we require paper work confirming the royalties have been paid on Pink Lady. Fruit received without certification will be designated as Cripp’s Pink and pooled separately. If you submitted paper work in previous years, we will it on file. If you have not shipped Pink Lady in previous years please submit the paper work (either to your fieldperson, or head office in Kelowna) before shipping your fruit.

Fuji:
Fuji harvest should be wrapping up in all areas.

Ambrosia:
We are currently packing for England. If you haven’t done so yet, please submit spray records for Ambrosia apples to your fieldperson (email, fax, drop off to the office or deliver in person). These are required for when we ship apples to England. England will not accept fruit that has been sprayed with Zolone, otherwise anything legal is fine so long as we have documentation.


IN THE ORCHARD:
Mow well to minimize mouse habitat over the winter. Fall glysophate (Round-up type herbicides) works well on perennial weeds. Low rates of 0.5% to 1.0% are sufficient for most weeds. It should be late enough now not to cause tree damage from glysophate applications to root suckers.

Winterize the sprayer, remembering to back off the pressure regulator and bring the pressure gauge inside as well as draining and putting anti-freeze in the pump.

Now is a good time to take soil samples. At the very least soil samples should be taken before re-planting. Contact your fieldperson for assistance.

Time to blow out the irrigation system for the season.


FOR YOUR INFORMATION:
Crop Insurance:
Remember to sign up for basic crop insurance before the end of November.


Replanting:
There is funding available for removing tree fruits and for replanting. Applications must be submitted before you pull the trees out. Contact the replant program toll free at 1 800 665-5254.



FOR FIELD SERVICES CALL:
Hank Markgraf – Fieldservices Manager - 979-2612 (upper South Kelowna)
Steve Brown 490-1846 (Summerland)
Mike Hanna 864-2411 (Rutland, Ellison, Winfield)
Gayle Krahn 550-4827 (Oyama, Vernon and north)
Charlotte Leaming 490-5717 cell (Similkameen)
Sera Lean 485-8587 cell (Oliver)
Mike Read 979-2616 (Mission, Westbk, Glenmore & Upper Bench-E.
Kelowna)
Hilary Sampson 498-7069 cell (Osoyoos & Organic growers in Similkameen)
Molly Thurston 864-8640 (Benvoulin, Lower Bench-East Kelowna & Belgo)
Nicole Verpaelst 460-0643 (Naramata & Penticton)