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Mass Aggie Seminars 2024

2024 Mass Aggie Seminar

Use this link to register online!

Welcome to Mass Aggies, a series highlighting the agricultural expertise and innovation available through the University of Massachusetts Amherst’s Extension Fruit team. Through this series of seminars and workshops the Fruit Team provides a platform for small scale backyard growers and agricultural enthusiasts of all types to come together to learn the latest developments in fruit production. Delve into the cutting-edge information shared in our seminars, curated to empower individuals with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of agriculture. 

Important information for registrants:

Mail in sign ups: We are currently working a hybrid/remote schedule. As such, mail is not collected on a daily basis. Once the mail has been collected those of you who sent in your forms will receive an email including the link(s) to the Aggie videos you uindicated in your purchase form. Please be sure to include your email, written legibly. 

Video access: Seminars held via zoom will be recorded. A private link to the video will be shared with paid registrants only. This link will expire two months after you receive it. Missed the live zoom? nno worries! You may also purchase the recording for viewing for $15. The same 2 month expriation applies. The in person Aggie will not be recorded. Purchase of recordnigs will not be avaailable after April 30.

If you do not wish to register online, you may print a registration mail-in form. Click 2024_mass_aggies_poster.pdf for the 2024 Mass Aggie Workshop Series, and you will open a PDF version of the registration form. You can print this form, select the seminars that you wish to attend, and mail it with a check written out to UMass for the appropriate amount. 

REGISTER ONLINE

The link for each Zoom session will be sent out via email, if you have not yet recieved the link, please check your spam folder. If you have not received the link by the Friday prior to the Aggie(s) you have registered for, please email egarofal@umass.edu

Online registration will close the Friday prior to each event.

Date Program
(click title or scroll down for seminar description)
Location
(click link to register)
Time Fee
February 10, 2024 Disease in the Orchard Recording available N/A $ 15
February 17, 2024 Home Orchard Establishment Recording available  N/A $ 15
February 24, 2024 For the Love of Pollinators This event has pasased N/A $ 60
March 2, 2024 Integrated Pest Management and Insect ID Recording available N/A $ 15
March 9, 2024

Orchard Pruning

Recording available N/A $ 15
 

 

     

Use this link to register online!

If you do not wish to register online, you may print a registration form to mail. Click 2024_mass_aggies_poster.pdf, and you will open a pdf version of the registration form. You can print this form, select the seminars that you wish to view, and mail it with a check for the appropriate amount.

Date Program/Time/Location Description

February 10, 2024

10:30am - noon

Disease in the Orchard -

A Zoom recording w/Ms. Elizabeth Garofalo

Sometimes the smallest creatures can cause the greatest impact. Join in and learn about disease management for tree fruit. Key disease IPM concepts will be discussed. Identification, biology and management of a selection of common tree fruit diseases will also be presented.

February 17, 2024

10:30am - noon

Home Orchard Establishment -Zoom recording w/ Mr. Jon Clements

Horticultural topics covered will be the basics of planting apple trees, including site selection, choice of variety and rootstock, planting best practices, tree training and pruning, fertilization, and ongoing fruit tree care (the focus of this session is primarily apples. The concepts discussed apply to pears, peaches and other tree fruit).

February 24, 2024

10:00am - 2:00pm

For the Love of Pollinators- 

An in person workshop with Ms. Caro Munoz Agudelo

UMass, Amherst campus Fernald Hall room 201

This session explores the critical role of insect pollinators such as bees, butterflies, beetles, and flies in the reproduction of flowering plants and aims to raise pollinator awareness by delving into the biology of their interaction with crops and wild plants. Overlooked in their significance, insect pollinators play a paramount role in maintaining ecosystem balance and are vital contributors to environmental health. The session will address the decline in pollinator populations, covering floral biology, insect diversity, and sources of stress. Emphasizing the importance of conserving these pollinators for biodiversity, food security, and environmental sustainability, the workshop seeks to inspire conversations and actions to support them. Participants will work together in a fun activity making seed bombs, for everyone to bring home and share with friends and relatives.

March 2, 2024

10:30am - noon

Integrated Pest Management & Insect ID- 

Zoom recording w/Dr. Jaime Piñero

Join Dr. Jaime Piñero to learn the basics of insects; beneficial and pest, identi­fication and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) including organic options and biological control, in the home orchard. 

March 9, 2024

10:30am - noon

Orchard Pruning 

A Zoom recording  w/ Mr. Jon Clements

The joy of growing apples in the home garden is enjoying a renaissance. One of the key steps in successful apple growing is the act of pruning the trees. This can seem daunting and complicated, but it’s not! Not once you understand the principles involved. Join Extension Educator Jon Clements online and learn how to properly prune your fruit trees. The focus of this session is primarily apples. The concepts discussed apply to pears, peaches and other tree fruit.