Cherry Growers hold annual meeting April 13

The 86th annual cherry growers’ meeting presented by the Flathead Lake Cherry Growers Association will be held on Saturday, April 13, at the Yellow Bay Community Clubhouse.

The meeting is open to anyone interested in growing quality Flathead cherries. Doors open at 8:30 a.m.; the meeting begins at 9 a.m. The clubhouse is located at 23429 Montana 35. 

Keynote speaker, Gary Grove, Washington State University professor of plant pathology, will give an in-depth presentation including the etiology, epidemiology and management of powdery mildew, an emerging problem among local growers. His talk will include symptoms and signs, mycological information about the pathogen, resistance management, and environmental factors affecting the disease. 

Rachel Malison, assistant research professor at the Flathead Lake Biological Station and in the Ecology and Evolution Program at the University of Montana, will report on a program she developed for FLBS’s Monitoring Montana Waters Program and will provide an introduction and explanation of the Pesticide Stewardship Partnership Program for the Upper Columbia River Basis.

The day includes announcements of interest to local cherry growers and the opportunity to meet with local extension agents and agencies. Networking with experienced Flathead cherry growers will help orchard owners learn how others develop successful orchards unique to this area.    

Advance registration is recommended. General admission is $30 per person and includes morning refreshments and lunch. If space is still available, registrations will be accepted at the door at $35 per person. For more information or to preregister, call (406) 982-3069 or email office@bahammons.com. Information and the registration form are also available on the Flathead Lake Cherry Growers, Inc., website montanacherries.com in the calendar section under community events.