February 2023 - 4

EDITOR'S LETTER
New crops require
learning from others
I
t's always interesting watching growers
diversify into new crops. With the exception
of Red River Valley potatoes and Minnesota
apples, the Northern Great Plains isn't known
as a large specialty crop production region.
Some growers of alfalfa, wheat, corn
and soybeans are growing aronias, a berry
that's relatively new to the area (see story
on page 10).
A challenge is successfully marketing their
fruit. In recent years, many berries have
gone unharvested due to lack of demand and effective marketing.
Considered a " superfruit, " aronias have a long list of health
benefits, including antioxidants and aiding in fighting the effects
of inflammation, aging and cancer. Because of an astringent
taste, the berries work best in wines, jams, jellies and syrups.
Consumers need to be educated on the berry and its benefits.
Dale Hilgenkamp, a Nebraska corn and soybean grower, began
growing aronias in 2009. He's been involved in four failed grower
groups, but a new one shows promise. The previous groups
lacked necessary financial support for weathering market storms
and selling the fruit, including a growers' cooperative with many
members. One regularly paid its members thanks to a contracted
beverage manufacturer, but sales plummeted after COVID.
It's a catch-22 because growers can't get food and beverage
manufacturers interested in the berry unless they can supply
millions of pounds, while growers aren't willing to plant more
until they see better markets.
Because of limited demand and the four years it takes before
a grower can expect significant production after transplanting,
growers should learn from others by attending conferences and
asking them what they would do differently if they could do it all
over again. To minimize up-front costs, start small. A grower
can always propagate additional plants once they have their
plants in the ground for three years.
" As demand grows and as their business grows, they
(processors) will need more berries, so it would be good to
get aligned with one of the established groups and not wait
until your berries are harvested to start looking for a market, "
Hilgenkamp said.
In conferences I attended this past year, speakers advised
growers to research potential crops and find a customer willing
to buy their crop before they make their first plantings.
Valuable advice.
EDITORIAL
MANAGING EDITOR
ASSISTANT EDITOR
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Chris Koger, 616-520-2156
ckoger@greatamericanpublish.com
Doug Ohlemeier, 616-520-2162
dohlemeier@greatamericanpublish.com
Kristen Kazarian, 616-520-2144
kkazarian@greatamericanpublish.com
ADVERTISING SALES
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
ACCOUNT SPECIALIST
Greg Sebel, 616-520-2146
fgnads@fruitgrowersnews.com
Kim Meyers, 616-520-2137
kmeyers@greatamericanpublish.com
PRODUCTION
SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER
ASSOCIATE CREATIVE
DIRECTOR
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Eric Hadden, 616-520-2147
fgnproduction@fruitgrowersnews.com
Amanda Mackey, 616-520-2157
amackey@greatamericanpublish.com
Allison McKenzie, 616-520-2142
amckenzie@greatamericanpublish.com
AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT
CIRCULATION
CORPORATE
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
COO & CHIEF
MARKETING OFFICER
PUBLISHER/CEO
Becky Stovall, 616-520-2138
circulation@fruitgrowersnews.com
Deb Carnes, 616-520-2169
dcarnes@greatamericanpublish.com
Kim Baker, 616-520-2135
kbaker@greatamericanpublish.com
Matt McCallum, 616-520-2133
mmccallum@greatamericanpublish.com
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD
Mike Biltonen
John Clark
Rob Crassweller
Wanda Heuser Gale
Frank Gasperini
Simon Huntley
Mark Longstroth
Nathan Nourse
Gregory Peck
Roger Pepperl
Mark Seetin
USPS 576-420, ISSN 1533-6840
PERIODICAL POSTAGE PAID AT SPARTA, MI AND ADDITIONAL OFFICES
Published monthly by
GREAT AMERICAN MEDIA SERVICES INC.
Office at 75 Applewood Dr., Suite A, Sparta, Michigan 49345.
POSTMASTER
Send address changes to:
Great American Publishing,
PO Box 318, Lincolnshire IL 60069
SUBSCRIPTION RATES
United States: $35.50 per 3 years,
$15.50 per year
Canada: $56 per year,
Foreign Countries: $100 per year
Digital Editions: $9.95 per year,
Back Issues: $6 each
FEBRUARY 2023 | VOLUME 62 | ISSUE 2
The opinions and views expressed by authors, contributors and
advertisers in Fruit Growers News do not necessarily reflect those of
the editors and publisher. Appearance in Fruit Growers News does not
constitute endorsement by Great American Media Services or Fruit
Growers News of the advertiser, its products, or services. Great American
Media Services and Fruit Growers News accepts no responsibility of
liability for the validity or accuracy of information supplied by contributors,
vendors, advertisers, or advertising agencies. Great American Media
Services and Fruit Growers News do not make any claims or guarantees as
to the accuracy or validity of information supplied by contributors, vendors,
advertisers or advertising agencies.
Copyright 2023
Doug Ohlemeier, Assistant Editor
4 | FEBRUARY 2023
FRUIT GROWERS NEWS is a publication of
a division of Great American Publishing
-Doug
February 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of February 2023
