GREAT LAKES EXPO NEWS Sap testing in berry crops Zilfina Rubio Ames will mainly discuss sap analysis in berry crops, including how reliable the process is and how financially beneficial it is for growers. " I know growers are interested in how to implement sap analysis for their crops, " Ames said. " I'll talk about my two years of data and research from working with sap analysis and see how we can incorporate it into the production system as another tool other than soil samples. " The best advice Ames can offer growers is to " always listen to your Extension specialist from a high institution like a university - we always have your best interest at heart, " Ames said. Blueberry fertilization In her second session, Zilfina Rubio Ames will focus on potassium and phosphorus fertilization and how growers can utilize chemical fertilizers more efficiently according to the plant's needs. " We're trying to create more holistic research in the berry production system - research involving several aspects of the production system as a whole, so we can provide growers with a better understanding and make it more sustainable, " Ames said. This year is Ames' first time attending the Great Lakes EXPO and she is excited to connect with colleagues and growers. " I think this is a great opportunity to listen to colleagues from other universities and other parts of the U.S. that bring in new ideas to the industry, " Ames said. " The Great Lakes EXPO is a great show with several educated speakers and interesting topics showcased. The show brings growers together and shows them new research in improving crop management. " GLEXPO SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE Access the full EXPO program at glexpo.com. FARM MARKETING Tuesday 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Sensory Merchandising: Connecting with Customers One Sense at a Time Tuesday 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Visual Merchandising 101: Interactive Techniques to Transform Your Space Tuesday 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM Farm Market Roundtable Wednesday 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Agritourism Workshops - Hosted by Michigan Agritourism Wednesday 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Farm Market - Social Media Thursday 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Farm Market: Bringing People Along Farm Market Workshop - Farm Layout and Design Building Food Access and Community at Your Farm Market FRUIT Tuesday 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Juice Grape Sweet/Hard Cider Tuesday 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Wine Grape Apple I Berry Wednesday 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Peach/Plum Blueberry I Cherry Wednesday 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Apple II Blueberry II GENERAL Tuesday 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Emerging Technology I: Field Testing Technologies to Improve Decision Making and Crop Quality Farm Business - Insurance IPM Timely Topics Tuesday 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM Farm Business - Programs Tuesday 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Agrability Tuesday 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Introducing the New Beginning Farmer Resource and Decision Making Guide Farming For Generations FRUITGROWERSNEWS.COM | 23http://www.glexpo.com http://www.FRUITGROWERSNEWS.COM