Every year we attend the Wisconsin Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Conference to learn more and try to improve the way we grow apples, minimize the amount of spray we use and learn new, fun things to do to entertain our visitors. This year, Frank and Jared tended to go to the apple and berry sessions of the conference while Diane and I typically attended the Agritourism sessions.  We had good speakers, we had informative sessions and sessions that were just a repeat of themselves.  But as always, it’s those great sessions you attend or that friend you make in the long line to the potato bar that gives you that perfect idea for the next season. I also find that this conference tends to re-energize me.  Apple season is fun, but it's a lot of work and not a lot of sleep.  These conferences get me excited again fro the next season and I have a list of things I want to implement next year. There is also a trade show that runs during the show.  You can visit during the breaks or if there is a block of sessions that just don’t interest you.  One of the most interesting vendors I met this year was Waters Blueberry Farm.  They were a couple of passionate brothers who really seemed to now what they were talking about when it came to blueberries.  After our initial disappointing blueberry fiasco, it made me want to maybe try out a few of their bushes…we’ll have to see…   This year Frank’s brother Dave and his son Shaun joined us at the conference.  They have recently decided to follow a dream and are starting a winery and attended the grape session portion of the conference.  You can follow along with their stories at:  www.RocknWoolAcres.blogspot.com.  It should be interesting!

Here’s a picture of us all enjoying a glass of Weggy Wine during the wine and cheese tasting portion of Monday evening (yes, my favorite part).  I would like to than my parents for watching the girls so we could attend the conference!  It’s really nice to not have to worry about them while we’re away.

So, I hope your are looking forward to the upcoming season when we are able to show off a few of the  new things we’ve implemented as a result of this conference.  I’ll try to keep you posted a bit as they happen…