PUBLIC WELCOME!
Michigan State University Extension, AgBioResearch, the Michigan Cider Association, and the Benzie Manistee Horticulture Society presents
The educational session cost is $20 and the dinner is also $20. Checks can be made payable to the Benzie Manistee Horticultural Society. Please call the Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Center to reserve a spot at this meeting: 231-946-1510
1:00-1:30 Overview of Michigan Cider Industry
Paul Vander Heide, Vander Mill Ciders and MCA President, Spring Lake, MI
1:30-1:50 The Role of the New National Organization--United States Association of Cider Makers (USACM)
Mike Beck, USACM President and Uncle John’s Cider Mill, Saint Johns, MI
1:50-2:20 Developing Modern Apple Systems for Producing Cider Fruit
Neil MacDonald, Orchard GroundCare, Amsterdam, U.K.
2:20-3:00 Factors influencing Decisions to Plant Varieties Specifically for the Cider Market
Kevin VerSnyder, VerSnyder Fruit Farms, Lake Leelanau, MI
Andy Sietsema, Sietsema Orchards, Ada, MI
3:00-3:30 Thinking About Opening a Cidery? Checklist for Getting Started
Dan Young, Tandem Ciders, Suttons Bay, MI
3:30-3:45 BREAK
3:45-4:15 Big Sellers Out of the Tasting Room: Consumer Preferences Now and
Into the future
Mike Beck, Uncle John’s Cider Mill, Saint Johns, MI
4:15-4:45 Thinking About Packaging Cider to Make Money
Mike Beck, Uncle Johns Cider Mill, Saint Johns, MI
Paul Vander Heide, Vander Mill Ciders, Spring Lake, MI
4:45-6:00 Cider Tasting
