Outstanding Researcher, Grower Awards presented at IDFTA Banquet

February 2001: At the IDFTA 44th Annual Conference in Grand Rapids MI, Outstanding Grower and Researcher Awards were presented to deserving recipients during the Annual Banquet.

Presented with Outstanding Researcher Award(s) were Michigan State University researchers Drs. Jim Flore (l.) and Greg Lang (r.). Flore is a Michigan native and has worked extensively on physiology of apples and cherries with real-world applications. Most recently he has studied the 'why's and how's' of sweet cherry cracking and has looked at application(s) of chloride solutions to ameliorate the serious problem when cherries are grown in a jumid climate.

Lang, was recently hired by MSU from Washington State University. There, he specialized in sweet cherry training and pruning systems. At MSU he will continue to look at physiology of apples and cherries with an applied focus.

Both Flore and Lang have Extension (as well as research and teaching) appointments at MSU.
Although not specifically a Researhcer or Grower Award, nonetheless Gary Mount (l.) receives a plaque from President Steve Blizzard (r.) congratulating him on his long-time service to IDFTA as a Board Member. Mount, who runs Terhune Orchards in Princeton New Jersey with his wife Pam, served on the Board of Directors for twelve years.
Show here handing the gavel over to Canadian Jim Hughes (l.), Steve Blizzard officially retires as IDFTA president. Blizzard is well-known for his good humor during the Annual Banquet, and ably guided IDFTA to it's first Annual Conference outside North America in New Zealand in 2000. Hughes operates Hughes Orchard in Picton, Ontario Canada. We look forward to having him serve as President!

Don May, recently deceased, was awarded the IDFTA Outstanding Grower Award. Massachusetts orchardist May was a long-time supporter of IDFTA, served on the Board of Directors, and was a fixture at many a meeting. Maryland grower Evan Milburn, a long-time friend, spoke generously of the contribution May has made to IDFTA and how much he is already missed by his friends and colleagues.

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