OKANOGAN, Wash. – A series of free computer workshops designed to assist fruit growers with long-term decision making will be available free of charge this winter.
Workshops at six locations have been scheduled to teach growers how to use A Grower’s Technology Economic Assessment Model computer program. It is a Windows-based program designed to help in making long-run decisions when considering implementing technology or other management changes in perennial fruit production. TEAM can evaluate an array of possible technologies at the grower level. Examples of technologies include, but are not limited to, rootstocks, varieties, optical sensors, self-propelled orchard platforms, low-volume orchard sprayers and robotics.
TEAM uses enterprise budgets to establish a base from which producers can analyze the potential profitability and feasibility of implementing such technologies over a 20-year period. A single plan can be evaluated, or two cropping systems can be compared at the same time.
The workshops are scheduled for:
- Dec. 16, Pasco, Franklin County Extension office, 404 W. Clark St., 6 – 8 p.m.
- Dec. 17, Grandview, Grandview campus of Yakima Valley Community College, 500 West Main St., 3 – 5 p.m.
- Dec. 18, Yakima, Yakima Valley Community College, Deccio Building room 210, 6 – 8 p.m.
- Jan. 19, Moses Lake, ATEC building on Big Bend Community College, library room 1802, 6 – 8 p.m.
- Jan. 20, Wenatchee, Confluence Technology Center, 285 Technology Center Way, Palouse room, 6 – 8 p.m.
- Feb. 3, Omak, to be determined
There is no cost to attend, but participants are asked to call ahead and register since space is limited to 15 students. Every participant will have access to a computer, be oriented to the software with step-by-step instructions and receive a free copy of the software along with a manual.
The workshops are supported by the Washington State Tree Fruit Research Commission and Washington State University Extension. Workshop presenters will be Norman Suverly, WSU Okanogan County Extension, and Karen Lewis, WSU Grant and Adams county Extension.
More information about attending one of the workshops is available by contacting the WSU Okanogan County Extension office to register at (509) 422-7245 or email suverly@wsu.edu.
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