Extension Communications
Extension 4-H Youth Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3630
(515) 294-9915
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Extension Communications |
12/5/03
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts:
Hank Taber, Horticulture, (515) 294-0025, taber@iastate.edu
Jean McGuire, Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515) 294-7033,
jmcguire@iastate.edu
Great Plains Vegetable Conference Scheduled for January
The Great Plains Vegetable Conference and a pre-conference workshop will be held on January 8-10 at the St. Joseph, Missouri Ramada Inn.
"Interesting and useful information will be presented on a variety of topics," said Hank Taber, horticulture specialist, Iowa State University Extension. "It doesn't matter if you're a large commercial vegetable grower or a small back-yard gardener, there will be something for you," he said.
The vegetable grower associations and extension specialists from Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska are cooperating on tests and trials that will have practical value to the growers of the region.
The high tunnel workshop on Jan. 8 will feature the equipment needed to for the market gardener. Learn how Paul and Alison Wiediger of Kentucky grow vegetables year-round in high tunnels. They'll discuss the nuts, bolts and poly of construction, production and marketing.
The program will have concurrent sessions on marketing, cut flowers, vine crops, organics and vegetable crops. Topics such as root crops, farmer's markets, community supported agriculture, specialty cut flowers, organic techniques, melon production, tomato and pepper production and grower panel discussions. Many of the speakers are producers from the four states as well as Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky and Pennsylvania who are associated with the topics they are explaining.
There will be about 35 exhibitors available to provide information about seeds, irrigation, horticulture equipment, chemicals and other topics.
Meals and breaks will be included in the $35 per day registration fee. There is an additional cost of $50 for the high tunnel workshop. This includes lunch, refreshment breaks and handouts.
"For good food along with a wealth of new ideas and useful information, you can't beat it," said Taber.
The conference is going to be held at the Ramada Inn, 4016 Frederick Street, St. Joseph, Missouri. The room rate at the Ramada Inn is $59 per night. To make room reservations at the Ramada Inn call (816) 233-6192.
Mark your calendars and send in your pre-registration for the conference as soon as possible. For more information about the program and a registration form, contact University of Missouri Extension at (816) 279-1691.
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