by Joe Hannan, Commercial Horticultural Field Specialist Rainwater as an irrigation source is continuing to grow in popularity across Iowa. Shawn Shouse and Linda Naeve of Iowa State University designed their first high tunnel catchment system in 2010. Since then the system designs and intricacies have expanded to ever-larger volumes of water collected, collection from … Continue reading Rainwater catchment systems for produce irrigation
by Emily Coll, program coordinator Our ISU Extension and Outreach Farm, Food and Enterprise Development Program and the Iowa Farmer’s Union sponsored the Practical Farmers of Iowa field day, “Making an Orchard Work in Iowa,” one sticky but beautiful afternoon this past July. Our host site was Wilson’s Orchard near Iowa City. Turn-out was fantastic, … Continue reading A summer afternoon at Wilson’s Orchard in Solon
by Teresa Wiemerslage, field specialist Iowans will celebrate the second annual statewide Local Food Day on October 11, as part of National Farm to School Month. Mark your calendar now, and visit the website to learn how you and your school district can participate! Local Food Day goals Iowa Local Food Day will bring together … Continue reading Iowa Local Food Day is October 11
by Teresa Wiemerslage, extension field specialist Food safety is an element that must be addressed when implementing farm to school efforts. School districts need to consider the farm where the food is produced and ensure that the appropriate practices are in place to help prevent potential food-borne illness. Here are some important food safety tips … Continue reading Selling to schools: Food safety considerations