3rd Iowa High Tunnel Short Course
IOWA HIGH TUNNEL SHORT COURSE
Date: Monday, 4th November, 2019; 8:30am-3:00pm
Venue: Garden Room, Reiman Gardens, 1407 S University Blvd, Ames, IA 50011
Welcome to 3rd Iowa High Tunnel Short Course. This short course is designed to highlight production and management of several high tunnel crops along with information on economics and marketing aspects of high tunnel crop production. The course will also provide an update on the status of high tunnel research across the Midwest. This year’s keynote speaker is Dr. Matt Kleinhenz, Professor at Ohio State University and has many years of experience working on vegetable production in high tunnel systems. His work focuses on cultivar selection, crop and soil management and fertility, season extension, and improving profitability in high tunnels.
The short course will also host Mike and Melanie Seals from Country Roads Produce, Moravia, IA. Their farm grows tomato and other leafy green crops in seven high tunnels and sell at local farmers market. The short course will also host T.D. Holub from Garden Oasis Farm, Independence, IA. He and his wife raise vegetables, free-range eggs and pasture-raised chickens on about 8 acres. Products are marketed through a CSA; at farmers markets in Independence and Iowa City; and to local schools, grocery stores and businesses. Dr. Justin Glisan, State Climatologist will share information about how climate and its impact on specialty crop industry in Iowa. This event is supported by USDA North Central SARE Professional Development Program. Core objectives of this short course are to:
- Highlight the importance of crop, environment, and soil management for vegetable production in high tunnels
- Provide a platform to share resources, knowledge, and expertise in the area of high tunnel vegetable production
- Connect growers, agricultural educators, extension staff, and industry personnel working in high tunnels and in the area of local foods.
Tentative schedule:
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8:30 am |
Registration and coffee |
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9:00-10:00 am |
Keynote speaker Dr. Matt Kleinhenz, Ohio State University (Longtime Benefits and Challenges, Emerging Opportunities in high tunnel crop production) |
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10:00-11:00 am |
Mike and Melanie Seals (Growing a Business while Learning to Manage a High Tunnel Growing Operation) |
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11:00-11:45 am |
Moriah Bilenky, Iowa State University (Specialty melon production in high tunnels) |
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11:45-12:30 pm |
Lunch and networking |
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12:30-1:15 pm |
Dr. Justin Glisan, State Climatologist, State of Iowa |
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1:15-2:00 pm |
Matt Kleinhenz [Is Growing (Only) Tomatoes in High Tunnels Mandatory?] |
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2:00-2:45 pm |
T.D. Holub, Garden Oasis Farm, Independence, IA |
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2:45-3:00pm |
Evaluation and wrap-up |
Registration is required. Please provide information below to register. Please register by October 31, 2019.