IOWA HIGH TUNNEL SHORT COURSE
Date: Monday, 8th November, 2021; 8:30am-3:30pm
Venue: Garden Room, Reiman Gardens, 1407 S University Blvd, Ames, IA 50011
Welcome to 2021 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 Mr. John Dindia, Lakeview Hill Farm, Leelanau County, Michigan. Lakeview Hill Farm is a Certified Organic produce farm specializing in hoophouse and greenhouse production. John grows variety of vegetables with a focus on greenhouse heirloom tomatoes, cucumbers, salad greens, and microgreens.
The short course will also host Liz Graznak from Happy Hollow Farm, Jamestown, MO. The farm grows a variety of vegetables both outside and in high tunnels using a combination of highly managed cover cropping techniques, crop rotations, compost applications, and hay mulch. The short course will also host Eric and Ann Franzenburg, Pheasant Run Farm, Van Horne, IA. Eric and Ann will present information on utilizing high tunnels for cut flower production. Dr. Wenjing Guan, Purdue University, will share information about cultivars, grafting, and other strategies to enhance cucumber production in high tunnels. 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
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Registration and coffee/refreshments
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9:00-10:00 am
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Keynote speaker John Dindia, Michigan (Topic:)
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10:00-11:00 am
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Wenjing Guan, Purdue (Topic:)
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11:00-11:45 am
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Tour of the Reiman Gardens
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11:45-12:30 pm
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Lunch and networking
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12:30-1:15 pm
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Ann and Eric Franzenburg (Topic:)
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1:15-2:15 pm
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Liz Graznak, MO (Topic:)
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2:15-3:15 pm
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John Dindia, Michigan (Topic:)
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3:15-3:30pm
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Evaluation and wrap-up
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Registration is free but required. Please provide information below to register. Registration deadline is October 31, 2021.
