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2023 Iowa High Tunnel Short Course

Wednesday, December 13, 2023 - 8:30am to 3:30pm
Event Type: 

IOWA HIGH TUNNEL SHORT COURSE
Date: Wednesday, 13th December, 2023; 8:30am-3:30pm
Venue: Iowa Arboretum, 1875 Peach Ave, Madrid, IA 50156

Welcome to 2023 Iowa High Tunnel Short Course. This short course is designed to highlight production and management of 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. Rachel Rudolph, University of Kentucky. Rachel is the Extension Vegetable Specialist at University of Kentucky. She works on high tunnel systems, abiotic disorders, crop nutrition, and soil fertility.  Her research focuses on utilizing alternative approaches to manage issues in both the field and high tunnel systems, such as grafting with resistant rootstock to manage for root knot nematodes. Rachel has a B.S. in Environmental Studies from University of Nebraska-Lincoln, a   M.S. in Plant & Environmental Sciences from New Mexico State University. She has a Ph.D. in Horticulture from Washington State University.

The short course will also host Andrew and Amy Phelps, Phelps Farm, Guttenberg, IA. They run an organic farm specializing in vegetables, beekeeping, and flowers. Kat Becker from Cattail Organics, Athens, WI will be speaking on plantings that are appropriate for high tunnels and caterpillar tunnels. Cattail Organics produces organic vegetables, seedlings, maple syrup and herbs for our Central Wisconsin Community. Dan Fillius from ISU Extension and Outreach will discuss Amish high tunnel technologies and Ajay Nair, Department of Horticulture, will discuss soil testing and soil test interpretation for high tunnel systems. The short course is supported by North Central SARE Professional Development Grant. 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:

8:30 AM Registration and coffee/refreshments
9:00-10:00 am Keynote – Rachel Rudolph, University of Kentucky
10:00-10:45 am Low Cost, High Tech – Andrew and Amy Phelps, Phelps Farm, Guttenberg, IA
10:45-11:30 am Prioritizing what to plant in high tunnels vs. caterpillar tunnels – Kat Becker, Cattail Organics, WI
11:30-12:30 pm Lunch and networking
12:30-1:30 pm Amish High Tunnel Technologies - Dan Fillius
1:30-2:15 pm Management of lettuce drop in high tunnels – Rachel Rudolph
2:15-2:30 pm Break
2:30-3:15 pm High tunnel soil test interpretation – Ajay Nair
3:15-3:30pm Final comments, Evaluation, and adjourn

Registration is free but required. Please provide information below to register. Please register below.

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Iowa Public Radio Horticulture Field Day

Saturday, September 16, 2023 - 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Event Type: 

September 16: IPR Field Day — Join Charity Nebbe and friends for a family field day in Ames at the ISU Horticulture Research Station on Saturday, Sept. 16 from 1 - 4 p.m.

ISU Extension staff, the Hort Gang and others will be on hand with Charity for a special day to learn about this unique farm! Guests will have the opportunity to take tours led by ISU faculty through the beautiful grounds of the 230-acre farm and see research stations including fruits and vegetables, ornamentals, as well as, turtle and bee research. Also, be sure to join Charity and the gang for "Hort Day Live" at 2:30 p.m. 

Directions to the Horticulture Research Station:

Three miles north of Ames on Hwy 69, turn east on 170th St. about 1.5 miles.
Horticulture Research Station
55519 170th Street
Ames, IA 50010

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Vegetable Poultry Integration Farmer Field Day

Thursday, September 7, 2023 - 9:00am to 2:00pm
Event Type: 

FARMER FIELD DAY

  • Come to our field day to learn about integrating vegetable and chicken production
  • Understand the risks and challenges to consider as you plan out your integrated system
  • Learn about the potential benefits of integrated farming with chickens such as improved yields, animal welfare, and soil fertility
  • See our mobile chicken coops (aka “chicken tractors”) in action at the ISU field trials
  • Hear from scientists at Iowa State University and University of California-Davis about the latest research in our tri-state field trials
  • Agenda will include talks and field visits. Lunch will be provided 

Register at : https://forms.gle/TagWqSaK4uziCLrA8
 

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BFRDP Integrated poultry workshop-2

Friday, July 28, 2023 - 4:00pm to 5:00pm
Event Type: 

University of California, Davis, Iowa State University, University of Kentucky and the National Center for Appropriate Technology will be launching a series of webinars under the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program on topics related to integrated poultry-crop production. Our first webinar is taking place on July 28, 4:00pm CT.  

These webinars (and other extension events and materials to come in the next few years) are intended for beginning and aspiring farmers and will cover a range of topics from pastured poultry husbandry, to crop rotation and marketing.  On July 28, we will present on stocking density in pastured poultry systems followed by a farmer feedback/input session. Registration is free but required. For more details and registration, please visit  https://ucanr.edu/sites/poultry/events/.  

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Iowa Specialty Crop Growers Association Summer Field Day

Thursday, July 27, 2023 - 10:00am to 2:00pm
Event Type: 

The day will begin with a tour of Deal’s Orchard, focusing on their summer produce and floriculture areas. This will include discussion on the following:

  • Sweet Corn
  • Tomatoes
  • Zinnias
  • Sunflowers

We will then break for lunch before touring the orchard and discussing cider production. Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. and the field day begins at 10 a.m. For an accurate meal count, attendees are required to pre-register by July 18th.

Venue Deal's Orchard
Address 1102 244th St.Jefferson IA 50129, US
Starts Thu Jul 27 2023, 10:00am CDT
Ends Thu Jul 27 2023, 02:00pm CDT

Register Now!

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Agritourism and Orcharding With an Ecological Focus at Wills Family Orchard - Practical Farmers of Iowa Field Day

Friday, July 14, 2023 - 10:00am to 12:00pm
Event Type: 

The enterprises at Wills Family Orchard Adel, Iowa, are diverse, yet with a common thread of agritourism. With 5 acres of certified organic apples, 2 acres of conventional-ish apples, 1 acre of organic peaches, a sorghum-sudan grass (instead of corn!) maze, pumpkins and more, this farm is a family affair that draws about 7,000 customers annually. Learn about the goals and lessons of managing this multifaceted operation and how the farm has grown and changed over time. Apple cider donuts and light refreshments will be served.

Link https://practicalfarmers.org/events/field-days/agritourism-and-orcharding/
Venue Wills Family Orchard
Address 33130 Panther Creek RoadAdel IA 50003, US
Starts Fri Jul 14 2023, 10:00am CDT
Ends Fri Jul 14 2023, 12:00pm CDT
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2023 ISU Fruit and Vegetable Field Day

Tuesday, August 8, 2023 - 2:00pm to 5:30pm
Event Type: 

AMES, Iowa – Department of Horticulture at Iowa State University is hosting the 2023 Fruit and Vegetable Field Day on Tuesday, August 8, 2023 at the Iowa State University Horticulture Research Station near Ames. The annual event will feature various research and demonstration projects on fruit and vegetable production for commercial growers, extension personnel, non-profit organizations, and Master Gardeners. The field day will provide an opportunity to observe results and evaluate projects focusing on organic vegetable production, pepper, apples, grapes, biocontrol, and beneficial insects (bees, wasps, pollinators, etc.). Participants will have the opportunity to observe and evaluate tools and equipment suited for small and diversified farms. Funding for the event is provided by USDA NIFA OREI, NCSARE and IDALS Specialty Crop Block grant. The field day is organized in partnership with Practical Farmers of Iowa, Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, and the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture. The ISU Horticulture Research Station is located at 55519 170th Street, Ames, IA. The field day will run from 2:00-5:30 p.m. followed by supper. Registration is free but required to count for supper. Please register below.

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Integrated poultry-crop production webinar

Thursday, June 1, 2023 - 2:30pm to 4:00pm
Event Type: 

University of California, Davis, Iowa State University, University of Kentucky and the National Center for Appropriate Technology will be launching a series of webinars under the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program on topics related to integrated poultry-crop production. Our first webinar is taking place on June 1 at 2:30-4:00pm CT.  

These webinars (and other extension events and materials to come in the next few years) are intended for beginning and aspiring farmers and will cover a range of topics from pastured poultry husbandry, to crop rotation and marketing.  On June 1, we will present two topics covering an introduction to integrated poultry and crop production, and biosecurity best practices for pastured poultry, followed by a farmer feedback/input session. Registration is free but required. For more details and registration, please visit  https://ucanr.edu/sites/poultry/events/.  

 

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Statewide Extension Survey of stakeholders

Thursday, January 5, 2023 - 8:00am
Event Type: 

Dear vegetable growers

As technology has continued to evolve and the lives of Iowans have changed, preferences for how we access, engage with, and receive education have shifted as well. This survey is intended to assist Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in identifying topics you have been interested in learning more about and any changes in your technology use and preferences including how you have accessed research- and evidence-based education. Thank you for taking time to participate in this survey. Below is the link to take the survey. 

https://www.extension.iastate.edu/survey

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2023 Great Plains Growers Conference

Friday, January 13, 2023 - 8:00am to Saturday, January 14, 2023 - 4:00pm
Event Type: 

The Great Plains Growers Conference and Trade Show will take place on January 13-14, 2023 at the Fulkerson Center on Missouri Western State University’s campus in St. Joseph, Missouri. The conference and trade show is a collaborative effort of growers associations and University Extension from Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska, and each year draws hundreds of producers from the north central region and beyond. The keynote speaker for the 2023 Great Plains Growers Conference is  Adam Montri, who along with his wife Dru, owns Ten Hens Farms in Bath, Michigan. 

A full program, registration information for participants and vendors, and updated details of the conference can be found at the conference website: http://www.greatplainsgrowers.org   for more information about the program and a registration form, contact Buchanan County Extension, 4125 Mitchell Ave., St. Joseph, MO 64507; Phone: 816-279-1691; Buchananco@missouri.edu

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2023 Great Plains Growers Conference (13-14 Jan, 2023)

The Great Plains Growers Conference and Trade Show will take place on January 13-14, 2023 at the Fulkerson Center on Missouri Western State University’s campus in St. Joseph, Missouri. The conference and trade show is a collaborative effort of growers associations and University Extension from Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska, and each year draws hundreds of producers from the north central region and beyond.

A full program, registration information for participants and vendors, and updated details of the conference can be found at the conference website: http://www.greatplainsgrowers.org   for more information about the program and a registration form, contact Buchanan County Extension, 4125 Mitchell Ave., St. Joseph, MO 64507; Phone: 816-279-1691; Buchananco@missouri.edu

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2022 Iowa High Tunnel Short Course

Wednesday, November 9, 2022 - 8:30am to 3:30pm
Event Type: 

IOWA HIGH TUNNEL SHORT COURSE
Date: Wednesday, 9th November, 2022; 8:30am-3:30pm
Venue: Garden Room, Reiman Gardens, 1407 S University Blvd, Ames, IA 50011

Welcome to 2022 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. Mark Hutton, University of Maine. Mark is the Vegetable Extension Specialist at the Highmoor Farm, University of Maine Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station located in Monmouth Maine. He conducts applied research in vegetable production and season extension in conventional and organic systems.  Prior to joining UMaine Extension, he worked as a commercial vegetable breeder. He is from Hershey, Pennsylvania and earned a B.S. in Horticulture and M.S. in Entomology both from The Pennsylvania State University. His Ph.D. is in Genetics and Plant Breeding from the University of New Hampshire.

The short course will also host Monika Owczarski from Sweet Tooth Farm, Des Moines. This urban farm grows a variety of vegetables on a network of lots right in the heart of the city to tackle the issue of access to fresh fruits and vegetables and food insecurity. Sweet Tooth Farm is working collaboratively with Radiate DSM, another urban farm, to create the Rooted Farm Collective. There will be a session focusing on Cut Flowers in Tunnels.  Dan Fillius from ISU Extension and Outreach will discuss high tunnel maintenance and Ajay Nair, Department of Horticulture, will cover potential cover crops that can be used in high tunnel systems.  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. 

Registration is free but required. Please provide information below to register. Registration deadline is 4 November, 2022.

Tentative schedule:

8:30 am

Registration and coffee/refreshments

9:00-10:00 am

Keynote - High Tunnels in the Northeast Where Are We and Where Did We Start - Mark Hutton, University of Maine

10:00-10:45 am

Low-cost and DIY Tunnels for Basic Season Extension - Monika Owczarski, Sweet Tooth Farm

10:45-11:30 am

Tour of the Reiman Gardens – Ed Lyon

11:30-12:30 pm

Lunch and networking

12:30-1:15 pm

Prepare for high winds, from construction to daily/weekly maintenance to last minute preparations - Dan Fillius

1:15-2:00 pm

Cut Flowers in High Tunnels

2:00-2:45 pm

Cover Crops For High Tunnels – Ajay Nair, ISU

2:45-3:30 pm

Compost Utilization and Fertility in High Tunnels - Mark Hutton, University of Maine

3:30pm

Final comments and adjourn

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2022 ISU Fruit and Vegetable Field Day

Monday, August 15, 2022 - 2:00pm to 6:30pm
Event Type: 

AMES, Iowa – Department of Horticulture at Iowa State University is hosting the 2022 Fruit and Vegetable Field Day on Monday, August 15, 2022 at the Iowa State University Horticulture Research Station near Ames. The annual event will feature various research and demonstration projects on fruit and vegetable production for commercial growers, extension personnel, non-profit organizations, and Master Gardeners. The field day will provide an opportunity to observe results and evaluate projects focusing on organic vegetable production, biochar, pepper, winter squash, apples, grapes, pest management in cucurbit crops, 3-sisters intercropping, and beneficial insects (bees, wasps, pollinators, etc.). Participants will have the opportunity to observe and evaluate tools and equipment suited for small and diversified farms. Funding for the event is provided by USDA NIFA OREI, NCSARE and IDALS Specialty Crop Block grant. The field day is organized in partnership with Practical Farmers of Iowa, Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, and the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture. The ISU Horticulture Research Station is located at 55519 170th Street, Ames, IA. The field day will run from 2:00-6:00 p.m. followed by supper. Registration is free but required to count for supper. Please register below.

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Iowa Specialty Producers Conference

Wednesday, February 9, 2022 - 9:00am to Thursday, February 10, 2022 - 3:30pm
Event Type: 

The Iowa Speciality Producers Conference is a educational event for specialty growers in the Midwest to gather, network and learn together. Topics include fruit, vegetables, viticulture, enology, other specialty crops, business and marketing.This year will be in person at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny, Iowa. 

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Great Plains Growers Conference

Friday, January 7, 2022 - 8:00am to Saturday, January 8, 2022 - 3:30pm
Event Type: 

Great Plains Growers Conference (GPGC) is a great local conference for commercial fruit and vegetable producers from Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and other midwest states providing research-based information, from both vegetable research specialists and local growers, to help your farms grow and thrive. The conference is format is hybrid ! Attend in person or virtually. 

Register here: https://www.greatplainsgrowersconference.org

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2021 Iowa High Tunnel Short Course

Monday, November 8, 2021 - 8:30am to 3:30pm
Event Type: 

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:

8:30 am

Registration and coffee/refreshments

9:00-10:00 am

Keynote speaker John Dindia, Michigan (Topic:)

10:00-11:00 am

Wenjing Guan, Purdue (Topic:)

11:00-11:45 am

Tour of the Reiman Gardens

11:45-12:30 pm

Lunch and networking

12:30-1:15 pm

Ann and Eric Franzenburg (Topic:)

1:15-2:15 pm

Liz Graznak, MO  (Topic:)

2:15-3:15 pm

John Dindia, Michigan (Topic:)

3:15-3:30pm

Evaluation and wrap-up

Registration is free but required. Please provide information below to register. Registration deadline is October 31, 2021.

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Soil Health Workshop, Santee, NE

Saturday, September 25, 2021 - 9:00am to 2:30pm
Event Type: 

All are welcome!!

Iowa State University and Santee growers are partnering to organize a workshop/field day from 25 September, 2021 at the Nebraska Indian Community College, 415 North River Road Niobrara, NE 68760. The workshop/field day will focus on Do-It-Yourself (DIY) soil health testing, cover crops, and compost making. The workshop also consists of a cooking demonstration by Indigenous chef, Anthony Warrior, that will help participants to use Indigenous vegetables and produce for day to day cooking. Below is the tentative agenda:

September 25 (Saturday)
9am - Introduction and Welcome
9:15am- DIY Soil Health Testing
10:30am – Cooking demonstration by Anthony Warrior
11:30am - Cover crops in vegetable crop rotations
12:30pm - Lunch provided by Anthony Warrior
1:30pm – Compost making (hands-on demo)
2:30pm – Discussion and evaluation

Please register below. Registration is not required, but it will help us have a count for the food.

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Oneida-Iowa State University Collaborative Field Day

Saturday, September 18, 2021 - 11:30am to Sunday, September 19, 2021 - 1:30pm
Event Type: 

Iowa State University and Oneida growers are partnering to organize a workshop/field day from 18-19 September, 2021 at the Ukwakhwa Farmstead, located at N6019 Lambie Rd, De Pere, WI 54115. The workshop/field day will focus on Do-It-Yourself (DIY) soil health testing and several vegetable crop production topics. The workshop will also highlight integrated pest management practices that are essential in organic production systems. The workshop also consists of a cooking demonstration that will help participants to use Indigenous vegetables and produce for day to day cooking. Below is the tentative agenda:

September 18 (Friday)
11:30am - Introduction and Welcome
12:00pm - Lunch
1pm - DIY Soil Health Testing
2:30pm - Vegetable Field Walk
3:30pm - Integrated Pest Management in vegetable crops (focusing on Japanese beetles)
4:30pm - Discussion

September 19 (Sunday)
9am - Corn picking
10am - Dehusking and braiding
11am - Cooking demonstration (Chef from Oneida)
12pm - Lunch
1pm - Discussion

There is no cost for the workshop/field day but registration is required as space is limited and to account for food. Register by September 15. For additional information please contact Christina Gish Hill (515-294-0101; cghill@iastate.edu)

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2021 ISU Fruit and Vegetable Field Day

Thursday, July 22, 2021 - 2:00pm to 6:30pm
Event Type: 

AMES, Iowa – Department of Horticulture at Iowa State University is hosting the 2021 Fruit and Vegetable Field Day on Thursday, July 22, 2021 at the Iowa State University Horticulture Research Station near Ames. The annual event will feature various research and demonstration projects on fruit and vegetable production for commercial growers, extension personnel, non-profit organizations, and Master Gardeners. The field day will provide an opportunity to observe results and evaluate projects focusing on organic vegetable production, peppers, winter squash, apples, grapes, pest management in cucurbit crops, 3-sisters intercropping, and beneficial insects (bees, wasps, pollinators, etc.). The field day will also include demonstration of equipment for small and diversified farms. Funding for the event is provided by USDA NCSARE and IDALS Specialty Crop Block grant. The field day is organized in partnership with Practical Farmers of Iowa, Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, and the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture. The ISU Horticulture Research Station is located at 55519 170th Street, Ames, IA. The field day will run from 2:00-6:30 p.m. Registration is free but required to count for supper. Please register below.

For more information contact:

Dr. Ajay Nair, Vegetable Specialist,                                                     
515-294-7080; nairajay@iastate.edu

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2021 Horticulture In-Service

Thursday, March 18, 2021 - 9:00am to 12:45pm
Event Type: 

Horticulture In-Service:

This program is being organized for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach staff focusing on Horticulture and located in county offices and ISU campus. Please register below.

Tentative Agenda:

Horticulture In-Service            
18 March 2021 (Thursday)            
               
9am Welcome; Horticulture update (Jeff Iles); ANR update (Jay Harmon)
9:30am Keynote - Aaron Steil, Reiman Gardens (Gardening trends)        
10:00am Start 15 minute sessions on following topics    
  10:00 - PIDC Update (Laura Iles &Lina Rodriguez-Salamanca)    
  10:15 - Turf research update (Adam Thoms)    
  10:30- Veg and organic update (Ajay Nair and Kathleen Delate)
  10:45 - Field updates (Joe Hannan and Patrick O'Malley)  
  11:00 - Greenhouse research update, trends (Chris Currey)  
  11:15 - Wine and fruit update (Aude Watrelot and Joe Hannan)
11:30am 5 minute break          
11:35am Breakout rooms with a max of 5 per room    
  Participants will discuss two questions:       
  1. Priorities in county offices for Horticulture (both consumer and commercial)
  2. Resources needed to fulfill those priorities     
11:50am Everyone comes back and groups report      
12:20pm Highlight resources that are available to county (Cindy Haynes)
12:35pm  Closing session with questions and feedback (Ajay Nair and Jeff Iles)
12:45pm Adjourn            
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Great Plains Growers Conference

Friday, February 12, 2021 - 9:00am to Saturday, February 13, 2021 - 3:30pm
Event Type: 

Great Plains Growers Conference (GPGC) is a great local conference for commercial fruit and vegetable producers from Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and other midwest states providing research-based information, from both vegetable research specialists and local growers, to help your farms grow and thrive. Due to anticipated ongoing COVID issues, the 2021 conference will be virtual! Participate on your computer from the comfort of home. 

Register here: https://www.greatplainsgrowersconference.org/

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The United Nations Declares 2021 as the International Year of Fruits & Vegetables

Friday, December 31, 2021 - 12:00am
Event Type: 

At its 74th session, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed YEAR 2021 the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables (IYFV). The primary role of the food and the agriculture sector is to adequately feed people by increasing the availability, affordability and consumption of varied, safe and nutritious foods that are in line with dietary recommendations and environmental sustainability. In this way, the IYFV is a unique opportunity to raise awareness on the important role of fruits and vegetables in human nutrition, food security and health and as well in achieving the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

View a great video describing this exciting effort, and visit their website to learn more!  

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3-sisters workshop

Friday, October 30, 2020 - 12:30pm to 3:30pm
Event Type: 

This 3-Sisters workshop is a product of a USDA project that focuses on providing information on establishing and managing a 3-sister garden (corn, bean, and squash). The workshop is scheduled on 30 October, 2020 (Friday) from 12:30-3:30pm. This is a free event. This workshop will focus on the following topics:

• DIY Soil Health Tests - Dr. Marshall McDaniel
• Key insect pests of squash, beans, and corn - Dr. Donald Lewis
• Basics and troubleshooting composting - Dr. Ajay Nair

Workshop Link:
https://iastate.webex.com/iastate/j.php?MTID=m177d35e16f48326b16c15c39b1...
Password: iCmcdMRH976

Join by phone:
+1-415-655-0001; Access code: 120 317 3528

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Vegetable Pest Management Workshop, Wapello County

Thursday, April 9, 2020 - 9:00am to 2:30pm
Event Type: 

NOTE: Dear participants, due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, this workshop will not be offered on site. We are evaluating options to offer this workshop virtually (Zoom, Webex, etc.).

AMES, Iowa – A vegetable Integrated Pest Management Workshop will be held at the Wapello County ISU Extension and Outreach, Ottumwa, IA on April 9, 2020. The workshop is designed to help growers, local foods coordinators, extension staff, county horticulturists and industry representatives learn about managing common insects, diseases, and nutritional issues in high tunnel vegetable production systems.

Topics include insect, disease, and nutrition management, beneficial insects, and sensor-based technologies to manage high tunnels. Workshop presenters include Ajay Nair (Vegetable Extension Specialist), Donald Lewis (Entomologist), Lina Rodriguez-Salamanca (Pathologist) and Joe Hannan (Commercial horticulture specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach).

Participants will get an opportunity to visit a local high tunnel vegetable grower (Molly Larking) and engage in hands-on activities (scouting, installing soil moisture sensor, etc.). The workshop is supported by a professional development grant by USDA North Central Sustainable Research and Education. Workshop time is from 9-2:30pm. Below is a tentative agenda

  • 9:00 Welcome and icebreaker (15 min)
  • 9:15 Common Insect Challenges (45 min)
    • spider mites, aphids, flea beetle, horn worm, whitefly
    • pollinators for cucumber (honey bees vs bumble bees)
  • 10:00 Common disease and nutrient challenge (45 hour)
  • 10:45 Break (15 min)
  • 11:00 Using technology to manage your high tunnel (45 min)
  • 11:45 Round robin discussion (45)
  • 12:30 Lunch (BBQ)
  • 1:15 Leave for Molly Larking (Field)
  • Please provide information below to register. Registration must be completed by April 3, 2020. There is no cost for the workshop. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.
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3rd Iowa High Tunnel Short Course

Monday, November 4, 2019 - 8:30am to 3:00pm
Event Type: 

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:

8:30 am

Registration and coffee

9:00-10:00 am

Keynote speaker Dr. Matt Kleinhenz, Ohio State University (Longtime Benefits and Challenges, Emerging Opportunities in high tunnel crop production)

10:00-11:00 am

Mike and Melanie Seals (Growing a Business while Learning to Manage a High Tunnel Growing Operation)

11:00-11:45 am

Moriah Bilenky, Iowa State University (Specialty melon production in high tunnels)

11:45-12:30 pm

Lunch and networking

12:30-1:15 pm

Dr. Justin Glisan, State Climatologist, State of Iowa

1:15-2:00 pm

Matt Kleinhenz [Is Growing (Only) Tomatoes in High Tunnels Mandatory?]

2:00-2:45 pm

T.D. Holub, Garden Oasis Farm, Independence, IA

2:45-3:00pm

Evaluation and wrap-up

Registration is required. Please provide information below to register. Please register by October 31, 2019.

Category: 
 
1 Start 2 Complete

Broccoli production Field Day

Tuesday, June 4, 2019 - 9:00am to 11:00am
Event Type: 

AMES, Iowa – Department of Horticulture is hosting a 'Broccoli production' Field Day on Tuesday, June. 4, 2019 at the Iowa State University Horticulture Research Station, Ames, IA. The field day will discuss major production aspects required for successful broccoli production with emphasis on variety selection, weed management, fertility, and harvest. The field day will provide an opportunity to evaluate an ongoing broccoli research test plot evaluating row cover materials and other IPM strategies. The research and the field day is supported by an IDALS Specialty Crop Block grant. The field day is organized in partnership with Practical Farmers of Iowa, Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, and the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture. The ISU Horticulture Research Station is located at 55519 170th Street, Ames, IA. The field day will run from 9:00-11:00 am. Refreshments will be served. Registration is free but required. Please register below.

For more information contact:

Dr. Ajay Nair, Vegetable Specialist,                                                     
515-294-7080; nairajay@iastate.edu

Category: 
 
1 Start 2 Complete

2019 Fruit and Vegetable Field Day

Monday, August 5, 2019 - 2:00pm to 6:30pm
Event Type: 

AMES, Iowa – Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is hosting the 2019 Fruit and Vegetable Field Day on Monday, Aug. 5, 2019 at the Iowa State University Horticulture Research Station near Ames. The annual event will feature various research and demonstration projects on fruit and vegetable production for commercial growers, extension personnel, non-profit organizations, and Master Gardeners. The field day will provide an opportunity to observe results and evaluate research projects focusing on high tunnels, organic vegetable production, peppers, sweet potato, pest management in cucurbit crops, hops, peaches, and beneficial insects (bees, wasps, pollinators, etc.). Funding for the event is provided by USDA SARE and IDALS Specialty Crop Block grants. The field day is organized in partnership with Practical Farmers of Iowa, Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, and the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture. The ISU Horticulture Research Station is located at 55519 170th Street, Ames, IA. The field day will run from 2:00-6:30 p.m. Registration is free but required to get a count for supper. Please register below.

For more information contact:

Dr. Diana Cochran, Fruit Specialist,        
515-294-0035; dianac@iastate.edu

Dr. Ajay Nair, Vegetable Specialist,                                                     
515-294-7080; nairajay@iastate.edu

Category: 
 
1 Start 2 Complete

Vegetable IPM workshop

Tuesday, April 9, 2019 - 9:00am to 3:00pm
Event Type: 

AMES, Iowa – A vegetable IPM workshop will be held to help growers, local foods coordinators, extension staff, county horticulturists and industry representatives learn about managing common insects, diseases, weeds in vegetable production systems.

Topics to be covered include insect, disease, and weed management, and crop rotation in vegetable crops. Workshop presenters include Ajay Nair (Vegetable Extension Specialist), Donald Lewis (Entomologist, ISU Extension and Outreach), Patrick O’Malley (Commercial Horticulture Field Specialist, ISU Extension and Outreach), and Ray Kruse (Food Systems Program Coordinator, Dubuque County Extension).The workshops are supported by a professional development grant by USDA North Central Sustainable Research and Education. The workshop will be held on April 9, 2019 at the Dubuque County Extension office in Dubuque, IA

Online registration is required as space is limited. Provide information below to register. Registration must be completed by March 31, 2019. There is no cost for the workshop and lunch will be provided. Sign-in begins at 8:30am and workshop starts at 9am.

Category: 
 
1 Start 2 Complete

MarketReady Workshops

Tuesday, January 29, 2019 - 10:00am to Tuesday, February 26, 2019 - 3:00pm
Event Type: 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 3, 2019
Contact:
Emily Coll, Program Coordinator
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
515-296-0586
ecoll@iastate.edu 

MarketReady Workshops Presented to Help Growers Scale Up
Provides information on scaling up to sell to wholesale markets; includes panel of area buyers

AMES, Iowa ― Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will host three MarketReady workshops in January and February. The training is designed to provide producers with the skills and knowledge needed to make sound decisions about diversifying operations into wholesale, retail, and institutional market outlets. 

The workshops will be held on the following dates:
•    January 29 – Wapello County Extension Office, 13011 120th Avenue, Ottumwa. To register, call Jessica at Wapello County Extension and Outreach at 641-682-5491 by 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 25.
•    February 19 – Citizens State Bank Youth Development Center, 800 N. Maple St., Monticello. To register, call Nanci at Jones County Extension and Outreach at 319-465-3224 by 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15.
•    February 26 – Cass County Community Center, 805 West 10th Street, Atlantic. To register, call Kate at Cass County Extension and Outreach at 712-243-1132 by 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22.

This training will focus on best marketing practices when dealing with these market outlets, including communications and relationship building, regulations, packaging and labeling, grading, pricing, logistics, and more.

The workshop will also include a buyer panel. The intent of this part of the program is for buyers to meet farmers and producers, and for both sides of the sales transaction to understand what the other needs in order to supply and buy local food. Panelists will include chefs, grocers, and institutional buyers such as those working for school districts and hospitals.

“We decided to bring this program back to Iowa because many farmers expressed interest in diversifying their operations to include wholesale markets,” said Emily Coll, program assistant for the ISU Extension and Outreach Local Foods Program. “We offer them help understanding these markets and deciding whether the return on investment would be acceptable.”

A past attendee from northeast Iowa said, “By attending the MarketReady training, I was able to decide whether or not I should start selling my vegetables to wholesale markets.” 
-more-
Cost for the workshop is $20 per person or $35 per couple (or two employees from the same farm). The fee includes training materials, a light lunch, and refreshments. 

For more information about the workshop, contact Emily Coll, program assistant with ISU Extension and Outreach Local Foods and Value Added Agriculture Programs, at ecoll@iastate.edu or 515-296-0586. More details are available at www.extension.iastate.edu/localfoods/marketready-workshops
 

Category: 

2019 Practical Farmers of Iowa Annual Conference

Thursday, January 17, 2019 - 12:00pm to Saturday, January 19, 2019 - 5:15pm
Event Type: 

Registration is now open for Practical Farmers of Iowa’s 2019 annual conference, “Cultivating Connections,” which will take place Jan. 17-19 at the Iowa State Center Scheman Building, on the Iowa State University campus in Ames. All are welcome. Full details are at our annual conference webpage.


Attendees will hear practical insights from their farming peers and other experts about everything from using cover crops to control weeds in field crops to niche pork production, biodynamic farming to profitably marketing meat, growing winter small grains to farm transition, eggplant production to adding prairie habitat, cultivating civility to organic dairying, rural mental health to regenerative grazing – and much more.

Category: 

2020 Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Annual Conference

Thursday, January 23, 2020 - 7:30am to Friday, January 24, 2020 - 3:30pm
Event Type: 

Join us at the Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association annual conference, January 23-24, 2020 in Ankeny, IA. The conference will be held at the FFA Enrichment Center on the DMACC Campus, 1055 SW Prairie Trail Parkway, Ankeny, IA 50023. The conference includes presentations by academic experts, industry professionals and expert growers and a tradeshow featuring exhibitors with the latest seeds, supplies, equipment, and grower information. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship – Pesticide Bureau has granted approval for recertification credits for fruit and vegetable commercial and private pesticide applicators at the conference.

Conference agenda and registration can be found on www.ifvga.org

 

Category: 

2019 Great Plains Growers Conference

Friday, January 11, 2019 - 8:00am to Saturday, January 12, 2019 - 3:00pm
Event Type: 

Join us for the 2019 Great Plains Growers Conference in St. Joseph, MO from 10-12 January, 2019. This three-day conference features presentations by expert speakers from throughout the nation on topics ranging from fruit and vegetable production, high tunnel production, honey bees, pest management, organic production, IPM, food safety, soil management, marketing, etc. The conference showcases educational information from all five states:  Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and South Dakota, along with a trade show highlighting tools, supplies, and products employed in vegetable and fruit production.  

Registration for the event at https://www.greatplainsgrowersconference.org/

Category: 

2nd Iowa High Tunnel Short Course (2018)

Monday, November 5, 2018 - 8:30am to 3:00pm
Event Type: 

IOWA HIGH TUNNEL SHORT COURSE
Date: Monday, 5 November, 2018; 8:30 am
Venue: Garden Room, Reiman Gardens, 1407 S University Blvd, Ames, IA 50011

Welcome to 2nd 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. Lewis Jett. Dr. Jett is an Associate Professor and Vegetable Extension Specialist at West Virginia University and has many years of experience working on fruit and vegetable production in high tunnel systems. His work focuses on cultivar selection, crop and soil management, soil fertility, season extension, and improving profitability in high tunnel production. The short will also host Mike Bollinger from River Root Farm, Decorah, IA as a speaker. Mike and Katie operate River Root Farm, which is a small-certified organic family farm and greenhouse operation in Decorah, Iowa. Mike has extensive experience working with high tunnel crops.

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:

8:30 am: Registration and coffee
9-10 am: Keynote speaker Lewis Jett, West Virginia University (Title: A Snapshot of Successful High Tunnel Production Systems)
10-10:45 am: Ajay Nair, Department of Horticulture, ISU (Title: High tunnel pepper production: Effect of cultivar and light)
10:45-11:45 am: Mike Bollinger, River Root Farm
11:45-12:30 pm: Lunch and networking
12:30-1:30 pm: Lewis Jett, West Virginia University (Profitable Winter Lettuce Production)
1:30-2:15 pm: Joe Hannan, ISU Extension and Outreach (Title: Season Extension Head Scratchers)
2:15-3:00 pm: Open forum (Lewis Jett, Mike Bollinger, Ajay Nair, and Joe Hannan)

Registration is required. Please provide information below to register. Please register by October 31, 2018.

Category: 

2018 Fruit and Vegetable Field Day

Monday, August 6, 2018 - 2:00pm to 6:30pm
Event Type: 

AMES, Iowa – Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is hosting the 2018 Fruit and Vegetable Field Day on Monday, Aug. 6, 2018 at the Iowa State University Horticulture Research Station near Ames. The annual event will feature various research and demonstration projects on fruit and vegetable production for commercial growers, extension personnel, non-profit organizations, and Master Gardeners. The field day will provide an opportunity to observe results and evaluate research projects focusing on high tunnel vegetable crops, herbicide drift, organic vegetable production, potatoes, asparagus, sweet potato, pest management in cucurbit crops, hops, peaches, and honey bee health and behavior studies. The field day will also demonstrate equipment and tools needed in small scale fruit and vegetable production systems. Funding for the event is provided by USDA SARE and IDALS Specialty Crop Block grants. The field day is organized in partnership with Practical Farmers of Iowa, Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, and the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture. The ISU Horticulture Research Station is located at 55519 170th Street, Ames, IA. The field day will run from 2:00-6:30 p.m. Registration is free but required to get a count for supper. Please register below.

For more information contact:

Dr. Diana Cochran, Fruit Specialist,        
515-294-0035; dianac@iastate.edu

Dr. Ajay Nair, Vegetable Specialist,                                                     
515-294-7080; nairajay@iastate.edu

 

Category: 

Vegetable pest management workshops

Thursday, April 26, 2018 - 8:00am to Friday, April 27, 2018 - 2:00pm
Event Type: 

AMES, Iowa – Two workshops will be held to help growers, local foods coordinators, extension staff, county horticulturists and industry representatives learn to manage common insect and disease challenges in vegetable production in Iowa.

Topics to be covered include pest and disease management in vegetable production, weed management and how to correct nutrient deficiencies in vegetable crops. To make things interesting, there will be live plant samples with disease symptoms and disorders. Participants would be encouraged to take a small quiz to identify those diseases and disorders. The workshops are supported by a professional development grant by USDA North Central Sustainable Research and Education. Participants will have an opportunity to learn how to better protect their vegetable crops from both harmful diseases and insect pests, allowing them to have the best chance to remain profitable and sustainable.

Following are the workshop dates and venues:
1. April 26 at the ISU Extension and Outreach Johnson County office in Iowa City,
2. April 27 at the NICC Dairy Center in Calmar, IA.

Workshop will be led by Drs. Nair; Laura Iles, director of the Iowa State University Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic; Lina Rodriguez-Salamanca, plant pathology diagnostician with the ISU Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic; and Patrick O’Malley, commercial horticulture specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach.Online registration is required as space is limited. Use the section below to register. Registration must be completed by April 20, 2018. There is no cost for the workshop and lunch will be provided. Sign-in begins at 8 a.m. on the day of the workshop, with training beginning at 8:30 a.m.

Category: 

High tunnel workshops to address common challenges

Friday, April 13, 2018 - 8:30am to 3:30pm
Event Type: 

AMES, Iowa – Three workshops will be held to help extension staff, county horticulturists, local food coordinators, industry representatives and growers learn to manage common challenges in high tunnels while also discussing new advances in high tunnel production. These workshops are supported by the USDA North Central Sustainable Agriculture and Research.

Topics to be covered include soil management, tomato grafting, insect and disease management and environmental control. A visit to a local farm operating a high tunnel is also part of the workshop. “Participants will learn how to protect the health of soil in a high tunnel so that it stays productive over the long term,” said Joe Hannan, commercial horticulture specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach.

The all-day classes will be held April 6 at the ISU Extension and Outreach Henry County office in Mt. Pleasant, April 10 at the North Iowa Fairgrounds’ 4-H Learning Center in Mason City and April 13 at the ISU Extension and Outreach Cass County office in Atlantic.

Ajay Nair, associate professor of horticulture and extension vegetable production specialist, will lead the workshops along with Donald Lewis, Joe Hannan, Laura Iles, and Lina Rodriguez-Salamanca, pathologist with the Iowa State University Plant and Insect Diagnostic clinic. Register by March 30 by filling the form below. Sign-in begins at 8 a.m. on the day of the workshop with workshop running from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. There is no cost for the workshop, but registration is required as space is limited. 

Category: 

2020 Great Plains Growers Conference

Thursday, January 9, 2020 - 8:00am to Saturday, January 11, 2020 - 3:00pm
Event Type: 

Join us for the 2020 Great Plains Growers Conference in St. Joseph, MO from 9-11 January, 2020. This three-day conference features presentations by knowledgeable speakers from throughout the nation on topics ranging from High Tunnel Production, Fruit and Vegetable production, Honey Bees, Pest Management, Organic Production, etc. The conference showcases educational information from all five states:  Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and South Dakota, along with vegetable and fruit specialists and growers from those states.  

Registration information can be found at https://www.greatplainsgrowersconference.org/

Category: 

Iowa High Tunnel Short Course

Monday, November 6, 2017 - 8:30am to 3:00pm
Event Type: 

IOWA HIGH TUNNEL SHORT COURSE
Date: Monday, 6th November, 2017; 8:30am
Venue: Garden Room, Reiman Gardens, 1407 S University Blvd, Ames, IA 50011

Welcome to first 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. Keynote speaker is Adam Montri from Michigan State University. Adam, along with his wife Dru, is the co-owner of Ten Hens Farm, LLC in Bath, Michigan. Adam and Dru started Ten Hens in 2008 and now farm three acres of outdoor production during the traditional Midwest growing season and year-round in over 17,000 sqft of high tunnel space. They market their produce through one farmers market, an on-farm stand, multiple restaurants, other farms, a grocery store, two multi-farm CSAs, and two senior center/assisted living facilities. Adam is also a hoophouse outreach specialist in the Department of Horticulture at Michigan State University (MSU) and with the MSU Center for Regional Food Systems where he works with farmers throughout Michigan on the Hoophouses for Health 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:

8:30am: Registration and coffee
9-10am: Keynote speaker Adam Montri, Michigan State University (Title: Two Acres and a High Tunnel: How Season Extension has gone from Niche to Necessity and Where It Fits in the Future)
10-10:45am: Ajay Nair (Title: Cucurbit crops for high tunnel production)
10:45-11:45am: Cary Rivard, Kansas State University (Title: Breaking Bad Habits: Integrating Crop Diversity into High Tunnel Production Systems)
11:45-12:30pm: Lunch and networking
12:30-1:15pm: Laura Iles and Lina Rodriguez (Title: Disease and insect management in high tunnels)
1:15-2:15: Adam Montri (Title: Crop Selection, Pricing and Economics for Successful Year-Round High Tunnel Production)
2:15-3pm: Joe Hannan (Title: Valuable lessons from production to marketing of high tunnel tomatoes)

Registration is required. Please provide information below to register. Please register by November 2, 2017.

Category: 

High Tunnel Field Day - Rinehart Farms

Wednesday, August 30, 2017 - 10:00am to 2:00pm
Event Type: 

Dear growers, extension personnel, and specialty crop stakeholders


We are organizing a high tunnel field day and a farm tour at Greg Rinehart's farm on Wednesday August 30th from 10 to noon followed by lunch and discussion. Greg is a collaborator on a Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education grant and is experimenting with high tunnel shade cloth treatments at his farm. We will be meeting at Greg’s farm at 10:00am (703 Kale Rd., Boone, Iowa, IA 50036. After the farm visit the group will head to lunch at the Boone County Extension office for a short gathering and further discussion. Please email or call me (nairajay@iastate.edu; 515-294-7080) or Joe Hannan (jmhannan@iastate.edu; 515-971-9503) if you plan to attend. We hope many of you could attend.


Sincerely,

Ajay Nair

Joe Hannan

Category: 

Muscatine Island Research Farm Field Day

Tuesday, August 15, 2017 - 1:00pm
Event Type: 

FRUITLAND, Iowa – The annual Field Day of the Muscatine Island Research and Demonstration Farm will be held on Tuesday, August 15, 2017, from 1-4pm. This farm serves as an ISU Extension and Outreach education center for commercial produce growers and agricultural crops. The field day provides an opportunity for producers and industry professionals to interact with Iowa State crop production specialists and learn from their research projects and demonstrations. Fruitland is unique due to its coarse, sandy glacial soil, groundwater that is close to the surface and a warmer, longer growing season than most of the rest of Iowa. A wagon tour of the farm will feature current research in corn, soybeans, and vegetables. Below is the tentative agenda:

Introductions and brief overview of research trials currently taking place on the farm - Josh Michel and Dominic Snyder
Biochar potato/sweet corn study – Ajay Nair
Soybean variety trials/ studies - Kevin Falk
SCN trials/ studies; Resistance to SCN-current status and future prospects - Greg Tylka
Local agronomic issues/ topics - Virgil Schmitt

To learn more about the event contact Joshua Michel at 563-262-8787 or jjmichel@iastate.edu; or visit the research farm’s website. The Muscatine Island Research and Demonstration Farm is located at 111 North Street in Fruitland, Iowa. From Highway 61, turn east on Fruitland Road, which becomes North Street at the Fruitland city limits. The farm is on the south side of North Street.

For questions or if interested in other demonstration field days, contact your Iowa State University Extension Office. This event is sponsored by ISU Extension and Outreach, Muscatine Island Research Farm Association and the Muscatine Island Truck Growers Association.

Related links:

ISU Research Farms – http://farms.ag.iastate.edu/
Muscatine Island Research and Demonstration Farm – http://farms.ag.iastate.edu/content/muscatine-island-research-and-demons...
Field Day Schedule – http://farms.ag.iastate.edu/research-farms-field-days

Category: 

Cover crop and roller crimper field day

Thursday, June 1, 2017 - 4:00pm to 6:00pm
Event Type: 

As the number of growers incorporating cover crops into their production systems has steadily grown, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will host a field day on 1 June, 2017 from 4-6pm to showcase results from experiments using cereal rye cultivars. The field day will also highlight the operation of a roller crimper.

Category: 

SARE Cover crop survey

Friday, April 28, 2017 - 10:45am
Event Type: 

Cover crops can improve soil health, conserve resources and improve farm profitability. Now, your experience with what works and doesn't work can help shape the future of cover crop initiatives nationwide. Farmers who plant cover crops, used to plant cover crops, or have never tried cover crops are all encouraged to take this short survey, now in its fifth year.

Please take the cover crop survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2017CoverCropSurvey

Category: 

High Tunnel Vegetable Production Workshop

Tuesday, April 25, 2017 - 8:00am
Event Type: 

AMES, Iowa – Three workshops will be held to help extension staff, county horticulturists, local food coordinators, industry representatives, and growers learn to manage common challenges in high tunnels while also discussing new advances in high tunnel production. Topics to be covered include soil management, tomato grafting, insect management and environmental control. A visit to a working high tunnel is also part of the workshop.

The workshops will be offered in three locations:
1. April 25 at the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Webster County office in Fort Dodge
2. April 26 at the ISU Extension and Outreach Wappelo County office in Ottumwa
3. May 2 at the ISU Extension and Outreach Dubuque County office in Dubuque.

Ajay Nair, assistant professor of horticulture and extension vegetable production specialist will lead the workshops along with Joe Hannan, commercial horticulture specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach; Donald Lewis, professor and extension entomologist; and Kristine Neu, graduate assistant in horticulture. Sign-in begins at 8 a.m. on the day of the workshop with classes running from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. There is no cost for the workshops , but registration is required as space is limited. Register by April 18 at https://www.extension.iastate.edu/vegetablelab/high-tunnel-vegetable-production-workshop or by calling Kathy Beni at the ISU Extension and Outreach Dallas County office at 515-993-4281.


 

Category: 

High Tunnel Vegetable Production Workshop

AMES, IA. Three workshops will be held to help extension staff, county horticulturists, local food coordinators, industry representatives, and growers learn to manage common challenges in high tunnels while also discussing new advances in high tunnel production. Topics to be covered include soil management, tomato grafting, insect management and environmental control. A visit to a working high tunnel is also part of the workshop.

The workshops will be offered in three locations:
1. April 25 at the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Webster County office in Fort Dodge
2. April 26 at the ISU Extension and Outreach Wappelo County office in Ottumwa
3. May 2 at the ISU Extension and Outreach Dubuque County office in Dubuque.

Ajay Nair, assistant professor of horticulture and extension vegetable production specialist will lead the workshops along with Joe Hannan, commercial horticulture specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach; Donald Lewis, professor and extension entomologist; and Kristine Neu, graduate assistant in horticulture.

Sign-in begins at 8 a.m. on the day of the workshop with classes running from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. There is no cost for the workshop but registration is required as space is limited. Register by April 18 by filling the form below or by calling Kathy Beni at the ISU Extension and Outreach Dallas County office at 515-993-4281.

Category: 

Grower listening session

Tuesday, April 4, 2017 - 10:00am
Event Type: 

Two Eastern Iowa Farmers to Host Fruit and Vegetable Producer Meet-Ups

Ames, Iowa —Two fruit and vegetable farmers in eastern Iowa will host producer meet-ups to discuss the upcoming season, challenges and opportunities for fruit and vegetable growers, and to meet and network with other farmers over a cup of coffee. These meet-ups are free and open to all fruit and vegetable growers.

 

The first meet-up will take place on Tuesday, March 14, at Salt Fork Kitchen in Solon. Laura Krouse, who operates Abbe Hills Farms near Mount Vernon, will host the event. Laura grows vegetables for 200 families in the Mount Vernon area, and raises open-pollinated corn. Salt Fork Kitchen is located at 112 E. Main St., in the heart of downtown Solon across from the Main Street Market.

On Tuesday, April 4, Adam Hohl, of Harvestville Farm, will host the second meet-up on his farm near Donnellson. Harvestville Farm is a fifth generation family farm that raises pumpkins, vegetables, corn, and invites guests for “agri-tainment” on the farm. The farm is located at 1977 Highway 2, 1.2 miles east of town. From Hwy 27 (Avenue of the Saints). Harvestville Farm is located 1 mile from the exit on the left (north) side of the road.

Each meeting runs from 10 a.m. to noon, with refreshments provided. Registration is not required, but RSVPs are appreciated. To RSVP, contact Liz Kolbe at (515) 232-5661 or liz@practicalfarmers.org.

Staff from Practical Farmers of Iowa and Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, and Iowa State University horticulture faculty and extension specialists will attend each meet-up to contribute to the conversation, meet new farmers and gather farmers’ ideas for research and extension activities.

Category: 

Grower listening session

Tuesday, March 14, 2017 - 10:00am
Event Type: 

Two Eastern Iowa Farmers to Host Fruit and Vegetable Producer Meet-Ups

Ames, Iowa —Two fruit and vegetable farmers in eastern Iowa will host producer meet-ups to discuss the upcoming season, challenges and opportunities for fruit and vegetable growers, and to meet and network with other farmers over a cup of coffee. These meet-ups are free and open to all fruit and vegetable growers.

The first meet-up will take place on Tuesday, March 14, at Salt Fork Kitchen in Solon. Laura Krouse, who operates Abbe Hills Farms near Mount Vernon, will host the event. Laura grows vegetables for 200 families in the Mount Vernon area, and raises open-pollinated corn. Salt Fork Kitchen is located at 112 E. Main St., in the heart of downtown Solon across from the Main Street Market.

On Tuesday, April 4, Adam Hohl, of Harvestville Farm, will host the second meet-up on his farm near Donnellson. Harvestville Farm is a fifth generation family farm that raises pumpkins, vegetables, corn, and invites guests for “agri-tainment” on the farm. The farm is located at 1977 Highway 2, 1.2 miles east of town. From Hwy 27 (Avenue of the Saints). Harvestville Farm is located 1 mile from the exit on the left (north) side of the road.

Each meeting runs from 10 a.m. to noon, with refreshments provided. Registration is not required, but RSVPs are appreciated. To RSVP, contact Liz Kolbe at (515) 232-5661 or liz@practicalfarmers.org.

Staff from Practical Farmers of Iowa and Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, and Iowa State University horticulture faculty and extension specialists will attend each meet-up to contribute to the conversation, meet new farmers and gather farmers’ ideas for research and extension activities.

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2017 Fruit and Vegetable Field Day

Monday, August 7, 2017 - 2:00pm
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AMES, Iowa – Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is hosting the 2017 Fruit and Vegetable Field Day on Monday, Aug. 7 at the Iowa State University Horticulture Research Station near Ames. The annual event will feature various research and demonstration projects on fruit and vegetable production for commercial growers, extension personnel, non-profit organizations, and Master Gardeners. The field day will provide a face to face opportunity to interact with ISU researchers and evaluate research projects focusing on high tunnel pepper production, organic vegetable production, asparagus production, pest management in cucurbit crops, viticulture, high tunnel tomato grafting, and honey bee health and behavior studies. The field day will also provide opportunity to view equipment and tools needed in small scale fruit and vegetable production systems. Funding for the event is provided by USDA SARE and IDALS Specialty Crop Block grants. The field day is organized in partnership with Practical Farmers of Iowa, Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, and the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture. The ISU Horticulture Research Station is located at 55519 170th Street, Ames, IA. The field day will run from 2:00-6:30 p.m. Registration is free but required to get a count for supper. Please register below.

For more information contact:

Dr. Ajay Nair, Vegetable Specialist,                                                     
515-294-7080; nairajay@iastate.edu

Dr. Diana Cochran, Fruit Specialist,        
515-294-0035; dianac@iastate.edu

 

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Horticulture In-Service

Friday, February 17, 2017 - 8:00am
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The Horticulture In-Service is scheduled for February 17th at Reiman Gardens. Iowa State Extension and Outreach Horticulture field and campus specialists, county horticulturists, regional food systems working group members and extension staff interested in learning about horticulture programs are welcome. Please contact Dr. Cynthia Haynes (chaynes@iastate.edu) for registration and schedule.

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PFI Conference

Thursday, January 16, 2020 - 8:00am to Saturday, January 18, 2020 - 6:00pm
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Practical Farmers’ Annual Conference has been the backbone of our organization since our founding, when farmers looking to improve diversity on their farms gathered to share their knowledge openly with others. More information at https://practicalfarmers.org/events/annual-conference/past-conferences/annual-conference-2020/

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Cereal rye cultivar trial/planting date and roller-crimper field day

Tuesday, May 24, 2016 - 4:00pm to 6:00pm
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24 May, 2016 (Tuesday), 4-6pm; Horticulture Research Station, Ames, IA

There has been a steady increase in the number of growers adopting cover crops in their production systems. This field day will showcase results from an experiment seeded last fall investigating performance (establishment, percent cover, biomass, etc.) of five cereal rye cultivars (Aroostook, Elbon, Prima, Wheeler, and Wrens Abruzzi) and two planting dates (16 Sept., 2015 and 13 Oct. 2015).

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2016 Fruit and Vegetable Field Day

Monday, August 15, 2016 - 2:00pm to 6:30pm
Event Type: 

2016 Fruit and Vegetable Field Day (15 August, 2016)

AMES, Iowa – Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is hosting the 2016 Fruit and Vegetable Field Day on Monday, Aug. 15 at the Iowa State University Horticulture Research Station near Ames. The annual event will feature various research and demonstration projects on commercial fruit and vegetable production for farmers, extension personnel and Master Gardeners. It is free and supper is included.The ISU Horticulture Research Station is located at 55519 170th Street, Ames, IA. The field day will run from 2:00-6:30 p.m.

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Please provide the name of your farm or the organization you belong to

Vegetable Transplant Production Workshop

Thursday, February 18, 2016 - 9:00am to 4:00pm
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Webster County Extension Office • 217 South 25th St. Suite C12 • Fort Dodge, IA

Topics for the day include:

  • Transplant growing medium
  • Insect management
  • Disease management
  • Watering and fertilization
  • Quality and quantity of light in vegetable transplant production
  • Hardening off transplants

The class will conclude with a visit to Mike Buske's farm to see his greenhouse where he grows transplants for his farm.

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High Tunnel Tomato Production Workshop

Tuesday, February 23, 2016 - 9:00am to 3:15pm
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Cedar Valley Produce Auction • 18072 Addison Ave • Elma, IA

Topics for the day include: 

  • Environmental control
  • How to tell if it is a disease
  • Common insect, disease and fertility issues
  • Insurance: whole farm revenue protection
  • Grafting
  • Maintaining productivity in a monoculture

This free event is sponsored by the Cedar Valley Produce Auction.

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2016 IFVGA Annual Conference

Thursday, January 28, 2016 - 8:00am to Friday, January 29, 2016 - 5:00pm
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The Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association annual conference will be held from January 29-30, 2016 in Ankeny, IA. The conference will be held at the FFA Enrichment Center on the DMACC Campus, 1055 SW Prairie Trail Parkway, Ankeny, IA 50023.


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2016 PFI Annual Conference

Friday, January 22, 2016 - 8:00am to Saturday, January 23, 2016 - 5:00pm
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Practical Farmers of Iowa Annual Conference will be held at the Sheman Building at Iowa State University, Ames, IA from 22-23 Jan., 2016. The event attracts farmers of all sorts, sizes, systems and enterprises, as well as non-farmers interested in knowing more about how their food is grown and building relationships between those who work the land and those who rely on their labors. More information at www.practicalfarmers.org

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2016 Great Plains Growers Conference

Thursday, January 7, 2016 - 8:00am to Saturday, January 9, 2016 - 5:00pm
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Great Plains Growers Conference (GPGC) is a combination of two great conferences: Great Plains Vegetable Conference and Mid-America Fruit Conference. The three-day conference features presentations by knowledgeable speakers from throughout the nation. The 2016 Conference will be held at Fulkerson Conference Center, Missouri Western State University from 7-9 January, 2016.

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