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Ms. Smriti Chaudhary

Smriti Chaudhary
Graduate Students
Graduate Student (MS)
Area of Expertise: 
Sustainable Vegetable Production

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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Erin Huckins

Picture of Erin
Alumni
ESG Specialist at Sustainable Environmental Consultants
Area of Expertise: 
Organics, Food Systems

Brandon Carpenter

Picture of Brandon
Alumni
Agricultural Specialist III @ Iowa State University Horticulture Research Station
Area of Expertise: 
Biochar, Peppers

Jennifer Tillman

Picture of Jennifer
Alumni
Crop Production & Livestock Production Organic Review Team @ Washington State Department of Agriculture Organic Program
Area of Expertise: 
Strip tillage, row cover, cucurbits

Raymond Kruse

Picture of Ray
Alumni
Food Systems Program Coordinator for Dubuque County and Farm Owner @ White Blossom Farm, Colesburg, IA
Area of Expertise: 
Cover Crops, Soil Health

Dana Jokela

Picture of Dana
Alumni
Territory Sales Representative for Johnny's Selected Seeds
Owner and Operator of Sogn Valley Farm in Cannon Falls, MN (http://sognvalleyfarm.com/)
Area of Expertise: 
Organic, no-till, strip-till

John Krzton-Presson

Picture of John
Alumni
Program Planner, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
Area of Expertise: 
Cover Crops, Muskmelon

Dr. Kristine Lang

Picture of Kristine
Alumni
Assistant Professor and Extension Consumer Horticulture Specialist @ South Dakota State University
Area of Expertise: 
High Tunnels, Grafting

Carly Strauser

Carly
Graduate Students
Graduate Student (MS)
Area of Expertise: 
Sustainable Agriculture, Tarping, Soil Health

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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Anne Carey

Picture of Anne Carey
Graduate Students
Graduate Student (PhD)
Area of Expertise: 
Sustainable Agriculture, Soil Health, Poultry

Rachel Perry

Picture of Rachel Perry
Alumni
Application Scientist @ Roquette
Area of Expertise: 
Sustainable Agriculture, Lettuce

Taylor Mauch

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Alumni
Digital Innovation Manager for AgroStart at BASF
Area of Expertise: 
Horticulture, Biochar

Emma Herrighty

Picture of Emma Herrighty
Alumni
PhD Student at Cornell University
Area of Expertise: 
Ethnobotany, Germplasm Conservation

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.

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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

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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

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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.

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