The Purdue Student Farm hosted the Purdue Extension Diversified Farming and Food Systems focus group for a tour and Q&A during the annual ANR Retreat. Chris Adair led the group and provided insight on small farm production practices and the farm’s approach to marketing and sales. Participants learned about a wide scope of subjects, including:
- Crop and variety selection and timing
- Using an organic approach for weed and pest management
- Crop production techniques in high tunnels
- Fall armyworm identification
- How yellow garden spiders help control pests in high tunnels
- High-wire tomato pruning and leaning and lowering technique
- Produce handling and storage, including a demonstration of the farm’s bin washer
- Tool selection for successful weed control
Participants also enjoyed sampling heatless habanero peppers grown at the farm and apples grown at Meigs.
Ashley Adair (HLA) and James Wolff (ANR Allen County) lead the DFFS Focus Group for extension educators and specialists. The focus group develops content and provides professional development opportunities for Purdue Extension professionals that serve small and diversified farmers across Indiana.
