Symposium set for Illiana vegetable growers

December 2, 2013  


WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Commercial vegetable growers and market farmers can learn about resources and processes to improve their businesses at the Illiana Vegetable Growers Symposium.

The program of Purdue Extension and University of Illinois Extension will be held Jan. 7 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. CST at Teibel’s Restaurant, 1175 U.S. 41 in Schererville.

Speakers will include Purdue Extension specialist Rick Foster, Purdue University professors Amanda Deering and Lori Hoagland, University of Illinois Extension specialist Rick Weinzierl and University of Illinois professor Mohammad Babadoost.

Participants will learn about neonicotinoid insecticides, managing insects in cucurbits, emerging diseases of pumpkins and squash, fertilizer recordkeeping, and using sanitizers in post-harvest water.

There also will be breakout sessions during which participants can choose a session on either soil health or opportunities with other crops. One of the crops to be covered is aronia berries, a small fruit similar to blueberries, that will be discussed by John Pilcher of Coldbook Farm Inc.

“Growers can learn what pests and diseases are around and how they can best be managed,” said Purdue Extension horticulture specialist Liz Maynard, who will present at the symposium. “They will get new ideas for their farm and meet suppliers and other vegetable growers.” 

Participants can earn Indiana Private Pesticide Applicator recertification credits, Certified Crop Adviser continuing education units and the Indiana Commercial Pesticide Applicator continuing certification hours.

Advance registration costs $20, and the deadline is Dec. 20. Participants can also register at the door for $25, but they will not be guaranteed lunch. For more information or to register, visit the events page at https://ag.purdue.edu/hla/fruitveg/Pages/default.aspx listed on the events calendar, or contact Maynard at 219-531-4200 Ext. 4206.

Sponsors of the program are Kankakee Farm Bureau and Lake County Farm Bureau.

Writer: Jennifer Piotrowski, 765-494-8402, jpiotrow@purdue.edu  

Source: Liz Maynard, 219-531-4200, emaynard@purdue.edu  

Related Websites:

Purdue Extension

http://www.extension.illinois.edu

Illinois Farm Bureau

Lake County Farm Bureau

Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Keith Robinson, robins89@purdue.edu
Agriculture News Page

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