Introduction Competitive advantage can result from product differentiation or from being a low-cost producer. A low-cost producer, as the term implies, strives to have below average per unit costs while receiving at least average product prices. A farm pursuing product differentiation, on the other hand, strives to obtain above average unit product prices while maintaining[Read More…]
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Welcome to the Vegetable Crops Hotline (VCH), Purdue Extension’s exclusive newsletter for people in the business of growing vegetables. This is our second-last issue for 2024 and includes a price update from the Clearspring Produce Auction, a look at the weather for the next 14 days, information about educational opportunities, and an opportunity to serve[Read More…]
As September begins, we officially welcome meteorological fall. While the autumnal equinox isn’t until September 22, the past few mornings have already brought a crisp, fall-like feel to the air. Around town, fall decorations are starting to appear, and a few maple trees are showing early hints of color. My wife, however, is eagerly waiting[Read More…]
This year, we really want to familiarize our readers with beneficial flies! After learning about syrphids, blow flies, and predatory gall midges, we are going to end the season on long-legged flies (Figures 1 and 2)). Unlike the other species we have discussed this year, the family of long-legged flies (Dolichopodidae) contain numerous species which[Read More…]
The Clearspring Produce Auction is located just 2 miles south of US 20 in Clearspring Township in the Heart of the LaGrange-Elkhart Amish Settlement. It is within easy driving distance of the towns of Shipshewana, Topeka, Emma, and LaGrange. Produce is sold three days a week (Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday) throughout most of the growing[Read More…]
Conflict is present in almost every aspect of our lives: personal, business, family, community; the list goes on and on. Inherently, conflict is not good or bad. Conflict can be the fuel for change, a learning or leadership opportunity, or can bring issues that were otherwise ignored to light. Conflict only becomes unhealthy when it[Read More…]
Welcome to the Vegetable Crops Hotline (VCH), Purdue Extension’s exclusive newsletter for people in the business of growing vegetables. The harvesting season is progressing well. As part of our evidence-based Extension programs, we have harvested many peppers and watermelons, among other crops, at the TPAC/Meigs Horticulture Facility. We also only have two VCH issues left[Read More…]
If you’re expecting plug plants for your strawberry crops, you’ve likely heard about the emerging threat of Neopestalotiopsis disease. For those unfamiliar, I recommend reading Dr. Phil Brannen’s article, “Dramatic Neopestalotiopsis Disease in Strawberry Tips and Plug Plant Production Nurseries“ from the University of Georgia Extension. Recently, I’ve been in discussions with a few fruit[Read More…]
For those of you with late plantings of sweet corn or field corn that is still in the late stages of silking, do not let your guard down! We are still recording high trap catches throughout the state. Almost every reporting location (except for the Purdue Student Farm) is catching a nightly average of moths[Read More…]
The Clearspring Produce Auction is located just 2 miles south of US 20 in Clearspring Township in the Heart of the LaGrange-Elkhart Amish Settlement. It is within easy driving distance of the towns of Shipshewana, Topeka, Emma, and LaGrange. Produce is sold three days a week (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday) throughout most of the growing season,[Read More…]
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