Time is running short—register TODAY to secure your spot at this year’s Southwest Purdue Agricultural Center Field Day! Located in the heart of Indiana’s premier watermelon-growing region, the Southwest Purdue Agricultural Center (SWPAC) stands as one of Purdue’s eight agricultural research centers, uniquely positioned where specialty crops meet cutting-edge agricultural innovation. This field day represents…Read more about Don’t Miss Out: Final Call for SWPAC Field Day Registration![Read More]
Found 156 Articles
Dear Valued VCH Readers, Welcome to this week’s edition of the Vegetable Crops Hotline! As we move deeper into the growing season, this week’s edition brings you essential insights and timely updates to help navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead. From understanding how vegetable growers are integrating sustainable practices through our latest producer survey findings…Read more about From the Editor’s Desk[Read More]
Indiana produces approximately 22,000 gallons of maple syrup each year, and this natural sweetener has a wide range of culinary uses. However, the flavor of maple syrup can be affected by various factors during the collection and processing of sap. To ensure high-quality syrup production, the University of Vermont Extension and the University of Maine…Read more about Purdue Hosts Maple Syrup Quality Control Training Program[Read More]
A new StrawberryChat podcast episode was posted Farmer Interview with McNitt Growers: Neopestalotiopsis and Resistant Varieties | Episode 20, May 16, 2025 In this episode, we talk with Bill McNitt, owner of McNitt Growers—a nursery specializing in spring bedding plants and fall strawberry plug production. Bill shares his firsthand insights into how Neopestalotiopsis disease has…Read more about Strawberry Chat Podcast: Neopestalotiopsis and Resistant Strawberry Varieties[Read More]
This article was originally published by the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources at Purdue University. The Managing Conservation Plantings series provides landowners and managers with science-based recommendations to combat many of the common issues that arise in native warm-season grass and wildflower conservation plantings. From battling problematic plants like sericea lespedeza (Figure 1) to…Read more about Managing Conservation Plantings Series Provides Science-Based Recommendations for Landowners, Managers[Read More]
Submit your content ideas for the 2026 Indiana Horticulture and Small Farm Conference. Do you want to hear from someone in particular or about a specific topic at this year’s newly combined conference? If so, please scan the QR code or follow the link below to submit your suggestions. The survey will be open until…Read more about Shape the Conversation: Submit Your Topics for Indiana’s 2026 Horticulture and Small Farm Conferences[Read More]
Freeze-drying is rapidly gaining momentum as a method for home food preservation as freeze-dryer units become more accessible to the general public. This unique process involves removing water from a food product to preserve its color, nutritional value, and structural integrity. In a recent Extension publication, two Purdue University researchers discuss food safety, dehydrating versus…Read more about New Publication – Freeze-drying Food Preservation[Read More]
Precipitation in May has varied tremendously, but most of the state has generally been on the dry side. Areas from Vermillion and Parke Counties to Lake Michigan have received between 25% and 75% of the normal precipitation through May 27 (Figure 1). Conditions were dry enough that thunderstorm winds on May 16 prompted the National…Read more about Will May’s Mixed Precipitation and Temperatures Persist into June?[Read More]
Description The seedcorn maggot, or Delia platura, is a frequent pest in the Anthomyiidae family that can affect both specialty and agronomic crops, including corn, melons, onions, pumpkins, and many others. The larvae, or maggots, of this species damage the crops. The larvae tend to be white or translucent in color, about 1/4 inch long,…Read more about Insect Spotlight: Seedcorn Maggot[Read More]
Small and medium-sized vegetable farms face unique challenges balancing profitability with sustainable production practices and food safety requirements. To better understand how these farmers navigate complex decision-making processes, the Soil to Market Team—comprising Maria Marshall, Renee Wiatt, Petrus Langenhoven, Betty Feng, and Nathan Shoaf—conducted a comprehensive survey of 500 small and medium-sized farmers across the…Read more about Understanding Farm Decision-Making: Insights from the 2024-2025 Producer Survey[Read More]
Purdue University prohibits discrimination against any member of the University community on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or status as a veteran. This material may be available in alternative formats. 1-888-EXT-INFO Disclaimer: Reference to products in this publication is not intended to be an endorsement to the exclusion of others which may have similar uses. Any person using products listed in this publication assumes full responsibility for their use in accordance with current directions of the manufacturer.