Mark your calendars for July 24, 2025 – the Purdue Small Farm Education Field Day promises to be an invaluable resource for small-scale farmers and urban growers across Indiana.
The Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, in partnership with the Purdue Student Farm, is hosting this comprehensive educational event from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Purdue Student Farm, located at 1491 Cherry Lane in West Lafayette. This field day creates a unique opportunity for small farm operators and urban growers to learn from Purdue University and Purdue Extension experts while connecting with fellow agricultural enthusiasts.
Hands-On Learning with Expert-Led Demonstrations
The heart of this field day lies in its diverse array of practical demonstrations, each designed to address real challenges faced by small-scale producers. From 9 a.m. to noon, attendees can participate in 20-minute focused sessions, with groups limited to just 10 participants to ensure personalized attention and optimal learning.
Production and Crop Management sessions will cover essential topics, including sweet pepper variety selection for high tunnel production, based on comprehensive research evaluating over 40 varieties since 2018. Attendees will gain insights from detailed 2024 performance data highlighting the top ten colored sweet pepper varieties for Midwestern growing conditions. The raised bed demonstration explores various materials, configurations, and heights used in vegetable production, helping growers understand the pros and cons of this popular growing method.
Pest Management and Food Safety components address critical operational concerns. Learn to use pheromone-baited traps for monitoring tomato pinworm populations – a relatively new pest affecting Indiana’s high tunnel tomato production. The packinghouse design session focuses on preventing cross-contamination and implementing food safety measures, regardless of operation size.
Equipment and Tools demonstrations provide hands-on experience with essential farming implements. The comprehensive equipment showcase features everything from hand tools like stirrup hoes and broadforks to specialized seeders, transplanters, and tractor attachments. Participants can also master the art of tool maintenance in the “Hoes 101” session, where they’ll learn to use and sharpen various hand-weeding implements.
Innovative Techniques sessions highlight cutting-edge approaches to sustainable farming. Discover how to calibrate push seeders for precise fertilizer application, explore the potential of rolled sunn hemp as a cover crop for no-till garlic production, and learn about integrated crop-livestock systems using goats for site preparation compared to traditional tarping or tilling methods.
2024 Small Farm Education Field Day (Photo by Joshua Clark).
Flexible Learning Opportunities
Beyond the scheduled demonstrations, several drop-in sessions offer flexible learning throughout the event. Visit the hydroponic shipping container demonstration to see innovative controlled-environment agriculture in action, or explore the ongoing small farm equipment showcase at your own pace.
The “Farm Hacks” session promises to unveil creative solutions that enhance productivity, efficiency, and sustainability on small-scale operations – perfect for farmers seeking innovative approaches to common challenges.
Research-Based Expertise
What sets this field day apart is its foundation in solid research and practical application. As Petrus Langenhoven, Purdue Student Farm director, notes, “This field day creates a vibrant hub where small farm operators and urban growers from across Indiana converge. We’ve consistently seen participants implement specific techniques learned here to enhance their own farms and urban gardens. Often, it’s the nuanced practices – details we as educators might overlook – that dramatically transform the productivity and sustainability of small-scale agricultural operations.”
The event showcases ongoing research from multiple projects, including multi-year sweet pepper variety trials, innovative cover crop systems, and integrated crop-livestock approaches that could revolutionize small-scale farming practices.
2024 Small Farm Education Field Day (Photo by Joshua Clark).
Registration and Event Details
Registration costs $40 per person, with discounted rates available for students and Extension educators. While lunch isn’t included, attendees will receive a complimentary Kona ice cup, and a food truck will be available on-site for meal purchases.
This field day is designed for market gardeners, commercial growers, agricultural educators, and anyone interested in small-scale or urban agriculture. Whether you’re a seasoned farmer looking to optimize your operations or someone just starting their agricultural journey, you’ll find valuable, research-backed insights that can be immediately applied to your growing practices.
Register now at the Purdue Small Farm Education Field Day website. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from experts, connect with fellow growers, and discover practical solutions that can transform your farming operation. Space is limited for demonstrations, so early registration is encouraged to ensure your spot at this comprehensive educational event.