The original news release was published by the USDA on February 13, 2026. (Washington, D.C., February 13, 2026) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is providing $1 billion in Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) Program assistance for specialty crops and sugar, commodities not covered through…Read more about USDA Announces Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers Impacted by Unfair Market Disruptions[Read More]
The Sustainable Horticulture Lab at Purdue University, together with Old Capitol Farm and Burgess Draft Logging and Lumber, brings you a hands-on introductory workshop on the fundamentals of farming with horses – from handling to harnessing to hitching. Date: April 11, 2026 Time: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Location: Corydon, IN Cost: $15/person Local lunch…Read more about Workshop: Fundamentals of Farming with Horses April 11[Read More]
Dear Valued Vegetable Crops Hotline Readers, Welcome to the first edition of the 2026 Vegetable Crops Hotline newsletter! As we begin this new growing season, I’m excited to continue our tradition of providing timely, research-based information to support Indiana’s vegetable-growing community. Our mission remains steadfast: to deliver crucial updates on pest management, production practices, food…Read more about From The Editor’s Desk[Read More]
The Safe Produce Indiana team will host two Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) Grower Trainings in March. An in-person training will be held on Wednesday, March 11, at the Elkhart County Extension Office in Goshen, IN. A remote, Spanish-language training will be held on Thursday, March 12. The cost of attendance is $20 and includes a certificate of course completion,…Read more about Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training – March 11[Read More]
Keeping produce safe and meeting buyers’ and regulatory expectations starts with strong cleaning and sanitation practices. Farms that implement proper procedures not only protect public health but also improve efficiency and build trust with customers. To help growers and farm workers strengthen these skills, we invite you to join us on March 25th from 1:00 PM…Read more about Cleaning and Sanitation Workshop – March 25[Read More]
This Tri-state high tunnel school webinar series is organized by Extension educators and specialists from three states: Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana. Different topics are designed for Beginner, Intermediate, and advanced high-tunnel growers. All sessions will be hosted via Zoom every Wednesday, 12:30-1:30 pm Eastern Time from February 25 to April 1, 2026. The webinars are…Read more about Tri-State High Tunnel School Webinar Series[Read More]
Fruit and vegetable growers are invited to join the Safe Produce Indiana team, representatives from the FDA, and produce safety personnel from the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) for a FREE, hands-on workshop on February 26, 2026, from 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM Eastern Time. The training will be at the Purdue Extension Food Safety Training…Read more about Cleaning and Sanitation Workshop – February 26[Read More]
Registration is now open for the 2026 Indiana Horticulture and Small Farm Conference (IHSFC)—we hope you will join us! The IHSFC will take place March 3–5 at the Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds and Conference Center. This newly combined conference brings together the Indiana Horticulture Conference and the Indiana Small Farm Conference. Attendees can expect the same high-quality, timely…Read more about 2026 Indiana Horticulture and Small Farm Conference[Read More]
Hello! The Indiana Cooperative Development Center is pleased to announce the return of Indiana’s annual Farmers Market Forum. The FMF is an important forum for farmers’ market managers, volunteers, and vendors to connect and develop skills to support their local markets. Alongside ICDC, Purdue Extension is hosting this year’s forum at the Indiana Farm Bureau…Read more about Farmers Market Forum Feb 4 in Indianapolis[Read More]
The 2026 Northwest Indiana Vegetable Farmer Workshop will be held on February 2, 2026, 1:00 – 4:00 PM Central Time at the Porter County Public Library, 103 Jefferson Street, Valparaiso, IN. Save the date and register now! Register: https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9vILKOLOj3T7nDw. PARP and CCH credits expected. Payments for PARP credits should be made in advance by mailing a…Read more about 2026 Northwest Indiana Vegetable Farmer Workshop[Read More]