The survey examined how farmers integrate decisions across three critical areas: farm business planning, production management, and food safety practices. Participants were asked detailed questions about their operational decisions, the timing of various planning activities, and the people involved in farm decision-making processes. The research team sought to understand what decisions farmers make and when…Read more about Understanding Farm Decision-Making: Insights from the 2024-2025 Producer Survey[Read More]
Vegetable Crops - General
Dear Valued VCH Readers, Welcome to this week’s edition of the Vegetable Crops Hotline! As hot and humid conditions persist across Indiana with heat indices soaring above 100°F this week, relief is on the horizon with cooler temperatures expected during the first week of August. While we navigate these challenging conditions, several critical issues demand…Read more about From the Editor’s Desk[Read More]
Weeds are one of the most persistent and costly challenges in agriculture. Yield losses due to weeds can be severe, and weed management options are often limited, especially for organic and small-scale specialty crop growers. While many small-scale producers rely on hand-weeding or tillage, there are alternative tools that can improve weed control and reduce…Read more about Weed Management Methods for Small Farms[Read More]
A familiar and dreaded sight of any home gardener is to find their rose bushes in a state of disrepair. Leaves skeletonized, flowers destroyed, and the remains crawling with iridescent green and brown beetles. This is the result of a Japanese beetle infestation. Japanese beetles were introduced to the United States around the turn of…Read more about Insect Spotlight: Japanese Beetles[Read More]
Time is running out to secure your spot at this year’s most comprehensive small-scale farming educational event! The Purdue Small Farm Education Field Day is just days away, and we’re excited to announce that whether you’re able to join us in person or connect from afar, you won’t miss out on this invaluable learning opportunity….Read more about Final Call: Don’t Miss the Purdue Small Farm Education Field Day – July 24th![Read More]
Squash Vine Borer More information available at https://extension.entm.purdue.edu/veg/squash-vine-borer/ For those trappers who are currently reporting, we can see that our first generation of active adult moths is declining. Corn Earworm More information available at https://extension.entm.purdue.edu/veg/cornearworm/ Montgomery County is still holding the record (La Porte did get the closest), but counts have dropped dramatically. We are…Read more about Insect Trapping Updates[Read More]
One heat wave down, more to come. It is summer, though, so aside from expecting plenty of hot days, the primary concern is that reference (or potential) evapotranspiration (ET) significantly exceeds precipitation, which would ultimately lead to drought-related impacts. The National Weather Service provides a 7-day forecast reference ET product as well as a 7-day…Read more about More Heat on the Way[Read More]
Dear Valued VCH Readers, Welcome to this week’s edition of the Vegetable Crops Hotline! As summer heat continues to challenge Indiana growers, this week’s edition provides essential guidance for managing the intensifying conditions ahead. With more heat waves expected and reference evapotranspiration significantly exceeding precipitation, it’s crucial to stay vigilant about drought-related impacts while addressing…Read more about From the Editor’s Desk[Read More]
Indiana FSA State Newsletter Publication date: June 16, 2025 2025 County Committee Elections The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) opens nominations for county committee members on June 16, 2025, and encourages all farmers, producers, and FSA program participants to take part in the County Committee election nomination process. Elections will occur in…Read more about USDA Farm Service Agency -2025 County Committee Elections[Read More]