This article was originally published in the Michiana Irrigation Association Summer Newsletter. The Michiana Irrigation Association (MIA) Board, working in conjunction with Purdue and Michigan State University Extension, produces the summer newsletter for those who irrigate, irrigation industry professionals, and the state agencies that serve them. One of the best tools for managing irrigation and…Read more about Rain Gauges Are One of the Best Low-Cost Tools for Saving[Read More]
Vegetable Crops - General
This article was originally published in the Michiana Irrigation Association Summer Newsletter. The Michiana Irrigation Association (MIA) Board, working in conjunction with Purdue and Michigan State University Extension, produces the summer newsletter for those who irrigate, irrigation industry professionals, and the state agencies that serve them. Timing and application rate are critical when it comes…Read more about Applying Water at the Right Time and in the Right Amount[Read More]
The heat and humidity have returned to the state, as heat indices soared above 100°F on Wednesday and Thursday (July 23-24) this week. The National Weather Service issued heat advisories that spanned from northeast Texas to northeast Ohio on July 24. Over the last 7-day period (July 16-22), average temperatures ranged from near normal in…Read more about Hot and Humid Weather Persists, but a Cool Down is Expected During the First Week of August[Read More]
Squash Vine Borer https://extension.entm.purdue.edu/veg/squash-vine-borer/ The number of participants reporting trap catches has declined dramatically. Clinton, Allen, and Henry Counties are consistently reporting 1-4 moths per night. It seems that these populations didn’t get the memo that they are supposed to coordinate their mating during one concentrated time point in the summer. Regardless, at this…Read more about Insect Trapping Updates[Read More]
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]
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]