Dennis Parr is a seasoned market grower with a wealth of knowledge in plant cultivation. He utilizes various resources to enhance his skills and techniques, including Purdue Extension’s Vegetable Crops Hotline (VCH). Earlier this spring, a VCH article highlighted the cucumber beetle, a pest of cucurbits (link). A few days later, another article alerted growers…Read more about Dennis Parr’s Beetle Battles and Lifelong Learning Journey[Read More]
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Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPN) pose a hidden threat to vegetable production, with root-knot nematodes being among the most damaging soil-borne pests. These nematodes affect a wide range of crops and have caused significant yield reductions in Indiana, impacting both large-scale conventional vegetable production and small-scale diversified farms, particularly in high tunnel production. Despite their potential to…Read more about Unveiling Root-knot Nematodes and the Role of Suppressive Soils in Vegetable Production[Read More]
From September 19th through 25th, Indiana was fortunate to receive between a quarter inch to almost three inches of precipitation (Figure 1). This seemed to be a sight for many a sore eye since it had been weeks since any appreciable rain had fallen. But was this enough for us to get out of drought…Read more about Rain Brought Some Relief, But Still Not Enough[Read More]
Are you a local food producer interested in selling your products to restaurants, grocery stores, schools, or wholesale distributors? Or maybe you want to explore additional marketing options? Join us for the Market Ready Producer Training Program to gain the tools for business success! The program includes the training, lunch, a buyer panel, and a…Read more about Market Ready Producer Training[Read More]
Introduction Competitive advantage can result from product differentiation or from being a low-cost producer. A low-cost producer, as the term implies, strives to have below average per unit costs while receiving at least average product prices. A farm pursuing product differentiation, on the other hand, strives to obtain above average unit product prices while maintaining…Read more about Evaluating a Farm’s Competitive Position[Read More]
Welcome to the Vegetable Crops Hotline (VCH), Purdue Extension’s exclusive newsletter for people in the business of growing vegetables. This is our second-last issue for 2024 and includes a price update from the Clearspring Produce Auction, a look at the weather for the next 14 days, information about educational opportunities, and an opportunity to serve…Read more about From the Editor’s Desk[Read More]
As September begins, we officially welcome meteorological fall. While the autumnal equinox isn’t until September 22, the past few mornings have already brought a crisp, fall-like feel to the air. Around town, fall decorations are starting to appear, and a few maple trees are showing early hints of color. My wife, however, is eagerly waiting…Read more about Welcome Meteorological Fall, Drought Concern Grows[Read More]
This year, we really want to familiarize our readers with beneficial flies! After learning about syrphids, blow flies, and predatory gall midges, we are going to end the season on long-legged flies (Figures 1 and 2)). Unlike the other species we have discussed this year, the family of long-legged flies (Dolichopodidae) contain numerous species which…Read more about Insect Spotlight: Long-legged flies[Read More]
The Clearspring Produce Auction is located just 2 miles south of US 20 in Clearspring Township in the Heart of the LaGrange-Elkhart Amish Settlement. It is within easy driving distance of the towns of Shipshewana, Topeka, Emma, and LaGrange. Produce is sold three days a week (Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday) throughout most of the growing…Read more about Clearspring Produce Auction Price Update[Read More]
Conflict is present in almost every aspect of our lives: personal, business, family, community; the list goes on and on. Inherently, conflict is not good or bad. Conflict can be the fuel for change, a learning or leadership opportunity, or can bring issues that were otherwise ignored to light. Conflict only becomes unhealthy when it…Read more about Why Are We Fighting? Succession Conflict and How to Handle It[Read More]
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