Welcome to the Vegetable Crops Hotline (VCH), Purdue Extension’s exclusive newsletter for people in the business of growing vegetables. In this issue, we highlight tar spot of sweet corn, draft animal power for small farms, and provide an update on vegetable pricing at the Clearspring Auction. Included are lots of information about educational opportunities presented[Read More…]
This disease is a relatively new disease to Indiana. So far, it has mostly affected field corn. However, tar spot was recently observed on sweet corn. This article will discuss the symptoms, biology and management of tar spot of sweet corn. Tar spot causes dark, mostly circular lesions on the leaves, stalks and husks of[Read More…]
In late June 2023, I had the pleasure of attending the 29th annual Horse Progress Days (HPD) in Shipshewana IN. The intention of HPD is to showcase the latest innovations in the draft horse industry. The event also included educational seminars and clinics. The mission of the organization is to encourage and promote draft animal[Read More…]
Bacterial canker has been observed in late season tomato crops. This article will serve as a review of this important disease. The symptoms of bacterial canker vary considerably. In most cases, the edges of the leaves may turn yellow and/or brown. That is, the margins of the leaves may become chlorotic and/or necrotic (Figure 1).[Read More…]
Recently, I have observed several pumpkin vines and fruit with Plectosporium blight. When I receive phone calls about Plectosporium blight, the caller often has trouble describing the disease. Indeed, the disease is difficult to describe. Therefore, I will include several photos with this article. Lesions of Plectosporium blight are most often observed on the stems[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 3 days a week throughout most of the growing season (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday),[Read More…]
6Drought and abnormally dry conditions continue to improve across most of Indiana (Figure 1). There seem to be a few counties – particularly along the western border – that have not been getting as much rain as elsewhere. Those areas are still at least abnormally dry through August 8, 2023. However, additional rain events over[Read More…]
This article has been adapted from a SARE news release published on July 27, 2023, by Sean McGovern. SARE’s newly revised What is Sustainable Agriculture? publication provides a primer to practices that can help farmers and ranchers improve the sustainability of any complex, integrated production and marketing system. Soil Health: Healthy soil provides a strong foundation for[Read More…]
Grab your farm family and join the Purdue Succession Planning Team as we offer a three-day lunchtime virtual succession series! There will be presentations from Extension Educators and Specialists on “First Steps To Succession Planning” along with “Financial Feasibility of Farm Succession.” An attorney will also present at the workshop on the topic “Structuring[Read More…]
Pumpkins, peppers, sweet corn, compost, tomatoes, and more will be discussed at the August 24th Vegetable Twilight Meeting at Pinney Purdue Ag Center, 5 to 8 p.m. Central Time. Vegetable farmers, market gardeners, urban farmers, and home gardeners are invited to tour trials and hear from researchers and educators about weed management in pumpkins; key[Read More…]
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