Welcome to the Vegetable Crops Hotline (VCH), Purdue Extension’s exclusive newsletter for people in the business of growing vegetables. The harvesting season is progressing well. As part of our evidence-based Extension programs, we have harvested many peppers and watermelons, among other crops, at the TPAC/Meigs Horticulture Facility. We also only have two VCH issues left…Read more about From the Editor’s Desk[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]
If you’re expecting plug plants for your strawberry crops, you’ve likely heard about the emerging threat of Neopestalotiopsis disease. For those unfamiliar, I recommend reading Dr. Phil Brannen’s article, “Dramatic Neopestalotiopsis Disease in Strawberry Tips and Plug Plant Production Nurseries“ from the University of Georgia Extension. Recently, I’ve been in discussions with a few fruit…Read more about Strawberry Growers: Navigating the Challenges of Neopestalotiopsis Disease[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]
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]
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]
ON-SITE REGISTRATION AVAILABLE (Lunch not guaranteed with on-site registration) The 7th Annual Midwest Mechanical Weed Control Field Day is heading to Meigs Horticulture Research Farm in Lafayette, IN, in 2024! This amazing event consistently draws more than 150 farmers from around the Midwest to hear from experts, meet with company representatives, network with other farmers,…Read more about 2024 Midwest Mechanical Weed Control Field Day[Read More]
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