Growers to get tips for producing more produce

The Illiana Vegetable Growers' School, sponsored by Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service in conjunction with the University of Illinois, will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. CST on Jan. 4 at Teibel's Restaurant in Schererville, Ind.

Throughout the day, Purdue and University of Illinois Extension specialists and industry experts will speak about topics that affect farmers.

"Our speakers will discuss timely topics and specific problems," said program coordinator Liz Maynard. "They will also talk about the newest research being conducted to help alleviate those problems."

The day's speakers and topics will include:

• Rick Foster, Purdue — "Corn Earworm: Is it Resistant to Pyrethroids?"

• Rick Weinzierl, University of Illinois — "Managing Aphids in Vegetables."

• Fred Whitford, Purdue — "Bulk Storage and Containment."

• Mohammad Babadoost, University of Illinois — "2006 Vegetable Disease Review."

• John Wargowsky, Mid-American Ag and Horticulture Services — "What's New in Immigration Compliance?"

• Brad Clinehens, Purdue — "Local Foods Expo."

• Steve Weller, Purdue, and John Masiunas, University of Illinois — "Research on Organic Vegetables."

• Butch Zandstra, Zandstra's Farm, and Dan Egel and Maynard, Purdue — "On-Farm Tomato Variety Evaluation."

• Maurice Ogutu, University of Illinois — "Peppers on Colored Plastic Mulch."

• Maynard — "Pumpkins and Sweet Corn Varieties."

The event is designed for anyone interested in vegetable production, and Maynard said the benefits of attending go beyond the education.

"The school is a nice place for growers to visit with other growers," she said. "Participants will also have the opportunity to network with seed and chemical dealers, as well as other industry professionals.

"It is rare for this many growers and vendors to be together in one place in northwest Indiana. We are expecting growers from around 50 farms and several vendors."

In addition, those who hold a valid Indiana Private Pesticide Applicator License can receive credit toward recertification by attending the morning sessions and paying an additional $10.

"We have also applied for commercial pesticide applicator continuing education credits and are confident we will be able to offer those as well," Maynard said.

Continuing education credits for certified crop advisers also will be available.

Participants should register at the door. The $22 registration fee includes program handouts and a luncheon.

Additional opportunities for education and networking will be available at the Indiana Horticultural Congress, scheduled for Jan. 29-31 at the Adams Mark Hotel in Indianapolis.

Those interested in participating in these programs can find more information online. Inquiries also may be directed to Purdue Extension at (219) 785-5673, purduenwhort@pnc.edu

Writer: Jennifer Stewart, (765) 494-6682, jsstewar@purdue.edu

Source: Liz Maynard, (219) 785-5673, emaynard@purdue.edu

Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722; Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu

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