WEST LAFAYETTE – Commercial vegetable farmers and market gardeners will have networking opportunities and get tips on how to improve their business when they meet at the Illiana Vegetable Growers Symposium.
The event will be 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (CST) Jan. 5 at Teibel's Restaurant, 1775 U.S. 41, Schererville.
The program is a collaboration of Purdue and the University of Illinois Extension services. Presenters will include several Extension specialists from both universities.
Some highlighted presentations will be new pollinator regulations, an update on the Food Safety Modernization Act, cucurbit insect management, an update on Purdue horticulture, drift recovery and how to eliminate weed competition.
There will also be a session during which participants can choose a presentation on either the introduction of Purdue's FoodLink, point-of-sale systems for small businesses and effective uses of social media or year-round vegetable production in high tunnels, hydroponics and tips for soil health in organic systems.
Indiana private applicator recertification credits are available for a $10 fee at the door. Indiana commercial pesticide applicator continuing certification hours and certified crop adviser continuing education units also are available.
Registration in advance costs $25 and should be postmarked by Dec. 16 or completed online by Dec. 23. Participants can also register at the door for $30, but they will not be guaranteed lunch.
Registration is available online, by printing the registration form at , or by contacting Nikky Witkowski at 219-755-3240 or nikky@purdue.edu. For other information, contact Liz Maynard at 219-548-3674 or emaynard@purdue.edu.
Sponsors are Austgen Farms and the Lake, La Porte and Kankakee County Farm Bureaus.
