University of Wisconsin-Extension will conduct a workshop addressing several fresh market produce management related topics at the Ontario Community Center on Tuesday March 3.
Registration will begin at 9:30 am with presentations starting promptly at 10 a.m. A lunch is included as part of the registration fee and presentations will wrap up at approximately 3:00 pm.
This year’s workshop will feature the following topics and presenters:
• Dr. Russ Groves, UW-Extension Vegetable Crop Entomologist, will present the latest information on managing vegetable crop pests including a review of troublesome insects from recent years, and how to be ready for them this year.
• Dr. Erin Silva, UW-Extension Organic Production Specialist, will give an update on the Food Safety and Mondernization Act (FSMA) including an update on GAP Certification procedures and how they impact Wisconsin produce growers.
• Dr. Amanda Gevens, UW-Extension Vegetable Crop Pathologist, will present information on managing mildews in cucurbit (vine) crops, including data from 2015 trials, and an update on late blight considerations for Wisconsin growers.
• Dr. Amaya Atucha, UW-Extension Fruit Crop Production Specialist, will discuss planning and site and soil preparation for successful planting of various small fruit crops.
• Dr. Christelle Guedot, UW-Extension Fruit Crop Entomologist, will give an overview of the various pollinator insects that are critical to producing crops and management practices growers can implement to promote healthy pollinators in their operations.
All presentations will address both organic and conventional management considerations.
There is a $5 registration fee per person for the workshop and each farm represented will receive a copy of the 2015 edition of UW Extension publication A3422, "Commercial Vegetable Production in Wisconsin." This workshop is partially underwritten by UW–Extension Special Project Funds.
Pre-registration is strongly encouraged to help plan for handout materials and lunch. Please pre-register by contact the UW Extension Office in Monroe County at 608-269-8722 by Feb. 24.
