Approximately 40 growers attended the Society’s summer field day a couple of weeks ago. Thanks go to David, Valerie and Theresa Doud for being wonderful hosts. We saw apples, peaches and strawberries, and also some of the new MAIA apple selections being developed. After lunch we visited Cordes Berry Farm which consists of over 9 acres of blackberries. Jared and Erica Cordes are doing a fantastic job and everyone I spoke with was highly impressed. Myron and Marvin Metzger’s farm was our next stop where we saw a range of crops being grown well, from plasticulture strawberries to netted blueberries. Nate Fingerle showed us what can be achieved on a small plot of land with the most intensively and intelligently managed 1 ½ acres most of us had ever seen. Our last stop was with Jeff and Zach Hawkins, who showed us their integrated approach to farming that is well supported by the local community.
All who attended were treated to some very interesting and well-run operations. Thanks again to the five families who opened their farms up to us and were so hospitable.
The next meeting of the Indiana Hort. Society will be at the Hort. Congress, Jan. 10-12 at the Indianapolis Marriott East Hotel. As details come to hand, they will be posted at the IHC website: https://inhortcongress.org