Farming With Feathers: Utilizing Free Pest Control Through Sustainable Growing Techniques Sarah E. Grimes Beneficial birds and insects can provide powerful benefits for farmers. A single bluebird can consume over 2,000 insects per day, while many pollinators simultaneously support crop production. Yet across America’s farmlands, these natural allies are often overlooked in favor of intensive…Read more about Farming With Feathers: Utilizing Free Pest Control Through Sustainable Growing Techniques[Read More]
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In the past two weeks, our monitoring traps in the orchard have caught 2 dogwood borer (Synanthedon scitula) individuals, 16 coddling moth (Cydia pomonella) individuals, and 0 oriental fruit moth (Grapholita molesta) individuals. We have received 7” of rain in the past 7 days. Fruit rots have claimed all of the Honeycrisp fruit.
After a drier-than-normal July, recent rains have put Indiana on notice for above-normal precipitation. Just two weeks into August, there was enough precipitation to cover the month’s typical August rainfall, and then some. Much of the state received over 400 percent of normal precipitation for the first two weeks of the month, and some locations…Read more about Soaking Rains to End the Summer, And Then Some[Read More]
A grower recently contacted me wondering how he could explain to customers why there are so few apples on the trees this year. Obviously, those of us in the fruit industry understand all too well the damaging effects spring frosts can have, but to those outside our industry it can be a bit of a…Read more about Explaining spring frosts to customers[Read More]
Tissue Analysis for Grapes & Small Fruit Tissue analysis is the most reliable means of determining plant nutritional status. Combined with soil testing, tissue analysis can help pinpoint the source of problems and determine what measures may be needed to ensure proper nutrition of the crop. Tissue analysis samples should be collected at the appropriate…Read more about Tissue Analysis for Grapes and Small Fruit[Read More]
Aside from southern and far northern Indiana, the rest of the state has generally received below normal precipitation over the past 30 days (Figure 1). While only a few localized areas show percentages below the 30 percent-of-normal level (one of the factors considered to recommend the Abnormally Dry (D0) classification to the U.S. Drought Monitor…Read more about Dry conditions in the forecast – drought developing?[Read More]
In the past two weeks, our monitoring traps in the orchard have caught 156 dogwood borer (Synanthedon scitula) individuals, 23 coddling moth (Cydia pomonella) individuals, and 0 oriental fruit moth (Grapholita molesta) individuals. Japanese beetles have subsided with little damage to our fruit crops. An apple and grape cover is scheduled for 7/23.
WHAT is Clean Sweep? The Indiana Pesticide Clean Sweep Pesticide Disposal Program designed to collect and dispose of suspended, canceled, banned, unusable, opened, unopened or just unwanted pesticides (herbicides, insecticides, rodenticides, fungicides, miticides, etc.). This disposal service is free of charge up to 250 pounds per participant. Over 250 pounds there will be a $3.00…Read more about 2026 Pesticide Clean Sweep August Dates Announced[Read More]
The agenda is complete! Register here Join us September 19, 2026, for the Hydroponic Crop Production Workshop. Date: September 19, 2026 (Saturday, 8:30 am to 3: 30 pm) Agenda: The workshop is a perfect opportunity to learn about hydroponic crop production for home and commercial-scale operations. Time Topic 8.30-9.00 am Registration 9.30-10.15 am Strawberry Production…Read more about Hydroponic Crop Production Workshop[Read More]
Purdue Extension is hosting a series of cut flower production events and field tours this summer. Join the Purdue Extension Cut Flower Team to learn about cut flower production, view demonstration plantings, and connect with fellow growers and flower enthusiasts. Date: July 15, 2026 Time: 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm EDT Location: Southwest Purdue Agricultural…Read more about Cut Flower Production Field Tours[Read More]
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