Growing degree-day accumulations still lag while dry conditions linger Beth Hall Indiana State Climate Office Abnormally dry conditions are still lingering in parts of Indiana (Figure 1) with interest growing on how much the warmer weather might exacerbate the situation. Fortunately, the climate outlooks for the next several weeks and through June are favoring above-normal[Read More…]
2021 BGIN MEETING & FARM TOUR THURSDAY, JUNE 3RD HOSTED BY JOHN NELSON THE BLUEBERRY RANCH 54743 BUCKEYE RD. MISHAWAKA, IN 46545 574 255 5773 Directions: From 80/90 Take exit 83 heading south on Capitol for 2 miles. Turn east onto Douglas for 2.5 miles to Buckeye. Head south for .75 miles to farm. 4 p.m.[Read More…]
On April 30th, 2021, significant legislation was introduced with bipartisan support in the House, impacting the future of the U.S. organic sector. The bill, titled, Continuous Improvement and Accountability in Organic Standards provides a roadmap for organic through three main areas by: Clearing the backlog of recommendations, and requiring the USDA to issue an Organic Improvement[Read More…]
The periodical cicada (Figure 1) emergence is expected to begin shortly. Female cicadas lay eggs in 200+ woody tree species (Figure 2), and they have a strong preference for grapevines, apples, cherries, peaches, & plums. Egg laying can weaken and damage branches, causing them to turn brown, die, and break off. The loss of branches[Read More…]
In collaboration with viticulture and enology extension programs at: Ohio State University, University of Maryland, Rutgers University, North Carolina State University, University of Georgia, University of Tennessee, Texas Tech, Texas A&M, Colorado State University, New Mexico State University, Iowa State University, Purdue University, University of Minnesota, Michigan State University, and University of Wisconsin _____________________________________________________________________ Regional[Read More…]
As we wait for the locusts (actually, seventeen-year cicadas), and deal with a plague of biblical proportion, many across the state also experienced flooding and frosts. Indiana weather is never dull! Flooding and/or frosts during periods of active growth can significantly damage flower and fruit, resulting in crop loss (Fig. 1). Unfortunately, many berry growers[Read More…]
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