With all seeds ordered and in hand, pepper seeds were germinated and potted up into flats during the second and third weeks of February respectively. Tomato seeds have started to germinate and will be potted up by the end of this last week of February. It has been our experience with the greenhouse...

During the 2025 Southern Illinois Fruit and Vegetable School recently held in Mt. Vernon, a short survey was created to go along with discussion in the Small Fruit Q & A session. The survey asked participants basic questions regarding crops raised, pricing, varieties, etc. These questions...

With the worst of the winter cold hopefully behind us, pruning of tree fruit and small fruit should be kicking into high gear.  Based on grower feedback, both the apple and peach crop have sustained little to no cold damage and hopes are high for a full crop. Pictured is a high density peach...

One of the key decisions farmers make is about where to plant crops. This question becomes even more important if you plan to grow fresh fruits and vegetables that will likely be eaten without cooking. The field in which fresh fruits and vegetables are grown can greatly impact their safety, and the...

Nearly 110 growers from Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin joined us for the Stateline Fruit and Vegetable Growers Conference in Rockford on Monday, February 17. This year’s conference was set up in the same format as last year with 3 different tracks and breakout sessions throughout the day....

Fresh produce packing facilities come in different sizes and designs. Some maybe fully closed and others partially closed with a few legs and a roof. Some may be permanent structures and others temporary. Farms may also use their limited space to accomplish multiple activities which may include...

Did you know that the USDA has a crop insurance policy tailored for the small organic or specialty crop farmer? It is called the Micro Farm policy for farms with no more than $350,000 of approved revenue. These are an “insured revenue” type of policy and is available in all 50 states. There...

I want to share some of the highlights from my opportunity to attend the International Tree Fruit Association’s South Africa Study Tour this past November/December.  The stunning landscapes along the Garden Route through the Eastern and Western Cape Provinces will forever stand out in my mind...

High tunnels are a very productive season extension tool and offer the opportunity for year around growing. While high tunnel environmental management practices tend to focus more on ventilation and air movement during the warm months, wintertime management should not be forgotten. Snow and ice...