Specialty Crops

Blog Posts

Looking over a field of rows of cover crop variety trials marked with signage.
Cover crop update: Plan now for fall planting
Now is the time when we need to think about what cover crops we are going to put out to help protect fields this winter. Here are a few thoughts to...
A row of recently transplanted broccoli plants growing for a variety trial.
From Southwestern Illinois (Waterloo): Fall crops and more pumpkins
August, so far, has given us a break from the excess moisture that July brought to the region. We have only gotten 1.29” of rain this month to date....
red, green and yellow peppers with browing gray net pattern around stem
From Dixon Springs Ag Center: Insect and disease pressure picking up as harvest is winding down
In our current research project, “Strategies for Improving Biological Control of Insect Pests for Vegetable Growers Utilizing High Tunnels”...
squash bugs on green pumpkin vine
Squash bugs spread deadly disease: A new challenge for cucurbit growers
Farmers growing pumpkins and other cucurbit crops, like melons, might soon face a new challenge. A disease called Cucurbit Yellow Vine Decline (CYVD...
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News Releases

A tractor pulling participants throughout the field.
Program highlights best practices for southern Illinois growers
EWING, Ill. – For over a century, Ewing Demonstration Center has been a cornerstone of agricultural research and collaboration in southern Illinois. Rooted in a rich history, this center serves as a hub where farmers, agricultural professionals, and University researchers come together to...
Two split images with a person researching in a greenhouse on left and orange pumpkin on right.
Pumpkin disease not evolving, could make a difference for management
URBANA, Ill. — The pathogen that causes bacterial spot is very good at what it does. Forming small lesions on the rinds of pumpkins, melons, cucumbers, and other cucurbits, it mars the fruits’ appearance and ushers in secondary pathogens that lead to rot and severe yield loss. The bacterium,...
Bronwyn Aly and Kacie Athey in high tunnel
High tunnels extend growing season and benefit farming operations
SIMPSON, Ill. - More Illinois specialty crop growers are planting in high tunnels to extend their growing season, increase crop diversity, achieve higher yields, and improve quality. However, high tunnels come with unique challenges, including deciding on the layout and structural design, which...
A pile of specialty decor pumpkins of a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors.
Explore commercial pumpkin production at Extension field day
URBANA, Ill. — As Illinois ranks number one in both pumpkin production and processing, it provides a great opportunity to bring together growers, producers, and those who love talking pumpkins.University of Illinois Extension can help kick off...
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Videos

Mushroom Production on Small Farms

Direct market farmers, homesteaders, land-owners, hobby farms, and backyard growers can learn practices to improve production and increase profit.

Growing Shiitake Mushrooms

On this week’s Good Growing podcast we talk with Illinois Extension local foods educator Nick Frillman about growing gourmet shiitake mushrooms in your own backyard. Nick shows us the tools and methods used to turn fresh cut logs of white oak and sugar maple into inoculated “bolts” that will...

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Staff

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