IFVN Vol. 29, No. 10 | November 2023

hydroponic strawberries growing in high tunnel

Hydroponic day-neutral strawberry production observations

October 27, 2023

Hydroponic production allows for different configurations or growing systems that can include gutters, rails, troughs, buckets, slabs, and bags, as well as different substrates or growing media including perlite, coconut coir, rockwool, and more. Couple production system versatility with controlled environmental conditions, it becomes easy to see how a hydroponic system could be a fit for off-...

Blog articles

cover crop growing in tunnel with cut flower crop

Dixon Springs Update: Preparing beds for year 2 insect trial

October 27, 2023

Commercial Fruit and Vegetable Growers

Cover crops were seeded on October 4 in preparation for year two of the Illinois Department of Agriculture HR 133 grant: Strategies for Improving Biological Control of Insect Pests for Vegetable Growers Utilizing High Tunnels. The process Seeding of spring oats at 30 lbs/acre, crimson...

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St. Louis Metro East Update: Time for 'EverCrisp' apples

October 27, 2023

Commercial Fruit and Vegetable Growers

Apples are in the ‘EverCrisp’ window, and the pumpkin crop looks great. The corn and soybean harvest has been in full swing since the third full week of September, and most of those days have been rain free. According to the US drought monitor, the St Louis Metro east is running...

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WPS pesticide safety training requirements refresher: Illinois

October 23, 2023

Pesticide News

The Worker Protection Standard (WPS) is a regulation intended to reduce the risks of illness or injury resulting from occupational exposures to pesticides used in the production of agricultural plants. WPS requires agricultural employers and commercial pesticide handler employers to provide...

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Know this for a simplified registration and licensure process

October 6, 2023

Pesticide News

In December, the University of Illinois Pesticide Safety Education Program will once again offer in-person training clinics. Seats will be quite limited compared to the pre-COVID years, so plan accordingly. Additionally, our online training modules will be available for those who prefer this...

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Events

December 18, 2023

Land Leasing Basics
Don't risk losing the farm Leasing farmland is so commonplace that landowners, farmers, and ranchers may not think twice about the lease itself until things go wrong. Prevent problems by using a strongly worded lease while building a path to a resilient future. Coverage of leasing basics will help...

Farmer walking though wheat field in the sun, brushing crops with their hand.

March 18, 2024

Forming an LLC
Legal risks can be fatal to a farm business and addressing them proactively can keep farms in business. Just as important, understanding legal issues can dispel anxiety and help farmers realize their power to control their circumstances. This is the final in a quarterly webinar series for all...

News and Announcements

Additional events

From Food To Flowers: Everything Local | Save the date! January 17-19, 2024 Crowne Plaza, Springfield, IL. Look for more details in future issues.
2024 Southwestern Illinois Commercial Tree Fruit School | Save the date! February 6, 2024 at Knights of Columbus Hall, Hardin, IL. Look for more information in future issues.
2024 Southern Illinois Fruit and Vegetable School | Save the date! February 7, 2024 at DoubleTree, Mt. Vernon, IL. Look for more information in future issues.
2024 Stateline Fruit and Vegetable Growers Conference | Save the date! Monday, February 19, 2024 at NIU Rockford, IL. More information to come.

Register for the 2024 Annie’s Project classes

Annie's Project is a national training program designed to empower women in agriculture through education, networks, and resources. The program brings women together to learn from experts in production, financial management, human resources, marketing, and the legal field. We cover many topics dedicated to strengthening women's roles in modern farm and ranch enterprises, including business plans, crop insurance, diversifying farm operations, estate planning, farm appraisal, and much more.

This year Annie’s Project celebrated its 20th anniversary since the first class was held in Illinois. Upcoming classes will be offered in the spring of 2024. Current offerings:

January 9 through February 13 at John Wood Community College in Mt. Sterling (Tuesdays from 5 to 8 p.m.)
February 29 through April 4 at the Edwards County Farm Bureau office in Albion (Thursdays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.)

More details along with registration links will be provided in the coming months. Please reach out to Annie’s Project State Coordinator Katie Bell with further questions.

Congratulations on the new arrival!

Help us congratulate Nathan Johanning and family on the arrival of their beautiful baby girl, Holly. The family welcomed her on October 2, blessing them with 6 lbs. 3oz. and 19 inches of pure joy. Both mom and baby are doing great! I hear big brother and big sisters are being quite helpful and showering their little sister with love.

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Illinois Fruit and Vegetable Newsletter for October 2023