IFVN Vol. 30, No. 7 | August 2024 | Illinois Fruit and Vegetable News | Illinois Extension

two persons working with a computer and a robot inside a high tunnel with tomatoes

From Dixon Springs Ag Center: Field day demonstrates possibilities with farm robotics

July 29, 2024

On July 16, we hosted the High Tunnel Production Field Day. This was the second year for this meeting and we plan to make it an annual event. Last year, USDA NRCS and FSA staff talked about programs that each agency offers to support high tunnel production and specialty crop growers. To build on those topics, this year a local contractor with experience in greenhouse construction was asked to...

Blog articles

field of pumpkin plants in rows with grass weeds

From Southwestern Illinois (Waterloo): Everything is thriving including the weeds

July 30, 2024

Commercial Fruit and Vegetable Growers

Out in the field everything is thriving with lots of moisture including the weeds! I think we had all forgotten how much rainfall drives weed pressure after two fairly droughty summers the past two years. All summer vegetables are in harvest and doing well. The rain has increased...

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From St. Louis Metro East: Field corrections needed in some locations after heavy rains

July 26, 2024

Commercial Fruit and Vegetable Growers

June’s hot, dry conditions were conducive to spider mite flareups, particularly in tomatoes. Ever wonder why? Spider mites are reported to be susceptible to a pathogenic fungus that, when present, is capable of controlling spider mite populations. But for the fungi to survive and do their...

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From Northern Illinois (Rockford): Growers preparing for the upcoming u-pick apple season

July 26, 2024

Commercial Fruit and Vegetable Growers

During the weekend of July 12 to 14 and the week of July 15, we had some farms that received quite a lot of rain and severe winds. Some farms reported receiving 7-8 inches of rain while others, like in the Freeport area, had about 3-4 inches. This was combined with very warm temperatures (above 90...

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Summer cools down but stays stormy

July 26, 2024

Commercial Fruit and Vegetable Growers

Monthly report by Trent Ford, Illinois State ClimatologistIllinois experienced a top 20 warmest June on record statewide, but much of that heat came in the first two-thirds of...

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News releases

Two split images with a person researching in a greenhouse on left and orange pumpkin on right.

July 30, 2024

Pumpkin disease not evolving, could make a difference for management
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, Xanthomonas...

A pile of specialty decor pumpkins of a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors.

July 25, 2024

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...

Upcoming programs

See the University of Illinois Extension Local Food Systems and Small Farms Team’s website at: https://extension.illinois.edu/lfssf

2024 Southern Illinois Summer Twilight Series | 3rd Monday evening in May-August across southern Illinois. To register for any or all of these meetings, go to go.illinois.edu/twilightseries or contact Bronwyn Aly baly@illinois.edu or 618-695-2441 for more information.
- Sunnybrook Gardens on August 19, Carmi, IL vegetable production, processing and freezing of sweet corn and peaches, specialty equipment
2024 Pumpkin Field Day | Thursday, September 5 at Eckert’s Belleville Farm, Belleville, IL The program will begin at 10 am. There is no cost to attend, and lunch will be provided but registration is required by September 2 to receive lunch. Register online or contact Nathan Johanning njohann@illinois.edu or 618-939-3434 for more information.
2025 Midwest Mechanical Weed Control Field Day | Wednesday, September 11 at MEIGS Horticulture Research Farm 9101 S 100 E Lafayette, IN 47909 For more information on registration or sponsorship, visit https://www.thelandconnection.org/event/2024-mmwcfd/ or contact Sam Oschwald Tilton at 414-213-5337 or glacialdrift@protonmail.com
2025 From Food to Flowers: Everything Local Conference | January 29 through 31 at Bank of Springfield Center, Springfield, IL. Mark your calendars now and look for further details later this year!