Registration is open for the 2024 High Tunnel Short Course Nov. 13, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Iowa Arboretum near Madrid. The short course is free, but online registration is required by Oct. 31.
“We’re excited to bring Iowa growers another opportunity to learn innovative production techniques from experienced growers and university researchers,” said Dan Fillius, commercial vegetables and specialty crops field specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
According to Fillius, short course participants will
- Learn about the importance of crop, environment and soil management for vegetable production in high tunnels.
- Gain resources and knowledge and hear from experts in high tunnel vegetable production.
- Connect with growers, agricultural educators, extension staff and industry personnel working in high tunnels and local foods.
The keynote speaker is Lewis Jett, extension specialist at West Virginia University. Jett has many years of experience working on fruit and vegetable production in high tunnel systems. His work focuses on cultivar selection, crop and soil management, soil fertility, season extension and profitability in high tunnel production.
The course will also provide an update on the status of high tunnel research across the Midwest. Iowa State University speakers include Fillius and Ajay Nair, professor in horticulture/vegetable crops. Grower Steve Strasheim, from Twisted River Farm in Mitchell, will speak about geothermal heating and cooling systems in his high tunnel.
The Iowa Arboretum is located at 1875 Peach Ave, Madrid.
The short course is supported by the USDA NIFA Beginning Farmer Rancher Development Program grant. Register online at the ISU Extension and Outreach Vegetable Lab Website.
Shareable photo: Inside view of a high tunnel.
Authors:
Dan Fillius
Commercial Vegetable and Specialty Crop Specialist
515-294-4249
fillius@iastate.edu
Ajay Nair
Extension Commercial Horticulture Specialist
515-294-3718
nairajay@iastate.edu
