Small farms and food entrepreneurs can apply for grants from the United States Department of Agriculture to help reimburse costs related to growth and expansion. Known as the Business Builder Grants, the …
Business Builder Grants Available for Farm and Food Businesses
Tomato Problems
Tomatoes are popular vegetables in the home garden. Most gardeners currently are enjoying their harvests. However, tomatoes are susceptible to a range of disorders that can compromise their quality and yield. In …
Produce Growers Should Take Time to Review Cleaning and Harvesting Procedures
Teresa WiemerslageLocal Foods Field Specialist563-794-0599wiemer@iastate.edu Midsummer is the perfect time for produce growers to review their cleaning and harvesting procedures to minimize the risks of foodborne illnesses and maximize their …
Training for Cottage Foods-Based Processors to Begin in September
Penny Brown HuberFood Business Specialist515-294-4417pbhuber@iastate.edu Small food cottage-based processing companies in Iowa can improve their entrepreneurial skills and learn basic food safety in their kitchen through in-class and Zoom learning …
Enjoy Sweet Corn Season This Summer with Some Practical Tips
Dan FilliusCommercial Vegetable and Specialty Crop Specialist515-294-4249fillius@iastate.edu The middle of summer is officially here and so is sweet corn season. With the unusual weather events this year, Iowans can still …
Fruit and Vegetable Field Day Is Aug. 6
Ajay NairExtension Commercial Horticulture Specialist515-294-7080nairajay@iastate.edu The horticulture team with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will hold the 2024 Fruit and Vegetable Field Day Tuesday, Aug. 6, at Iowa State …
Addressing Problems When Growing Cucumbers
Aaron J. SteilConsumer Horticulture Extension Specialist515-294-8953ajsteil@iastate.edu Cucumbers are among the most popular garden vegetables, and growing them can be rewarding and delicious. Cucumbers thrive in Iowa’s warm summer and quickly …
Strawberry Care
Few can resist the allure of fresh strawberries — they’re an early summer treat for many. Luckily, cultivating these delectable fruits is relatively easy. With full sun, well-drained soil and …
Orchard Owners Should Be on the Lookout for Fire Blight
This year’s rainy, warm spring could be problematic for orchards due to fire blight, says a fruit crop specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Conditions for most of …
Planting and Growing Onions
With spring upon us, it’s time to think about planting in home gardens. In Iowa, onions are a popular addition to the vegetable garden as they are easy to grow …