Illiana Vegetable Growers Symposium set for Jan. 4

Commercial vegetable farmers and market gardeners will have networking opportunities and get tips on how to improve their business when they meet at the Illiana Vegetable Growers Symposium.

The event will be 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (CST) Jan. 4 at Teibel’s Restaurant, 1775 U.S. 41, Schererville, Indiana.

The program is a collaboration of Purdue University and the University of Illinois Extension services. Presenters will include Extension specialists from both universities.

Some highlighted presentations will be management of tomato bacterial canker, sprayers for controlling insects in sweet corn, new dicamba regulations, and updates on the federal food safety regulations.

There will also be breakout sessions during which participants can choose a focus on either marketing or production issues including cover crops and high tunnels.

Indiana private applicator recertification credits will be available for a $10 fee at the door. Indiana commercial pesticide applicator continuing certification hours and certified crop adviser continuing education units also are expected to be available.

Registration in advance costs $30 and should be postmarked by Dec. 14 or completed online by Dec. 20. Participants can also register at the door for $35, but they will not be guaranteed lunch.

Registration is available online through the Education Store at www.edustore.purdue.edu. For other information, contact Nikky Witkowski at 219-755-3240 or nikky@purdue.edu or Kym Schwinkendorf at 219-386-5232 or kschwink@purdue.edu