Beginning in October, food entrepreneurs can learn about best practices related to food safety, food labeling, and cleaning and sanitation of food contact surfaces during a free webinar series. The series features extension food safety specialists from several land-grant universities and is made possible through a food safety outreach grant supported by USDA and the North . . . read more

The horticulture team with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will hold the 2022 Fruit and Vegetable Field Day Aug. 15 at Iowa State University’s Horticulture Research Station northeast of Ames. The annual event will feature various research and demonstration projects on fruit and vegetable production for commercial growers, extension personnel, nonprofit organizations and master . . . read more

Recognizing the importance of the state’s specialty crop industry, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds has designated July 25-29 as Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Week. The weeklong celebration recognizes the state’s 1,084 vegetable and 1,714 fruit operations, the nutritious products they produce and the consumers who depend on locally sourced fruits and vegetables. Each day of the . . . read more

The Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at Iowa State University will host the 2022 Wine Grape Field Day on Wednesday, July 27. This field day is offered to grape growers and winemakers, extension personnel and nonprofit organizations. The field day will run from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature two separate . . . read more

Selling food to the public is a big responsibility. Numerous state and federal laws are in place to keep the public safe and assure that important food safety protocols are followed. However, navigating all of the dos and don’ts can be a challenge. Depending on what exactly is being sold, and how much, many Iowa . . . read more

Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables grown at home. They are available in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors and benefit from staking and training to keep the sprawling plants off the ground. In this article, horticulturists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach answer questions about the options for home gardeners . . . read more

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today encouraged producers of pesticide sensitive crops to renew their field and beehive entries on the Iowa Sensitive Crops Registry.  “The Iowa Sensitive Crop Registry is an effective tool to support communication between producers of specialty crops, beekeepers and pesticide applicators – all important aspects of Iowa agriculture,” said . . . read more

The newest commercial fruit crop specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will use his extensive background in the industry to help Iowa fruit growers overcome challenges. Randall Vos previously served as a professor and chair in the horticulture department at the Ankeny campus of the Des Moines Area Community College. In addition to . . . read more

The sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) belongs to the family Convolvulaceae (morning glory family). While typically considered as a vegetable suitable for vegetable gardens in the southern United States, sweet potato is a vegetable that can thrive in the hot and humid Iowa summers. In this week’s Yard and Garden article, horticulturists with Iowa State University . . . read more

 Iowa Organic Association is hosting its first Field Day of 2022 at Kalona, IA, on Friday, June 24th from 9am-1pm. James Nisly started Organic Greens in 1998 to produce food with a focus on flavor and nutrition, and to foster healthy-living by offering wholesome, organic food options within his community.  The 13-acre certified organic vegetable . . . read more