BOONE, Iowa—Nicole and Steve Jonas, of Red Granite Farm, will host a Practical Farmers of Iowa field day exploring melon and cucumber production on Thursday, Aug. 4, from 2-4 p.m., near Boone (2013 130th St.).
The event – “Conquering Cucurbits: Success With Melons and Cucumbers” – is free to attend and will include light refreshments. RSVPs are appreciated for the snacks by July 29. To sign up, visit the event page at practicalfarmers.org/field-days or call Debra Boekholder at (515) 232-5661. The field day is sponsored by Iowa Farmers Union, Iowa State University On-Farm Food Safety Team Sustainable Iowa Land Trust.
Please note: Due to the presence of livestock on the farm, attendees must also adhere to PFI’s biosecure event policy, which includes wearing clean footwear and clothes that have not been worn on other farms with livestock or livestock buildings, or around a dense population of wild birds. Full guidelines for attending PFI’s biosecure events are available at practicalfarmers.org/biosecure-event-policy.
Red Granite Farm is a diverse operation that includes 3 acres of vegetables, 800 laying hens in the summer months and over 200 varieties of hardy perennials, vines, shrubs, annuals and succulents. Nicole and Steve have operated the farm for 15 years, and have additional years of hands-on experience and education in horticulture.
During the field day, they will share their experience with growing cucurbit crops like cucumbers and melons that are a stumbling block for many farmers. They will discuss in-field cucumber production; managing melons and detecting ripeness; succession planting; managing fall squash and pumpkins; and pack shed organization.
Ajay Nair, with ISU’s Department of Horticulture, will be on-hand to share his work with specialty melons and to weigh in on cucurbit best management practices.
Full event details are available at practicalfarmers.org/conquering-cucurbits-success-with-melons-and-cucumbers.
This event is part of PFI’s 2022 field day season, which includes 41 events hosted by farmers located across the state, and beyond, on topics spanning the agricultural spectrum. Attendees can expect a welcoming atmosphere, a spirit of curiosity, a culture of mutual respect and farmers openly sharing their knowledge and experience.
The full roster of events – along with additional information about PFI field day policies and logistics – is available at practicalfarmers.org/field-days. For questions, contact the PFI office at info@practicalfarmers.org or (515) 232-5661.
Practical Farmers’ 2022 field days are supported by Level A sponsors Albert Lea Seed; BioTill Cover Crops; Grain Millers Inc.; Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance; Iowa State University Department of Agronomy; Iowa State University Extension and Outreach; MOSA Certified Organic; Nori Carbon Removal; P&K Midwest; Sinclair Tractor; Sunderman Farm Management; and Van Wall Equipment.
(contributed press release)
