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Sarah Denkler, Horticulture
Educator University of Missouri Extension P.O. Box 160, Kennett, MO 63857 573-888-4722 Denklers@missouri.edu |
| "At Your Service" |
For Immediate Release
Sarah Denkler
Horticulture Educator
April 26, 2009
Interesting Seminar Topics
One way of extending the growing season for vegetables is by using hoop houses. This practice, while in use for some time, is gaining popularity with those who are looking to increase their sustainability in the local market and beyond.
The use of hoop houses can help get a harvest to market faster, create a loyal following of customers and extend the harvest to the off-season, a time of year when gains can be had from higher prices. Some feel that the vegetables grown in hoop houses produce larger yields and are of a higher quality do to the controlled environment.
The National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service (ATTRA) is offering a chance to learn more about this practice through a webinar entitled, Hoop Houses for Extending Your Growing Season. Although computer access is required, the webinar is free.
The 60 minute discussion will center on: The uses and benefits of hoop houses, including increases in crop quality and yields, Different types of hoop houses, Construction, materials and cost estimates, Management of crops, soil fertility, pests and weeds and the Economics and marketing of crops.
Register by going online at www.attra.ncat.org/webinars2009/hoophouses to attend the webinar which will take place on May 7th at 11:00 a.m. Mountain Daylight Time (10:00 a.m. in Central Daylight Time). They ask that you log on the day of the webinar 15 minutes early to prepare the software application.
Presenters for this event include horticulture specialists Tammy Hinman and Andy Pressman from the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT). Each have market farming experience as well as experience building and growing in hoop houses.
For
those who prefer learning away from a computer you might try the Organic Wild
Crops Field Day also held on May 7th at the Wild Crops Farm in Salem,
Missouri.
The farm will host a workshop and discussion for those interested in working with Missouri’s native botanicals, review new 2010 standards for organic botanicals and present information on the SARE grant project.
New opportunities exist for land owners as the raw material needs of this industry are twice the size of the entire global market for organic foods.
Any farmer or landowner from Missouri who is interested in this field day should register in advance with Penny Frazier at penny@pinenut.com or by phoning 573-729-6725. Go to http://www.nnfp.org/Activities/AnnualMeeting.htm for more information. Scholarship funds are available that include travel for the event.
The Extension office is located in Kennett, Missouri at 101 South Main Street (the old bank) on the 2nd floor. Open Monday – Friday or you can call 573-888-4722 if you have a question. University of Missouri Extension programs are open to all.
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Sarah Denkler, Horticulture
Educator University of Missouri Extension P.O. Box 160, Kennett, MO 63857 573-888-4722 Denklers@missouri.edu |