To receive a notification through the Remind text messaging system when a Tangi-Washington Grower Update is posted, please contact Mary Helen Ferguson. Click here for links to previous Tangi-Washington Grower Updates.

Remember that the Watermelon Education Meeting and Agritourism Education Meeting are scheduled for January 30 and February 23, respectively. RSVPs are requested for both but are especially important for the Agritourism Education Meeting, since lunch will be served, and demand may exceed seating capacity. We are also going to attempt to provide a virtual attendance option for the Agritourism Education Meeting. If you’re interested in this, please let me know, and I will send you the link to join via Microsoft Teams.

See the December 2023 Update for other upcoming events, in addition to what’s mentioned above and below.

Tangipahoa and Washington Parish Horticultural Crop Producer Questionnaire – deadline extended to January 31

I have only received a handful of responses to this questionnaire, so I’ve reopened it to allow responses through January 31. Each year, the LSU AgCenter seeks input from client groups to help set priorities for the upcoming year. If you are a current or prospective commercial horticultural crop (vegetable, fruit, nut, nursery, greenhouse, etc.) grower in Tangipahoa or Washington Parish, please give me your input by completing the questionnaire. (Of course, you can contact me directly to give input at any time of year.)

Grow Louisiana Beginning Farmer Training Program – application deadline February 4, begins February 21 (Baton Rouge, primarily)

From the organizers: “Grow Louisiana is a free year-long program for the beginning farmers of Louisiana. A beginning farmer is defined as those currently farming with less than 10 years of experience or those wanting to start farming. The 2024 program will be based on the LSU campus starting on Feb. 21 with Wednesday night (6 to 9 pm) & Saturday trainings (9 am to 3), and 3 summer on-farm trainings…plus fall trainings. Grow Louisiana is a partnership of cooperative extension, non-profit organizations, and farmers that provides whole-farm planning curriculum and training (focusing on horticulture and business), online resources, support, networking and mentoring to new and beginning farmers in Louisiana. Learn from Louisiana producers and start planning your farm in 2024!”

Topics to be covered: Business Planning, Soil Fertility Basics, Soil Maintenance & Improvement, Food Safety, Post-Harvest Management, Vegetable Production & Crop Planning, Marketing & Sales Outlets, Farm Business Practices, Record Keeping, Special Topics Based on Cohort Needs, Labor, Integrated Pest Management

Click here for more information and here to apply.

Small Farmer Academy - begins in February (Baton Rouge)

Southern University's Agricultural Research and Extension Center is offering a series of five classes for small farmers. A graphic with information about this series is available here. Contact Dr. Brian Phillips for more information.

2024 Precision Agriculture Summit (rescheduled) – February 16 (Alexandria)

This event, originally scheduled for January, has been rescheduled for Friday, February 16. The focus this year is “Practical Applications for Improved Efficiency.” Click here for more information and to register.

2024 Precision Agriculture Summit - February 23 (Schriever)

A second Precision Agriculture Summit is scheduled for Schriever, LA, in Terrebonne Parish. Click here for more information and to register.

Composting Workshop - February 23 (Bogalusa)

Click here for more information and to register.

My IPM App for Vegetables Now Available

I think some of you are already familiar with the MyIPM app for Fruits (including Strawberries) and Pecans. There is now a MyIPM app for Vegetables, also. This guide describes features of the app.

Winter 2024 Edition of Small Fruit News Available

The Winter 2024 edition of Small Fruit News from the Southern Region Small Fruit Consortium is available. (If you’d like, you can sign up to receive notifications about new issues directly from the Southern Region Small Fruit Consortium.)

Let me know if you have questions.

Contact Mary Helen Ferguson, Ph.D.

The LSU AgCenter and LSU provide equal opportunities in programs and employment.