Tangi-Washington Grower Update - 1 November 2024

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.

It’s that time of year again, when we solicit your input for the upcoming year. Please take a few minutes and respond to the questionnaire for which a link is provided below by December 6.

I also want to let you know about several resources and upcoming events.


Tangipahoa and Washington Parish Horticultural Crop Producer Questionnaire

Each year, the LSU AgCenter seeks input from client groups to help set priorities for the upcoming year. To get input from commercial horticultural crop growers in Tangipahoa and Washington Parishes, I’ve created this short questionnaire. 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. The questionnaire will remain open until Friday, December 6. (Of course, you can contact me directly to give input at any time of year, but please respond to this if you are able.)


Fall 2024 Edition of Small Fruit News Available

The Fall 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.


Neopestalotiopsis Resources

As we enter another strawberry season, many are reasonably concerned about managing Pestalotia leaf spot and fruit rot. The Fall 2024 Small Fruit News (above) has an article summarizing management practices. This article from Dr. Aaron Cato of University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture also provides a comprehensive overview of Neopestalotiopsis management in strawberries. Note that one of the fungicides mentioned, Inspire, is not registered in Louisiana. (This may be confusing, since Inspire Super is registered in Louisiana.) Always read directions on the label of a product yourself before using it.


Louisiana Small Scale Agriculture Coalition and On-Farm Grant Program

I recently learned about the Louisiana Small Scale Agriculture Coalition and their On-Farm Grant program. The deadline for this year’s grant cycle is almost here, but you may want to read about it so that you can prepare to apply next year.


Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program

I also recently learned about the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), which includes mentorship and other resources. Click here for more information.


American Conservation Ag Movement Farmer-Led Virtual Discussion – November 6 (online)

From the organizers: “Louisiana farmer Hilery Gobert returned to rural Iowa, Louisiana after retirement to connect with his roots and start a farm that mirrors the one that he grew up on. Now, Hilery is using his diversified, organic operation to restore his land’s soil health and feed his family and community. During his recent field day, Hilery shared challenges and successes in soil health restoration, water conservation and growing healthy and sustainable food.

“Join us for another opportunity to talk with Hilery and his local USDA-NRCS in an open discussion about how conservation can work on your farm.”

Click here for more information and to register.


Louisiana Master Farmer Phase 1 Training – November 8 (Clinton)

Click here for more information and to register. Participants are asked to register by November 6.


Specialty Crops Conference – December 12-13 (Hattiesburg, MS)

From the organizers: “Join us for a two-day event focused on the business and production aspects of specialty crops! Day 1 will cover essential topics such as financial planning and credit access, marketing strategies, social media advertising, market channel selection, food safety compliance, and labor management, including the H2-A guest worker program. Day 2 will delve into organic agriculture, fruit and vegetable crop production, and the cultivation of cut flowers and ornamental horticulture.”

Click here for more information and to register.


Gulf South Pawpaw Symposium - December 14 (Violet, LA)

Click here for more information and to register.


Regional and National Educational Opportunities

The 2025 Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference will be held on January 9-11 in Savannah, GA.

The annual Gulf States Horticulture Expo, with educational sessions and a trade show, will take place January 22-24 in Mobile, AL.

The North American Strawberry Growers Association (NASGA) and the North American Raspberry Blackberry Association (NARBA) have planned a joint meeting for next year, the 2025 North American Berry Conference, on February 3-6 in Hawaii.


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.

11/1/2024 9:06:13 PM
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