Mt. HOPE, Ohio — Ask any produce grower and they will tell you that every growing season is different and brings new challenges. from disease, insects, and weather. But the season also brings new varieties, new tools, and techniques to help growers meet those challenges. The 12th Mid-Ohio Growers’ Meeting has grown into the go-to event for growers looking for the newest varieties, disease or insect control, or tools for planting or harvest. The Mid-Ohio Growers meeting is scheduled for January 11-12, at the Mt. Hope Event Center. The popular two-day event is packed with tips and tools producers need to raise high-quality produce, fruits, and flowers on any size operation and tips on the business side of produce production.  

 From food safety regulations to customer service, the two-day event will have it covered, according to Monroe Yoder, a member of the planning committee. Yoder said the line-up for this year’s meeting features 27 speakers covering 35 topics. The slate of producers, university, and industry professionals will present the latest research and techniques on produce production specifically geared to the northeast region. 

A highlight of the event is an expanded trade show with exhibitors offering new information and technology for the produce industry, with significant discounts for purchases during the show. The meeting draws over 100 vendors to the trade show.

“The trade show gives growers a chance to talk to the vendors and see what products they have and what their availability is going into the growing season”, said Yoder.

Back again to the growers’ meeting is a series of “Question and Answer” sessions, giving producers a chance to break out into smaller groups for a more in-depth discussion about their area of interest from the presenters. Yoder said the question-and-answer sessions were introduced last year and proved to be popular with producers. 

“The sessions give producers access to the speakers and a chance for a more in-depth discussion,” said Yoder.

New this year, according to Yoder is a series of hands-on workshops designed to give producers hands-on experience with techniques they learn during the meeting. Topics include Cut Flowers by Gable Crest Gardens, Sprayer Nozzles, by OSU Extension, Wayne County Extension, Hot Water Seed Treatment, by Ohio State University, and Tomato Grafting, by Ohio State University.

Another goal of the meeting is to give producers access to business leaders. This year producers will have the opportunity to learn about the founding and growth of Bent Wood Solutions from founder, Atlee Kauffman. Bent Wood Solutions makes furniture parts for furniture manufacturers in the United States. After 44 years in business, Kauffman has moved from founder to partner and has brought two of his sons and a son-in-law into the business. They currently have 44 employees. Kauffman also manages Wooded Acres, the family’s tree farm. Yoder said Kauffman’s session should be popular as he shares the secrets of growing a business and bringing in the next generation. 

As in other years, the planning committee has designed the program to have some sessions approved for meeting P.A.T. credit requirements for producers.

For more information visit https://midohiogrowers.com/