DALTON, Ohio — Perfect pumpkins and rich fall colors in ornamentals don’t just happen – it takes planning and preparation in everything from soil health to healthy plants.
The fourth Mid-Ohio Growers Meeting offers growers answers on these topics and more, for operations of all sizes. The meeting will feature a slate of university and industry professionals who will present the latest research and techniques on production, according to Fred Finney, a member of the organizing committee.
The meeting is scheduled for Jan. 14-15, 2016, at the Buckeye Event Center, located at 624 Henry Street in Dalton. From secrets of a successful business to food safety regulations, to wowing consumers with exciting colors or unique vegetables and flowers, this two-day event will have it covered, according to Finney.
Last year’s meeting hosted a "hands-on" session giving growers a chance to learn a new technique. This year the committee added a series of hand-on sessions that will allow producers to learn even more techniques they can take back and use in their operations.
For example, "Understanding Weeds," presented by Elizabeth Buck, will give producers a chance to see various weeds that may be growing in their fields during the growing season. It will also give them effective ways to control the weeds.
Another session that should be well-attended, according to Finney, is an update on the produce regulations in the Food Safety Marketing Act that went into effect last week. "The FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) wants to educate before they regulate," he said.
Leading the session will be Terri Gearhart, chief of the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s (ODA) Food Safety Division. Gearhart will give producers an update on the regulations and how they will be interpreted by ODA officials.
Finney said the meeting also introduces producers to new and innovative ideas in pest management. Last year’s meeting covered a relatively new pest called spotted wing drosophila (SWD), which he said is going to change the world for growers. SWD targets fruit crops, and the damage is caused by fly larva feeding on ripening fruit. Damage starts as a tiny scar on the skin, causing it to collapse in 2-3 days and lead to mold developing on the fruit.
Rory Lewandowski, Ohio State University extension educator from Wayne County, said producers need to catch the insect early to prevent serious damage to their crops and possibly lose the entire crop for the season. Until recently, they could control the pest with a spray program, but there was not a good biological control.
That is, until a Mississippi blackberry grower by the name of Robert Hayes found out hummingbirds will consume the pest as part of their diet. Finney said Hayes will present a session on how he uses the birds to control the pest in his berry patch.
Another goal of the meeting is to give producers access to business leaders. This year, they can learn about the history of the Curry Lumber and Pole Building Co. and how it strives to meet the needs of its customers, during the keynote presentation by Dave Nally, CEO.
Finney said a popular session is moderated by local accountant Raymond Miller, comparing cost versus sales of produce crop at auction. With a more accurate look at their costs, producers can make changes to their operation or marketing plans to help control costs and increase income.
The meeting includes an expanded trade show with exhibitors offering new information and technology for the produce industry, with significant discounts for purchases during the show. "We usually have somewhere between 75 and 100 vendors in our trade show," Finney said.
He explained some sessions have been approved for P.A.T. credits for producers. The cost of the meeting is $20 if postmarked by Dec. 31; after that, the cost is $25 and may be paid at the door. Children 14 and under will be admitted free.
The fee includes the trade show and materials. Concession will be available during the meeting. For more information or to register, write to: Mid-Ohio Growers LLC, P.O. Box 111, Mt. Hope, OH 44691; call 330-263-0254; or email midohiogrowersmtg@gmail.com and visit http://midohiogrowers.com
For a list of local hotels, call the Wayne Convention and Visitors Bureau at 800-362-6474 or visit www.waynecountycvb.org
