Register Now for Douglas County’s Farming for Profit Series Focusing on Fresh Market Vegetable Production

I know that temperatures below zero have you thinking of fleece blankets and white sandy beaches, but now is the time to prepare for a garden abundant with crops to harvest later this year.  If you are an existing producer wanting to improve your operation or a beginning producer looking to build a successful business.  This is a must attend!

It's the Douglas County University of Wisconsin's 3rd annual event and six sessions will be conducted covering fresh market vegetable production.

The sessions will be held on consecutive Monday nights from 6:30-9:00 pm, January 28th to March 4th. Locations this year will include: Sawyer Co. Government Center in Hayward, Spooner Ag Research Station, Café Wren in Luck, Rusk Co. Law Enforcement Center in Ladysmith, Douglas County Government Center in Superior and WITC in Ashland.

Session topics include:

• Jan 28 – Perspectives on Commercial Vegetable Production: This session will highlight the economics, labor, and income potential of commercial production including a discussion of business planning and capital requirements.
• Feb 4 – If you Grow It, Will they Buy It? Market Options: Learn from experienced market growers on how to successfully sell at Farmers Markets, to CSA members and to wholesale markets.
• Feb 11 – Crop Production from Seed to Harvest: Learn from experienced market growers as they share strategies for growing several commonly grown vegetables covering all aspects of production from seed to harvest.
• Feb 18 – Soil Management and Equipment Considerations: Learn strategies on how to improve soil quality and productivity, and practical advice on equipment and simple technology that can improve your bottom line.
• Feb 25 – Integrated Pest Management: What’s Bugging You: Learn how to identify key insect and disease pest for some of the major fresh market vegetable crops and how to effectively manage them.
• Mar 4 – Extending Your Season from High Tunnels to Cold Storage: Learn how high tunnels in combination with cool season crops and cold storage can extend your marketing season

On Vegetable Field Day: Participates will see first-hand how some of the above practices are applied on a working market vegetable operation. Date and location to be determined.

The registration fee for the Series is $75 for individuals or $100 for a farm couple. Fees include handouts and other materials and one complimentary soil analysis.

To register or get more information, please contact UW-Extension Ag Agents Kevin Schoessow or Otto Wiegand, Spooner Station 715-635-3506/800-528-1914, Jane Anklam, Douglas Co 715-395-1363, Jason Fischbach, Ashland & Bayfield Counties 715-373-6104 x5, Jennifer Blazek, Polk Co 715-485-8600, or Rich Toebe, Rusk Co 715-531-1910.