Production Track Focuses on Savor the Season Crops at KSFM Conference for Vendors

Back in December, we announce the eleven fruits and vegetables to be featured in the 2010 Savor the Season campaign. In case you missed the information, the selected specialty crops are:

• Salad Mix
• Napa Cabbage
• Bok Choy
• Beans
• Okra
• Cantaloupe
• Heirloom Tomatoes
• Eggplant
• Sweet Potatoes
• Swiss Chard
• Acorn Squash

The crops were selected by analyzing the results of a short survey taken by market farmers and managers. Hopefully you will incorporate these selections into your planting plan and add them to your seed order.

KRC has worked with K-State Extension and experienced producers to present information on growing these fruits and vegetables at the Kansas Farmers Market Conference on January 30 in Emporia.

Below are the Production Track Sessions for the conference. We'll be covering all of the selected crops with the exceptions of napa cabbage, heirloom tomatoes and okra!

Register for the 2010 Kansas Farmers Market Conference for Vendors

Acorn Squash
Mark Jirak
30 minutes

Adding Strawberries to Vegetable Production
Jerry Wohletz
Jerry shares his family's experience of growing vegetables for the Lawrence and DeSoto farmers markets and the farm’s growth over the 7 years.  With the addition of strawberries grown in their high tunnel in 2009, the demand has convinced them to start a "Pick Your Own" strawberry patch for the 2010 season. 60 minutes

Beans: Not just the green ones
Jill Elmers
There are so many different types of beans that can be grown and brought to market.  We will talk about the different varieties available, tips on how to grow the less familiar types, and how to educate your customers on their uses. 30 minutes

Bok Pac Choy Choi: Demystifying an Asian Vegetable
Rebecca McMahon
There is lots of potential for growing Bok Choy in Kansas during the spring and fall market seasons. It is not as challenging to grow as the name might seem! Gain insight into this unique vegetable: how it fits into your farm system, marketing ideas, and some pitfalls. 30 minutes

Brambles to Berries
Rebecca McMahon
Both raspberries and blackberries can be grown successfully in Kansas and bring a premium price, but getting them to market can be a challenge. This will be an overview of variety selection, growing systems, and marketing for raspberries and blackberries in Kansas. 60 minutes

Cantaloupe
Mark Jirak
30 minutes

Cultural and Alternative Methods for Pest Management
Jennifer Smith
Learn the best ways to prevent insect and disease problems through selection and good cultural practices, and explore what works and what doesn't with alternative methods for pest control. The session will focus on insect and disease pests of fruits and vegetables and explore what works and what doesn't with alternative methods for pest control. The session will focus on insect and disease pests of fruits and vegetables. 30 minutes

Early Season Perennials: Asparagus and Rhubarb
Karen Pendleton
Draw shoppers to your stall early for spring crops and you’ll have a good chance of keeping them throughout the growing season. Karen shares her tips for growing these early season shopper favorites–from favored varieties to production methods. 30 minutes

Eggplant
Karen Pendleton
With 15 years experience growing and selling this vegetable, Karen offers advice on selecting  varieties and determining best cultural practices. Even more importantly, Karen will share how she has built a strong market for this less common crop. 30 minutes

Salad Mixes: The options are endless
Jill Elmers
Salad mix has become a market staple for many customers.  Learn what makes a good mix, growing methods, and harvesting methods. 30 minutes

Growing and Marketing Sweet Potatoes in North Eastern Central Kansas
Stephanie Thomas
Get the dirt on growing these nutritious golden-red, tasty tubers. Info on what varieties grow best in our area, and when and how to plant. Harvest and storage tips, and marketing advice from a farmer who loves to grow them as much as eat them. 30 minutes

Swiss Chard and Kale
Laura Christensen
Bunched greens make an eyecatching market display and can be popular with customers.  We'll cover simple production, harvest and storage practices as well as tips on marketing, presentation and pricing. 30 minutes

Register for the 2010 Kansas Farmers Market Conference for Vendors