Iowa State Field Day to Highlight Fruit and Vegetable Research

By Andi Anderson

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will host the 2025 Fruit and Vegetable Field Day on Tuesday, August 5, from 2 to 5:30 p.m. at the ISU Horticulture Research Station in Ames.

The event will highlight the latest research and practices in fruit and vegetable production, aimed at commercial growers, extension agents, nonprofit groups, and Iowa Master Gardeners.

This annual event features a range of demonstrations and research projects focused on key production topics such as pest control, soil fertility, crop yield, and quality.

Visitors will explore practical solutions for managing fruit and vegetable crops used in farmers markets, community-supported agriculture (CSA), and wholesale operations.

“Growers from around the state will have the opportunity to learn about production practices of fruits and vegetables and understand critical practices for managing pests, soil fertility, crop yield and quality,” said Dr. Ajay Nair, chair of the Department of Horticulture.

The field day also serves as a platform for open dialogue between growers, faculty, consumers, and extension specialists, encouraging knowledge sharing on challenges and opportunities in specialty crop production.

Organized in collaboration with the Iowa Specialty Crop Growers Association, Practical Farmers of Iowa, and the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, the event is supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

The Horticulture Research Station is located at 55519, 170th Street, Ames, Iowa. After the event concludes at 5:30 p.m., attendees are invited to enjoy a complimentary supper.

Registration is free but required by July 31 to ensure an accurate meal count. All interested participants can register online through the ISU Extension website.

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