This session will provide an update on upcoming changes to pesticide labels for products commonly used in viticulture in the Eastern United States. New terminology, compliance concerns, use requirements, and an overview of online tools and websites will be covered.

Grapevines in the Midwest are vigorous? This may have been the situation in the past, but over the years many growers have been seeing declining vigor in their vineyards. In this session we’ll look at some of the vineyard tissue samples we took in 2024 and review some of the fruit YAN results from those same locations. We’ll discuss why nitrogen is important in our vines and wines, and review best practices and options for managing nitrogen in the vineyard.

This presentation will discuss the impending EPA restrictions on broad-spectrum fungicides, such as Mancozeb, and its implications for Eastern grape production. Dr. Gold will discuss alternative disease management strategies, including the integration of bio-fungicides and other novel chemistries, to maintain effective control in the evolving regulatory landscape. Cornell Grape Pathology conducts fungicide efficacy trials on 8 acres of vineyards in Geneva, NY.

Join the Iowa Department of Revenue's Alcohol and Tax Compliance Division for a presentation on the new law allowing native manufacturers to have 5-day retail licenses off of their manufacturing premises. The presentation will discuss the details of this new sales opportunity and provide useful tips on how to apply for these licenses. In addition, other frequently asked questions by wineries will also be discussed.

Are your wine labels competing with the big brands? This session will explore why strategic packaging design is so important in building a strong wine brand. We will dive into elements that increase your perceived value and how consumers select labels. Plus, we will look at examples of successful packages and how to elevate your brand’s value.

This panel explores the growing trend of canned wine, focusing on its impact on the wine industry and consumer behavior. You'll hear from a mobile canning line and 2 wineries that offer canned products, who will discuss production considerations, marketing strategies, challenges, and opportunities that make canned wine a unique and sustainable choice for modern consumers.

Explore the market of no- and low-alcohol wines and other beverages. Learn about the current methods for making these products. This session is designed to inform producers of the possibilities and techniques for adding no- and low-alcohol options to a winery product lineup. Each year many samples are submitted to the MGWII Service Lab to identify what is “floating” in a wine when it should be clear. There are several different answers to this question, and several ways we go about determining those answers. In addition we will also give some recommendations on how to avoid having “wine floaties”.

Join the Iowa Department of Revenue's Alcohol and Tax Compliance Division for a presentation on the new law allowing native manufacturers to have 5-day retail licenses off of their manufacturing premises. The presentation will discuss the details of this new sales opportunity and provide useful tips on how to apply for these licenses. In addition, other frequently asked questions by wineries will also be discussed.

This session will focus on how the use of a NEWA weather station and associated models can help improve management of insects, diseases and other aspects of crop management at your orchard.

This talk will cover our efforts to monitor antibiotic resistance in Erwinia amylovora populations and evaluate alternative strategies for fire blight management. We tested plant defense inducers and plant growth regulators as sustainable options to reduce reliance on antibiotics, aiming to improve disease control while mitigating resistance risks.

In this session Jordan Lyon will provide an overview of what a typical year of melon production looks like for Buser’s Produce. He will discuss the key challenges involved, from planting and cultivation to harvesting, and share insights on how these obstacles are managed to ensure a successful melon crop.

This session will focus on how small growers can properly convert pesticide application rates to fit their specific needs. Eric Rogich will explain the process of adjusting rates for different crops, providing practical tips to ensure effective pest management while maintaining safety and compliance.

In this presentation, Chelsea will discuss some of the major plant diseases impacting Iowa’s vegetable growers in 2024, with a special focus on the widespread impact of aster yellows. We’ll talk about symptoms, causes, management strategies, and more for these persistent diseases affecting key vegetable crops. Attendees will gain insight into integrated pest management techniques and practical approaches to safeguard yield against these disease threats.

Supersweet (sh2) sweet corn has a reputation for germinating poorly in cold soils, historically making it questionable for first plantings. In 2024, Dan Fillius and growers across the state planted 8 promising super sweet varieties to test which ones performed the best and were ready first. Join this session to learn what they found.

In this session, Nicole Jonas will provide an overview of growing brassicas like broccoli and cauliflower, covering both the challenges and successes involved in their cultivation. She will also discuss how to effectively market brassica crops, offering tips on reaching the right audience and maximizing sales potential.

The elusive quest for Nutrient Dense Foods starts with nutrients in the soil and cascades up the food chain directly impacting human health. This short course will teach you why we must first focus on soil health and how the process works.

Judy will guide you through the importance of structured processes in your business and how they can improve efficiency, foster growth, and reduce stress. She will also discuss how technology can streamline these processes, making them easier to implement and sustain, no matter the size or type of business.

This session will cover how to prevent accidents, manage them when they happen, and select the right insurance to protect your business. Leslie and Lyle will share tips on mitigating risk and ensuring you have the coverage needed for potential losses.

Join us for an interactive panel discussion to learn the latest social media trends, best practices, and innovative strategies to help you successfully grow your business online. Gain insights from industry leaders on how to leverage social media effectively.

In this session, Lora will share valuable insights from Iowa Visitor Surveys, including tips on securing grants, selecting beneficial partnerships, and leveraging free marketing. She’ll also discuss how Iowa’s agritourism experience is evolving to attract more state, national, and international visitors.

Iowa State University, in partnership with Alliant Energy, has launched Iowa’s first utility-scale agrivoltaics project. This session will share the results from a one-year trial, examining the feasibility of co-locating solar energy production with crops like strawberries, honeyberries, and peppers, and comparing their growth performance under solar panels to traditional field cultivation.

At Engelbrecht Farm, diversifying products has been key to staying profitable throughout the seasons. Tricia will discuss how offering a range of products and experiences, beyond just flowers, has helped keep revenue steady and engage a broader customer base while fostering creativity and flexibility in their farm’s operations.

This session will cover how to interpret soil and tissue samples for horticultural crops and develop an effective fertilization plan. Randall will discuss the limitations of these samples, common interpretation challenges, and provide examples to help growers make informed decisions for optimal crop nutrition.

Explore the production and health benefits of apple cider vinegar (ACV) in this session, with a focus on its potential as a value-added product for apple producers. Paul will discuss the production process and provide a tasting session, highlighting ACV’s versatility in both culinary and wellness applications.

In this session, we will discuss some of the negative impacts that can affect a vineyards’ productivity and some ways to “re-build” vines for greater yield and vine health. This will include actions that can be taken in existing vineyards and ideas for designing and planting a new vineyard that is resilient to difficult years or situations. Topics addressed will include the vascular system of the vine, fungal and bacterial pathogens, weather and farmer related damage, fertility, pruning decisions, vine spacing, designing a workhorse vineyard by variety, and any topics suggested by participants. We will also discuss a few lesser known varieties including Clarion, L’ Acadie Blanc, Crimson Pearl, Verona and some selections on the horizon.

Explore the evolving landscape of the Missouri wine industry, where tradition meets innovation amidst modern challenges. This session will highlight the economic pressures facing vineyards and wineries, including the complexities of maintaining competitive pricing and adapting to consumer spending behaviors. Manage seasonal variations that impact grape yields and quality and learn about the shift toward mechanization driven by labor shortages, enhancing efficiency in operations. We will also examine the demographic shifts within the consumer base, emphasizing the transition in market focus as Baby Boomers age and younger generations bring different preferences to the forefront. Additionally, a brief overview of navigating market access and advertising laws will be provided, offering insights into strategic marketing and compliance to thrive in today’s dynamic wine market.

Grape supply and demand have equalized and in the last few years, wineries have been requesting more accurate yield estimations from Iowa grape growers to help plan their tank space. In 2024 weekly sampling of 6 vineyards was done to record the growth curve of cold hardy wine grape berries. We’ll review the common methods of estimating yield, and discuss how some unique traits of cold hardy wine grapes can require some adjustments to these common methods of yield estimation.

Vineyards and wineries harvest Frontenac Blanc over a wide range of time, which can impact the flavor and aroma profiles of the wines. In this session will assess the sensory traits of wines made from Frontenac Blanc grapes that had different levels of canopy management and harvest dates in 2024. We’ll also share what we have learned from working with Frontenac Blanc over the last 2 vintages.

Grape stems are typically either left unharvested during mechanical harvesting or discarded after manual harvest and the destemming process. However, the use of grape stems has gained popularity in red wine production, as it can enhance complexity, reduce alcohol content, and improve texture. This session will present key findings from ongoing research on the effects of different percentages of whole cluster fermentation and the impact of grape stem inclusion, in various forms, on the chemical and sensory properties of red wines made from Marquette and Frontenac grapes. A wine tasting will also be included.

Explore the evolving landscape of the Missouri wine industry, where tradition meets innovation amidst modern challenges. This session will highlight the economic pressures facing vineyards and wineries, including the complexities of maintaining competitive pricing and adapting to consumer spending behaviors. Manage seasonal variations that impact grape yields and quality and learn about the shift toward mechanization driven by labor shortages, enhancing efficiency in operations. We will also examine the demographic shifts within the consumer base, emphasizing the transition in market focus as Baby Boomers age and younger generations bring different preferences to the forefront. Additionally, a brief overview of navigating market access and advertising laws will be provided, offering insights into strategic marketing and compliance to thrive in today’s dynamic wine market.

Every winemaking step that occurs prior to bottling has an influence on the wine’s post-bottling quality. While many winemakers don’t think about bottling until a few days prior, all of those decisions from the end of fermentation and through to bottling day can affect how easily a wine is filtered and bottled. Join Denise Gardner, winemaking consultant, as she explains how to optimize fundamental winemaking operations to make bottling easier for your operation. We’ll explore standardizing operational order, especially for pre-bottling stabilization steps, and how mixing up those steps can cause unnecessary work in the cellar. Winemakers will walk away with a clearer idea on how to plan stabilizing and aging operations to optimize wine quality and bottling operations.

Vineyards and wineries harvest Frontenac Blanc over a wide range of time, which can impact the flavor and aroma profiles of the wines. In this session will assess the sensory traits of wines made from Frontenac Blanc grapes that had different levels of canopy management and harvest dates in 2024. We’ll also share what we have learned from working with Frontenac Blanc over the last 2 vintages.

Tree fruit cultivar and rootstock trials in Iowa are providing valuable insights into their performance under Midwest growing conditions. Updates focus on apple and pear cultivars and rootstocks, with emphasis on disease resistance, winter hardiness, and yield potential. New rootstocks like G.969 and B.10 show promise for vigor control and fire blight tolerance, while Honeycrisp and Gala continue to dominate for marketability. Pear trials are highlighting fire blight resistant cultivars for adaptability and productivity. Ongoing evaluations are also investigating horticultural practices to optimize profits, aiding in selecting cultivars and rootstocks best suited for Iowa's climate and market demands.

In this session, Patrick O’Malley will provide an in-depth explanation of different types of grafts used in fruit tree propagation. He will discuss the timing, techniques, and best practices for grafting, along with tips on how to choose the right method for various fruit tree varieties to ensure successful growth.

In this session Bryan will discuss the history of Iowa Orchard and the reasons they were forced to find other income sources. This out-of-apple-season income source has become very profitable on its own and how it compares to their apple sales.

Neopestalotiopsis (Neop), a newly emerging disease in small fruits, is causing significant concern for growers in Iowa and the Midwest. This fungal pathogen has been detected in strawberries and blueberries, leading to leaf spots, stem cankers, and fruit rot. It thrives in warm, humid conditions and spreads via infected plant material and water splashes. Current management focuses on sanitation, resistant cultivars, and fungicide rotations, though effective control remains challenging. Researchers are actively studying Neop’s biology, epidemiology, and resistance mechanisms to develop integrated strategies.

Last summer, many sweet corn growers suffered from tremendous corn earworm pressure. This migratory pest caused significant ear tip injury throughout Iowa. This presentation will focus on scouting and effective strategies to manage this erratic pest.

This session will cover ongoing research at the SDSU Specialty Crops Pathology Lab, focusing on two diseases caused by the same pathogen: Alternaria leaf spot in cucurbits and Alternaria internal rot in peppers. We will also discuss grafted tomato and melon trials in a living mulch system designed to reduce cucumber beetle spread and cucurbit bacterial wilt.

Beany Bode will share insights into how their operation has adapted to the demands of pumpkin farming by cutting costs and changing practices over the years. This session will cover practical strategies for growing pumpkins efficiently, offering a balance of low-cost investment and high returns during the challenging pumpkin season.

This session will explore the common diseases cucurbits are grafted for, and how grafting can enhance disease resistance in these crops. Sean Toporek will walk participants through the process of building a humid chamber, performing simple grafting techniques, and addressing common issues faced when grafting cucurbit plants.

This session will share the story of nine agricultural businesses in Johnson County that formed an Agri-Cultural Community to boost agritourism. Learn how collaboration raised awareness, built a support network, and laid the foundation for statewide growth, with success stories and key metrics from their first year.

This panel discussion, moderated by Choose Iowa, will provide strategies for retaining customers through effective marketing and branding. Hear from Iowa producers Lori Bochner, Sara Holton, and Ashley Recknor on how they’ve grown their customer bases and developed strong brand identities.

Trent will discuss how collaborating with your local Chamber of Commerce can boost your business. This session will cover membership benefits, networking, education, marketing opportunities, and how investing in the Chamber can increase your return on investment.

Iowa’s agricultural heritage offers a competitive edge in agritourism, and in this session, Beth will explore new initiatives like the Choose Iowa Passport and Farm Store Crawl. Get a preview of upcoming marketing eff orts and opportunities designed to connect you with consumers seeking authentic Iowa ag experiences.

Learn the basics of mead making (honey wine) in this introductory session. Jason will cover everything from yeast selection and fermentation temperatures to sanitization and flavoring with fruits, giving you the foundational knowledge to start making your own mead at home, with a few key supplies easily found online.

Nick Behlke from the Iowa Department of Revenue will explain key sales tax issues for farmers, including sales tax exemption certificates, common fi ling mistakes, and taxable vs. exempt products. This session will provide clarity on how to handle sales tax compliance in the agricultural industry.

This session will explore the challenges and rewards of growing lavender in Iowa’s climate, from its agricultural benefits to its potential in culinary, wellness, and retail markets. Taylor will share practical tips for successful lavender production and strategies for diversifying your business to increase profitability with specialty crops.

Sarah will present on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and stewardship in the grape and wine industry, addressing growing concerns related to climate change. This session will preview a new curriculum funded by SARE, aimed at educating producers on best practices and providing valuable resources, with an opportunity for participant feedback.