PFI announces Open Pollinated Corn Improvement and CSA Field Day

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July 26, 2010

Mt. Vernon, IA – Seed corn prices have increased dramatically in recent years. As a result, some farmers are interested in developing their own open pollinated varieties, and saving and storing seed on their farms. Find out how to improve corn, and also tour a large CSA garden at Abbe Hills Farm on Sunday, August 1 from 2:00pm to 7:00 pm in Mt. Vernon, Iowa, at a PFI field day.

The afternoon will begin with the Corn Improvement workshop led by Laura Krouse of Abbe Hills Farm, and Linda Pollak of USDA-ARS. Linda Pollak will explain the development of hybrid corn. Laura Krouse will tell the story of Abbe Hills open pollinated seed corn, which has been grown since 1903 on the 72 acre farm. Attendees will get hands-on experience with selection and improvement and post harvest handling practices for production of seed corn.

Consumers and gardeners will be interested in the large CSA garden that produces food for about 200 families. Learn how pest management methods, cover crops, and water quality techniques are contributors to success. Learn about ongoing pollinator research and discuss local, seasonal, and sustainable food options. A light dinner from the garden will follow the garden tour

2pm-4pm Corn Improvement Workshop

4pm-6pm Garden and Farm Tour of Laura Krouse’s Abbe Hills Farm

6pm-7pm Light dinner from the garden served

*Visit www.abbehills.com for updates and details

Address: 825 Abbe Hills Road, Mt. Vernon
Directions: The farm is one mile north and one mile west of Mt. Vernon and has a hoophouse near the road. From Mt. Vernon, take X20 (8th Ave.) north out of town 1 mile. Turn left (west) onto Abbe Hills Road. The farm is about one mile west of the intersection. From Cedar Rapids, take Mt. Vernon Road southeast to Abbe Hills Road, this intersects near the Community Bible Church. Turn left (east) on Abbe Hills Road. The farm is about one mile east.

Thank you to the following 2010 field day sponsors: Sysco, Albert Lea Seed House, Iowa State University, American Natural Soy, Seed Savers Exchange, Leopold Center, Midwest Organic & Sustainable Education Service (MOSES), Iowa Forage and Grassland Council, Organic Valley & Organic Prairie CROPP Cooperative, Featherman, Blue River Hybrids, Iowa Farmers Union, Wheatsfield Cooperative, Wallace Chair for Sustainable Agriculture, and ATTRA.

Practical Farmers of Iowa includes a diverse group of farmers and nonfarmers. Corn, soybeans, beef cattle, and hay are the top enterprises for PFI farmers, although many have a variety of other operations, including fruits and vegetables. PFI’s programming stresses farmer-to-farmer networking through research and demonstration, field days, conferences, and more. For more information, call (515) 232-5661 or visit www.practicalfarmers.org.

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The Leopold Center was established by the 1987 Iowa Groundwater Protection Act as a research and education center at Iowa State University to develop sustainable agricultural practices that are both profitable and conserve natural resources. Iowa State does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Vietnam Era Veteran. Any persons having inquiries concerning this may contact the Director of Affirmative Action, 3210 Beardshear Hall, (515) 294-7612.

This page was found at http://www.leopold.iastate.edu/news/07-26-2010/pfi-announces-open-pollinated-corn-improvement-and-csa-field-day on 01/21/2013