Success StoryGarrett Farms Blackberry Production Field Day



Garrett Farms Blackberry Production Field Day

Author: Samantha Anderson

Planning Unit: Entomology

Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial

Plan of Work: McCracken County Commercial Agricultural Enterprises

Outcome: Long-Term Outcome

The University of Kentucky Center for Crop Diversification shows a favorable market outlook for production of blackberries within the state of Kentucky. Specifically, in relation to producers located near population centers, such as Paducah, an added marketing edge may be realized. Indicated by a 2011 study, Kentucky consumers show willingness to pay a premium for a product designated as locally produced. In response to this burgeoning market opportunity, McCracken County Cooperative Extension Service agents for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Samantha Anderson, and Horticulture, Mary Hank, partnered with the University of Kentucky College of Food, Agriculture and Environment and the Kentucky Horticulture Council to host a Blackberry Production Field Day at Garrett Farms.

 

Topics included cultural practices, innovative trellising methods, disease and insect management updates, safe food handing methodology, water management and a grower led production tour. Presentations were facilitated by University of Kentucky specialists, Kentucky Horticulture Council staff and other industry professionals.

 

The field day was attended by over forty producers from operations that varied in both size and scope. All attendees expressed their appreciation for relevant knowledge related to an upcoming market opportunity. Participants specifically indicated their appreciation for the wide variety of topics presented during the program.






Stories by Entomology


Providing Science base Information to Banana Growers of the Dominican Republic on an New Invasive Pest in the Caribbean Region

Providing Science base Information to Banana Growers of the Dominican Republic on an New Invasive Pest in the Caribbean Region

about 10 months ago by Raul Villanueva

The Dominican Republic was the first producer of organic bananas during past years but in 2023 it wa... Read More


Building the Impact of the Kentucky Crop Health Conference 2nd year: 2024

about 4 months ago by Raul Villanueva

The University of Kentucky Grain Crops Integrated Pest Management group continued to build on the su... Read More