Describe the Issue or Situation:

Vegetable producers in the county have expressed a need for updated, research-based practices to improve profitability and address production challenges in high tunnels, sweet corn, watermelon, and tomato systems. Key concerns included managing disease pressure, maintaining soil fertility, and exploring grafting techniques to improve tomato vigor and yield.

Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable):

In response, the Cooperative Extension Service hosted a Commercial Vegetable Production Twilight Tour at Josh Martin’s Farm. The program featured live demonstrations and discussions on high tunnel tomato production, sweet corn and watermelon production practices, grafting techniques for tomatoes, and integrated disease and fertility management strategies. Extension agent, local producers, and partnering agencies provided research-based guidance in an on-farm setting, allowing producers to see and discuss practices in real time.

Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience:

The event was attended by 83 participants, including small and large-scale vegetable producers, new farmers, and agricultural professionals interested in expanding or refining their vegetable production practices.

Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact:

Participants indicated that they gained new knowledge on managing disease in high tunnel tomatoes, and planned to adopt at least one fertility or disease management practice learned during the tour. Several producers reported plans to implement tomato grafting to improve plant vigor and yield, and others expressed interest in adopting recommended watermelon and sweet corn management practices to improve production efficiency. This program strengthened the local vegetable community’s capacity to apply research-based practices, supporting profitable and sustainable vegetable production within the county.