The 14th Central Missouri Vegetable & Greenhouse Tour

The 14^th Central Missouri Vegetable & Greenhouse Tour will be held Wednesday, August 28th  Rain or Shine”.

Consistent with previous years, we will meet at the Central Missouri Produce Auction and visit nearby growers and then go to Lincoln University’s Carver Research Farm (Jefferson City).  This event is free and open to all.

Schedule (you are welcome to arrive up until just before noon)

10:00 am - Arrive and visit ‘on your own’ the auction. Auction starts at 10.

11 until 11:45 - Free lunch (if preregistered - roast beef, greens beans, mashed potato, & bread)

11:45 to Noon - Gather at field stop (adjacent to west side of auction, walking distance but occasionally rough and variable footing/ not handicap accessible)

Noon to 1:00 pm - Nolt’s field visit, announcements & discussion

1:00 to 1:30 pm - Walk back to cars and drive to 2^nd stop

1:30 to 2:15 p - Bonnie Plants #61- focus on spring plant marketing and distribution

2:15 to 2:45 pm - Drive to Lincoln Carver Farm (east of Jefferson City)

2:45 to 4:00 pm - ‘Grower select’ tour of Lincoln Carver Farm

4:00 to 7:00 pm - 1st Vegetable and Integrated Pest Management Festival begins

Details on tour stops:

·       The Nolt’s (Ron, Denise and son Donnie) have 3 stores which most of their more than 20 acres of vegetables are used to supply. They buy as needed from the auction to round out their needs, as well as sell surpluses. They grow a variety of vegetables, including sweet corn, melons, tomatoes, and a number of others. They also produce fall mums. Of special focus today will be their fall cauliflower, which impresses everyone, year in, year out.

·       This is one of the two Missouri greenhouse operations that are grow for Bonnie Plants. Come hear the story on why the Kruger’s (Derv and his son BJ) made this business move around 2008 and what have been some of the benefits and challenges. Bonnie Plants is the largest vegetable transplant supplier in the US selling into all lower continental states and producing in over 40 states.

·       Carver Farm is Lincoln University’s premier research farm. Available that day will be tomato tasting and informational stops on high tunnels, IPM, variety trials, and much more.

 

To register, call 573-378-5358 or e-mail. Just let us know you are coming and how many will be in your party.

Directions to Central Missouri Produce Auction:

Located on Highway E, 12 miles south of US 50 or 10 miles north of Versailles.

Central Missouri Produce Auction

37808 Highway E Fortuna MO 65034
Auction Facility - 660-337-6227 (Auction days only)

Sponsored by:

Morgan County Ext. Center

Missouri Department of Ag

Lincoln University (sponsor of lunch)

Missouri Vegetable Growers Association

Central Missouri Produce Auction

Morgan County Seeds

University of Missouri Extension (MU Extension)