Field day helps producers turn pumpkins into profits

Included in this year’s UT Institute of Agriculture Pumpkin Field Day is a special seminar on the best way to grow the biggest pumpkins, like this ‘Atlantic Giant’ specimen. Photo by G. Rowsey, UTIA

If you’re a pumpkin producer looking to boost your business or pump up production, make plans to attend the sixth annual Pumpkin Field Day hosted by the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. The field day begins at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26, at the West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center in Jackson.

At Pumpkin Field Day visitors can see the newest and best varieties for the pumpkin patch, learn about insect, disease and weed control and get updates on important business and tax issues. The field day also offers visitors a chance to meet with seed company representatives and network with fellow pumpkin producers.

A new addition to the program is a special presentation on growing giant pumpkins. The pumpkin classes will be concluded with a tour of the state’s largest pumpkin display (comprised of 5,000 pumpkins, gourds and winter squash!) and a special presentation on designing your own festive fall displays.

According to a survey taken last year, visitors estimated the information gained in the production, business and marketing classes at Pumpkin Field Day would net more than $1,000 in their pumpkin operations.
Pumpkin Field Day is a free event that includes a complimentary lunch. Preregistration is strongly encouraged. If interested in attending, please email gtrice@tennessee.edu or call 731-425-4768.

The complete schedule of classes can be found at http://west.tennessee.edu.  Two pesticide points will be available in Categories 1, 10 and 12.

The West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center in Jackson is one of 10 outdoor laboratories located throughout the state as part of the UT AgResearch system. UT AgResearch is a division of the UT Institute of Agriculture. In addition to its agricultural research programs, the UT Institute of Agriculture also provides instruction, research and public service through the UT College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, the UT College of Veterinary Medicine and UT Extension offices in every county in the state.