Wisconsin Dells
The last of the produce has been picked and stored, and what’s left has been put in the compost pile. The vegetable fields are now clean and ready for winter. Now, farmers can take a break from the hectic growing season and look ahead to next year’s crops.
On Thursday, Nov. 5, growers can take the opportunity to learn and share their experiences with others at the Wisconsin Fresh Market Vegetable Growers Association (WFMVGA) Fall Field Day to be held at Country Bumpkin Farm Market near Wisconsin Dells beginning at 9:00 am.
All fresh produce growers are invited to attend. The day will begin with an introduction and overview of Country Bumpkin Farm Market by owners Charlie and Cindy Rhinehart. The Rhineharts started Country Bumpkin 13 years ago. They grow 50 different fruits and vegetables, bedding plants and fall items that they sell from the retail market on their farm. Cindy will give a tour of her store and will discuss some of her marketing strategies.
University of Wisconsin (UW) Extension personnel will be there to talk about production issues. Russ Groves of the UW Entomology Department will talk about methods to minimize insect damage by using crop rotation techniques. A.J. Bussan of the UW Department of Horticulture will then discuss water management and irrigation considerations for different crops.
After lunch, which is included with the registration, the Rhineharts will talk about their community garden program. This year, the Rhineharts made available garden space to the public to grow their own vegetables on the farm. They will discuss what they learned from this experience. Country Bumpkin Farm is also into agricultural tourism offering hayrides, pick-your-own pumpkins and a small corn maze. They will share the pros and cons of fall entertainment and how it can affect the bottom line.
Country Bumpkin Farm Market is located at E9745 County Road P, Wisconsin Dells.
Growers can register by calling the WFMVGA office at 920-478-3852 or by going to their Web site, www.wisconsinfreshproduce.org.
