Missouri Blueberry School set for March 13-14

TIMES file photograph Jasmine Collins picked blueberries from her family’s blueberry bushes in 2009.
TIMES file photograph Jasmine Collins picked blueberries from her family’s blueberry bushes in 2009.

Special to The TIMES

SPRINGFIELD, MO. -- A nationally recognized opportunity to learn about growing blueberries is coming to southwest Missouri in 2015.

The Missouri Blueberry School will be held March 13-14 at the Missouri State University Darr Agricultural Center, located at 2401 S. Kansas Expressway, in Springfield.

"Blueberries are a challenging crop to produce," said Patrick Byers, University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist in Greene County. "However, the high demand for blueberries from the buying public means they offer huge potential for Missouri farmers."

Educational sessions during the blueberry school will address managing spotted wing drosophila in blueberry plantings, establishing new blueberry plantings and managerial economics for blueberry growers.

Speakers will also give updates on blueberry insect issues (especially the brown marmorated stink bug), creative marketing strategies for blueberries and blueberry production practices. Participants will learn about innovative blueberry producers during on-farm tours.

"This school offers a great opportunity for local and nationally known blueberry specialists to gain expertise on a wide range of blueberry issues," Byers said.

Registration for the two-day 2015 Missouri Blueberry School is $60 per person ($45 for each additional person from the same family or farm). The fee includes educational sessions, a Saturday bus tour, Saturday lunch and educational materials.

For a registration packet, contact Kelly McGowan at 417-881-8909 or by email at [email protected] or Patrick Byers at 417-881-8909 or [email protected].

For more information about the conference and speakers, or to register online, visit http://extension.missouri.edu/blueberry.

It is also possible to make a check payable to Greene County Extension, mail or deliver it to Greene County Extension Center, 2400 S. Scenic Avenue, Springfield, MO 65807

Established in 2011, the Missouri Blueberry School is a collaboration of University of Missouri, Missouri State University, and Lincoln University. Calling on the expertise of blueberry experts in Missouri and around the country, the Missouri Blueberry School presents accurate, timely and relevant information through conferences, on-farm workshops, individual consultations and support services

Community on 03/04/2015