Upcoming Events

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Field Days

Vegetable and Berry Field Day at Heritage Berries at Grampa's Farm, Merrill, WI

August 13, 2026 | 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Event Code: WEB2026-2

Email info@wiberriesandveggies.com for more information if interested.

The Crockfords operate Heritage Berries, which is a U-pick strawberry field associated with the Grampa's Farm agritourism venue. There are 7 acres of berries planted. The farm grows 8 acres of pumpkins, approximately 1 acre of flowers, and sunflowers for the fall event. More details to come. grampasfarm.net and heritageberries.com. This grower-focused field day will highlight using application drones, mechanical cultivation (Tilmor, Eco-weeder), beginner strawberry production, irrigation, soil ammendments for small fruit, agritourism.

Live spray drone demonstration (weather permitting) and discussion of how drone technology can fit into berry and vegetable production, including application considerations and current regulations.

Strawberry field tour of recently renovated strawberry plantings and discuss establishment, renovation, fertility, and variety performance. The farm has approximately 7 acres of strawberries and nine June-bearing varieties: Annapolis, Wendy, Flavorfest, Jewel, Galletta, Honeoye, Brunswick, Cavendish, Dickens, and Darselect.

Demonstration of a Tilmor electric cultivation tractor, with discussion of mechanical weed control, labor savings, and applications for berry and vegetable farms. Cliff Rowe from Berry Hill Farm, Anoka, Minnesota, representing Tilmor equipment (dealer), will also be present to discuss cultivation equipment options for small diversified farms. Cliff and Amy Rowe grow over 10 acres of berries and are early adopters of the electric tractor cultivation.

Pumpkin weed-control strategies in pumpkins, including herbicide and mechanical cultivation. See the farm’s recently acquired Eco-Weeder and discuss what is and is not working in current programs.

Discuss recent acquired irrigation pipe for frost-protection, and the challenging decisions on developing water resources.

Small fruit soil fertility for establishment, soil testing, pH management, nutrient amendments, and site preparation for raspberries and blueberries.

Finally a look at the Crockfords’ agritourism operation, including the pumpkin patch, hayrides, mobile petting zoo, flowers, sunflowers, and fall attractions.

Conferences

WI Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Conference: Kalahari Resort, WI Dells, WI

- January 17-19, 2027

Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Conference Site

Email info@wiberriesandveggies.com for more information if interested.

More information to come as we get closer to the event.