Published Jun 3, 2022

Field day will explore honeyberries, perennial berries – June 16, near Newhall

By Tamsyn Jones

Contacts:

Tamsyn Jones | Editor & Outreach Coordinator | Practical Farmers of Iowa | (515) 32-5661 | tamsyn@practicalfarmers.org


Newhall, Iowa (June 3, 2022) — Jeff and Deb Sindelar, of Deb’s Berry Farm, will host a Practical Farmers of Iowa field day exploring production of perennial berries like honeyberries and hardy kiwi on Thursday, June 16, from 1-3 p.m., on their farm near Newhall, Iowa (7290 28th Ave.).

The event – “Honeyberries and Other Perennial Berries” – is free to attend and will include light refreshments. Due to on-farm logistics, the field day is limited to 40 attendees and preregistration is required. To sign up, visit the event page at practicalfarmers.org/field-days or call Debra Boekholder at (515) 232-5661.

Honeyberries, also known as haskaps, are perennial shrubs that offer an exciting season-extension fruit crop for Iowa farmers. But proper management and choosing the right variety are key to success. The earliest-ripening honeyberries are ready for harvest even before the earliest strawberries, and harvest continues until mid-June.

During the field day, Jeff will share his enthusiasm, knowledge and experience growing these crops. He’ll discuss honeyberry sourcing, varieties, production and maintenance. He will also share his experience with other perennial fruits, including hardy kiwi, as well as how he and Deb market their berries and fruit.

Full event details are available at practicalfarmers.org/honeyberries-and-other-perennial-berries.

This event is part of Practical Farmers’ 2022 field day season, which includes 41 events hosted by farmers located across the state, and beyond, on topics spanning the agricultural spectrum.

Attendees can expect a welcoming atmosphere, a spirit of curiosity, a culture of mutual respect and farmers openly sharing their knowledge and experience.

The full roster of events – along with additional information about PFI field day policies and logistics – is available at practicalfarmers.org/field-days. For questions, contact the PFI office at info@practicalfarmers.org or (515) 232-5661.

Practical Farmers’ 2022 field days are supported by Level A sponsors Albert Lea Seed; BioTill Cover Crops; Grain Millers Inc.; Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance; Iowa State University Department of Agronomy; Iowa State University Extension and Outreach; MOSA Certified Organic; Nori Carbon Removal; P&K Midwest; Sinclair Tractor; Sunderman Farm Management; and Van Wall Equipment.

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About Practical Farmers: Practical Farmers of Iowa works to equip farmers to build resilient farms and communities. Our values include: welcoming everyone; farmers leading the exchange of experience and knowledge; curiosity, creativity, collaboration and community; resilient farms now and for future generations; and stewardship of land and resources. To learn more, visit http://practicalfarmers.org.