AMES, Iowa – Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s Farm, Food and Enterprise Development team is holding two webinars in August that will explore the role of intense heat on farmers and growers, as well as their crops.
“Heat exposure is an increasing problem for agricultural workers, and can negatively impact their health and mental state,” said Alex Van Alstyne, food business extension specialist with Iowa State. “By addressing these issues, our goal is to protect the health of workers who bring food to our tables and offer guidance for small-scale growers on how to protect their crops.”
Heat-Stressed Harvests: Protecting Crops and Produce in Rising Temperatures
Another heat-related webinar will focus on how to protect growing and harvested produce from extreme heat. This webinar is ideal for small-scale and diversified vegetable and fruit growers, farmers market producers and anyone interested in improving produce quality and resilience during hot weather.
The webinar will take place on Aug. 19 from noon to 1 p.m. and will be presented by Suzanne Slack, assistant professor and extension fruit crop specialist at Iowa State.
Small-scale growers can expect to learn about relevant topics for their practice, including:
- Basic Plant Physiology and Heat Response
- Understanding Heat Units
- Produce Heat Stress and Mitigation Strategies
- Cooling Methods for Small-Scale Growers
- Storage and Transport Considerations
To attend this webinar, please register online.
For more information on these webinars, visit the Heat-Smart and Heat-Stressed Harvests event sites or contact Alex Van Alstyne at alexv@iastate.edu or 515-294-3041.
