Purdue Fruit Vegetable Field Day 2026

By Andi Anderson

Purdue University is organizing the 2026 Fruit and Vegetable Field Day on July 16 at the Throckmorton Purdue Agricultural Center’s Meigs Horticulture Research Farm in Lafayette. The event is designed to support fruit and vegetable growers with research-based knowledge and practical farming solutions.

The program is hosted by Purdue’s Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture along with Purdue Extension. It focuses on helping producers improve crop production, manage pests, and adopt modern farming practices.

During the field day, experts will lead educational sessions on high tunnel production systems, pollinator management, soil health improvement, and advanced weed and pest control methods. These sessions aim to give farmers useful tools they can apply directly in their fields.

Participants will also learn about the latest research conducted by Purdue University. The event provides a chance for growers to connect with experts, share experiences, and explore new ideas that can improve farm productivity and sustainability.

Purdue clinical assistant professor and Extension vegetable specialist Petrus Langenhoven highlighted the importance of the event.

“The Purdue Fruit and Vegetable Field Day gives growers direct access to the research and people working to support their operations,” said Petrus Langenhoven, Purdue clinical assistant professor and Extension vegetable specialist. “This year’s event features a strong lineup of demonstrations spanning current and ongoing work that we believe attendees will find genuinely useful. We know farmers’ time is valuable, and we’ve designed this day to make the trip worthwhile, whether that means discovering a new variety, refining a production practice, or simply connecting with others who share a passion for fruit and vegetable production.”

The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET. A detailed agenda will be available after May 1 at Event Sponsors, and exhibitors are also invited to participate.

Registration costs $48 and includes lunch from Great Harvest Bread Co. Attendees can register through the official Purdue Extension event page.

Support services are available for participants who need accommodation. Requests for accessibility support, dietary needs, or interpreter services must be made by July 9 by contacting Lori Jolly-Brown, Extension events and communication coordinator, at ljollybr@purdue.edu.

Field day aims to strengthen fruit and vegetable farming through education, research sharing, and networking opportunities that help growers improve productivity and long-term farm success.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-anilakkus