Iowa Specialty Crop Growers Association

04/17/2026

A heads up to Iowa apple producers! A central Iowa grower discovered thrips in their blossoms. These little critters can decimate the blooms and ruin a crop quickly. Here’s what they were seeing. In the comments, you can access a video that shows how you can check for thrips if you are in blossom.

04/08/2026

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds agricultural producers that the final date to apply for or make changes to their existing crop insurance coverage is quickly approaching. Sales closing dates vary by crop and location, but the next major sales closing dates are May 1, May 15, July 15 and July 31.

(ST. PAUL, Minn., April 2, 2026) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds agricultural producers that the final date to apply for or make changes to their existing crop insurance coverage is quickly approaching. Sales closing dates vary by crop and location, but the next major sales clo...

03/23/2026

Don’t miss your chance to become an ISCGA member for just $30! Our discounted new‑member rate ends April 1st. (No Fooling!)

Membership gives you exclusive savings all year long, including discounted registration for the Iowa Specialty Producers Conference and reduced rates for field days and educational events. If you plan to attend the conference, your membership more than pays for itself.

https://www.iowaspecialtycrop.org/join-now/

03/02/2026

A huge thank‑you to everyone who joined us for the 2026 Iowa Specialty Producers Conference! We’re grateful for our attendees, speakers, and sponsors who helped make this year’s event such a success.

Special thanks to Choose Iowa and Nutrien Ag Solutions for their generous support. Your involvement strengthens Iowa’s specialty crop community and makes this conference possible.
As we wrap up this year’s event, we are already starting to plan for 2027. Be sure to mark your calendars for February 23, 2027—we can’t wait to see everyone again!

02/26/2026

Some pruning advice from our friends at Iowa State!

March through early April is the best time to prune apple and other fruit trees in Iowa.

Appe trees should be pruned annually. The most important period for pruning and training fruit trees is the first 4 to 5 years after planting. Proper pruning and training of young apple trees should produce strong, well-structured trees that yield a large crop of high-quality fruit. For home gardeners, the easiest training system for apple trees is the central leader system. The central leader system produces a vertical central leader or main stem with tiers of strong, properly spaced limbs or scaffold branches. These scaffold branches grow about 30 to 45 above horizontal. This system of training results in a "Christmas tree" shape or pyramidal-shaped tree.

Learn how to prune and train young apple trees here: https://go.iastate.edu/BGRZWI

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach ISU Extension and Outreach - Agriculture and Natural Resources Commercial Fruit Production - ISU Extension and Outreach

02/24/2026

Vendors are rolling in and getting set up for the Iowa Specialty Growers Conference! Tables are coming together, displays are going up and we’re just about ready to welcome you all tomorrow. Safe travels to everyone heading to Ankeny- we can’t wait to see you in the morning!

02/23/2026

We can’t wait to welcome you to the Iowa Specialty Producers Conference this Tuesday!

Our team has been hard at work putting together a day of learning, connection, and inspiration for growers across the state.

Whether you’re joining us for the first time or returning to reconnect with friends and colleagues, we’re excited to have you with us. Safe travels, and we’ll see you soon!

02/17/2026

⏰ When the clock strikes midnight… registration closes.

Don’t turn into a pumpkin wishing you had signed up for the Iowa Specialty Producers Conference in Ankeny. 🎃🌱

Online registration ends February 17th at 11:59 PM.

Register here:
https://www.iowaspecialtyproducers.com/register2026

02/16/2026

⏰ Only 2 days left for online reservations!

Register now for the Iowa Specialty Producers Conference and join growers from across the state for a full day of learning and connection.

Register now and learn more at:
https://www.iowaspecialtyproducers.com/register2026

02/16/2026

⏰ Only 2 days left to register!

Don’t miss your chance to join Iowa’s specialty crop community at the 2026 Iowa Specialty Producers Conference on February 24 at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny.

It’s a full day of learning, networking, and inspiration — but time is running out to save your spot.

Register now before online sign‑up closes!