HOLLIS – The University of New Hampshire Extension will be offering Twilight Meetings once again this growing season.

These monthly meetings provide a space for tree fruit farmers to gather and learn more about a range of agricultural topics such as growing techniques, research updates, farm business and pest management.

Each Twilight Meeting will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the farm of a New Hampshire tree fruit grower. In addition to hearing from industry experts on topics, attendees will have the chance to tour other farms and socialize with fellow growers. At some Twilight Meetings, Pesticide Application Recertification Credits may be available depending on the topics discussed.

The dates and locations of the Twilight Meetings are as follows:

-May 22 at Kimball Fruit Farm, 184 Hollis St. in Pepperell, Mass.

-May’s meeting will include a presentation about on-farm solar projects from a professional installer, a talk on irrigation system automation using the new Tempus Ag system, an integrated pest management update from Kathleen Leahy of Polaris Orchard IPM, Extension specialists and farm transition discussions.

-June 19 at Sunnycrest Farm, 59 High Range Rd. in Londonderry.

-June’s meeting will discuss new high-density plantings and farm diversification looking at Sunnycrest Farm’s newly added ice cream stand and wedding venue. A seasonal integrated pest management update will also be given.

-Aug. 21 at Apple Hill Farm, 580 Mountain Rd. in Concord.

-The final meeting of the year will include an overview of the Sustainable Agriculture and Research project titled, “Determining if Beneficial Fungi Increase Tree Growth and Reduce the Need for Fertilization and Irrigation of Newly Planted Apple Trees.” The meeting will also include a tour and taste test of Apple Hill Farm’s peach and nectarine cold hardiness variety trial and integrated pest management discussions.

To learn more about the Twilight Meetings, contact UNH Extension Fruit & Vegetable Production Field Specialist Jeremy Delisle at Jeremy.Delisle@unh.edu or call 603-255-3556. Information can also be found at nhfruitgrowers.org.

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