PENDLETON, Ind. — Information on growing pumpkins and on three federal grants for sustainable agriculture will be presented at Smith Family Farms in Pendleton, Ind., on Thursday, Oct. 6 at 6-7:30 p.m.

The farm tour is sponsored by Purdue University Cooperative Extension of Madison County and Madison County Growers Council. Interested parties should call the extension office at 765-641-9514 or email at orick@purdue.edu to reserve a place.

Neal and Jennifer Smith, owners and operators, will talk about their pumpkin farm. 

Liz Maynard, commercial vegetable production specialist with Purdue University, will speak about the latest research on growing healthy pumpkins, their varieties, and pumpkin pest management in Central Indiana.

Roy Ballard, extension educator at Hancock County, will speak on a new state law which limits liability on agri-tourism venues. Ballard will also detail federal grants available through Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE).

Three different grants are available: the farmer-rancher, youth educator and youth. 

The farmer-rancher grant for one farm is worth $7,500, for two farms $15,000, and for three farms together $22,500, Ballard said. The youth educator grant is for any farm which works with youth through extension, after school, community garden, etc. It is worth $2,000.

The youth grant is for young people, ages 8-18, who want to invest in their farm, such as creating a website, working on a project, or attending a conference.

“It regards sustainability, which is broadly defined. It can be economic, environmental and/or social sustainable. Social can involve treating workers or neighbors with fairness and equity, safety, etc.,” Ballard said.

“There is some oversight. (Recipients) will do reports, followed up by a farm visit. The application is five pages, essay, basically. It is not burdensome,” Ballard said.

The deadline for the farmer-rancher grant application is Dec. 2, while the other two grant applications are due in January.

Ballard said he is available to answer questions about the grants and agri-tourism law. His number is 317-462-1113.