Upcoming Events
Grape Breeding & Enology Annual Field Day
September 12, 10 AM - 12 PMJoin us for this year's Grape Breeding & Enology Annual Field Day! Learn about what researchers at UMN are studying and try 50+ varieties of wine (for those 21 and older) and table grapes. Plus, FREE coffee and donuts!
Must bring ID.
Horticultural Science Seminar Series: Welcome Back Social Hour
September 16, 3:30 - 4:30 PMJoin us for the Horticultural Science Welcome Back Social Hour!
All are welcome. Come learn about the longest-running Horticultural Science seminar series in the U.S., what's coming up, and socialize with the department! Snacks and beverages will be provided.
Lawn Care Field Day
September 17, 4 PM - 6 PMUMN Turfgrass Science will be hosting a Lawn Care Field Day on Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Turfgrass Research and Outreach Education (TROE) Center. The event is free and open to the public, but we do ask that you register for the event. We hope to see you there!
News
Meet Laura Shannon
August 19, 2026Introducing Associate Professor Laura Shannon! Learn about her nine-year journey at the University of Minnesota and her quest to find a place to deep-fry potatoes on campus!
Heterogenous consumer preferences for pollinator-friendly produce: implications for specialty crop growers in the upper midwest, USA, from choice experiments
August 13, 2026A choice experiment with 677 participants revealed that consumers are willing to pay a $1.94/lb premium for cherry tomatoes from pollinator-friendly farms. The study identified four distinct consumer segments with unique preferences and demographic profiles, offering valuable insights for specialty crop growers, educators, and policymakers aiming to better target pollinator-conscious markets. Read the full study!
Information as an ecological driver: availability and accessibility of pollinator management knowledge for specialty crop systems in the U.S. midwest
August 11, 2026While Midwest specialty crop growers recognize the value of pollinators, they often struggle to find practical, region-specific management guidance. A recent study of over 1,000 resources reveals a "pollinator information paradox": scientific articles offer high-quality data but are often paywalled, while more accessible non-profit and government resources frequently lack the metadata needed to be easily discovered. The research calls for improved metadata standards and more geographically targeted, crop-specific resources to ensure growers have the information they need. Read the full study!