This episode features clips from the Farm Progress Show with Patrick O'Malley and Randall Vos, both field specialists in horticulture with ISU Extension and Outreach Patrick O'Malley's segment: Eastern Iowa has experienced a wetter year than usual, leading to fungal diseases in vegetables and fruit crops. Apples that haven't been sprayed are showing more fruit rot, while sprayed ones are doing well. Chinese chestnuts are a notable commercial nut crop in Southeast Iowa, with a co-op in Columbus Junction. Pawpaws are a potential crop for areas south of Highway 30 in Iowa, with pick-your-own operations emerging. Randall Vos's segment on grapes: Most Midwest grapes are wine grapes, which require specific harvesting considerations. Table grape varieties recommended for Iowa include Somerset seedless and Jupiter (for southern Iowa). Wine grape harvest timing depends on three main factors: Brix (sugar content), pH, and titratable acidity (TA). This year's challenge is higher TA levels due to cooler ripening temperatures. Harvest window varies by grape variety and intended wine type (e.g., rosé, dry wine, fortified wine). Early-season varieties may have a harvest window as short as a week, while later varieties can have 2-3 weeks. Flavor and aroma compounds are difficult to quantify, often relying on human tasting for assessment. Winemakers can adjust sugar levels post-harvest to balance high acidity. Risks of leaving grapes on the vine longer include rain damage, berry drop, and bird predation.

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