Elderberry Workshop: Production and Pest Management
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Join us for a free hands-on workshop focused on elderberry production. This interactive event will cover practical strategies for establishing and maintaining healthy elderberry crops, including planting, pruning, soil health, and sustainable production practices designed to improve yield and fruit quality.
The workshop will conclude with a field visit to The People’s Patch Madison County Community Farm, where participants will tour elderberry plantings and discuss real-world production practices in the field.
REGISTER online by going to www.aces.edu/go/6321
Topics Include:
- Elderberry establishment and production basics
- Soil health and crop maintenance
- Pruning and seasonal management
- Identifying common pests and diseases
- Sustainable IPM strategies for soft fruit crops
- Research updates on parasitoid wasps and spotted wing drosophila (SWD) control
- Field demonstrations and grower discussions
----------- SPEAKERS ---------------
Mr. David Buehler is a fourth-generation farmer and owner of Elder Farms in Mount Vernon, Missouri, one of the largest organic commercial elderberry farms in the United States. The Buehler family farming story began in 1899, with each generation building upon the legacy of the one before it. Today, Mr. Buehler and his wife, Ann, continue that tradition by growing American elderberries. Elder Farms is a recognized leader in organic elderberry production, producing a wide range of elderberry products while supporting research, education, and the continued growth of the American elderberry industry.
Dr. Olufemi (Femi) Ajayi is an entomologist and plant protection specialist serving as the director of the Industrial Hemp and Specialty Crops Program at Alabama State University. His research focuses on IPM, biological control, sustainable crop protection, and insect ecology, with an emphasis on industrial hemp and specialty crops. Dr. Ajayi earned his doctorate in entomology from Auburn University and has published extensively on pest management and sustainable agricultural production. He works closely with researchers, growers, and industry partners to develop science-based solutions that improve crop health, productivity, and environmental sustainability.
Mr. Holt Akers-Campbell is the commercial horticulture Extension agent with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System at Auburn University. He aspires to work at the intersection of ecology and agriculture, helping growers produce food and manage landscapes in sustainable ways. Mr. Akers-Campbell’s areas of interest include fruit & vegetable production, agroforestry, and native plant landscaping. He is also currently pursuing a doctorate in plant and soil science at Mississippi State University, developing best practices to improve the yield and quality of Passiflora incarnata (passionflower) grown as a medicinal herb crop. Outside of agriculture, he enjoys hiking, cooking, foraging, woodworking, and spending time with his family.
Dr. Clement Akotsen-Mensah is an entomologist and the integrated pest management (IPM) specialist for the Alabama Cooperative Extension System at Alabama A&M University (AAMU). He has expertise in sustainable agriculture, crop protection, and smallholder farming systems and leads research and outreach initiatives focused on environmentally responsible pest management, food security, and agricultural innovation. His work translates scientific research into practical solutions that improve crop productivity, strengthen farmer resilience, and promote sustainable agriculture. Dr. Akotsen-Mensah has also authored numerous scientific publications and collaborates with national and international partners on research and Extension programs. He has a passion for elderberries and works closely with researchers and growers to advance a more sustainable elderberry production.
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This program is supported through a SARE-funded project (OS25-185) assessing the sustainability of soft fruit and berry crop production in Alabama.
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) is an equal opportunity educator, employer, and provider. If you need a reasonable accommodation or free language access services, contact Dr. CAM at (256) 924-0457 or [email protected] by 7/21/2026.
The workshop will conclude with a field visit to The People’s Patch Madison County Community Farm, where participants will tour elderberry plantings and discuss real-world production practices in the field.
REGISTER online by going to www.aces.edu/go/6321
Topics Include:
- Elderberry establishment and production basics
- Soil health and crop maintenance
- Pruning and seasonal management
- Identifying common pests and diseases
- Sustainable IPM strategies for soft fruit crops
- Research updates on parasitoid wasps and spotted wing drosophila (SWD) control
- Field demonstrations and grower discussions
----------- SPEAKERS ---------------
Mr. David Buehler is a fourth-generation farmer and owner of Elder Farms in Mount Vernon, Missouri, one of the largest organic commercial elderberry farms in the United States. The Buehler family farming story began in 1899, with each generation building upon the legacy of the one before it. Today, Mr. Buehler and his wife, Ann, continue that tradition by growing American elderberries. Elder Farms is a recognized leader in organic elderberry production, producing a wide range of elderberry products while supporting research, education, and the continued growth of the American elderberry industry.
Dr. Olufemi (Femi) Ajayi is an entomologist and plant protection specialist serving as the director of the Industrial Hemp and Specialty Crops Program at Alabama State University. His research focuses on IPM, biological control, sustainable crop protection, and insect ecology, with an emphasis on industrial hemp and specialty crops. Dr. Ajayi earned his doctorate in entomology from Auburn University and has published extensively on pest management and sustainable agricultural production. He works closely with researchers, growers, and industry partners to develop science-based solutions that improve crop health, productivity, and environmental sustainability.
Mr. Holt Akers-Campbell is the commercial horticulture Extension agent with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System at Auburn University. He aspires to work at the intersection of ecology and agriculture, helping growers produce food and manage landscapes in sustainable ways. Mr. Akers-Campbell’s areas of interest include fruit & vegetable production, agroforestry, and native plant landscaping. He is also currently pursuing a doctorate in plant and soil science at Mississippi State University, developing best practices to improve the yield and quality of Passiflora incarnata (passionflower) grown as a medicinal herb crop. Outside of agriculture, he enjoys hiking, cooking, foraging, woodworking, and spending time with his family.
Dr. Clement Akotsen-Mensah is an entomologist and the integrated pest management (IPM) specialist for the Alabama Cooperative Extension System at Alabama A&M University (AAMU). He has expertise in sustainable agriculture, crop protection, and smallholder farming systems and leads research and outreach initiatives focused on environmentally responsible pest management, food security, and agricultural innovation. His work translates scientific research into practical solutions that improve crop productivity, strengthen farmer resilience, and promote sustainable agriculture. Dr. Akotsen-Mensah has also authored numerous scientific publications and collaborates with national and international partners on research and Extension programs. He has a passion for elderberries and works closely with researchers and growers to advance a more sustainable elderberry production.
---------------------------------
This program is supported through a SARE-funded project (OS25-185) assessing the sustainability of soft fruit and berry crop production in Alabama.
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) is an equal opportunity educator, employer, and provider. If you need a reasonable accommodation or free language access services, contact Dr. CAM at (256) 924-0457 or [email protected] by 7/21/2026.
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Where is it happening?
The Agribition Center, 4905 Moores Mill Rd, Huntsville, AL 35811-1511, United States
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherAlabama Extension at Alabama A&M University
