Apples
USDA, MSU develop dual-arm fruit picking robot to drive harvest efficiency
USDA-ARS researchers, in collaboration with Michigan State University, are testing a dual-arm fruit harvesting robot to enhance harvest efficiency. According to a post on aglab.ars.usda.gov, the new robot demonstrated up to a 34% improvement in... more »
AppleTracker: Holdings reach 147 million bushels as fresh stocks fall and processing supplies grow
USApple’s January 2026 AppleTracker report just came in fresh off the presses, and it shows that U.S. fresh-market apple holdings on Jan. 1 totaled 100 million bushels (7% decline YOY). The same data showed the... more »
Mexico opens antidumping investigation on U.S. apples amid rising USMCA trade tensions
Mexico Business News is reporting Mexico’s Ministry of Economy (SE) has accepted a request from a fruit grower association from the state of Chihuahua to investigate antidumping allegations regarding apples imported into the country from... more »
New Syngenta insecticides get EPA green light
The latest insect control tool from crop protection and technology company Syngenta has received EPA registration and is available for use, subject to state approvals. Plinazolin technology, in development for 12 years, will power five... more »
University of Minnesota expands grower access to commercial apple, grape varieties via Superior Fruit Innovations
The University of Minnesota is launching Superior Fruit Innovations (SFI), a new grower-focused apple and grape varieties licensing model, according to a press release issued by the school. The university says it is launching SFI... more »
Federal shutdown disrupts USApple’s storage reporting
The federal government shutdown has interfered with U.S. Apple Association’s (USApple) monthly apple storage reports. The shutdown has prevented USDA workers in Michigan, typically the third largest U.S. apple producing state, from issuing its report.... more »
New MSHS leader follows father’s tree fruit leadership
The new head of the Michigan State Horticulture Society (MSHS) is following in his father's footsteps by heading the organization that works to strengthen the state’s fruit and vegetable production leadership. Kyle Weber of southwest... more »
Ridgefest 2025: Michigan apple growers hit the mark with orchard strategies
Innovative tricks of the trade took center stage in apple growers’ orchards during the annual Ridgefest, held July 17 near Kent City, Michigan. Ridgeview Orchards’ Dan Dietrich used his Freeman Farm tour to review his... more »
Current Issue
FIRA USA 2025: Robots redefine specialty crop farming
Inside Pandol’s success: How a multigenerational California grower leads in table grapes
Spray drones: best practices for specialty crop use
Farm Market and Agritourism: Strategies to attract today’s farm market shoppers
Ag Labor Review: Taking the reins — a new era for agriculture
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