West

FIRA preview: Tree fruit tech options abound at ag robotics conference

The third iteration of the International Forum of Agricultural Robotics, known as FIRA-USA, plans to offer growers of tree fruit, grapes, berries, vegetables and nuts a view of the state of specialty crop robotics and... more »

California melon growers prepare for July 4 demand

California watermelons, cantaloupes, honeydews and mixed melons will arrive in grocery stores in time for the Independence Day holiday, an important marketing window melon growers and shippers strive to meet each season. “It is critical... more »

Great Bear Vineyards’ biologicals focus

As the owner of Great Bear Vineyards, which will complete transitioning all grapes to organic production this year, Marcus Meadows-Smith relies on biological products to help control disease and pests. He’s not just a user... more »

Tree fruit, berries, grapes receive USDA market promotion funds

Apples, cherries, pears, cranberries, table grapes and watermelons are among the commodities receiving federal funds for promotion and market development funding. The funding is part of $300 million allocated to 66 U.S. organizations under the... more »

Tenerelli Orchards exits wholesale, focuses on farmers markets, u-pick

Leaving the wholesale end of the business for direct-to-consumer sales via farmers markets proved a successful move for a Southern California tree fruit grower. In the high desert an hour northeast of Los Angeles, Tenerelli... more »

Protecting water supplies through groundwater recharge

To help improve water availability, a number of Central Valley California growers are participating with the U.S. Department of Agriculture in a groundwater recharge program. The pilot program, launched and administered through USDA Office of... more »

Apple storage continues to rise

Apple holdings for June have increased, up about a third overall and across fresh and processing channels. On June 10, the U.S. Apple Association via its USAppleTracker report reported the total number of apples in... more »

Annual California Small Farm Conference released 2025 dates

The 37th annual California Small Farm Conference is scheduled for Feb. 23-27. The 2025 edition of the conference will be offered as a hybrid and bilingual event. It will feature four days of virtual workshops... more »