Crop Management
Michigan State organic grower training program registration opens
Michigan State University (MSU) is accepting applications for the 2024 Organic Farmer Training Program (OFTP). The registration deadline is Feb. 21 for the MSU Department of Horticulture’s program. The OFTP brings together farmworkers, aspiring farmers,... more »
USDA expands crop insurance to cover grapevine loss
The USDA is expanding crop insurance options with a new grapevine insurance program to cover loss of grafted vines caused by natural perils such as freeze or fire. The new program also will complement the... more »
U.S. apple crop forecast at 256 million bushels
The U.S. apple crop for 2023-24 is expected to top 256 million 42-pound bushels, according to the U.S. Apple Association. USApple’s forecast is about 6 million bushels over the USDA’s annual forecast. The USDA released... more »
Organic growers seek climate change solutions via Farm Bill
As Congress hammers out the 2023 Farm Bill, growing interest in the impacts of agriculture on climate could give organic farmers more political sway as they advocate for funding and programs that help them. Organic... more »
Drone assignment: A costly investment, consider pros and cons
A recent addition in growers’ toolboxes, unmanned aerial systems (UAS) flying over orchards and vineyards can supply images to help orchardists and horticulturists more precisely and efficiently identify areas of concern. Drones can increase efficiencies... more »
Organic Grower: Apple growing profitable, but challenging
It's all in the details when growing organic apples. Growers saw the challenges firsthand during the International Fruit Tree Association’s 66th annual conference and tours in Grand Rapids, Michigan. At a stop during the February... more »
San Diego County Farm Bureau chooses Farmer of the Year
The San Diego County Farm Bureau has named Mary Matava of Oceanside, California, as its 2022 Farmer of the Year. Matava has more than 40 years of experience assessing the agronomic suitability of Southern California... more »
USHBC releases report on blueberry export opportunities
The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) has released a comprehensive report on the global market for U.S. blueberry exports. The “Global United States Blueberry Export Opportunity Assessment Report” leverages data from Euromonitor’s Passport database, a... more »