Farm Management

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 »

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 »

Organic Grower: Beehive health concerns continue

In the latest yearly honeybee colony survey, U.S. beekeepers reported a high level of loss of their managed honeybee colonies in the past year. The report shows close to one in every two colonies failed... 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 »

Sage Fruit’s Steve Clement leads USApple board

The U.S. Apple Association has named Steve Clement, CEO of Washington grower and shipper Sage Fruit Co., as its 2023-24 board of director's chairman. Sage Fruit, Yakima, has five warehouse/packing partners and ships more than... more »

Inc. 5000 list notes ProducePay’s growth

ProducePay ranks in the top half of the Inc. 5000 annual list of fastest-growing private companies in America for 2023. Additionally, ProducePay ranks No. 17 in the Environmental Services category. The prestigious ranking provides a... 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 »

Texas Hill Country peach grower limits pests, conserves water

Clean groves, meticulous weeding and minimal spraying of harsh chemicals help Fisher & Wieser’s Das Peach Haus (F&W) remain a successful Texas peach grower. The longtime Fredericksburg, Texas, grower battles the Lone Star state’s excessive... more »