Labor

Hard cider: New industry faces shortage of trees, labor

Despite being a very old practice, the making of hard cider is virtually a new industry in the United States. The recent growth in sales has been “staggering,” and the U.S. apple industry as a... more »

Precision agriculture poised for growth

An agricultural engineering professor, in the forefront of high-tech innovation, believes there are significant advantages for specialty crop operators who pursue and adapt precision agriculture technologies. The bottom line – impacted by such trends as... more »

Pruning is more science than art these days

FGN recently asked Jim Schupp, an associate professor of pomology at Penn State University, and Peter Hirst, a professor of horticulture at Purdue University, to answer a few questions via email about winter pruning. You’ll... more »

Vacuum harvester redesigned to be self-propelled

A mechanical harvester that’s been in development for some time has undergone enough tweaks that its designers are nearly ready to bring the machine to the marketplace. Once again this fall, the machine – called... more »

Georgia leads nation in blueberry production

With the tally from the 2014 growing season complete, it's official. Georgia now leads the nation in blueberry production.According to a news release from the University of Georgia, UGA blueberry breeder Scott NeSmith, who is... more »

Report: Cranberry industry has multi-billion dollar impact

The Cranberry Marketing Committee (CMC) USA has announced the findings of an economic impact study of the North American cranberry. The study, conducted by University of California-Davis researchers, was jointly supported by the CMC, Cranberry... more »

High-density orchards need vole management

With more and more growers transitioning to high-density orchards, it’s time to re-examine the need for vole monitoring and take a closer look at the economic benefits of a control program. While high-density orchards have... more »

Tackling phomopsis crucial for vineyards

Whether it’s battling phomopsis or other diseases, taking a cost-effective approach in designing a fungicide program is essential for vineyard management. “Consider not just the cost of the (fungicide) product but also the labor, fuel... more »