Labor
Plastic mulch machine can cut labor costs in half
At a Florida berry farm, it costs about $200 per acre in man-hours to remove plastic mulch and drip tape at the end of the season. By using a machine that can simultaneously lift and... more »
Some stranded workers cleared to cross border; others still waiting
According to wafla, a farm-labor organization based in Washington state, most of its members' farm workers who had been stranded at the U.S. border for more than a week obtained visas on Wednesday, June 17,... more »
Visa problems delaying farm workers coming to Washington
According to multiple new organizations, foreign guest workers are getting stuck at the border with visa problems – and the Washington cherry harvest is right around the corner.Here’s more from the Yakima Herald: U.S. Rep.... more »
Farm labor contracts require scrutiny
Craig Anderson had some pointed advice for growers who were contemplating the use of farm labor contractors this spring to help fill gaps in their shrinking employment pool. “We know a lot of them say,... more »
Dwindling options force more growers to use H-2A program
For years, agricultural employers and their advocates have been complaining about the state of the H-2A guest-worker program: It’s too expensive. There’s too much paperwork. It’s not flexible enough. And so on. Many hoped that... more »
Michigan still adjusting to crop losses of 2012
2012 was a bad year for many fruit-producing states, but none were hit harder than Michigan. An early warm-up followed by devastating freeze events killed roughly 85 percent of the state’s apples and nearly 90... more »
National Children’s Center to offer ag safety grants up to $20,000
Proposals are now being accepted for mini-grants up to $20,000 to support small-scale projects and pilot studies that address prevention of childhood agricultural disease and injury.The National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and... more »
Washington: Apple dumping reports have been exaggerated
Over the last few weeks, major news organizations have reported a historic apple dump in Washington state. Millions of pounds — and dollars — were reported lost.But according to apple growers and packers in the... more »
Current Issue
On-farm AI: Water, farm, labor research guide decisions
Data collection tool expands farm management
Carmel Valley winegrapes: Parsonage Village Vineyard
IFTA Yakima Valley tour provides orchard insights
IFTA recognizes tree fruit honorees
Pennsylvania recognizes fruit industry professionals
Fresh Views 40 Under 40
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