Category: Technology
Scientists launch open-source plant pathogen surveillance platform
USDA-ARS scientists developed PathogenSurveillance, an open-source tool for rapid plant pathogen detection and disease surveillance. Learn more.
Great Lakes Tek Flex highlights robotics, precision ag tech for specialty crop growers
Great Lakes Tek Flex will showcase robotics, drones and precision ag technology for specialty crop growers Sept. 10-11 in Michigan.
Robotic gripper senses ripeness and harvests fruit without bruising
Read more about how the Cornell-designed soft robotic gripper uses touch sensing to identify ripeness at harvest.
Ag aviation group warns of rising drone safety risks
Learn how drone operators can stay safe and help keep agricultural aviators safe during the 2026 growing season.
Where it’s made: Oxbo opens harvester factory in Western New York
Oxbo is opening a new manufacturing facility in Bergen focused on designing and building equipment for specialty crop farmers.
2026 GPS datum shift: specialty crop grower checklist
Precision matters. Learn how an upcoming GPS change could affect your crop rows, beds and long-term data, and how to prepare now.
Inside CMI Orchards’ climate-positive tree fruit production strategy
Learn how CMI Orchards blends family farming, advanced technology and regenerative agriculture to deliver high-quality fruit while reducing environmental impact.
AI takes root: What’s the deal with decision support tools for specialty crop farmers?
A look at Gen AI platforms reveals promise and limitations. Explore where AI can support you — and where expert insight still matters most.
Central Valley test farm debuts, looks to accelerate AgTech adoption
Read more on how the site brings growers and AgTech companies together and how it could impact specialty crop production.
Microscopic organisms fuel big idea
Find out how MyLand is harnessing microalgae to bolster soil health.
USDA, MSU develop dual-arm fruit picking robot to drive harvest efficiency
ARS and Michigan State University researchers developed a new dual-arm harvesting robot. Watch a short video showing the robot in action.
USDA, MSU develop dual-arm fruit picking robot to drive harvest efficiency
ARS and Michigan State University researchers developed a new dual-arm harvesting robot. Watch a short video showing the robot in action.
FIRA USA: Robots redefine specialty crop farming
FIRA USA 2025 brought growers, AgTech providers and industry leaders to California for demos of autonomous machines. Find out what they saw.
Inside Pandol’s success: How a multigenerational California grower leads in table grapes
Pandol Brothers’ legacy spans eight decades of growing prowess. Learn how this Central Valley operation remains relevant into its fourth generation.
Spray drones: best practices for specialty crop use
Learn how aerial tools can compliment your on-farm spray program and enable precise applications to orchard and vineyard crops.
Chinese drones and the FCC ban: What growers need to know
The long-rumored foreign drone ban is now in place. Find out what U.S. built options are available and what the ban means for drone users.
Agritourism, organic and tech: 6 key themes from the 2025 Great Lakes EXPO
The specialty crop world held its annual get together in Michigan. Find out what growers, researchers and industry pros saw at the show.