Technology
BEI demise spurs race to fill blueberry harvester void
When BEI International, a South Haven, Michigan, agriculture equipment supplier, went defunct last April, it left several growers throughout the country without their promised harvesting equipment and parts, and with little hope of recouping their... more »
Orchard rides hard cider wave
When Andrew Blake first approached his family with the idea of starting a hard cider operation at Blake Farms cider mill and orchard in Armada, Michigan, the response was less than enthusiastic. “We told him... more »
Michigan Tree Fruit Commission, MSU forge agreement
Maintaining infrastructure needs at the state’s agricultural research stations will be a top funding priority for the newly established Michigan Tree Fruit Commission (MTFC). Meeting for the second time since the organization’s establishment earlier this... more »
Lawsuit roils Michigan blueberry fields
Editor's note: This story has been updated from its original version.The Michigan Blueberry Growers Association, also known as MBG Marketing, has filed a lawsuit against Brenda Reeves and her employer, a group of companies collectively... more »
Buyers cautioned in wake of BEI woes
BEI International, a South Haven, Michigan, agriculture equipment supplier that went defunct in April, left several farmers throughout the country without their promised harvesting equipment and parts – and little chance of recouping their thousands... more »
Expect to see more technology in produce facilities
There are two elements about the fresh-cut produce line of the future that we can be sure of: raw product will be received and a finished product will depart. The territory between these entry and... more »
Davison Orchards secures unique niche
An abundance of family farm tradition has been established in a non-traditional setting on the slopes along the Okanagan Valley in Vernon, B.C., Canada. Davison Orchards Country Village is in “kind of a funny place... more »
Michigan packer-shipper debuts $22 million facility
Heeren Bros., a family owned wholesaler, marketer and distributor of fresh fruits and vegetables in Michigan, officially debuted its new, $22 million processing facility in Alpine Township in mid-December. Heeren Bros. distributes a diversified line... more »