Technology

Automated trucks may play central role in future transportation

At a recent meeting of the United Fresh Supply Chain Logistics Council, chairman Kenny Lund asked all in attendance to predict how long it would be before autonomous trucks are accepted in transportation for produce. “The... more »

Florida farmers use web-based tool to ward off strawberry diseases

Farmers are adapting to a UF/IFAS-developed, web-based monitoring system that can help the environment by using less chemical treatment to prevent strawberry diseases, which will help the state’s $306 million a year crop, a new... more »

Cornell researchers developing weather technology for farmers

Researchers at Cornell University are developing technology to help farmers lessen damage from warm winters, according to Allison Chatrchyan, director of the Institute for Climate Change and Agriculture. A current development is a freeze risk... more »

Harvest technology curbs labor woes

Michigan apple grower Steve Tennes has seen his attempts to grow his farm’s production numbers crimped by ongoing labor concerns. His foray into finding a solution to those challenges was bolstered this past growing season... more »

IFTA continues precision-based conference

The International Tree Fruit Association’s (IFTA) Annual Conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan, continues Thursday with a full array of educational programming for the more than 400 attendees. The IFTA Orchard Tour Feb. 9 on The... more »

UM students seek growers’ input on drone development

Drone technology is rapidly becoming an added tool for growers to do field surveys and crop analysis. A group of University of Michigan (UM) graduate students received feedback from farmers on a drone technology they are... more »

USDA extends microloans program to farmland purchases, upgrades

Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin offering farm ownership microloans, creating a new financing avenue for farmers to buy and improve property. These microloans will help beginning or... more »

UC Davis ‘Fruit Ripening’ workshop set for March 1-2

The University of California-Davis (UC) Postharvest Technology Center will host its annual “Fruit Ripening and Ethylene Management” workshop on March 1-2 at the UC Davis ARC Conference Center. The workshop is intended for shippers and... more »