Crop Management
How cold is too cold? MSU experts say tree fruit buds should be safe
A notable cold snap is in the forecast this weekend across the Upper Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and the South. In some northern geographies, overnight lows will approach or even exceed -10° F. Understandably, this has raised... more »
2026 State of the Fruit industry
From the Pacific Northwest’s apple orchards to the Southeast’s blueberry bushes and strawberry beds, most involved in fruit production posted stable to slightly above-average yields in 2025. Yet beneath that steady production lies a deeper... more »
Inside Pandol’s success: How a multigenerational California grower leads in table grapes
As Pandol Brothers enters its 85th year, family and worker dedication are important to the third- and fourth-generation family members who ship table grapes worldwide. Though the Delano, California, operation grows more than a dozen... more »
Organic certification draws grower interest as margins tighten, import pressure mounts
With profit margins tight and cheap imported produce causing consternation among many specialty crop growers across the country, fruit and vegetable growers are taking a hard look at bringing one of America’s premium brands into... more »
New Syngenta insecticides get EPA green light
The latest insect control tool from crop protection and technology company Syngenta has received EPA registration and is available for use, subject to state approvals. Plinazolin technology, in development for 12 years, will power five... more »
AgroFresh announces AI imaging and orchard analytics tie-ups with Aerobotics, Neolithics
AgroFresh Solutions, a post-harvest freshness supplier, is expanding its FreshCloud digital ecosystem through strategic global partnerships with Aerobotics and Neolithics, according to a news release. The company says the partnerships position its FreshCloud software as... more »
Washington State Wine Commission names research program manager
The Washington State Wine Commission (WSWC) has hired a new research program manager. Julie Tarara, a Ph.D, was selected by a committee of Washington viticulture and enology (V&E) research leaders. She replaces Melissa Hansen, who... more »
Ridgefest: soil, water considerations spur orchard success
Soil monitoring, crop rotations and consistent irrigation patterns are among key control points for managing a successful apple production system. Nick Rasch of Rasch Family Orchards near Kent City, Michigan, outlined the operation’s approach in... more »
Michigan Apple Committee hosts virtual orchard tour
The Michigan Apple Committee (MAC) virtually welcomed a registered audience of more than 20,000 elementary-aged students to virtually visit Wittenbach’s Orchard in Belding, Michigan, northeast of Grand Rapids. The live-streamed “field trip” followed Elizabeth Pauls,... more »
JDI’s Racing for melons: From the fields to the finish line
Ross Chastain is known for being a top racer on the NASCAR circuit, driving the No. 1 Chevrolet ZL1 for Trackhouse Racing, among others. Behind the wheel, he’s got a background that fuels his competitive... more »
Current Issue
FIRA USA 2025: Robots redefine specialty crop farming
Inside Pandol’s success: How a multigenerational California grower leads in table grapes
Spray drones: best practices for specialty crop use
Farm Market and Agritourism: Strategies to attract today’s farm market shoppers
Ag Labor Review: Taking the reins — a new era for agriculture
see all current issue »
