Crop Protection
European brown rot spore levels are high in tart cherry orchards
After examining European brown rot strikes from tart cherry tree samples in northwest Michigan, extensive sporulation was observed, particularly at the base of dead flowers infected last year. Initiate control sprays at popcorn this year.... more »
Rutgers breeding program puts science first
The process leading to the release of breakthrough cranberry varieties at Rutgers University represents a nearly 30-year evolution. Driving the program to these heights has been Nicholi Vorsa and his colleagues. After starting the cranberry... more »
European brown rot could hit cherries again
There was a major outbreak of European brown rot in Michigan’s tart cherry crop in spring 2013. Hopefully, there won’t be an outbreak this year, but much depends on the weather, said George Sundin, a... more »
Arkansas blackberry breeding effort flourishing
Arkansas fruit breeding has been in full swing for 50 years. Based on recent successes, there are indications the program will continue to thrive well into the future. The Arkansas blackberry breeding program was on... more »
Farm bill promising for fruit, vegetables
An analysis by specialty crop advocates indicates the 2014 Farm Bill contains programs that constitute a 55 percent increase in the government’s investment in the produce industry’s competitiveness and the nutritional well-being of Americans through... more »
MACMA does more than negotiate processing prices
Michigan Processing Apple Growers, also known as the Apple Division of the Michigan Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Association (MACMA), has been helping the state’s apple industry for more than five decades. Its role has expanded in... more »
USDA announces funding for pollinator health
USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service will provide close to $3 million in technical and financial assistance for interested farmers and ranchers to help improve the health of bees, which play an important role in crop... more »
Cider producer receives first-ever felony conviction under Michigan food law
After nearly two years of investigation and legal action, James Ruster, owner of Mitchell Hill Farm in Ellsworth, Mich., was sentenced on Feb. 18 for one felony violation of Michigan’s Food Law, the first-ever felony... 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 »
New virus linked to bee colony collapse disorder
A rapidly mutating virus has leaped from plants to honeybees, where it is reproducing and contributing to the collapse of colonies vital to the multibillion-dollar agricultural industry, according to a new study. Los Angeles TimesClick... more »
Current Issue
Advancing research in biocontrols
Inflation, farm input costs shape farm market prices
Great Bear Vineyards’ organic journey
Organic Grower: Field Watch
A win for farmers
Business: Improve the odds
Farm Market & Agritourism: markups vs. margins
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