Equipment
New vineyard establishment cost resource published
One of the major categories of wine grapes grown in the Great Lakes region is the hybrid. Developed primarily from European and American parents, these grapes combine favorable wine characteristics with pest tolerance and often... more »
Hard cider: New industry faces shortage of trees, labor
Despite being a very old practice, the making of hard cider is virtually a new industry in the United States. The recent growth in sales has been “staggering,” and the U.S. apple industry as a... more »
Precision agriculture poised for growth
An agricultural engineering professor, in the forefront of high-tech innovation, believes there are significant advantages for specialty crop operators who pursue and adapt precision agriculture technologies. The bottom line – impacted by such trends as... more »
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 »
Researchers study SWD pressure in cherries
Concern continues to mount about the potential impact of spotted wing drosophila (SWD) in tart cherries in Michigan. Larry Gut, Michigan State University (MSU) Extension entomologist, has conducted trials at MSU’s Trevor Nichols Research Center... more »
Pruning is more science than art these days
FGN recently asked Jim Schupp, an associate professor of pomology at Penn State University, and Peter Hirst, a professor of horticulture at Purdue University, to answer a few questions via email about winter pruning. You’ll... more »
Vacuum harvester redesigned to be self-propelled
A mechanical harvester that’s been in development for some time has undergone enough tweaks that its designers are nearly ready to bring the machine to the marketplace. Once again this fall, the machine – called... more »
Take steps to integrate safety with agritourism
Safety should be at the top of every agritourism operation’s business plan, and there are resources available to identify areas of concern and ways to effectively address those issues. Marsha Salzwedel, agricultural youth safety specialist... more »
New York apple gets limited launch via Wegmans
The New York Apple Growers (NYAG) will be launching a new apple called SnapDragon in all Wegmans stores starting in November.SnapDragon has a distinctly bright-red, dappled color, crispy texture and a sweet, juicy flavor. The... more »
Current Issue
On-farm AI: Water, farm, labor research guide decisions
Data collection tool expands farm management
Carmel Valley winegrapes: Parsonage Village Vineyard
IFTA Yakima Valley tour provides orchard insights
IFTA recognizes tree fruit honorees
Pennsylvania recognizes fruit industry professionals
Fresh Views 40 Under 40
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