Fruits

2015 Michigan cherry production forecast

Michigan tart cherry production is forecast at 134 million pounds, 34 percent less than the 2014 crop, according to the USDA, NASS, Great Lakes Regional Office. While optimism was high for the crop in early... more »

Guesstimate shows winter’s impact on crops

Coming off back-to-back winters that challenged fruit growers in Michigan, industry leaders gathered June 24 set the stage for what to expect from the 2015 crop.“We’ve experienced two harsh winters in a row and we’re... more »

Excessive rain promotes Phytophthora diseases in raspberries, strawberries

In a rainy year, there is a higher risk of diseases caused by Oomycetes, also called “water molds,” especially Phytophthora species, which thrive in waterlogged soils and areas with standing water for periods of time.... more »

Weather ideal for start of downy mildew in grapes

Downy mildew, caused by the oomycete Plasmopara viticola, has gotten off to a good start in 2015 due to copious rainfall, moderately warm temperatures and high relative humidity over the past weeks. Downy mildew was... more »

American Agri-Women Drive Across America stops in Michigan

One of the reasons American Agri-Women (AAW) President, Sue McCrum, Maine, and 1st VP, Doris Mold, Wisconsin, are participating in a campaign across America is to celebrate the organization’s 40th anniversary.Many Michigan Farmers will remember... more »

Manager found guilty over apple storage unit deaths

Andrew Stocker, a produce manager in the United Kingdom, was found guilty of the manslaughter of two workers he asked to select apples from a low-oxygen storage unit without using breathing apparatus, according to The... more »

Plastic mulch machine can cut labor costs in half

At a Florida berry farm, it costs about $200 per acre in man-hours to remove plastic mulch and drip tape at the end of the season. By using a machine that can simultaneously lift and... more »

MBG Marketing appoints new president and CEO

The Blueberry People, the Grand Junction, Michigan-based blueberry growers’ cooperative, announced the appointment of Orrin “Larry” Ensfield as its new President and CEO, effective June 19. Upon accepting the resignation of then CEO Bob Hawk,... more »

Maxwell Norton, director of UCCE in Merced County, to retire after 36 years

Maxwell Norton, UC Cooperative Extension director and advisor in Merced and Mariposa counties, plans to retire on July 1. Norton, who specializes in tree fruit, grapes and farmland preservation, has served Merced County growers for... more »

State audit recommends adjustments for UC Davis strawberry program

Following a six-month review of the UC Davis Strawberry Breeding Program, the California state auditor’s office today released recommendations — including suggestions for future funding and revenue collection — for the acclaimed program.“The audit addressed... more »