Labor
Tackling phomopsis crucial for vineyards
Whether it’s battling phomopsis or other diseases, taking a cost-effective approach in designing a fungicide program is essential for vineyard management. “Consider not just the cost of the (fungicide) product but also the labor, fuel... more »
Northwest Michigan tries hand at apples
Long a hot spot for cherries, northwest Michigan fruit growers are hoping to make inroads into high-density apple production. The research necessary to identify proper rootstock, irrigation and fertilization requirements in the region continues to... more »
Apple grower stays in the game with H-2A program
Using H-2A labor in the production and harvesting process is a challenge many farms don’t want to tackle due to the burdensome oversight and paperwork they say is required to make the system operate efficiently... more »
Minnesota farm focuses on local sales
Operating a diversified fruit and vegetable farm within view of downtown Rochester, Minnesota, has put Sekapp Orchard in prime position to draw retail followers from across the region. The farm is currently operated by Terrence... more »
Cooperative approach could overcome H-2A challenges
To combat recent labor shortages, agriculture groups in Michigan are developing what might be a singular solution: a cooperative H-2A program.“I’m not aware of similar programs,” said Sarah Pion, Michigan Farm Bureau’s (MFB) regional representative... more »
Water proposal could burden farms
Farmers have until Oct. 20 to tell EPA how they feel about its proposal to expand the “Waters of the United States” regulation under the Clean Water Act. EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of... more »
Obama prods Congress on immigration reform
President Barack Obama is no longer relying on Congress to fix America’s “broken” immigration system. Starting today, he’s doing as much as he can on his own, directing federal agencies to move as many resources... more »
Guesstimate confirms fruit crops survived winter’s hit
The brutal polar vortex that struck much of the country this past winter, including the Midwest, caused enough damage to curb hopes for a second consecutive bumper crop in most areas, but overall predictions were... more »
Expect to see more technology in produce facilities
There are two elements about the fresh-cut produce line of the future that we can be sure of: raw product will be received and a finished product will depart. The territory between these entry and... more »
Fresh fruit exports increase in 2013
Fiscal year 2013 proved to be another record-breaking year for U.S. agricultural exports, according to USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).In fiscal year 2013, U.S. agricultural exports increased by $5 billion, bringing the... more »
Current Issue
Advancing research in biocontrols
Inflation, farm input costs shape farm market prices
Farm market pricing guide
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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