Labor

Nation’s fruit crops running late

Fruit harvests across the country will be later than usual this year thanks to cold, wet weather. Despite the delays, however, some forecasters are predicting larger-than-normal volumes for some crops in 2011.Those were two of... more »

Immigration crackdown would likely raise labor costs

Stricter immigration enforcement would likely reduce the demand for farm labor and increase the mechanization of California agriculture, according to a new study co-authored by a University of California at Davis economist. The study, released... more »

N.J. blueberry farmer to pay $28K in labor fines

A farm crew contractor and the owners of a New Jersey blueberry farm agreed to pay $28,499 in fines to resolve two separate cases involving living conditions for farm workers and child labor.Brothers Anthony and... more »

Little info on farm labor in Georgia immigration debate

Weeks after Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal signed one of the toughest laws in the country targeting illegal immigrants, it remains to be seen if recent complaints about farm labor shortages represent a wider problem.Fruit and... more »

Farm labor scarce as crops ripen early

Georgia’s new immigration law is being blamed for a severe shortage of farm laborers and may lead to fruit and vegetable growers abandoning crops worth millions. The Moultrie ObserverRead more of the story here. more »

Beware of clear wing moths in peaches

In New York state, there are two species of sesiid moths that attack peaches — the peachtree borer (PTB), , and the lesser peachtree borer (LPTB). The adult borers are striking clear-winged moths with yellow... more »

Georgia immigration reform bill stresses growers

It's as dependable as the turning of the seasons itself. Every spring, migrant workers -- many of them by all accounts illegal immigrants -- work their way north picking fruits and vegetables, first in Florida,... more »

Hiring farm workers more complicated than ever

To Craig Regelbrugge, conditions for U.S. agricultural employers are about as bad as they've ever been. An estimated three-fourths of ag workers in the country today are not authorized to be here, said the co-chairman... more »

Haygrove winner planning for raspberries

The winner of the annual Great American Haygrove Giveaway was William McCaffery of Spring Rain Farms, East Taunton, Mass. If all goes according to plan, he will be erecting the Haygrove tunnel on his father’s... more »

Keeping track of data can lead to more profits

We all know that the fall season is growing and continues to attract larger crowds to our farms each and every year. According to my fall survey, many farms last year experienced huge increases in... more »