Labor
Mechanical Thinning Brings Larger Peaches with Less Labor
Spring was slow to arrive in Adams County, Pa., this year, but eight growers had already lined up with Penn State Extension to use machines to thin their peaches when blossoms arrived several weeks later.... more »
Let’s Mechanize Our Way to a Better Future
The inscription on the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty expresses well the ideals and, for some of us, the facts behind our citizenship in this country. They are the last words from the poem... more »
Emergency Relief Bill Might Take Heat off Growers and Workers
Fruit and vegetable growers who were hoping to get into the 2008 growing season with a greater sense of security about their seasonal labor supply did not get much encouragement from the Bush administration as... more »
Vineyard Hopes Labor Bears Fruit
Corky, Holy-Field Vineyard and Winery's mascot, flopped down and made himself comfortable in the dirt alongside about two dozen planting crew volunteers. Lawrence Journal-World more »
Mechanical Harvest Cuts Costs and Need for Labor
Mechanically harvested fresh-market sweet cherries have already debuted, but the fact they haven’t made headline news testifies that some problems remain. Nobody’s complaining about quality. In fact, these cherries – harvested without stems – have... more »
Will farmers be forced to rely on H-2A labor?
Fruit and vegetable growers may find their seasonal labor shortage less severe this year than last – but watch out for 2009. There’s a “perfect storm” brewing. That’s the opinion of Dan Bremer, the owner... more »
Labor Audit a Nightmare Scenario for Farm Market
Abigail Jacobson didn’t want to spread doom and gloom, but she had a story to tell about Friday the 13th that would scare the pants off any farm marketer. Jacobson’s business, Westview Orchards & Cider... more »
Extension Losing Its Personal Touch in Pennsylvania
This is the seventh and final story in a series about the future of Extension. The image of the county Extension agent riding in a pickup all day, visiting local farmers and doling out general... more »
Q&A: Young Fruit Growers Optimistic About Future of Industry
The Fruit Growers News sought the opinions of young people from fruit-growing families who were considering entering the family business. What do they think about the future? Are there opportunities? Barriers? Here are what three... more »
Chicago Markets Drive Profitability at K&K Farms
Farmers must consider themselves fortunate when they see long lines of cars caught in snarled traffic on television – even around relatively small urban areas. Thank heavens they don’t have to commute to work! But... 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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