technology

IFT analyzes low-cost traceability solutions

The Institute of Food Technologists has created a report based on the 90 submissions to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) 2021 Low- or No-Cost Tech-Enabled Traceability Challenge. The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) report... more »

New AI: early size profile available for pears

The U.S. is one of the top three pear producers globally, and work is under way in many areas of the supply chain to ensure more pears make it to market. From rootstock research and... more »

Global Biological Accelerator debuts at Salinas event

A new venture designed to spur development of biological products that kill pests, diseases and weeds that afflict specialty crops is taking a novel approach to further research. The Global Biological Accelerator, which will see... more »

WSU to plant vineyard mechanically, public invited

Washington State University is inviting the public to a demonstration on mechanized vineyard planting. The event is 10 a.m. to noon Pacific on June 2 at the WSU-Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center in Prosser.... more »

Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge deadline bumped

The American Farm Bureau Federation and Farm Credit have extended the deadline for the 2024 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge. Now in its 10th year, this national business competition showcases U.S. startup companies developing innovative solutions... more »

Technology revolutionizes cherry, small fruit grading, packing

Technology upgrades have swept through West Coast fruit packinghouses, with everything from stone fruit, apples and citrus processed on more sophisticated equipment than a generation ago. That includes cherries, which present several special handling needs:... more »

FlightSensor provides pest surveillance

New digital insect surveillance technology could help growers better detect and manage pests. For decades, limited pest monitoring options have been available to growers prior to taking corrective action. Sticky traps are a time-consuming and... more »

Wood pulp on tree fruit buds guards against frost damage

Tree fruit and vineyard growers are among those subjected annually to threats of significant economic losses from cold damage to reproductive fruit buds. An emerging approach is providing frost control, and researchers are optimistic regarding... more »

Grower spending on automation jumps to $500K

Growers are spending an average of $500,000 a year on automation in response to the persistent ag labor shortage, according to the Specialty Crop Automation Report from Western Growers. This is the second year the Specialty... more »

UGA student maps peach trees in detail with laser scanners

Near the University of Georgia Griffin campus, Jordan Knapp-Wilson walks into a peach orchard equipped with a myriad of laser-equipped scanners, targets and tripods. He’ll spend the next few hours using data collection tools with the potential to... more »