Water
Western, Southern states lead blueberry surge
The North American blueberry industry is growing at a tremendous rate. As of now, the United States and Canada are producing an average of roughly 500 million pounds of highbush blueberries per year, a total... more »
Grants available to combat drought impacts through improved practices
Special drought relief funds up to $5 million dollars are being made available to farms that are willing to evaluate and demonstrate agriculture practices that help farmers and ranchers adapt to drought conditions. In a... more »
Labor Department takes legal action against Michigan farms
The U.S. Department of Labor sent out a press release Aug. 22, stating it is taking legal action to protect migrant workers at three Michigan farm operations in Cass and Manistee counties, following investigations conducted... more »
USDA: cranberry crop down slightly
The forecast for the 2012 U.S. cranberry crop is 7.68 million barrels, down less than 1 percent from the 2011 crop, according to USDA.Wisconsin will lead the way, with 4.5 million barrels (up from 4.4... more »
Growers make the best of a bad year
Hilda Biersdorfer uses an analogy to describe what the growing season of 2012 has been like for herself and her family – fifth-generation fruit growers with 121 acres in Guilford, Ind. First came devastating spring... more »
Drought the latest worry for Midwest growers
With headlines dominated by early warmth and spring freezes, growers across parts of the Midwest have yet another concern: Precipitation – or the lack thereof. On July 5, the National Drought Mitigation Center (NDMC) in... more »
So what do fruit growers do in a slow year?
East of the Mississippi, tree fruit farmers agree: This year’s a tough one. Whether or not you believe in global warming or climate change or Russian roulette, the fact is a super-warm March plus a... more »
What is evapotranspiration and why does it matter?
Among the many problems associated with extended periods of drought is the inability of plants to extract water at a rate fast enough to keep up with the rates of evapotranspiration (the combined loss of... more »
Ontario farm operations in jeopardy as growing season worsens
Locally-grown fruits and vegetables are expected to be rarer and dearer as they come to market this summer and fall. But overall, global food prices should be stabilized due to strong supplies and declining oil... more »
USDA extends disaster status to more counties due to drought
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack designated 39 additional counties in eight states as primary natural disaster areas due to damage and losses caused by drought and excessive heat. During the 2012 crop year, USDA has designated... more »
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