weather

Oregon disaster declaration aids cherry growers

The USDA is offering cherry growers in nine Oregon counties access to disaster aid programs after weather caused 2023 crop year losses. Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek announced the disaster designation. She petitioned the USDA for... more »

FEMA assistance available for 2023 Michigan storms

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is making federal disaster assistance available to the state of Michigan to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, tornadoes and flooding from Aug. 24-26, 2023.... more »

2023: The year in review

To specialty crop growers, and farmers in general, 2023’s big news in the industry wasn’t totally unforeseen: lack of labor is still an issue, severe weather damaged crops and technology continues to advance automation in... more »

California grapes, stone fruit suffer from storm aftermath

Weeks after it brought Southern California its first-ever tropical storm watch before making landfall over the northern Baja California Peninsula in Mexico, Hurricane Hilary’s effects on California crops is still being assessed. One thing that’s... more »

California Strawberry Commission acts in wake of flooding

Earlier this month, California governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order to expedite critical work like levee repairs and debris removal to help protect and prepare local communities in anticipation of another possible wet season.... more »

What do farmworkers and NFL players have in common?

What do professional football players and farmworkers have in common? They have long seasons, traveling from place to place. They have to spend time away from their family. They frequently deal with aches, pains and... more »

Fruit specialists tackle extreme weather issues

North American Extension specialists are offering their expertise in three webinars designed to help growers confront changing weather patterns that threaten fruit crops. The third season of the North American Virtual Orchard Meetups will focus... more »

Mitigate blueberry heat damage with overhead irrigation

Michigan’s blueberry industry has been increasingly affected by climate change with spring heatwaves, long dry periods and heavy rains all causing a potential for yield losses. To illustrate this, in February-March 2012 daily high temperatures... more »

Never-ending rain leads to pest, disease concerns

A seemingly endless flow of water saturating their fields is burdening California growers with pests and diseases. Growers of strawberries and other fruits expect the heavy rains to delay some planting and harvesting and cause... more »

California cherries to miss Memorial Day promo push

As the first one out of the gate, cherries typically kick off the stone-fruit season with peak volumes heading into the Memorial Day holiday. But longer periods of cool weather this spring have slowed development... more »

Current Issue

FGN March 2024

Raspberry root rot, wilt threaten fruit in wet regions

Pest update: Efforts continue to control SWD, SLF

see all current issue »

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