weather
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 »
California cantaloupe growers expect peak supplies in June
California cantaloupe farmers are overjoyed with the amount of rainfall received this winter and for the welcome relief to severe drought conditions that have impacted growing areas for the past several years. Although rainfall was... more »
Pennsylvania growers: prepare for fungal diseases
Significant rains forecast for Pennsylvania could favor fungal diseases, including Marssonina blotch, apple scab and cherry leaf spot. Cool temperatures, however, are not expected to spur fire blight risks. Trees will need to be... more »
Weather expert forecasts conditions for 2023 apple crop
The U.S. Apple Association is presenting a webinar featuring weather expert Drew Lerner and his outlook on this year’s weather and how it could affect the apple crop. The webinar, scheduled for 45 minutes, begins... more »