Vegetable Growers News

Farm Bureau Gears up to Work with New Congress

The 2004 election was an example of American democracy at its best. Not only was voter registration and participation at an all-time high, rural voters turned out and played a pivotal role at the national level. In the end, the election results provided continuity and an opportunity for progress on key agricultural issues. With the elections behind us, we can now prepare for the 109th Congress. Farm Bureau will continue to reach out on a bipartisan basis to assemble a strong pro-agricultural agenda for the 109th Congress. I guess you could say we are chomping at the bit to start our work with the new Congress. Ringing in the new Congress There are several major issues on agriculture’s radar screen as we gear up for the new Congress. A chance to pass comprehensive energy policy is at the top. Increased energy costs in the 2003-2004 growing season have…  » Read more

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Agritourism Reaches New Heights at Long Acre Farms

Pilots set their global positioning coordinates to a latitude of 77° 18 feet 45 inches and a longitude of 43° 6 feet 45 inches when they and their passengers want a fun farm experience. Visitors to Long Acre Farms in Macedon, N.Y., fly in from all parts of New York state and even from around the country, said Joan Allen, who is responsible for the agritourism aspect of the farm. She said customers have been flying in ever since she and her husband, Doug, opened a market at their 550-acre farm, which has produce including sweet corn, snap beans and pumpkins. Allen said a runway has always existed on the farm because her parents and brother are pilots. She said the runway was opened to visitors because she figured it would be more convenient for customers who didn’t want to travel for hours in a car. “More…  » Read more

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Imports to Equal Exports for 2005

U.S. agricultural exports are expected to balance imports in 2005 – the first time the value of U.S. exports won’t exceed imports since the 1950s. That prediction comes from a USDA quarterly forecast that sets both U.S agricultural exports and imports at $56 billion in 2005. That number is down from the record $62.3 billion in exports and up from $52.7 billion in imports in 2004. The 2004 fiscal year ended Sept. 30. The new USDA forecast, released in November, puts the value of 2005 agricultural exports below its $57.5 billion August prediction, the last time the report was released. The USDA’s November forecast for 2005 agricultural imports is $1 billion above the August forecast. The forecast blames price reductions for wheat, corn, soybeans and cotton exports for the loss of revenue in 2005. The value of the corn exports was reduced from $5.9 billion to $5…  » Read more

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Ontario Grower Brings Ingenuity to Brussels Sprouts

From the road, it's an idyllic setting. Rows of bright green Brussels sprouts stretch a full mile across this level field in Southwestern Ontario. The colors and coolness of fall surround them. In the distance, a pair of harvesting machines crawl across this unexpected landscape. They draw closer, and you quickly realize that the throb of industry underlies the scene. The 14 workers are harvesting sprouts. They'll cover about 4 acres today and harvest close to 25 tons. "We start harvest around the first of October, and we won't be done until about Nov. 15 to 21," said grower Dave Van Segbrook. “It's tough work, stuffing these stalks all day … The offshore labor is an integral part of our industry." Van Segbrook has been growing sprouts since 2000 when he partnered with Jean Marie Laprise. Laprise has been growing the crop for 13 years. Together, they're now…  » Read more

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Santa Could Have Been a Farmer

Santa’s ingenuity, integrity and contribution to society would suggest he might be a farmer in his off-months, or at the very least a reindeer rancher. Here are a few clues (from an unknown author) that suggest Santa could be a farmer. 1. He works all year, just to give his stuff away. 2. He knows how to get by with the same equipment season after season. 3. He works outside, even in bad weather. 4. He’s used to getting in and out of tight places. 5. He covers a lot of ground in a hurry when the pressure is on. 6. He takes care of the needs of the whole world. All joking aside, in this season’s spirit of giving, I cannot help but think about the gifts the men and women in agriculture give to the world. Every day farmers and ranchers across the nation give their time, talents, labor and…  » Read more

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