Vegetable Growers News

Biodegradable Mulch Films Aid in Sweet Corn Production

Many sweet corn growers are using clear plastic (polyethylene) mulch to warm the soil and to advance harvest maturity. The use of clear plastic mulch may also improve seed germination and increase plant stand under cool soil conditions often encountered in the early spring and may improve the yield and quality of sweet corn. A major disadvantage of the use of plastic is the disposal of the plastic at the end of the season. Recently, biodegradable polymers have been developed for agricultural uses. Biodegradable films often are thinner than traditional polyethylene but otherwise are quite similar. They may be made from renewable resources such as starch, cellulose or degradable polymers. Biodegradable polymer films are degraded by the processes involving sunlight, heat and mechanical stress, eliminating the need for pick-up and disposal at the end of the season. The polymers eventually are converted through microbial activity in…  » Read more

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Fruit, Vegetable Industries Have Fresh Reason for Hope

Trade show season always is exciting because you get the entire industry together to talk about the past growing season and the possibilities of the future. One of the most upbeat trade shows I’ve attended in the past 12 years as publisher was this year’s Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market EXPO held Dec. 7-9 in Grand Rapids, Mich. I don’t think I’ve ever seen the Great Lakes fruit and vegetable industries hitting a high note on the same year. The optimism was inspiring and uplifting. There are many positives out there right now including high gas prices, trucking shortages, boom of the fresh-cut industry and demand for regional produce. Talk of the Show One grower I talked to told me he hoped gas would hit $5 a gallon. At first I thought he was crazy, but then he went on to explain that as gas…  » Read more

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Fresh Baked Goods Bring Added Sales

Baked goods are hot items at farm markets these days. The aroma of fresh-baked pies, pastries, breads, rolls and muffins – hot from the oven – creates an atmosphere that boosts sales in all departments. At Algoma Orchards in Whitby, Ontario, a half-hour from Toronto, the decision was made 10 years ago to add a bakery. Now, it accounts for 35 percent of the market’s sales. Diane Challis, the retail manager at Algoma, said the bakery is "the right asset to add to your market." She spoke during farm marketing sessions in December at the Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market EXPO in Grand Rapids, Mich. "Initially, it may have been produce that drew your customers to your location, but why not add a more profitable department to help your bottom line and give your customers something else to buy when they visit?" she asked. A decision to…  » Read more

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Ontario Grower Jumps into Growing Vegetables

Ontario vegetable grower Mike Pastir didn't fall into the farming game by accident. He jumped into it. And the 24-year-old enjoys where he landed, despite the many challenges. "Agriculture's gravy years are over,” said Pastir, who said he’s the only young farmer in the area. “I would say you can make a comfortable living, but it's directly related to how much time and effort you put into it." Fortunately, Mike isn't alone in his effort. His wife, Leryn, is a full partner in the 250-acre operation. And his parents, Mark and Betty, who ran the farm before Mike, are still involved. There's also up to 25 seasonal workers from Trinidad. The Pastirs’ vegetable operation is located at Waterford in Southwestern Ontario, about two hours west of Niagara Falls. Mike and Leryn, married last January, grow cauliflower for processing and the fresh market, pickling cucumbers and fresh market roma tomatoes. With…  » Read more

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