Articles
Accessing ag automation
The International Forum of Agricultural Robotics (FIRA) conference brought growers from all over the West Coast to view the latest autonomous solutions for every stage of the crop cycle. During sessions at FIRA USA 2025, held in Woodland, Califor... more
2026 vegetable industry outlook: How labor, technology and trade will shape the year ahead
With the dawn of the new year, America’s vegetable and leafy-green growers find themselves balancing steady consumer demand with rising operational pressures. The past year reinforced a familiar truth for the sector: while produce remains essen... more
Ag Labor Review: Taking the reins
As the new year begins in our nation’s capital, some things never seem to change. With the election just 11 months away and unfinished business from last year still lingering, 2026 promises to be a busy and challenging time for those involved in l... more
Spray drones: best practices for specialty crop use
Seeking to improve efficiencies, growers are turning to county Extension agents and university researchers to learn more about using drones for spraying and other chores in fields, orchards and vineyards. While drones can supply aerial imagery of... more
Farm Market & Agritourism: Strategies to attract today’s farm market shoppers
Successful farm markets begin with understanding who your customers are rather than hoping “everyone” will shop with you. Large retailers use demographic data to tailor their offerings, and farm markets can do the same. Why it matters: Demogr... more
Greenhouse labor outlook 2026
The U.S. horticulture industry has been hit hard by labor challenges. Farm owners are getting older, seasonal workers are harder to secure, the allure of owning a greenhouse growing operation is waning and fewer young people are pursuing farm career... more
Rolling out a new way to water: Sumisansui irrigation system
A new kind of irrigation is finding its way onto vegetable farms, and it looks a lot like drip tape — until you turn it on. The Sumisansui system, made by the Japanese company Sumika Agro-Tech, comes in rolls of flat plastic tubing with precision ... more
