Articles

Gerber taps growers for groundbreaking baby food

Growers planted new crops and grew them organically in order to help baby food giant Nestlé put a groundbreaking line of baby food products in stores. Gerber Freshful Start is a new line of baby food being stocked in refrigerators in the babies�... more

Large to small growers move crops with Farm-to-School movement

Providence Farm is a small vegetable-and-livestock operation in Michigan’s Antrim County, with a community supported agriculture (CSA) program and a roadside market. But owners Ryan and Andrea Romeyn say direct sales to schools have led to the... more

Weather, varieties, labor keep Sundance Farms alert

Jacqueline Vazquez-Celaya believes she gravitated to the management of a 400-acre California strawberry growing operation through “dumb luck.” But her meticulous grasp of the challenges presented in her current role doesn’t match either of thos... more

Sap analysis an option for winter tomato growers

Beyond simple field scouting, there’s another way to check up on high-value crops. New Age Laboratories, based in South Haven, Michigan, does analysis of sap pressed from plant leaves and petals. “It’s like taking a blood sample from a human,... more

Insect control plan boosts greenhouse IPM

A control plan is key to managing insect pests in the greenhouse. “You plan ahead for something that could happen so you’re ready to go if something does happen,” said Luis Canas, associate professor in entomology at Ohio State University. Can... more

Why an organic dairy made the jump to packaged Brussels sprouts

How are you going to keep them down on the dairy farm when Brussels sprouts are wagging a compelling finger? A longtime Wisconsin dairy farm is going all in on a new certified organic fresh packaged vegetable product – the first in a long time f... more

Justin Oomen to lead Michigan Vegetable Council as president

Justin Oomen, a young family man from an old farming family, will be the next president of the Michigan Vegetable Council. [caption id="attachment_16165" align="alignright" width="200"] Justin and Danielle Oomen with their son, Colton. Photos: Oom... more