ENewsletter

Researchers study organic beekeeping

A nearly $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture will support Penn State researchers in determining best management practices for organic beekeeping by comparing organic and chemical-free to conventional management systems. The funding... more »

Using °Brix as an indicator of vegetable quality

Many variables are used to assess fruit and vegetable quality. Some quality metrics such as size, shape, and color are relatively obvious and tend to influence "eye appeal." Others, such as flavor, texture, aroma, and... more »

ICE audit and raid preparation topic of new book

Ensuring workers are legally able to work in the U.S. and are properly documented is important for every agricultural business, whether it is a processing plant, a dairy, vegetable field or an orchard, said two... more »

Migrant farm laborers harder to get in Ohio

Ohio’s agricultural industry heavily depends on an ever-shrinking number of migrant workers from Mexico and Central America, many of them undocumented. Labor shortages in agriculture are a decades-old issue, but this year stood out. It... more »

High tunnels boost yield, but pests too

Growers of tomatoes, cucumbers and other vegetables can extend their growing season and increase yield by placing high tunnels over their cold-sensitive crops, but those tunnels don’t provide the pest protection that has long been... more »

Contaminants pose challenges for vegetable producers

Contaminants are a major concern for vegetable processors and packers. Consequently, quality control/food safety programs have been developed by vegetable companies to reduce the risk of tainted products. One major concern in processed vegetables is... more »

Tomato trials, organic N options shown at field day

Educators and researchers showed off trials of new seeds and cultivation techniques at the Michigan State University’s (MSU) Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center (SWMREC) near Benton Harbor. About 40 individuals attended the tours at... more »

Funding supports marketing of Northeast-friendly tomatoes

A Penn State research working on new tomato varieties bred for Pennsylvania conditions has won a $75,000 Research Applications for Innovation (RAIN), grant to bring its discovery to market. The College of Agricultural Sciences awards... more »