Labor

Food safety starts with washing your hands

The most important food safety measure in processing plants, fields and orchards may also be the simplest: wash your hands.All too often, those hands serve as a pathway to future trouble.FDA estimates 3.1 million illnesses... more »

Plastic aids strawberry growth in Kansas

Kansas isn't known as a strawberry-producing state, but some innovative growers, helped by a couple of strategic research grants, are figuring out the best way to adapt annual plasticulture methods in a state where production... more »

California ag finds ways to conserve water

The 2014 drought will cost California's economy $2.2 billion and 17,100 seasonal and part-time jobs, according to a study released in July by the University of California's (UC) Center for Watershed Sciences and Agricultural Issues... more »

California growers, researchers doing what they can to conserve water

Minnesota farm focuses on local sales

Operating a diversified fruit and vegetable farm within view of downtown Rochester, Minnesota, has put Sekapp Orchard in prime position to draw retail followers from across the region.The farm is currently operated by Terrence (Fred)... more »

Nebraska grower wants H-2A fix

Andy Daniels has seen enough.The Columbus, Nebraska, vegetable grower has tried everything he can think of to ward off obstacles being erected by U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) officials, who are making it difficult to... more »

Washington asparagus growers pursuing a rebound

The Washington state asparagus industry has taken a number of blows in the past couple of decades, but it appears the rocky road may be smoothing out a bit as new opportunities are seen on... more »

Federal judge rejects farmer’s claim that migrant workers are independent contractors

A federal judge ordered a Copemish farmer to stop classifying migrant workers as independent contractors as a way to avoid paying minimum wage.U.S. District Judge Gordon Quist also ordered Daryl Howes Farms to comply with... more »