Labor
Why are Mexicans leaving farm work, and what does this mean for U.S. farmers?
Agriculture in North America traditionally has had its comparative advantage in having access to abundant low-skilled labor from Mexico. Around 70% of the United States hired farm workforce is Mexico-born, according to the National Agricultural... more »
Strategies to control sweet corn pests
Sweet corn producers must rely on timely pest monitoring and effective insecticide sprays to minimize ear damage by corn earworm, European corn borer and fall armyworm. The fresh-market can tolerate only minimal damage to the... more »
Who might replace Solis as labor secretary?
Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis submitted her letter of resignation on Wednesday. Here's an excerpt from a Nov. 7 National Journal magazine story on potential replacements. National JournalTo read more, click here. more »
Labor department scraps child worker rule
Last year, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) proposed extensive new rules restricting the kind of work people under 16 could do on farms. The majority of the restrictions revolved around 13 Hazardous Occupation Orders,... more »
Growers will give ag a voice in Michigan Legislature
In November, a vegetable grower and a fruit grower were elected to serve in the Michigan House of Representatives. Roger Victory, who grows vegetables in the Hudsonville area, will represent the state's 88th district. Dave... more »
Robotic strawberry harvesters demoed in California
Agrobot, a company based in Huelva, Spain, recently demonstrated a robotic strawberry harvester at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis). The company is working to bring robotic technology to strawberry harvesting and hydroponic growing,... more »
Vegetable council hands out awards during Great Lakes EXPO
The Michigan Vegetable Council (MVC) handed out two awards during the annual banquet of the Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable & Farm Market EXPO.Master Farmer AwardThe Master Farmer Award is given in recognition of outstanding farming... more »
New MVC president wants to tackle labor, public relations
Ralph Oomen is in line to become the next president of the Michigan Vegetable Council (MVC). Currently the vice president, he'll start his two-year term as president in 2013.Ralph's family has been farming in western... more »
