Labor
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 »
Michigan asparagus growers get 1-cent price increase
Michigan asparagus growers won’t receive the price boost they saw in 2013, but a 1-cent-per-pound hike for 2014 is seen as a positive sign for the industry.Handlers will pay 79 cents per pound (cash) for... more »
Airborne attractions propel farm market
The pumpkins are flying at Lewis Farm Market in New Era, Mich. And if seeing those spheres heading skyward isn't thrilling enough, visitors can check out fruit cannons that allow them to take aim at... more »
Fewer, more vigorous I-9 audits to be conducted
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has some good news for employers: There will be fewer mandatory I-9 audits.The bad news?The audits that do occur will be "more vigorous," according to Cory Howe, a special... more »
Farm bill promising for fruit, vegetables
An analysis by specialty crop advocates indicates the 2014 Farm Bill contains programs that constitute a 55 percent increase in the government's investment in the produce industry's competitiveness and the nutritional well-being of Americans through... more »
Greenhouse tomatoes can pay dividends
A primary reason for growing tomatoes in greenhouses is to reach higher levels of quality and value.That was a takeaway message from Richard Snyder, professor and vegetable specialist with Mississippi State University. He was a... more »
ACA noncompliance penalties could crimp farms
The confusion regarding the implementation of the nation's new health insurance regulations should not derail agricultural employers from paying close attention to the measures in order to avoid costly penalties for noncompliance.The consequences involved in... more »