Water
EPA review hits Michigan’s delegated authority to enforce CWA
EPA recently released a final agency action on Michigan’s “delegated authority”—those provisions that grant the state’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) partial control over Clean Water Act (CWA) enforcement in the state. And at first blush,... more »
Study compares drip, furrow irrigation in organic production
In light of the current drought, many tomato growers are turning to water-efficient drip irrigation to increase yields and water use efficiency while decreasing weed pressure. However, the long-term implications of this transition for nutrient... more »
Estimates released of irrigated cropland idled due to California drought
On August 15, a team from UC Davis, ERA Economics and the UC Agricultural Issues Center released an economic impact report related to the California drought of 2016. Several commentaries have indicated that land fallowing... more »
Extended deadlines, new guidance added for food safety law
FDA has extended some of the compliance deadlines for parts of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and has issued draft guidance for a key portion of the law, the Produce Safety Rule. The changes... more »
South Texas irrigation training manual published
South Texas agricultural irrigators have a new resource available to help them improve irrigation management and water conservation, according to a Texas Water Resources Institute official. The “South Texas Irrigation Training Program Manual,” a publication... more »
Irrigation evolves from cumbersome sprinkler applications
Irrigation of vegetable crops has a lengthy history, driven by the reality that water is a finite resource. The emphasis on having the proper amount of water for successful plant growth continues to increase. According... more »
Empire Farm Days’ sprinker demos to highlight irrigation options
Live sprinkler demonstrations at the Empire Farm Days, Aug. 9-11, will highlight irrigation options for all types of fruit, berry, vegetable and crop producers. The demonstrations are part of the outdoor agricultural show hosted on 300 acres... more »
Taller, thinner crop beds save resources
Looking out over thousands of acres of tomatoes, Miguel Talavera, director of East Coast growing operations at Pacific Tomato Grower, marvels at the narrow lanes of fruit that are thriving in the hot Florida sun.... more »
