Water

Growers considering tunnels must weigh pros and cons

Every good reason to grow tomatoes and other high-return vegetables and small fruits in high tunnels has a compelling argument to counter it, according to a Cornell University Extension vegetable specialist."These potential pitfalls of tunnel... more »

California drought showing no signs of relenting

Although early February storms brought much-needed precipitation to California, they only made a small dent in the four-year-old drought, water managers said.Many of the state's vegetable growers said they still don't expect any surface water... more »

Drip irrigation, fertigation keep strawberries on track

Using proper drip irrigation and fertigation techniques can be akin to pursuing "a business of Goldilocks," according to a University of Georgia Extension horticulturalist.Erick Smith, speaking to strawberry growers at the 2015 Southeast Regional Fruit... more »

Climate change will force adaptation

Last year was Earth's warmest since 1880, according to NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).The two agencies recently announced that Earth's average surface temperature has warmed by about 1.4˚ F since 1880,... more »

Organic growers face challenges and opportunities

David Coveyou, owner of Scenic Farm in Petoskey, Michigan, who works with farm manager Laura Judge, discussed how they "cultivated farm resiliency and transitioned to organic production" during a presentation at the 2014 Great Lakes... more »

Heirloom tomato growers benefit from new varieties

There was a time when heirloom tomatoes were typically associated with production, handling and shipping challenges that did not attract commercial growers.According to Jeanine Davis, North Carolina State University (NCSU) horticulturalist and Extension specialist, the... more »

Drip irrigation management leads to efficiencies

Vegetable growers in Florida are using plasticulture to improve water and nutrient management practices on more than 5,000 acres of production. And the effort is paying off, according to one Extension official familiar with the... more »

JV Farms Organic recycling efforts spread companywide

The CEO of a large western U.S. vegetable operation was front and center when it came time to rally companywide support for stronger recycling and sustainability efforts.JV Farms Organic, based in Soledad, California, has launched... more »