Asparagus

Keeping Track of Changes

You might have noticed some changes in the last couple of issues. First of all, VGN (and FGN) has a new assistant editor, Derrek Sigler. He introduced himself in last month's Editor's Letter. We're also... more »

Hard Times for California Asparagus

The long ranks of asparagus bunches standing at attention at the Zuckerman stalls at local farmers markets look much the same as in previous years, and the green, herbaceous spears are just as tender and... more »

Has Peruvian Asparagus Peaked?

Four years ago, Peruvian asparagus growers were feeling pretty confident -- and for good reason. Their industry had grown exponentially since 1991, when Peruvian asparagus was granted tariff-free access to the U.S. market. The U.S.... more »

Mechanical Asparagus Harvester Almost a Reality

After more than a century of experimentation, the U.S. asparagus industry just might be on the verge of getting itself a workable, economical mechanical harvester. Since 1908, 57 patents for some sort of mechanical asparagus... more »

Growers Getting Desperate in California Water Crisis

Like a lot of growers on the western side of California's San Joaquin Valley, Joe Del Bosque has had to cut back on his plantings. Water shortages forced him to fallow roughly half his 2,300... more »

Asparagus Payment Delayed

Maybe next year, asparagus growers. The $15 million the U.S. asparagus industry has been waiting for is still "limping its way" through the federal system, and growers might not get money in their hands until... more »

Wisconsin Farm Market Weathers Ups and Downs

2006 and 2007 were a tough couple of years for Wisconsin Territories Farm Market, but owner Kate Zdroik is ready to bounce back and is optimistic about the upcoming season. Her husband and co-owner, Mark... more »

“ASPARAGUS! Stalking the American Life” To Hit PBS Airwaves

The award-winning, independent documentary film “ASPARAGUS! Stalking the American Life” will air on Michigan PBS stations at 8 p.m. April 29. The broadcast, underwritten by Farm Bureau Insurance and the Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board, can... more »

More Farms, Fewer Acres Among U.S. Ag Trends

According to the 2007 Census of Agriculture, the number of farms in the United States grew 4 percent from 2002 to 2007, while the number of acres declined. The 2007 Census counted 2,204,792 farms in... more »

Why Buy Local?

My wife had just finished up her latest semester in college, and we decided to celebrate. It was a dark, gloomy night in December, but there was no stopping us crazy kids from a wild... more »

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