Asparagus
Michigan growers pull for new entomologist
By Matt Milkovich, Managing Editor Michigan State University's (MSU) new vegetable entomologist is in the midst of her first field season, observing Michigan vegetable production from beginning to end. It's an exciting time, and a... more »
Researchers try chemigation on new plantings
By Matt Milkovich, Managing EditorMichigan State University (MSU) researchers, in collaboration with the Michigan asparagus industry, are studying the efficacy of chemigation in an experimental asparagus field in the western part of the state.The two-and-a-half-acre... more »
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 »
Current Issue
Mid-Atlantic honors: Pennsylvania growers, farm markets recognized
Weed control: Management critical for disease control
Wish Farms pioneers organics, marketing
Farm Market & Agritourism: Understanding and addressing customer pain points
Ag Labor Review: New administration brings ag policy changes
see all current issue »
