Melons
Ag employers feel the pinch from E-Verify, state reforms
If you weren't familiar with E-Verify before, you're probably familiar with it now.E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information from an employee's I-9 form to data from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)... more »
Downy mildew outbreak in southeast Michigan cucumbers
Downy mildew on cucumbers was reported in Carleton in southeast Michigan July 7. Click here to see the Michigan downy mildew map. It is not clear as to the extent of this outbreak or its... more »
How do you replace methyl bromide?
Methyl bromide has worked wonders for Florida strawberry growers over the years, eliminating a broad spectrum of pests in a fairly straightforward manner. Stricter environmental controls and an international agreement have slowly phased out use... more »
Texas safety site caters to nation’s food producers
The annual watermelon harvest that began in late April was the start of Texas fruit and vegetable yields, from the tropical southern regions to the fertile northwest plains.While fresh produce pours into the market bins,... more »
Monsanto devises new produce varieties with range of benefits
At the store one morning you finally ditched the old "thump test" and picked out a perfectly ripe melon based on color alone. The Kansas City StarTo read more, click here. more »
Vegetable use up in 2010
In 2010, per capita disappearance (net domestic use) of all vegetables, melons, potatoes,sweet potatoes, pulse crops and mushrooms rose slightly to 420 pounds, according to USDA's April 28 Vegetables and Melons Outlook.Increased domestic disappearance of... more »
USDA seeks comments on redistricting watermelon board
USDA announced that it is seeking comments on a proposed rule to change the boundaries of all the districts and add two importer seats to the National Watermelon Promotion Board.At least every five years, the... more »
To preserve sales, control pumpkin pests
Pumpkin sales in late September and October are often the key to profitability. As a result, pest management is essential to ensure an adequate supply of pumpkins is available during this critical period. Several insects... more »
Ohio Wants a Say in Produce Safety Plan
Bob Jones hoped that this food safety thing would have been cleared up by now, but it's more confusing than ever. Produce growers today have to live up to a multiplicity of standards to keep... 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 »
