Water
Precision agriculture poised for growth
An agricultural engineering professor, in the forefront of high-tech innovation, believes there are significant advantages for specialty crop operators who pursue and adapt precision agriculture technologies.The bottom line – impacted by such trends as a... more »
Michigan Vegetable Council celebrates 50 years
The Michigan Vegetable Council (MVC) turned 50 in November. Its purpose, improving and aiding Michigan's vegetable industry, hasn't changed in all that time – especially its emphasis on supporting research and education."The need for research... more »
Association seeks to unite Colorado’s fruit, vegetable growers
A small but expanding group in Colorado is carefully nurturing a new association that brings together fruit and vegetable growers from all the key growing regions in the state.The Colorado Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association... more »
Targeted breeding aids vegetable seeds
Meeting market demand in a more efficient and profitable manner could be accelerated for plant breeders, seed companies and commercial vegetable growers in the not too distant future.Working closely with the seed-growing community, and recognizing... more »
Food safety starts with washing your hands
The most important food safety measure in processing plants, fields and orchards may also be the simplest: wash your hands.All too often, those hands serve as a pathway to future trouble.FDA estimates 3.1 million illnesses... more »
Fresh-cut celery a success for Duda Farm Fresh Foods
With the nickname the "Celery King," it's not surprising that Duda Farm Fresh Foods entered the fresh-cut market in a big way.In 1997, the company – the world's largest grower and processor of celery –... more »
Plastic aids strawberry growth in Kansas
Kansas isn't known as a strawberry-producing state, but some innovative growers, helped by a couple of strategic research grants, are figuring out the best way to adapt annual plasticulture methods in a state where production... more »
Waterjet cutting shows promise for produce items
The use of high-pressure jets of water as a way to cut produce may be beginning to emerge as an alternative for fresh-cut processors.The technology for waterjet cutting has been around for decades, first appearing... more »
Ohio’s Ackerman, industry booster, dies
George F. Ackerman, 83, of Oregon, Ohio died Aug. 23 at his home.Mr. Ackerman farmed with his two brothers until 1958. From that point on, he custom sprayed vegetable crops for local farmers and operated... more »
California ag finds ways to conserve water
The 2014 drought will cost California's economy $2.2 billion and 17,100 seasonal and part-time jobs, according to a study released in July by the University of California's (UC) Center for Watershed Sciences and Agricultural Issues... more »