by Jason Johnson, NRCS
Iowa’s Apple Trails Family Orchard is prospering after soils information provided by USDA helped two beginning orchardists start off on the right track.
Darren and Becky Housberg moved to Osceola, Iowa, in 1995. They began making plans for their orchard in 2010. Becky researched apple varieties, and the couple set aside 40 acres of land for their planned orchard. (more…)
by Sally Colby
As growers become more familiar with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and the Produce Safety Rule (PSR), it’s important they understand the meaning of and regulations pertaining to testing agricultural water used for irrigation and other areas of production. (more…)
When All Good News Is Not Good News
The clerk handed me the receipt and pointed to instructions at the bottom. “Please fill out our customer survey,” she said, “but only if you have good things to say about our store. We don’t want to hear any negative comments,” she quipped, and then quickly added, “Remember – if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all!” (more…)
The battle never ends. Growers, across regions and soil types and seasons, are constantly fighting against all the elements to produce healthy (and profitable) crops. They contend against the weather, insects, changing consumer tastes, diseases and more, always hopeful for a good harvest. Luckily, there is an army of scientists marching right alongside them, always striving to make the process easier. (more…)
by Courtney Llewellyn
Autumn harvest may seem like a small goal on far horizon, but there is already one crop that’s gaining attention – the pumpkin.
The National Garden Bureau has declared 2019 “The Year of the Pumpkin,” and for good reason. “The long term trend is an increase in sales” of pumpkins, said Jamie Hoffman, the founder, president and breeder of Outstanding Seed Company LLC. “People are spending more on Halloween every year. You can see how the popularity is growing in the offerings of farm markets and websites.” (more…)
by Sally Colby
The results of a nationwide survey of organic farmers to identify research priorities didn’t hold any surprises. Mark Schonbeck, research associate at the Organic Farming Research Foundation, said organic farmers listed soil health, fertility and nutrient management as top priorities. (more…)
by Elizabeth A. Tomlin
Editor’s note: This is Part 2 of a three-part series on agritourism. Information comes from a six-part webinar by Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Schoharie, Otsego, Sullivan and Ulster Counties, hosted by Delaware County CCE, and sponsored by the Northeast Extension Risk Management Education.
“How risky do you want to go?” asked Mariane Kiraly, Delaware County CCE Senior Resource Educator/ Farm Business Management.
Inviting the public onto your property to tour your agricultural business and participate in farm activities incurs risk. How much responsibility do you need to take if someone gets injured? (more…)
by Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
Could wholesale help your fruit and vegetable farm sell more? Michigan State University Extension offered “Wholesale for Beginning Farmers” as a webinar recently. Jae Gerhart, a Michigan State Extension agent specializing in community food systems, presented. (more…)
There’s no better way to avoid potential plant problems than to know when and how they might occur, and to be ready for them so that they do not cause severe problems. (more…)
by Sally Colby
Although John Ferree and Kate Lietz came from somewhat different farming backgrounds, their combined experience turned out to be just right for their new venture in Free Soil, MI. (more…)
by Catie Joyce-Bulay
“When will the asparagus be ready?” This is a question Sharon Schmatt, owner of Ol’ Timers Asparagus, hears a lot this time of year as locals anticipate the first available fresh vegetable of the season, a sure sign that spring has arrived in Eastern Washington’s Walla Walla Valley. (more…)
by Sally Colby
Regina Gentile spent most of her life in the field of education, first as an educator and a guidance counselor, then as an administrator. After retiring from the teaching profession, she was ready to pursue her true passion: farming.
“As a young child, my hands were always in the dirt,” said Gentile. “I love watching food as it grows, and I’ve always had a home garden. This business was a natural progression for me.” (more…)
