A wide variety of techniques have been used by growers to extend the growing season. More recently, growers have employed row covers, low tunnels and high tunnels because of their simplicity and effectiveness in protecting crops from low temperatures. (more…)
Peach viruses aren’t all equally prevalent across the U.S., with growers in some regions experiencing threats uncommon in other areas. In 1999, Pennsylvania, New York and Michigan growers experienced an outbreak of plum pox virus (PPV), which as of 2019 is considered eradicated from the country. (more…)
One way to increase profits no matter your type of nursery business is to decrease input costs. Inputs include materials, time and labor. If labor costs are reduced, but output is the same, then the cost of doing business drops. If it takes less time to do a given task, then more time is available to devote to another moneymaking function. (more…)
Cucurbit downy mildew is caused by two types of the oomycyte Pseudoperonosora cubensis. The first type, known as Clade I, infects pumpkins, watermelon and squash. Clade II infects cucumbers and cantaloupe. Clade I is not seen as frequently as Clade II and shouldn’t be treated until it is detected in your fields or your region. (more…)
Hopefully by now, you’ve built your page and have familiarized yourself a bit with creating content, sharing posts and engaging with your community. If you’ve run into any problems along the way or have any specific questions, we’d love to answer them and help you reach you goals. (more…)
As biological controls become more viable as complements or replacements for pesticides and other chemicals, more growers are finding ways to keep these predatory insects happy.
According to a new study by researchers at the University of Copenhagen, predatory insects live longer when they have access to nectar and pollen. Flowers benefit both the insects and the farmers. (more…)
Now is the time to review your marketing plan and determine where you are spending the most money, if you are meeting your target audiences and planning for the best return on your marketing investment. The goal is to achieve a well-balanced plan that reaches across sales strategies and results in profitable margins. (more…)
Mackintosh Fruit Farm recently put up deer fencing to help keep the animals from sneaking into their orchards. Photo courtesy of Mackintosh Fruit Farm
by Sally Colby
When Bill Mackintosh wanted to establish an orchard 30 years ago, he couldn’t afford to purchase trees. But he came up with a solution, and it brought him to where he is today. (more…)
Dave Chapman, owner of Long Wind Farm in East Thetford, VT, was the presenter in part one of a series on high tunnel growing. Photo courtesy of Dave Chapman
by Sonja Heyck-Merlin
Dave Chapman, owner of Long Wind Farm in East Thetford, VT, was the main speaker in the first of a three-part webinar series titled “High Tunnels After Dark: 2020 High Tunnel Production Conference.” (more…)
Matthew Whiting is a horticulture professor at Washington State University specializing in orchard architecture and mechanization. Photo courtesy of Matthew Whiting
by Enrico Villamaino
Cherry trees are large, with complicated architectures, but they bear small fruit. Proper cultivation and care of cherry trees results in a heavy dependence on labor. (more…)
Day-neutral strawberries grow best when placed in crowned, raised beds and protected by plastic. Photo courtesy of Pam Fisher/Fisher Berry Crop Consulting
by Courtney Llewellyn
The sweet treat of strawberries tends to be an alluring draw for many customers. As growers, it would be wonderful to be able to offer them more than one season per year. (more…)
Paul Neiffer is a certified public accountant and business advisor specializing in agribusiness taxation, accounting services and succession planning. Photo courtesy of Paul Neiffer
by Enrico Villamaino
The average age of farm operators in America is on the rise. A full third of all farmers in the U.S. are at least 65 years old. (more…)
