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…)
Bowman Orchards has been a family affair for 100 years. They grow cherries in both Montana and Washington. Photo courtesy of Bowman Orchards
by Sally Colby
After growing a crop for 100 years, there’s a good chance the people behind it have become good at it. The Bowman family, of Bigfork, MT, recently celebrated a century as cherry growers. (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…)
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…)
Patricia Wolff, AFBF senior director of congressional relations, led the discussion on tax policy during the coming term. Photo courtesy of AFBF
by Enrico Villamaino
The Biden Administration’s likely agricultural policies and priorities were recently discussed at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) 2021 annual conference. (more…)
