TOLEDO, Ohio – Growing fruits and vegetables in Ohio is common across the state, but what about during the harsh winter months? Yes, it is possible, and potentially very profitable through some unique techniques mastered by second-generation American organic farmer Clara Coleman. (more…)

Farms from around the country are celebrating National CSA Sign-Up Day on February 28. The day encourages food consumers to buy a share of their local farm’s harvest for the 2015 season, a buying model known as Community Supported Agriculture, or CSA.
CSA has become an important model to support local agriculture since it was introduced to the United States in the 1980s and since grown to over 6,000 farms across the country. To join a CSA, members buy a share of the harvest in the Winter and Spring and then get a box of local produce each week throughout the growing season. (more…)

In December 2014, some growers received word that the plant material they purchased may have been infected with Ralstonia solanacearum (southern bacterial wilt).  Host material was grown in Guatemala, shipped weeks 30-52, and included callibrachoa, heliotrope, lobelia, nemesia, osteospermum, petunia, portulaca and verbena (please note that the host range is broader  than this list).
It is important to note that the Ralstonia found is Race 1, not Race 3 Biovar 2 which is a quarantine pathogen.  However, growers were requested to destroy the plant material, test suspected plants, and disinfect floors and benches with which the plants may have been in contact.  NYS Ag and Markets inspectors have visited all greenhouses that were known to have received the suspect plant materials.
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Greetings! The Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA) will be organizing two farmers market sessions at the Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market Expo in Grand Rapids, MI on Thursday, December 11, 2014. Please see the details of the two sessions below.  If you plan on attending the EXPO, be sure to stop by the MIFMA booth at the tradeshow!
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AUGUSTA – Maine decorative-plant shippers who are sending Christmas trees and wreaths around the country for the holiday season can save money and lost products by noting important plant health regulations enforced by other states, according to the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF).
“Shippers should be aware of the many state laws and regulations regarding the movement of plants and forest products,” warned Ann Gibbs, Maine State Horticulturist. “Many states, closely monitor shipments to prevent infestation by invasive insects and the spread of plant diseases. Planning ahead benefits Maine shippers by speeding along deliveries in this time-sensitive industry,” said Gibbs. (more…)

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Working long hours without an adequate amount of sleep is just one example of how farmers can increase their risk of injury during harvest, a safety expert with Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences said.Knowing some simple safety precautions to take during harvesting is critical for farmers to reduce the potential for injuries, said Andy Bauer, an Ohio State University Extension agricultural health and safety professional. OSU Extension is the outreach arm of the college. (more…)

Enfield, Conn. —Farm Credit East honors veterans who have served in the U.S. military. As veterans come home from service, many are returning to rural communities and some even pursuing careers in agriculture, either starting new farm ventures or joining existing operations. These veteran farmers are an important part of the future of agriculture in the Northeast.
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Phytophthora ramorum, the pathogen involved with Ramorum Blight/Sudden Oak Death was detected in plants (among a total shipment of 52,000 plants) shipped to PA from a nursery in Oregon. A mix of rhododendrons and other plants were sent to ‘big box stores’. The PA Dept. of Ag is initiating a trace forward effort to try to find plants that may be infected, immediately starting with the big box stores. It is likely that some of the plants from that shipment have been sold. (more…)

Walk-ins are welcome at tomorrow’s

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JEFFERSON, Ohio – Agroterrorism may be a term many farmers haven’t heard of, but it’s one they need to understand in order to combat it, according to an expert with Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.
Farmers are prepared to respond to natural disasters, but in an age where the risk of human-caused disasters such as agroterrorism is an issue, farmers must be vigilant and know what to look out for, said David Marrison, an Ohio State University Extension educator. OSU Extension is the outreach arm of the college. (more…)

NORWALK, Ohio — More and more farms are plugging into the sun to meet their energy needs.
Farmers can learn about the benefits of solar energy systems from other farmers as well as industry and university experts April 21at a program organized by Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences. (more…)

PIKETON, Ohio – Specialty fruit or vegetable crop producers looking to gain a better understanding of how to use high tunnels to boost profits can apply for a new training opportunity April 28-30 from Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.
The Ohio State University South Centers will host the three-day high tunnel training on basic and advanced high tunnel techniques, including production and usage, said Brad Bergefurd, an Ohio State University Extension horticulturist based at the centers in Piketon. (more…)

LANSING – A referendum to determine whether to establish a Michigan Tree Fruit Research & Development Program will be conducted from February 17, 2014 through February 28, 2014 by the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD).

The referendum of Michigan tree fruit producers was authorized by MDARD Director Jamie Clover Adams after her review of testimony given at two public hearings held in Comstock Park and Traverse City on November 25 and 26, 2013, and from written testimony received by MDARD. (more…)