Labor

Michigan still adjusting to crop losses of 2012

2012 was a bad year for many fruit-producing states, but none were hit harder than Michigan. An early warm-up followed by devastating freeze events killed roughly 85 percent of the state’s apples and nearly 90... more »

National Children’s Center to offer ag safety grants up to $20,000

Proposals are now being accepted for mini-grants up to $20,000 to support small-scale projects and pilot studies that address prevention of childhood agricultural disease and injury.The National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and... more »

Washington: Apple dumping reports have been exaggerated

Over the last few weeks, major news organizations have reported a historic apple dump in Washington state. Millions of pounds — and dollars — were reported lost.But according to apple growers and packers in the... more »

Revitalize blueberries with renovation

Blueberries have a distinct growth habit. Each spring new shoots emerge from the crown at the base of the plant. These shoots grow quickly the first couple years when they are young. They then start... more »

Washington state experiencing ‘historic’ apple dump

You can smell rotten fruit from a mile away; folks in Washington state know that firsthand.Multiple news organizations have reported that the state is experiencing the largest apple dump in its history. Millions of pounds... more »

Contest planned to find blueberry harvester

Naturipe wants to hear from innovators, developers and technology integrators who have ideas for a fully functional industrial prototype of an automated blueberry harvester.Although “The Blue Challenge” is a few weeks away from an official... more »

How to recruit labor for your farm

Finding hired help willing to work on a farm that operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year –including Friday and Saturday nights, July 4, November 15 and December 25– can be a real... more »

Report: Agriculture industry short 22,500 college graduates for job openings

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced a new report showing tremendous demand for recent college graduates with a degree in agricultural programs with an estimated 57,900 high-skilled job openings annually in the food, agriculture, renewable natural... more »