Happiness to me is biting into an apple. It’s true about nature’s candy – an apple DOES keep the doctor away. And at my age, the fewer doctor visits (aside from the scheduled times), the better. So as an apple fan, I was pleased to read the late-August forecast from the U.S. Apple Association. The … Read more
Farmers grow food and feed the world. Inherent in that process, however, is also a lot of waste. Both food and water are wasted on the farm, as well as everywhere else along the food chain. Decreasing the loss of edible food crops and eliminating water wasted in agricultural production are primary concerns nationally, as … Read more
Aphids: Look out for those sucking mouthparts and large numbers of insects In late summer, just-planted produce can look pretty good in the field but don’t be fooled. Small aphids may be just a few plants away. And there usually aren’t just a few. It can be hundreds to thousands, so when you rub your … Read more
Bigger isn’t necessarily better for small-scale farms A tractor is often the first piece of larger equipment purchased on any farm, no matter the size or growing practices. Select a tractor-sized to your needs and outfit it with implements that work with your crops and methods. Whether adapting old equipment, building a new tool out … Read more
Botrytis fruit rot, commonly called gray mold, damages an exceptionally wide range of hosts, including berries, ornamentals, and vegetables. Although numerous troublesome pathogens exist, Botrytis cinerea often causes the most serious losses in strawberries. The fungus affects the flower petals, stalks, and the fruit and fruit cups. Strawberries are a major fruit crop, and Botrytis … Read more