Apple trees are dying, growers are concerned and researchers are resolute in determining what’s causing the decline and death of previously healthy apple trees. Dr. Kari Peter, associate research professor of tree fruit pathology at Penn State, discussed the issue at an Apple Decline Summit at Penn ...

The New England Vegetable & Fruit Conference (NEVFC) is a biennial event that brings together growers and producers from across the New England states. This event began in 1979 and has been growing exponentially since. A new record was hit this year, as by the first day of the conference, attendance...

One of the most frightening experiences for anyone is learning that a friend or family member is considering ending their life. The impact of suicide in farming communities is unique. In rural communities with smaller populations, many people know “everyone” and there’s a familiarity among individua...

While Britney Spears may eventually come around on the topic in her song “Toxic,” most plants never say “I think I’m ready now” when it comes to toxic growing media. Phytotoxicity is something ag engineers and researchers are combatting as they work toward finding alternatives to peat, however. Disc...

Whether you grow vegetables or ornamentals in the greenhouse, Western flower thrips ( Frankliniella occidentalis ) are problematic. These pests cause visible damage to a wide range of crops. They also transmit viruses, vectoring diseases including significant ones which can plague greenhouse crops: ...

The Northeast Forest Farming Conference in Danby, VT, which took place earlier this year, introduced attendees to a wide variety of topics, including shiitake mushroom inoculation. Corinna Steinrueck, the forest manager at Warren Wilson College and the Forest Stewards Guild , hosted a session to tea...

Winfield Farms in Surry, VA, has a rich history of dedicated family who have carefully cultivated crops over the years. But as is the case with many farms, as family members aged, portions of the multi-property acreage were rented to neighboring farmers. About four years ago, sisters Nita and Neva M...

The spirit of Christmas swirls in the air like snow at Paul Bunyan’s Farm and Nursery in Chicopee, MA. They reopened on Sept. 7 so people could start tagging their trees in anticipation of the upcoming holiday season. That weekend, over 300 people came to the nursery to choose their trees. The farm ...

Farmers often reminisce about the days when they could easily fix their own car, truck or tractor. For many, it was an opportunity to share mechanical skills with the next generation. While advanced technology led to major improvements in farm equipment, it also placed equipment repair beyond the sc...

The cider industry continues to remain strong for craft beverage drinkers – and for those who grow and harvest the apples that are fermented into that tasty drinkable treat. However, just like any other horticultural crop, disease pressure remains an issue. Looking into “Phenology, Infection Risk an...

The reason for the success of bespoke agricultural tour agency Explorations by Thor can be summed up succinctly by co-owner and co-founder Donna Thor: “Farmers love to talk to other farmers!” she said. “And whether it’s a farmer from across town or halfway around the world, they always like to share...

The annual Tales of the Cocktail conference isn’t just about the final intoxicating products. There is also a lot of information shared on how the ingredients that go into your favorite wines and spirits are grown, harvested and handled. Looking specifically at terroir in the “SoilEd: Digging into F...

A few years ago I was chatting with a neighbor and he mentioned that he was having trouble growing tomatoes and peppers on his property. I looked around and immediately pointed out three black walnut trees as the culprit. He adamantly disagreed with me. I walked away (and quickly passed his house an...

The Country Folks Grower team was saddened to hear of the passing of Bill Lamont Jr. in November after a stoic battle with health issues. A professor emeritus of horticulture and a vegetable crops Extension specialist through Penn State, he is well published in academia; however, most of our readers...

Country Folks Grower is proud to join communities across America in celebration of National Rural Health Day (NRHD) on Nov. 21. The National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) and rural-focused organizations throughout the U.S. set aside the third Thursday of November to recogniz...