Nearly everyone who grows a crop outdoors has encountered problems with deer damage. When populations of large natural predators (wolves and big cats) were high, deer populations were kept in check. With the loss of such predators and less natural habitat, deer have become bold as they seek habitat ...

Data collected in2015by the USDA indicated that7,398farms in the U.S. sold products directly to consumers through a community supported agriculture (CSA) arrangement. In that year, CSAs accounted for $226 million (or 7%) of the $3 billion in direct-to-consumer sales by farms. Anecdotally, that numbe...

It’s easy to put off retirement planning, but Tracy Garofalo, an accountant with Pennsylvania Farm Bureau’s MST business services, said retirement planning should not be ignored. Garofalo said the biggest issues for most are when to start, structuring a plan and determining the tax implications. “Th...

As early autumn’s colder weather settles in, strawberry growers utilizing a plasticulture system are busy with fall planting of plugs into raised beds. Depending on climate, the exact timing of planting strawberry plugs each autumn varies, as the berries will need time to establish themselves before...

Growers of vegetables, fruits, flowers or any other plant product that grows in bulk know there are several ways to sell their goods. According to Penn State Extension, direct-to-consumer outlets such as farmers markets and CSAs typically garner the best price points, but they’re also the most labor...

The reputation of dried flowers suffers from a legacy of overabundance of the 1980s (along with big hair and shoulder pads). Despite that, they are experiencing a rebirth that is brighter, fresher and more natural. Choosing something that is more lasting is a tenet of Millennials – that includes suc...

No matter what you’re growing in the greenhouse, stopping pathogens before they gain a foothold is the optimal way to keep them at bay. But simply cleaning isn’t enough. Cleaning involves removing organic matter and getting rid of dirt. Disinfecting requires cleaning surfaces first, but doesn’t stop...

Marketing plans are built around many components, not the least of which is a balanced workforce. All the people who work, volunteer, partner, consult or connect with your business in any way can be considered a part of your human resources. When your workforce is in balance and operating smoothly, ...

Cold weather is setting in and fruit trees are acclimating to decreasing temperatures. Although the extent of cold damage fluctuates year-to-year, cold damage in tree fruit is “a perennial problem,” said Matthew Whiting, tree fruit specialist at Washington State University, during a recent webinar. ...

Over the course of my career, I have organized and developed many educational sessions for various winter meetings. When I was employed at North Carolina State University, Kansas State University and eventually Penn State, I developed workshops and seminars for organizations such as the American Soc...

In the “Austin Powers” movies, Dr. Evil wanted to use lasers for nefarious purposes. In Sweden, they’re using them for berry-picking purposes. (Did you know? Laser is actually short for “Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.”) By combining nationwide airborne laser scanning data a...

The Northeast Greenhouse Conference & Expo took place Nov. 3 – 4 at the Boxboro Regency Hotel in Boxborough, MA. This biennial show allows growers to come togetherfor educational sessions, networking and a trade show. For more information visit NEgreenhouse.org . All photos by Joan Kark-Wren Don War...

Although Bobby and Laura Wolfe grew up in agriculture, both ended up in non-ag careers. Today, they’re back to farming and growing their family as they support their community. The Wolfes’ goal in purchasing their Keezletown, VA, farm was to raise crops and their four children while serving their co...

An array of agricultural innovators will soon convene to compete for some contest cash. Grow-NY is a business competition centered on growing agriculture innovation in upstate New York. The competition attracts inventive, high-growth food and agriculture startups from both inside and outside the U.S...

Growing fruit successfully relies upon harvesting good quality fruit. MidAtlantic Women In Agriculture presented “What is Fruit Quality?” as a recent webinar, featuring Dr. Macarena Farcuh, assistant professor and Extension specialist with the Department of Plant Sciences and Landscape Architecture,...