Community supported agriculture (CSA) programs have become another means for producers to bring income to the farm as well as lock in markets and a revenue stream. Garrett Ziegler, MSU Extension Community Food Systems Educator, recently spoke on the topic as part of the MSU Extension Beginning Farme...

Local and national news often report worrying cases of foodborne illnesses, and according to Matt Frye with the New York State IPM Program at Cornell, an unknown number of food contamination cases relate to pests. The pests, usually rodents and birds, can contaminate produce with their feces, urine,...

The popularity of high density orchards has led to some new research into the best manner of protecting those trees from spring frosts. Joe Hannan, commercial horticultural specialist with Iowa State Extension, conducted trials in two high density orchards using overhead irrigation sprinklers in a f...

Growers of perennial crops can’t readily practice crop rotation, and the risk from diseases with staying power means not only losing this season’s crop, but could mean lost production for several years. Protecting your investment in these longer-lived vegetables requires diligence. Asparagus and rhu...

It won’t be long before asparagus season is upon us. It is important not to mow off the dead fern growth from last year until about three to four weeks before spears normally start coming up. Mowing off the dead fern too early will result in soil temperatures warming up too soon, causing early spear...

Direct marketing of agricultural products and services has become a billion dollar industry across the U.S., the success of which centers on making a meaningful connection between producer and consumer. For many direct marketers, planning and executing a successful advertising and promotion program ...

Plants in the Brassicaceae family – cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and mustard – contain glucosinolates, sulfur-containing compounds that give those vegetables their unique flavor and smell. Some studies have shown that glucosinolates may also be beneficial in preventing cancer and cardiovascular di...

The year 2020 ushers in a new century for the Coene family of Windmill Farms LLC of Ontario, NY, where five generations have diligently worked to keep their apple production expanding and changing to meet new markets and consumers’ new demands. Fifth generation apple farmer Tom Coene, a recent gradu...

The celebrated Empire State Producers Expo (ESPE) returned to the Oncenter in Syracuse, NY, this year , bringing with it three full days of important trade show connections and illuminating educational sessions. This year’s expo, organized by the Trade Show Division of Lee Newspapers Inc., took plac...