Apple scab, caused by the fungus *Venturia inaequalis*, remains one of the most significant challenges for apple growers in Michigan and New York and across Northeastern North America. The 2024 growing season provided valuable insights into effective Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies to combat this persistent disease. By reflecting on lessons learned, insights from our […]
Why US Farms are adopting Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Insights from Juliet Evelyn Carroll
Meet Juliet Evelyn Carroll, a seasoned plant pathologist with over 20 years of experience in Integrated Pest Management (IPM). During her time as the IPM Fruit Coordinator at Cornell University, Juliet dedicated her career to helping farmers adopt sustainable pest management practices. Now retired, she remains actively engaged in promoting IPM to the next generation […]
FSMA 204 Explained: For the Fresh Produce, Family Farm
Keeping up with changing regulations can be a full-time job for a farming business. If you are a family farm growing fresh produce, we cut to the must-know details in your journey to prepare for the latest changes from the FDA. FSMA 204 Explained The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) was designed to improve food […]
Hack your Apple Harvest
If you grow apples in Michigan or New York, it’s time to simplify your harvest. November 1, 2024 It’s harvest season for apples and millions of crates of fruit are being picked and loaded into packhouses and cold storage. How do you keep track of it all? Solutions can range from expensive barcode systems to […]
What currently available technology best supports a farm in their implementation of IPM?
Several modern technologies can support a farm in the implementation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of pest control strategies. Here are some of the most impactful technologies: 1. Automated Traps and Monitoring Devices Automated pest traps equipped with cameras and sensors can monitor pest populations and alert farmers when thresholds […]
Accessible Plant Protection Product Databases: a Game Changer for Farmers
A Game Changer for Integrated Pest Management Staying Ahead with Plant Protection Products One of the primary challenges for farmers today is keeping up with the latest approved chemical products and changes to product label registrations. This task is crucial as it ensures the safety and effectiveness of their crop protection strategies. Access to accurate […]
European sustainability reporting will impact your farm – wherever you farm.
The CSDR directive takes effect in 2024. There is a knock-on effect that world-wide farms can expect to feel in the seasons ahead. ESG reporting directives in Europe are common-place. Over the past decade, European businesses have become familiar with the Non-Financial Reporting (NFR) Directive, which supports transparency on environmental and social issues. In 2022, […]
Unlocking Female Talent in Agriculture – In Practice
Talent in agriculture is becoming more diverse. If you are recruiting, it’s easier than you think to get women in your talent pipeline. A few months ago, a blog article written by Rebekah Shields caught my attention. Her article was entitled, Unlocking Female Talent: A Strategic Imperative for the Agricultural Sector. I don’t know Rebekah […]
The importance of fit-for-purpose farm management software
What is it like to manage a commercial avocado farm with broad-acre technology? August 2024 Author: Matt Fealy There are 3 things in my life that drive me; family, farming and technology. I have been lucky enough to balance these 3 things and that happens when technology supports the farm which allows the farm to […]