September/October 2021

Do pawpaws pique your organic interest? – Editor’s letter

If you’re thinking and reading about quirky crops to possibly add to your farm market in the future, you may have stumbled upon pawpaws. There are farms that...

Farmers try poly-cropping, with more than one crop at a time

What if a farmer could grow an entire crop rotation together at one time, getting all of the benefits and all of the yield? That is the theory...

FloraPulse system measures water potential of trees, vines

When it comes to precision irrigation in orchards and vineyards, you could say that FloraPulse is an inside job. An electronic sensor embedded in the woody tissue of...

Mating disruption products’ availability, practice grow

More types of agricultural pheromones available in the market for an increasing number of pests give growers options for pest control.  Mating disruption products confuse and distract insect pests...

Multi-generational stewardship at Innovative Produce grows sustainable organics

Sustainability and environmental stewardship have long been key ingredients at Innovative Produce Sales. The sixth-generation Santa Maria, California, grower-shipper of organics possesses deep roots in the Santa Maria...

Oregon’s Troon Vineyard earns Regenerative Organic Certification

From the organically grown winegrapes to the sheep that graze in the vineyards after harvest, to winemaking in aged oak barrels and clay amphorae, there’s something different in...

The Midwest studies regionally-adapted organic seeds

Growers gathered at a Minnesota farm in early September to share techniques and tips for growing organic seed specially adapted to the Midwest’s climate. Short summers make quick-bearing...

Washington sheep farmer tests effect of grazing on potato farmland

The concept of regenerative agriculture is popular these days. The Rodale Institute states that regenerative agriculture “prioritizes soil health while simultaneously encompassing high standards for animal welfare and...

Why growers should get proactive about farm succession planning

Succession planning probably isn’t much above last will and testament toward the bottom of most farmers’ to-do list. Neither subject is pleasant to think about, but both are...

Why pros say the state of our organic produce industry is strong

Organic produce demand is hot. Boosted by COVID-19 related demand, the sales base for organics through new products and supply is growing as the category flourishes. Growers and...