Crop Production

Monarchs and More Western Habitat Program open for applications

Site prep is conducted by the grower, seed is provided by Monarch Joint Venture, and the seed is designed to be location appropriate based on the region. more »

EPA proposes rule to protect farmworkers and pesticide handlers from exposures

The Worker Protection Standard regulations offer protections to over two million agricultural workers and pesticide handlers who work at over 600,000 agricultural establishments. more »

DNA research finds low genetic diversity among U.S. honeybees

The lack of genetic diversity creates a vulnerability for U.S. honeybees to survive in shifting climates that are now wetter or drier than usual. There is also concern that a honeybee's inability to fight off disease or parasitic infection. more »

Smooth succession

The next generation begins to take over one of the oldest pistachio processors. ... more »

Vilsack: Prosperity is elusive for too many farms, ranches

According to the USDA Economic Research Service, about half of U.S. farm families had negative farm income. Many, Vilsack said, rely on off-farm income to make ends meet. more »

Growers invited to see benefits of cover crops in orchards, vineyards

University of California created a searchable database of orchard and vineyard growers experienced in cover crops, and field visit opportunities are available in February. more »

Hedging and shredding in pecan orchards

Returning these limbs and the organic matter and nutrients they hold to the soil may help improve soil quality, and will help improve the sustainability of pecan production. more »

NIFA funds $3.8 million project to find climate-resilient pistachio trees

Relying on just a few primary cultivars has researchers looking for grower feedback as they search for the next best rootstock-scion pair in order to keep pistachios resilient and profitable. more »