Category: Crop Production
Block grants to assist California, Oregon producers in Klamath River Basin
USDA is investing $15 million for a new drought pilot to assist those affected. The pilot is part of a broader suite of programs available to producers to help recover losses from drought.
Ubees’ move to become top pollination services provider boosted
With growth capital secured, the company is focusing on becoming a leading pollination services provider by expanding into new crops and territories and using IoT tech for the best data.
USDA announces $16.6 million for disadvantaged and veteran farmers
Previous farm bills have expanded funding and assistance, and the 2501 Program helps socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers that experience barriers to service.
AFT shares Soil Health Economic Calculator with customized almond version
California’s water struggles make this version especially timely, which will estimate the economic effects of almond-specific soil health practices like nutrient management, cover crops, mulching and compost.
Pecan leaf samples’ instructions shared for Oklahoma
July is the time for Oklahoma pecan growers to take leaf samples, and the Extension office has very specific and helpful instructions for how to do this.
GrubMarket acquires Pacific Farm Management to grow ag services
GrubMarket is adding Pacific Farm Management experts in safety compliance, human resources, finances, labor and more.
The Bee Corp’s pollination standard confirmed in peer-reviewed study
A goal of standardizing bee data is key for improved technology to help protect these valuable pollinators.
Managed honeybee colonies drop in second-highest loss rate
Despite beekeepers’ best management practices regarding colony health, researchers are seeing little progress in the reduction of colony loss.
Making the most of pecans in the Southeast
Nut drop tells growers important things about tree stress, and the two phases of nut production have very different requirements.
Court: Third parties can’t enter private property without compensating owners
The court struck down the California Agricultural Labor Relations Board rule that gave union organizers the right to physically access farm property to solicit support for unionization.
Honeybees survive longer with four compounds found in flowers
Improving the abundance and diversity of bee gut bacteria, these nutritional compounds found in flowers give bees a longer lifespan.
Amygdalin in almond nectar cuts viruses, gut parasites in honeybees
Healthy bees mean better pollination and better crops, and a natural chemical compound in almond nectar and pollen reduces the level of disease in bees, while increasing beneficial gut bacteria.
Potential shown for bee-impersonating flies to help pollination
Bees are still the most common pollinators, but a large number of other pollinators include the bee-mimicking syrphid flies, other insects and spiders.
San Diego County providing free COVID-19 vaccines to H-2A workers
The Johnson and Johnson vaccine will be available to farmworkers crossing into California from Tijuana, Mexico, and other vaccine brands by request depending on availability.
California initiative led by Western Growers, state ag secretary, eyes workforce
Agtech is here to stay, and California knows that the agriculture labor workforce depends on those who know how to use it.