Search

Howell Farming Co., located in Wayne County, North Carolina, faces challenges common to growers in the region, such as labor shortages and flooding. To combat disease, the farm rotates crops with neighboring farms, expanding their options beyond their own fields. The farm also deals with pest issues, particularly crows, by using varieties with a strong canopy to hide the melons from view. Howell Farming Co. emphasizes trust and collaboration with their neighbors to overcome these challenges and maintain successful melon and sweet potato crops. [Extracted from the article]

Offers a look on the 18th annual "American Vegetable Grower's" top 100 vegetable growers from each of the four regions in the U.S. in 2005. Heartland Farms in Hancock, Wisconsin; Roth Farms Inc. in Belle Glade, Florida; Sakata Farms in Brighton, Colorado.

The article focuses on the four-generation Amos Zittel & Sons farm in Western New York and its succession plan so that it will continue to produce for the marketing cooperative Eden Valley Growers in the coming generations. It explains farming methods employed to ensure efficiency, greater yield and profitability while maintaining sustainability and growth. The owners Bill Zittel, brother David and cousins Mark and Kevin Zittel are mentioned. Advice for farm growers are also included.

The article offers information on the AgriEdge Excelsior program in the U.S. Topics covered include the aim of increasing plant growth potential, use of data analytics in the program and benefits of vegetable growers from the program. Also mentioned are use of data platform to monitor input costs in an agricultural land, ways to manage farms efficiently and the importance of selecting the right crops to plant. INSET: SIZING UP SUSTAINABILITY.

The article features Triple B Farms in Monongahela, Pennsylvania. It explores efforts of owner Ron Beinlich and family in converting the 75-acre property into more than 400 with rotating crops of fruits and vegetables, mentioning the concept of concept of the farm as an agricultural entertainment destination for families as the main driver for growth.

Presents information on the Deer Run Farms owned by Mark Welton in Norton, Ohio. Land area of the farm; Asian vegetables produced by the farm; Percentage of the farm produce sold to local restaurants; Kinds of cover crops.

Presents a list of the top 100 U.S. vegetable growers in 2002. Grimmway Farms; Tanimura & Antle; D'Arrigo Bros. Co. of California Inc.

The article lists the 2014 Power Growers in U.S. farming industry including Isabelle Farm in Lafayette, Colorado, Christensen & Giannini in Salinas, California, and Kercher's Sunrise Orchards in Goshen, Indiana.

The article provides information on organic farm Archi's Acres located in Escondido, California. A brief history of the farm is presented, which was founded by former U.S. Marine Corps sergeant Colin Archipley and his wife Karen as a way to provide jobs in agriculture to returning veterans. An overview of the Veterans Sustainable Agriculture Training program offered by the farm is given. Information on the farm's primary crops is also provided, which include kale, basil, and bell peppers.

The article discusses the onion-growing business of Bland Farms in Glenville, Georgia. The author says Bland Farms, owned by Delbert Bland, has grown from 5 acres in 1982 to more than 2,800 acres in 2013 in Georgia, and produces onions in New York and Peru as well as runs a storage facility and growing operation in Texas. Bland Farms grows 5 main onion varieties and 12 varieties in Georgia. The technology used by Bland Farms, the weather factor and the future of the business are discussed. INSET: Giving Back To The Community.

The article focuses on Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) as practiced at Bolton Farms, a hydroponic greenhouse facility in Hilton, New York. An overview of the farm is presented including its energy plan. The purpose of the energy plan is explained together with its operation using wood broilers. The function of the hanging hydronic heaters is provided as well as the retractable thermal insulation blanket and shade curtain. The importance of artificial lighting is discussed along with the significance of computer control over all components.

The article presents the finalists for the 2010 Grower Achievement Award, including the no-till vegetable farm called Cedar Meadow Farm in Holtwood, Pennsylvania, American Farms in Salinas, California and the L. H. Piggott & Girls Farm in Benton Harbor, Michigan.

The authors discuss key management techniques that they have employed in order to maintain and improve their farm's profitability. These farmers give attention to details, covering all aspects of the farm from weed control to trading, as part of their business management techniques. They consider record-keeping as extremely significant in running a farm business. Rules such as 30-U.S. dollar-per-hour rule in which each employee must be earning a minimum of 30 U.S. dollars per hour for each crop, are implemented.

This article focuses on the effort made by New Morning Farm in Pennsylvania to extend the growing season for its beans and corn by starting production earlier in the spring. The farms aims to produce a consistent supply for as long as possible during the season to satisfy the demand of the busy farmers markets it serves. The techniques employed by the farm are described.

The article presents information on Farmer-Veteran Coalition which aims to assist veterans returning home from the war by helping them get into farming. Michael O'Gorman, production manager of Jacobs Farm/Del Cabo and project director of the coalition, says the group has no political agenda. He mentions that a lot of people find that after the war experience, there is something therapeutic in farming.

The article features Ed and Rob Shenot, who operate the Shenot Farm in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Ed and Rob have degrees from Penn State University and both majored in horticulture. Rob said farming is something that he grew up with and he will always loved doing the work. According to the family, it is their high-quality fresh produce that attracts customers in and keeps them coming back.

An interview with Peter Pero, owner of Pero Family Farms based in Delray Beach, Florida, is presented. Pero received the 2015 Grower Achievement Award. He discusses the main issues affecting vegetable farmers in the U.S. He explains how his business is dealing with these issues. Pero then explains how vegetable farmers can help educate the public about these pressing matters.

The article reports on the success of Gene Rhodes of Kalamazoo, Michigan in farming. Rhodes, who is celebrating 50 years of being the Pumpkin Man, attributed the farm's success growing and selling winter squash and pumpkins to having a niche. He said that annually, the farm produces about 250 tons of pumpkins and 40 tons of squash.

The article discusses the history of the Arbini Farms that produced the Walla Walla sweet onions. According to Joe Locati's "The Horticultural History of Walla Walla County," Pete Piere planted the first Italian onion seed prevalent in Corsica in the area. But, it was Giovanni Arbini who made the Walla Walla onions famous. As of June 2007, Larry Arbini, the grandson of Giovanni, shares that their farm still sells the sweet onion using the Internet.

The article offers information on the Ikeda Bros. farm in California. The farm is being managed by Tom Ikeda , along with his cousins Vard, Stan and James. It was established by Juzo Ikeda in 1929. His three sons took over the farm after World War II. Ikeda Bros. is a member of the Pismo-Oceano Vegetable Exchange (POVE). According to the author, the Ikeda family is urging the next generation to work outside agriculture, then come back and take over the business.

The article announces the recipients of the 2006 Grower Achievement Award sponsored by Sygenta Seeds/Rogers brand in cooperation with United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association. The agricultural operators in the United States who received the award were Fred W. Eckel Sons Farms, Sterman Masser Inc., Teixeria Farms Inc., TKM/Bengard LLC and the Vollmer Farm.

Provides information on Harvest Valley Farms in Valencia, Pennsylvania. Varieties of vegetables produced at the farm; Techniques used in growing vegetables; Importance of quality to the success of the farm.

Focuses on the Fanucchi Farms in Bakersfield, California founded by Joe G. Fanucchi, an immigrant from Tuscany, Italy. Number of employees; Crops grown by the Fanucchis; Problem brought about by irrigation. INSETS: Green Acres! Hardly;Timing Is Everything.

Features several farm finalists for the Grower Achievement Award in the U.S. in 2005. C & B Farms in Clewiston, Florida; Moss Farms in Declo, Idaho; Torrey Farms in Elba, New York.

Presents information on Duda's Farm Inc. located in Brownsville, Pennsylvania. Kinds of vegetables produced by Duda's Farm; Size of the land covered by the farm; Historical background of the farm. INSET: Prep The Produce.

The article offers recommendations from the nonprofit organization Young Grower Alliance on how to start a local community farming group. These include having a communication coordinator, using social media networks to promote the local group, and preparing an appropriate funding plan for the local group. Also suggested are getting help from extension and having a coordinator.

The article discusses the history and evolution of the agricultural business of Brent Barnhart, owner of Country Creek Produce Farm in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Barnhart started out with 50 acres used by his grandfather in the 1960s and devoted it to vegetable farming. He sells his produce to grocery chain Giant Foods. Barnhart is also into agritainment, with a corn maze set up in the fall and a planned launch of a pumpkin chucker on the farm.

Several letters to the editor are presented in response to articles in previous issues including "Ag Group: More Farmland Needed Now," in the July 22, 2010 issue and the "Produce Traceability Initiative Progress," in the August 12, 2010 issue.

The article features Anthony Farms which is the 2007 Grower Achievement Award winner. Anthony Farms exemplify the four principles of the SEED Initiative which include Stand Tall Together, Engage the Consumer, Embrace New Technology and Deliver Quality. The author also offers advice for growers when it comes to their operation.

Reports on an award given by the "American Vegetable Grower" to Gary Shiflett Farms in the U.S. in September 2005. Background on the award; Acknowledgment made by Gary Shiflett for the award.

Presents the schedule of several conferences in the agriculture industry in the U.S. from June 16 to August 12, 2005. Second National Farm to Cafeteria Conference by the Community Food Security; Institute of Food Technologists Annual Meeting and Food Expo; American Society for Horticultural Science Annual Conference; American Phytopathological Society Annual Meeting.

Discusses the benefits of the New York Harvest for New York Kids Week to children. Participation of elementary classes in a walking field trip to a farmers' market; Promotion of locally grown farm products by the Albany City School District; Activities aimed at educating children on the value of the produce they consume.