Vegetable Growers News

Vegetable Growers News A national print and digital media brand featuring the latest news for the vegetable industry. VGN c

🚜🍎 What happens when orchard farming meets precision ag tech?Okanagan Specialty Fruits just proved the future is already...
05/28/2026

🚜🍎 What happens when orchard farming meets precision ag tech?

Okanagan Specialty Fruits just proved the future is already here. From autonomous tractors and smart sprayers to AI-powered orchard vision systems, the Washington grower slashed labor costs, improved fruit quality and boosted its labor efficiency across 1,250 acres.

One standout number? Some orchard costs dropped by nearly $2,000 per acre. 👀

This is a fascinating look at how cutting-edge technology is reshaping modern fruit production — and what other growers can learn from it.

Read the full story on Fruit Growers News ---> https://fruitgrowersnews.com/news/okanagan-fruit-company-orchard-ag-tech-savings/

🍓🌱 Tough customer questions this season? You’re not alone.From freeze damage and limited crop availability to higher pri...
05/27/2026

🍓🌱 Tough customer questions this season? You’re not alone.

From freeze damage and limited crop availability to higher prices at the stand, farm market conversations are getting harder — but Penn State Extension is hosting a FREE live webinar today (!) to help you navigate them with confidence. 👩‍🌾👨‍🌾

🎥 After the Freeze: Navigating Tough Customer Questions
📅 May 27 - TODAY!
⏰ 12:00 PM ET
💻 Virtual & Free

Learn practical tips for:
✅ Explaining crop losses and weather impacts
✅ Talking about price increases professionally
✅ Managing expectations around reduced varieties
✅ Using signage, staff training & social media effectively
✅ Building customer trust during a challenging season

Perfect for:
🍎 Farm market owners
🫐 Pick-your-own operators
🍑 Fruit growers
🍯 Value-added producers

Register here 👉 https://extension.psu.edu/after-the-freeze-navigating-tough-customer-questions

🥬🌱 Building a successful organic farm takes more than great crops — it takes smart planning, strong customer relationshi...
05/26/2026

🥬🌱 Building a successful organic farm takes more than great crops — it takes smart planning, strong customer relationships and minimizing waste wherever possible. That’s exactly the approach Salad Days Farm in Kentucky is using to grow its business and stay sustainable year-round. 🚜📦

By tailoring production to customer demand, focusing on efficiency, and creating strong partnerships with local food buyers, Salad Days Farm has built a lean organic operation that keeps fresh produce moving from field to table. 🍅🥕💚

From farmers markets to restaurants and university foodservice, this story highlights how small organic farms can thrive through innovation, adaptability and community connections. 👏🌾

Read the full article here ---> https://organicgrower.info/article/salad-days-farm-organic-grower/

🌱🥗🚜

05/22/2026

⏱ Got 2 minutes? That’s all it takes to nominate yourself for the 2026 Fruit + Vegetable 40 Under Forty Awards!

We know industry leaders are busy and that’s why the nomination process is quick, easy and self nominations are welcome. If you’re helping shape the future of the industry, we want to hear your story.

Nominate yourself today: https://fruitgrowersnews.com/40-under-40-nominations/

🌱🚜 Michigan asparagus season is officially underway! Fresh spears are making their way from the fields to grocery stores...
05/21/2026

🌱🚜 Michigan asparagus season is officially underway! Fresh spears are making their way from the fields to grocery stores as growers gear up for another strong harvest season. 🥗💚

The Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board is rolling out a major marketing campaign this year — featuring influencer partnerships, recipes, streaming ads, and retail promotions — all designed to remind consumers that locally grown asparagus is back for its limited spring run. 📺🛒

As the nation’s leading asparagus-producing state, Michigan growers are focused on boosting demand, supporting retail partnerships, and showcasing the freshness and versatility of this seasonal favorite. 🌾👏

Read the full article here ---> https://vegetablegrowersnews.com/news/2026-michigan-asparagus-season-underway/

🌱🥬🚜

🌱🔍 Spring scouting season is here! Specialty crop growers are being encouraged to get into the fields early and often to...
05/20/2026

🌱🔍 Spring scouting season is here! Specialty crop growers are being encouraged to get into the fields early and often to stay ahead of pests, disease pressure and crop damage before they impact yields. 🚜🥦🍓

From flea beetles and Colorado potato beetles to allium leafminers and seedcorn maggots, early detection can make all the difference in protecting crop quality and reducing unnecessary pesticide applications. 👨‍🌾🪲

The latest scouting tips from University of Maryland Extension highlight what growers should be watching for right now across cole crops, potatoes, strawberries, asparagus and more. 📋🌾

Read the full article here ---> https://vegetablegrowersnews.com/news/spring-scouting-tips-specialty-crop-growers/

🌿🚜🐞

05/19/2026

Every 40 Under 40 honoree starts the same way, with one nomination.

If someone under 40 is making a real impact in fruit and vegetable production, innovation, research, marketing or leadership, this is your moment to speak up.

Nominate someone now!
https://fruitgrowersnews.com/40-under-40-nominations/

🐶🚜 Calling all hardworking farm pups! 🐾 The search is officially ON for the 2027 Farm Dog of the Year! From herding live...
05/18/2026

🐶🚜 Calling all hardworking farm pups! 🐾 The search is officially ON for the 2027 Farm Dog of the Year! From herding livestock to riding shotgun in the tractor, these four-legged farmhands deserve their moment in the spotlight. 🌾❤️

The winning pup will earn national bragging rights, a $5,000 prize, and a year’s supply of Purina Pro Plan dog food! 🏆🐕 Plus, the fan-favorite “People’s Choice Pup” competition is coming back this fall. 👏

Think your good boy (or girl) has what it takes? 🐕‍🦺🐾 Check out the details and nominate your farm’s MVP today!

Read more here ---> https://vegetablegrowersnews.com/news/2027-farm-dog-of-the-year-contest/

🐾🚜🌽

🚜🧅 U.S. onion growers push for fair trade actionA growing debate is heating up in agriculture: should there be a new fee...
05/15/2026

🚜🧅 U.S. onion growers push for fair trade action

A growing debate is heating up in agriculture: should there be a new fee on imported onions from Mexico? 🇺🇸🇲🇽

Industry leaders and lawmakers are urging U.S. Department of Agriculture and trade officials to consider a $3–$5 per bag import fee to help level the playing field for American growers.

Read the full story---> https://vegetablegrowersnews.com/news/onion-import-fee-mexico-usda-trade/

📊 Here’s what’s driving the conversation:
• U.S. production costs have surged over 300% in recent decades
• Domestic farmers face stricter labor, safety, and environmental regulations
• Lower-cost imports from Mexico are gaining market share
• Concerns remain around inspection consistency and food safety standards

Supporters say a fee could help protect American farms, ensure fair competition, and strengthen the domestic food supply 🌱
Critics warn it could impact pricing and trade dynamics across North America

💬 Bottom line: The future of onion trade policy could have ripple effects across the entire produce industry

05/14/2026

Does this sound like someone you know?

✔️ Under 40
✔️ Works in fruit + vegetables
✔️ Leads with passion
✔️ Drives innovation
✔️ Actively pushes the industry forward

If you’re nodding yes, they belong in the Fruit + Vegetable 40 Under 40 conversation.
And yes, that someone can be you.

Nominate now!
https://fruitgrowersnews.com/40-under-40-nominations/

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