Category: Production
New tools emerge in fight against common pest as neonicotinoids lose effectiveness
Colorado potato beetle is showing increasing resistance to neonicotinoids in the eastern and central U.S. New weapons in the ongoing battle show promise.
Laser weed control model trained on millions of images speeds adaption
Carbon Robotics has introduced what it calls a major step forward in AI-driven weed control: the Large Plant Model (LPM), a foundation model designed to detect and identify plants across crops, regions and growing conditions.
PAPAS project makes strides in battle against nematodes
PAPAS stands for Potatoes and Pests – Actionable Science Against Nematodes. Launched in 2023, the four-year project is funded by a $6.8 million grant from the USDA’s Specialty Crop Research Initiative and focuses on providing growers with best management practices for controlling nematode infestations.
Lockwood becomes first US-based distributor for Belgian equipment company
Lockwood Manufacturing is now Belgian equipment company AVR Machinery’s first official U.S.-based distributor. Lockwood will distribute AVR equipment in North Dakota and Minnesota.
Ag committee chair pushes for more grower aid as farm bill vote gains momentum
The chair of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee is advocating for an additional $20 billion to help farmers offset rising production costs as lawmakers hope for a farm bill vote on the House floor by the end of the month.
US trade rep travels to Mexico for second round of USMCA talks
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will travel to Mexico on April 20 to continue discussions to review the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement.
USDA funding aims to provide boost to US exports
USDA announces 55 recipients of trade promotion funding and anticipates additional infusion of funds in 2027.
Potato LEAF scholarship application deadline nears
The deadline to apply for the Potato Leadership, Education and Advancement Foundation (Potato LEAF)’s annual academic scholarship is approaching.
Sym-Agro adds ag veteran to lead Southern California sales
An agricultural veteran has joined biopesticide solutions provider Sym-Agro to lead its sales efforts in Southern California. Adam Cholakian is the company’s new Southern California sales manager
$100M in specialty crop funding available through USDA programs
More than $100 million in grant funding is available for specialty crop initiatives through a pair of USDA Agricultural Marketing Service programs.
Survey finds 70% of farmers cannot afford enough fertilizer for the year
A new survey found that 70% of American farmers worry they cannot afford to purchase enough fertilizer to make it through the year.
MSU potato breeder’s chipping variety given commercial production nod
Michigan State University potato breeder David Douches’ genetically engineered Kal91.3 chipping variety has been approved for commercial production.
Report forecasts drop in planted acreage in 2026 in reporting states
A new report forecasts a 2.7% drop in planted acres of potatoes in 2026 in 13 reporting states. Learn more.
New Urschel dicer to make debut next month
Urschel will unveil its Little Gem Aspire Dicer, a new cutting concept in fruit and vegetable processing, at upcoming tradeshows beginning next month.
USDA reopens reporting period for specialty crop bridge payments
The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) has reopened the reporting period for specialty crop producers seeking Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) program bridge payments. The new deadline is April 24.
Lockwood forms new dealer partnership in Alberta
PGS Equipment is Lockwood’s new potato equipment dealer for whole goods, parts and service for Alberta and the surrounding area.