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On the spectrum, on the farm
Autistic workers can thrive in a fruit-growing environment.
Good Point: Bulletin basics for pesticide applications
New EPA program — “Bulletins Live! Two” — aims to protect endangered species from pesticides.
Disaster declaration approved for Washington cherry growers
On March 18, the U.S. Department of Agriculture approved Washington’s request for a natural disaster designation due to losses during last year’s cherry crop...
Kurrle: Taking the cause to Capitol Hill — Video
The apple industry heads to Washington, D.C., to talk trade, Farm Bill and ag labor.
Oregon disaster declaration gives cherry growers access to emergency loans
The U.S. Department of Agriculture approved Oregon’s request for a natural disaster designation after the state’s cherry growers lost an average of 35 percent of their crop...
NOSB spring meetings and comment period announced
The National Organic Standards Board will hold its annual spring meeting April 29–May 1 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with a virtual option available for those unable to travel...
Hansen: Mealybug focus for Washington vineyards
Sustainable management of grape mealybug a top priority for Washington wine industry.
Tynan: Adverse effects of the Adverse Effect Wage Rate
How congressional inaction on H-2A wages puts growers out of business.
Emotional intelligence in the workplace
Washington’s Spanish-speaking agricultural community gathered to share wisdom and information.
Washington cherry growers to vote on marketing order referendum
Washington cherry growers: Check your mailbox! Ballots for the continuance referendum on the Washington Cherry Marketing Committee are in the mail...
Apple industry feeling the squeeze from economic pressures
With prices down and costs up, apple industry looks at strategies for weathering the downturn.
Supporters and detractors of ag overtime changes advocate in Olympia, Washington
Washington farmworkers held rallies and testified at the state capitol in Olympia regarding suggested changes to agricultural overtime mandates...
Seeking relief from ag overtime rules
Washington tree fruit industry tries again for seasonal overtime exemption.
Washington farmworkers to rally about overtime in Olympia
Two nonprofit groups are inviting Washington farmworkers to speak about agricultural overtime pay requirements affecting their paychecks at a Jan. 25 rally at the state capitol in Olympia...
Tree fruit industry under pressure
Hort Show keynote: International trends squeeze fruit growers.
Hort council asks growers to seek AEWR freeze
Tree fruit industry officials are asking growers to contact U.S. Senate and House offices to advocate for a freeze of the Adverse Effect Wage Rate at 2023 levels...
Overtime hours create a harvest handicap for farmers
For small growers relying on local labor, Washington’s overtime pay rules hamper harvest logistics.
Indian market reopening for apples
Washington state exporters shipping more apples to India.
Small purchases, big payoffs for family-owned vineyard
Washington grape grower sees efficiency and quality gains from modest mechanical investments.
Colleges helping to tech-proof workers in the ag industry
California educators and employers team up to marry labor and innovation.
Farm finds strategies for welcoming back workers
Canadian farm matches crop mix with labor supply.
Hort Show Day 3: Finding value
Final sessions cover organics rules and apple marketing tools for Washington growers.
Hort Show Day 1: Perils for profitability
WSTFA afternoon session focuses on profitability.
Hort Show Day 1: Keynote and morning highlights
Economist discusses immigration and imports for WSTFA keynote speech.
DeVaney: Ag industry working overtime on advocacy
Washington state’s overtime requirement is set for 40 hours next month, but it’s not too late to talk to lawmakers about the impact the rules are already having.
New line time: 2023 Good Fruit Growers of the Year
After decades of labor-intensive stone fruit packing, Douglas Fruit makes the jump to modern technology.
Adverse Effect Wage Rate likely to increase in 2024
Adverse Effect Wage Rates are likely to increase in 2024, according to the results of an annual labor survey the federal government uses to set the H-2A wage floors...
See what’s ahead at the WSTFA Spanish-language session Dec. 5
The Washington State Tree Fruit Association’s annual meeting returns to the Tri-Cities this December, and the full day of Spanish-language sessions is expected to draw a crowd...
California stone fruit company recalls fruit due to listeria contamination
HMC Farms, a vertically integrated stone fruit producer in Kingsburg, California, has voluntarily recalled peaches, plums and nectarines for potential listeria contamination...
2023 pesticide residue reports available for apple and cherry
The Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission announced the recent completion of the 2023 pesticide residue study for apple...
Jamaican H-2A workers celebrate their heritage
Food, fun and flair highlight the annual Jamaica Day celebration in Washington.
USApple panels discuss food safety and sustainability
Best practices include being ready for an apple recall.
Northwest cherries get an easier passage to India
World’s most populous country streamlines phytosanitation steps for cherry imports from Northwest U.S.
Grants available to help growers with Northern Triangle H-2A hires
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is offering grants to help agricultural employers hire H-2A workers from the Central American countries of Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador...
Cami Brandt, a young grower from Wapato, Washington
Cami earned a bachelor’s degree in human resources from Central Washington University and is working on her master’s degree in business at Eastern Washington University. She is the daughter of Paul Brandt.
Producing pears with lots of helping hands
Thousands of volunteers make harvest happen at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Medford Pear Orchard.
USDOL proposes rule changes for H-2A program
The U.S. Department of Labor has proposed a new rule that would strengthen H-2A worker protections...
Fight pests by phone
Michigan grape app aids pesticide application process.
Flight school for future ag drone flyers
Technology consortium reaches out to future ag tech workers.
Michigan’s Ridgefest focuses on labor
Michigan Pomesters held its 12th annual Ridgefest field day Aug. 3...
Washington outdoor heat exposure rules to take effect
Washington’s long-awaited permanent outdoor heat exposure rules will take effect July 17...
Growers see labor in, data out with tracking apps
Labor tracking software also provides cost-benefit data.
Labor Department penalizes California farm labor contractors and vineyard
The U.S. Department of Labor has penalized two farm labor contractors and a vineyard in California for numerous violations of federal labor rules.
Washington Rep. Newhouse seeks input on Farm Bill priorities
U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse is asking Central Washington farmers to submit their priorities for the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill discussions...
New ways in the Willamette
Squeezed by rising production costs, Oregon’s high-end vineyard owners rethink systems.
Consultations help create safe spaces and places
L&I consultants steer farms toward safety and away from fines.
Stigmas subside for farmers feeling stress — Video
Mental health pros discuss farm stress survey and suicide prevention.
H-2A after hours
Worship, classes, driver’s education programs enrich life for guest workers.
Gastelum: Growing above and beyond
How to help your workers be successful in and out of the field.
Labor management lessons learned
New York grower shares employee management tips.