$2 · PDF fileCreative Services Manager Margaret J. Puskas Art Director Wally Edwards ... Production Works 24 GenNext Growers: Advice for Taking Over the Family Farm

American Vegetable Grower | June • 2017 1A Meister Media Worldwide Brand $2.75A Meister Media Worldwide Brand $2.75

Lessons from Large-Scale Organic ProductionPage 12

Leafy Greens Varieties You Should Know Page 26

More on GrowingProduce.com

YaraLiva® TROPICOTE® and CN-9® deliver more profits pound for pound. Vegetables prefer nitrate compared to ammonium nitrogen, resulting in increased yield. The soluble calcium reduces defects such as blossom-end rot, sun scald, hollow heart and internal brown spot. Calcium also reduces plant heat stress and increases disease resistance. The result is greater yield, quality and return on investment.

For more information please contact your Yara retailer, or:Yara North America, Inc. 800-234-9376 • www.yara.us

Healthier for your crop,profitable for you

A whole lot more than calcium nitrate.YaraLiva®

1700047

GrowingProduce.com • MeisterMedia.com

EDITORIAL & DESIGNExecutive Editor Richard Jones440-602-9217 • [email protected]

Editor Carol Miller440-602-9207 • [email protected]

Managing Editor | Senior Online Editor Paul Rusnak407-539-6552 x13 • [email protected]

Contributing Editor David Eddy209-573-8740 • [email protected]

Editor, Grower Programs & Events Rosemary Gordon440-602-9216 • [email protected]

Creative Services Manager Margaret J. PuskasArt Director Wally EdwardsContributing Editors Frank Giles, David Eddy, John Keeling, Phillip Nolte, Trevor Suslow, Richard W. VanVranken, Steve Koike, Michael Cahn, Richard Smith, Shimat Joseph, Lauren Alexander

PUBLISHER & ADVERTISINGGroup Publisher Gerry Bogdon407-539-6552 x16 • [email protected]

Commercial Sales Manager George Casey440-602-9195 • [email protected]

Senior Account Manager Diane M. Hart440-602-9121 • [email protected]

Western Account Manager Jorge Abrego480-892-6943 • [email protected]

Classifi ed Coordinator Debbie Preskar440-602-9188 • [email protected]

MEDIA SERVICESMedia Coordinator Tracy Heintz440-602-9134 • [email protected]

Senior Project Coordinator Debbie Preskar440-602-9188 • [email protected]

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARDPaul Allen – Co-owner, R.C. Hatton

Bill Dean – Vice President, Quality Assurance and Sustainability, River Point Farms

Bob Jones, Jr. – COO, The Chef’s Garden, Ohio

Matt Kleinhenz – Extension, Ohio State University

Dan Kunkel – Associate Director, Food and International Programs, IR-4

Bob Martin – General Manager, Rio Farms

R.T. Sakata – President, Sakata Farms, Colorado

Richard Smith – Extension, University of California

Chris Voight – Executive Director, Washington State Potato Commission

SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES 800-869-6882

Chairman Emeritus/Editor-At-Large Richard T. MeisterChairman and CEO Gary T. FitzgeraldVice Chairman William J. Miller IIPresident and COO Joe MonahanV.P. Director of Human Resources Cynthia L. GormanV.P. Chief Financial Offi cer Susan Chiancone Chief Technology Offi cer Charlie CraineChief Content Offi cer and Head of Global Precision Initiative James C. SuleckiCorporate Director of Marketing William A. Rigo, Jr.Corporate Director of Operations Nick MlachakEditor-At-Large Charlotte Sine

DIGITAL MEDIA/MEISTER INTERACTIVECommercial Digital Director Bob WestMarc Antonelli, Kelly Green, James Heath, Brad Kish

EVENTSShow Directors Katie Smith and John HendelMaureen Allison, April Host, Leah Mullen, Jenna Rymer

CUSTOM CONTENT Robin Siktberg

HEADQUARTERS37733 Euclid Ave., Willoughby, OH 44094 USAPhone: 440-942-2000 • Fax: 440-942-0662

REGIONAL OFFICESMemphis, TN • Modesto, CA • Winter Park, FL

Printed in the USA. Canadian GST #131915035

Publications Mail Agreement Number 40612608

Reg. U.S. Pat Off.; AMERICAN VEGETABLE GROWER is a registered trademark of Meister Media Worldwide. COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE GROWER; MARKET GROWERS JOURNAL; VEGETABLE CROP MANAGEMENT are trademarks of Meister Media Worldwide.

AMERICAN VEGETABLE GROWER © 2017 Meister Media Worldwide - all rights reserved, (ISSN 0161-8946) is published monthly by Meister Media Worldwide, 37733 Euclid Avenue, Willoughby, Ohio 44094.Subscription rates in the U.S. and its possessions $24.00 annually, Canadian $34.00 (includes GST), other foreign countries $44.00, 1 year international airmail $80.00. Single copy price $2.75.

Periodicals postage paid at Willoughby, Ohio 44094 and additional mailing offices.Postmaster: Please send change of address “Form 3579” to AMERICAN VEGETABLE GROWER, 37733 Euclid Ave., Willoughby, Ohio 44094-5925.

Permission to photocopy for internal or personal use or the internal or personal use of specific clients is granted by Meister Media Worldwide for libraries and other users registered with the Copyright Clearance Center (CCC), provided base fee of $1 per copy of article, plus 25 cents per page is paid directly to CCC, 21 Congress St., Salem, MA 01970. Special requests should be sent to Meister Media Worldwide.

Mention of a product name is not to be considered an endorsement nor an indication that the product has been inspected or tested by AMERICAN VEGETABLE GROWER. Notwithstanding information on agricultural chemicals presented here, exclusive reliance must be placed on directions and information supplied by the manufacturer or state agricultural agents or advisors. Always read the label or other instructions provided by the manufacturer. Acceptance of advertising in AMERICAN VEGETABLE GROWER in no way constitutes approval or endorsement of products or services advertised nor agreement with any representation or claims stated.

CALL 440-602-9133 FOR REPRINT INFORMATION

GrowingProduce.com • MeisterMedia.com

EDITORIAL & DESIGNExecutive Editor Richard Jones440-602-9217 • [email protected]

Editor Carol Miller440-602-9207 • [email protected]

Managing Editor | Senior Online Editor Paul Rusnak407-539-6552 x13 • [email protected]

Contributing Editor David Eddy209-573-8740 • [email protected]

Editor, Grower Programs & Events Rosemary Gordon440-602-9216 • [email protected]

Creative Services Manager Margaret J. PuskasArt Director Wally EdwardsContributing Editors Frank Giles, David Eddy, John Keeling, Phillip Nolte, Trevor Suslow, Richard W. VanVranken, Steve Koike, Michael Cahn, Richard Smith, Shimat Joseph, Lauren Alexander

PUBLISHER & ADVERTISINGGroup Publisher Gerry Bogdon407-539-6552 x16 • [email protected]

Commercial Sales Manager George Casey440-602-9195 • [email protected]

Senior Account Manager Diane M. Hart440-602-9121 • [email protected]

Western Account Manager Jorge Abrego480-892-6943 • [email protected]

Classifi ed Coordinator Debbie Preskar440-602-9188 • [email protected]

MEDIA SERVICESMedia Coordinator Tracy Heintz440-602-9134 • [email protected]

Senior Project Coordinator Debbie Preskar440-602-9188 • [email protected]

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARDPaul Allen – Co-owner, R.C. Hatton

Bill Dean – Vice President, Quality Assurance and Sustainability, River Point Farms

Bob Jones, Jr. – COO, The Chef’s Garden, Ohio

Matt Kleinhenz – Extension, Ohio State University

Dan Kunkel – Associate Director, Food and International Programs, IR-4

Bob Martin – General Manager, Rio Farms

R.T. Sakata – President, Sakata Farms, Colorado

Richard Smith – Extension, University of California

Chris Voight – Executive Director, Washington State Potato Commission

SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES 800-869-6882

Chairman Emeritus/Editor-At-Large Richard T. MeisterChairman and CEO Gary T. FitzgeraldVice Chairman William J. Miller IIPresident and COO Joe MonahanV.P. Director of Human Resources Cynthia L. GormanV.P. Chief Financial Offi cer Susan Chiancone Chief Technology Offi cer Charlie CraineChief Content Offi cer and Head of Global Precision Initiative James C. SuleckiCorporate Director of Marketing William A. Rigo, Jr.Corporate Director of Operations Nick MlachakEditor-At-Large Charlotte Sine

DIGITAL MEDIA/MEISTER INTERACTIVECommercial Digital Director Bob WestMarc Antonelli, Kelly Green, James Heath, Brad Kish

EVENTSShow Directors Katie Smith and John HendelMaureen Allison, April Host, Leah Mullen, Jenna Rymer

CUSTOM CONTENT Robin Siktberg

HEADQUARTERS37733 Euclid Ave., Willoughby, OH 44094 USAPhone: 440-942-2000 • Fax: 440-942-0662

REGIONAL OFFICESMemphis, TN • Modesto, CA • Winter Park, FL

Printed in the USA. Canadian GST #131915035

Publications Mail Agreement Number 40612608

Reg. U.S. Pat Off.; AMERICAN VEGETABLE GROWER is a registered trademark of Meister Media Worldwide. COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE GROWER; MARKET GROWERS JOURNAL; VEGETABLE CROP MANAGEMENT are trademarks of Meister Media Worldwide.

AMERICAN VEGETABLE GROWER © 2017 Meister Media Worldwide - all rights reserved, (ISSN 0161-8946) is published monthly by Meister Media Worldwide, 37733 Euclid Avenue, Willoughby, Ohio 44094.Subscription rates in the U.S. and its possessions $24.00 annually, Canadian $34.00 (includes GST), other foreign countries $44.00, 1 year international airmail $80.00. Single copy price $2.75.

Periodicals postage paid at Willoughby, Ohio 44094 and additional mailing offices.Postmaster: Please send change of address “Form 3579” to AMERICAN VEGETABLE GROWER, 37733 Euclid Ave., Willoughby, Ohio 44094-5925.

Permission to photocopy for internal or personal use or the internal or personal use of specific clients is granted by Meister Media Worldwide for libraries and other users registered with the Copyright Clearance Center (CCC), provided base fee of $1 per copy of article, plus 25 cents per page is paid directly to CCC, 21 Congress St., Salem, MA 01970. Special requests should be sent to Meister Media Worldwide.

Mention of a product name is not to be considered an endorsement nor an indication that the product has been inspected or tested by AMERICAN VEGETABLE GROWER. Notwithstanding information on agricultural chemicals presented here, exclusive reliance must be placed on directions and information supplied by the manufacturer or state agricultural agents or advisors. Always read the label or other instructions provided by the manufacturer. Acceptance of advertising in AMERICAN VEGETABLE GROWER in no way constitutes approval or endorsement of products or services advertised nor agreement with any representation or claims stated.

CALL 440-602-9133 FOR REPRINT INFORMATION

American Vegetable Grower | October • 2017 3

8 Precision in Specialty Crops Gains Momentum

12 Organic Report: Lessons from Large-Scale Organic Production

18 John Keeling: Trump Administration on the Clock to Make Major Policy Changes

19 John Whitney: Take Control of Climate Change

22 5 Studies That Help Explain How Organic Production Works

24 GenNext Growers: Advice for Taking Over the Family Farm

26 8 Leafy Green Varieties You Need to Know

27 Field Scouting Guide: Black Rot of Brassicas

34 Editorial: Stop Viewing Fellow Growers as the Enemy

2712

Yuma Growers Embrace Precision Production

The arid climate and a labor shortage have fostered fertile ground for high-tech growing methods.

4Cover Story

CONTENTS | OCTOBER 2017 | VOL. 65 | NO. 10

YaraLiva® TROPICOTE® and CN-9® deliver more profits pound for pound. Vegetables prefer nitrate compared to ammonium nitrogen, resulting in increased yield. The soluble calcium reduces defects such as blossom-end rot, sun scald, hollow heart and internal brown spot. Calcium also reduces plant heat stress and increases disease resistance. The result is greater yield, quality and return on investment.

For more information please contact your Yara retailer, or:Yara North America, Inc. 800-234-9376 • www.yara.us

Healthier for your crop,profitable for you

A whole lot more than calcium nitrate.YaraLiva®

1700047

BCS_MOV_M7_1467_Leafy_WVG_O.indd 9-14-2017 3:51 PMSaved at NonePrinted At Client BayerMedia Type MagazineLive 7” x 10”Trim 8” x 10.75”Bleed 8.25” x 11”Job Title 2017 Movento Print ProductionPubs Western Vegetable GrowerAd Code None

DEPARTMENT:

APPROVAL:

Art Director Copywriter Acct. Manager Studio Artist Proofreader Traffic Production

Addl. Notes: None

© 2017 Bayer CropScience LP, 2 TW Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709. Always read and follow label instructions. Bayer, the Bayer Cross, and Movento are registered trademarks of Bayer. For additional product information, call toll-free 1-866-99-BAYER (1-866-992-2937) or visit our website at www.CropScience.Bayer.us.

PROTECTEDTHAT’S HOW LETTUCE FEELS WITH MOVENTO.®

Movento® insecticide provides unique two-way movement for allover plant protection to control tough pests, like aphids and white� ies, that can hide deep inside the plant. With Movento as part of your

season-long pest management program, you’ll have a high-quality crop for improved marketability.

For more information, contact your retailer or Bayer representative or visit www.Movento.us.

4 October • 2017 | GrowingProduce.com

100110101000111000101010001011010000101010000010101010111011100100101000110010101010101000101010010101000101001001001101000101001010010001010101000111011001000100101010101000100001010101010011110101010100100101010010101000101000101010100101010101010101000101010101001000000000101010010101010001000101000100010100100010000101010101101001001010001000100100010001011001010010100101010100100001101010100101001010000101010001000100010010001010010100101010100110101000111000101010001011010000101010000010101010111011100100101000110010101010101000101010010101000101001001001101000101001010010001010101000111011001000100101010101000100001010101010011110101010100100101010010101000101000101010100101010101010101000101010101001000000000101010010101010001000101000100010100100010000101010101101001001010001000100100010001011001010010100101010100100001101010100101001010000101010001000100010010001010010100101010100110101000111000101010001011010000101010000010101010111011100100101000110010101010101000101010010101000101001001001101000101001010010001010101000111011001000100101010101000100001010101010011110101010100100101010010101000101000101010100101010101010101000101010101001000000000101010010101010001000101000100010100100010000101010101101001001010001000100100010001011001010010100101010100100001101010100101001010000101010001000100010010001010010100101010100110101000111000101010001011010000101010000010101010111011100100101000110010101010101000101010010101000101001001001101000101001010010001010101000111011001000100101010101000100001010101010011110101010100100101010010101000101000101010100101010101010101000101010101001000000000101010010101010001000101000100010100100010000101010101101001001010001000100100010001011001010010100101010100100001101010100101001010000101010001000100010010001010010100101010100110101000111000101010001011010000101010000010101010111011100100101000110010101010101000101010010101000101001001001101000101001010010001010101000111011001000100101010101000100001010101010011110101010100100101010010101000101000101010100101010101010101000101010101001000000000101010010101010001000101000100010100100010000101010101101001001010001000100100010001011001010010100101010100100001101010100101001010000101010001000100010010001010010100101010100110101000111000101010001011010000101010000010101010111011100100101000110010101010101000101010010101000101001001001101000101001010010001010101000111011001000100101010101000100001010101010011110101010100100101010010101000101000101010100101010101010101000101010101001000000000101010010101010001000101000100010100100010000101010101101001001010001000100100010001011001010010100101010100100001101010100101001010000101010001000100010010001010010100101010100110101000111000101010001011010000101010000010101010111011100100101000110010101010101000101010010101000101001001001101000101001010010001010101000111011001000100101010101000100001010101010011110101010100100101010010101000101000101010100101010101010101000101010101001000000000101010010101010001000101000100010100100010000101010101101001001010001000100100010001011001010010100101010100100001101010100101001010000101010001000100010010001010010100101010100110101000111000101010001011010000101010000010101010111011100100101000110010101010101000101010010101000101001001001101000101001010010001010101000111011001000100101010101000100001010101010011110101010100100101010010101000101000101010100101010101010101000101010101001000000000101010010101010001000101000100010100100010000101010101101001001010001000100100010001011001010010100101010100100001101010100101001010000101010001000100010010001010010100101010100110101000111000101010001011010000101010000010101010111011100100101000110010101010101000101010010101000101001001001101000101001010010001010101000111011001000100101010101000100001010101010011110101010100100101010010101000101000101010100101010101010101000101010101001000000000101010010101010001000101000100010100100010000101010101101001001010001000100100010001011001010010100101010100100001101010100101001010000101010001000100010010001010010100101010000101010101101001001010001000100100010001011001010010100101010100100001101010100101001010000101010001000100010010001010010100101010100110101000111000101010001011010000101010000010101010111011100100101000110010101010101000101010010101000101001001001101000101001010010001010101000111011001000100101010101000100001010101010011110101010100100101010010101000101000101010100101010101010101000101010101001000000000101010010101010001000101000100010100100010000101010101101001001010001000100100010001011001010010100101010100100001101010100101001010000101010001000100010010001010010100101010000101010101101001001010001000100100010001011001010010100101010100100001101010100101001010000101010001000100010010001010010100101010100110101000111000101010001011010000101010000010101010111011100100101000110010101010101000101010010101000101001001001101000101001010010001010101000111011001000100101010101000100001010101010011110101010100100101010010101000101000101010100101010101010101000101010101001000000000101010010101010001000101000100010100100010000101010101101001001010001000100100010001011001010010100101010100100001101010100101001010000101010001000100010010001010010100101010010010010010101011101000100010100101 00010011001010100101101010100010101010010101000101000101010100101010101010101000101010101001000000000101010010101010001000101000100010100100010000101010101101001001010001000100100010001011001010010100101010100100001101010100101001010000101010001000100010010001010010100101010100110101000111000101010001011010000101010000010101010111011100100101000110010101010101000101010010101000101001001001101000101001010010001010101000111011001000100101010101000100001010101010011110101010100100101010010101000101000101010100101010101010101000101010101001000000000101010010101010001000101000100010100100010000101010101101001001010001000100100010001011001010010100101010100100001101010100101001010000101010001000100010010001010010100101010000101010101101001001010001000100100010001011001010010100101010100100001101010100101001010000101010001000100010010001010010100101010100110101000111000101010001011010000101010000010101010111011100100101000110010101010101000101010010101000101001001001101000101001010010001010101000111011001000100101010101000100001010101010011110101010100100101010010101000101000101010100101010101010101000101010101001000000000101010010101010001000101000100010100100010000101010101101001001010001000100100010001011001010010100101010100100001101010100101001010000101010001000100010010001010010100101010000101010101101001001010001000100100010001011001010010100101010100100001101010100101001010000101010001000100010010001010010100101010100110101000111000101010001011010000101010000010101010111011100100101000110010101010101000101010010101000101001001001101000101001010010001010101000111011001000100101010101000100001010101010011110101010100100101010010101000101000101010100101010101010101000101010101001000000000101010010101010001000101000100010100100010000101010101101001001010001000100100010001011001010010100101010100100001101010100101001010000101010001000100010010001010010100101010 000100110010101001011010101000101010100101010001010001010101001010101010101010001010101010010000000001010100101010100010001010001000101001000100001010101011010010010100010001001000100010110010100101001010101001000011010101001010010100001010100010001000100100010100101001010101001101010001110001010100010110100001010100000101010101110111001001010001100101010101010001010100101010001010010010011010001010010100100010101010001110110010001001010101010001000010101010100111101010101001001010100101010001010001010101001010101010101010001010101010010000000001010100101010100010001010001000101001000100001010101011010010010100010001001000100010110010100101001010101001000011010101001010010100001010100010001000100100010100101001010100001010101011010010010100010001001000100010110010100101001010101001000011010101001010010100001010100010001000100100010100101001010101001101010001110001010100010110100001010100000101010101110111001001010001100101010101010001010100101010001010010010011010001010010100100010101010001110110010001001010101010001000010101010100111101010101001001010100101010001010001010101001010101010101010001010101010010000000001010100101010100010001010001000101001000100001010101011010010010100010001001000100010110010100101001010101001000011010101001010010100001010100010001000100100010100101001010100001010101011010010010100010001001000100010110010100101001010101001000011010101001010010100001010100010001000100100010100101001010101001101010001110001010100010110100001010100000101010101110111001001010001100101010101010001010100101010001010010010011010001010010100100010101010001110110010001001010101010001000010101010100111101010101001001010100101010001010001010101001010

FROM THE ROSE Garden at the White House, to the laser-leveled fields of Yuma, AZ (home to

90% of this country’s winter leafy greens), data analysis, precision/digital agriculture, and drones are hot topics of conversation. Already familiar to commodity growers, the technology applications are catching on in the vegetable-growing community.

There’s a lot to work with in Arizona, according to February 2017 figures from USDA that show close to 20,000 farms and ranches representing 26 mil-lion acres with the average farm size about 1,300 acres.

Steve Alameda of Yuma’s Top Flavor Farms, a grower for Tanimura & Antle, brings a 40-year career background to the table in trying to keep up with tech-nological innovations he can use on his 2,000 acres.

“Despite what’s new, it still goes

back to basics,” he says. “Doing a better job of land preparation, disking, level-ing, breaking up soil, and using plant tape or spacing out pelletized seed for mechanical thinners. If you don’t con-tinually step up your game and make sure the basic conditions are right, a lot of what you do with new technology goes for naught.”

Labor shortages are a key driver.“It all goes toward using less people

(because we have less laborers available now and fewer in the future) and mini-mizing cost to produce uniform crops for higher yield and quality,” says Alameda, who also is President of the 200-member Yuma Fresh Vegetable Association.

And while technology may appeal, the bottom line is often a factor in de-ciding yay or nay.

“Today’s equipment is so strong and efficient, you can get so much more work out of the gear,” he says. “I want to add

some of this new methodology like new tillage implements, computer system monitoring, and new-style uniform sprinkler heads, but I can’t afford to do it all at once. A lot of things you do, you inch along. You need to have an open mind about things, like drones for instance. I’m using them right now to fly the perimeter of my fields and scare off the birds.”

The Types of Precision Methods Being Used in Yuma

It would take multiple volumes of an agricultural encyclopedia to list and explain all the options brought forth recently, but here are some highlights

COVER STORY| PRECISION AGRICULTURE

Yuma Growers Embrace

Precision Production

The arid climate and a labor shortage have fostered fertile ground for high-tech growing methods.

By Lee [email protected]


100110101000111000101010001011010000101010000010101010111011100100101000110010101010101000101010010101000101001001001101000101001010010001010101000111011001000100101010101000100001010101010011110101010100100101010010101000101000101010100101010101010101000101010101001000000000101010010101010001000101000100010100100010000101010101101001001010001000100100010001011001010010100101010100100001101010100101001010000101010001000100010010001010010100101010100110101000111000101010001011010000101010000010101010111011100100101000110010101010101000101010010101000101001001001101000101001010010001010101000111011001000100101010101000100001010101010011110101010100100101010010101000101000101010100101010101010101000101010101001000000000101010010101010001000101000100010100100010000101010101101001001010001000100100010001011001010010100101010100100001101010100101001010000101010001000100010010001010010100101010100110101000111000101010001011010000101010000010101010111011100100101000110010101010101000101010010101000101001001001101000101001010010001010101000111011001000100101010101000100001010101010011110101010100100101010010101000101000101010100101010101010101000101010101001000000000101010010101010001000101000100010100100010000101010101101001001010001000100100010001011001010010100101010100100001101010100101001010000101010001000100010010001010010100101010100110101000111000101010001011010000101010000010101010111011100100101000110010101010101000101010010101000101001001001101000101001010010001010101000111011001000100101010101000100001010101010011110101010100100101010010101000101000101010100101010101010101000101010101001000000000101010010101010001000101000100010100100010000101010101101001001010001000100100010001011001010010100101010100100001101010100101001010000101010001000100010010001010010100101010100110101000111000101010001011010000101010000010101010111011100100101000110010101010101000101010010101000101001001001101000101001010010001010101000111011001000100101010101000100001010101010011110101010100100101010010101000101000101010100101010101010101000101010101001000000000101010010101010001000101000100010100100010000101010101101001001010001000100100010001011001010010100101010100100001101010100101001010000101010001000100010010001010010100101010100110101000111000101010001011010000101010000010101010111011100100101000110010101010101000101010010101000101001001001101000101001010010001010101000111011001000100101010101000100001010101010011110101010100100101010010101000101000101010100101010101010101000101010101001000000000101010010101010001000101000100010100100010000101010101101001001010001000100100010001011001010010100101010100100001101010100101001010000101010001000100010010001010010100101010100110101000111000101010001011010000101010000010101010111011100100101000110010101010101000101010010101000101001001001101000101001010010001010101000111011001000100101010101000100001010101010011110101010100100101010010101000101000101010100101010101010101000101010101001000000000101010010101010001000101000100010100100010000101010101101001001010001000100100010001011001010010100101010100100001101010100101001010000101010001000100010010001010010100101010100110101000111000101010001011010000101010000010101010111011100100101000110010101010101000101010010101000101001001001101000101001010010001010101000111011001000100101010101000100001010101010011110101010100100101010010101000101000101010100101010101010101000101010101001000000000101010010101010001000101000100010100100010000101010101101001001010001000100100010001011001010010100101010100100001101010100101001010000101010001000100010010001010010100101010100110101000111000101010001011010000101010000010101010111011100100101000110010101010101000101010010101000101001001001101000101001010010001010101000111011001000100101010101000100001010101010011110101010100100101010010101000101000101010100101010101010101000101010101001000000000101010010101010001000101000100010100100010000101010101101001001010001000100100010001011001010010100101010100100001101010100101001010000101010001000100010010001010010100101010000101010101101001001010001000100100010001011001010010100101010100100001101010100101001010000101010001000100010010001010010100101010100110101000111000101010001011010000101010000010101010111011100100101000110010101010101000101010010101000101001001001101000101001010010001010101000111011001000100101010101000100001010101010011110101010100100101010010101000101000101010100101010101010101000101010101001000000000101010010101010001000101000100010100100010000101010101101001001010001000100100010001011001010010100101010100100001101010100101001010000101010001000100010010001010010100101010000101010101101001001010001000100100010001011001010010100101010100100001101010100101001010000101010001000100010010001010010100101010100110101000111000101010001011010000101010000010101010111011100100101000110010101010101000101010010101000101001001001101000101001010010001010101000111011001000100101010101000100001010101010011110101010100100101010010101000101000101010100101010101010101000101010101001000000000101010010101010001000101000100010100100010000101010101101001001010001000100100010001011001010010100101010100100001101010100101001010000101010001000100010010001010010100101010010010010010101011101000100010100101 00010011001010100101101010100010101010010101000101000101010100101010101010101000101010101001000000000101010010101010001000101000100010100100010000101010101101001001010001000100100010001011001010010100101010100100001101010100101001010000101010001000100010010001010010100101010100110101000111000101010001011010000101010000010101010111011100100101000110010101010101000101010010101000101001001001101000101001010010001010101000111011001000100101010101000100001010101010011110101010100100101010010101000101000101010100101010101010101000101010101001000000000101010010101010001000101000100010100100010000101010101101001001010001000100100010001011001010010100101010100100001101010100101001010000101010001000100010010001010010100101010000101010101101001001010001000100100010001011001010010100101010100100001101010100101001010000101010001000100010010001010010100101010100110101000111000101010001011010000101010000010101010111011100100101000110010101010101000101010010101000101001001001101000101001010010001010101000111011001000100101010101000100001010101010011110101010100100101010010101000101000101010100101010101010101000101010101001000000000101010010101010001000101000100010100100010000101010101101001001010001000100100010001011001010010100101010100100001101010100101001010000101010001000100010010001010010100101010000101010101101001001010001000100100010001011001010010100101010100100001101010100101001010000101010001000100010010001010010100101010100110101000111000101010001011010000101010000010101010111011100100101000110010101010101000101010010101000101001001001101000101001010010001010101000111011001000100101010101000100001010101010011110101010100100101010010101000101000101010100101010101010101000101010101001000000000101010010101010001000101000100010100100010000101010101101001001010001000100100010001011001010010100101010100100001101010100101001010000101010001000100010010001010010100101010 000100110010101001011010101000101010100101010001010001010101001010101010101010001010101010010000000001010100101010100010001010001000101001000100001010101011010010010100010001001000100010110010100101001010101001000011010101001010010100001010100010001000100100010100101001010101001101010001110001010100010110100001010100000101010101110111001001010001100101010101010001010100101010001010010010011010001010010100100010101010001110110010001001010101010001000010101010100111101010101001001010100101010001010001010101001010101010101010001010101010010000000001010100101010100010001010001000101001000100001010101011010010010100010001001000100010110010100101001010101001000011010101001010010100001010100010001000100100010100101001010100001010101011010010010100010001001000100010110010100101001010101001000011010101001010010100001010100010001000100100010100101001010101001101010001110001010100010110100001010100000101010101110111001001010001100101010101010001010100101010001010010010011010001010010100100010101010001110110010001001010101010001000010101010100111101010101001001010100101010001010001010101001010101010101010001010101010010000000001010100101010100010001010001000101001000100001010101011010010010100010001001000100010110010100101001010101001000011010101001010010100001010100010001000100100010100101001010100001010101011010010010100010001001000100010110010100101001010101001000011010101001010010100001010100010001000100100010100101001010101001101010001110001010100010110100001010100000101010101110111001001010001100101010101010001010100101010001010010010011010001010010100100010101010001110110010001001010101010001000010101010100111101010101001001010100101010001010001010101001010

Ph

oto

co

urt

esy

of

US

DA

NR

CS

Ph

oto

s co

urt

esy

of

De

ere

& C

o.

Laser leveling helps control irrigation water runoff and makes using automated machinery easier to do.

of precision meth-ods being used in the

Yuma area:GPS-Driven Technol-

ogy. “GPS is used on just about everything,” says Paul Brierley, head of the Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture (YCE-DA). “Rows that are per-fectly straight allow closer cultivation — enough room between the plants and the knives to minimize waste.”

Crop-Scouting Drones. Lightweight unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), flying 40 feet high at just under 30

miles an hour, can cover 100 acres in 20 minutes and easily survey a thousand acres a day, capturing hundreds of im-ages. The airborne eyes help discover subtle changes in crops like nitrogen deficiency or lack of irrigation.

Driverless Tractors. Computer-con-trolled tractors with precision guidance systems automated through GPS direc-tion. As guidance technology advances, self-propelling tractors will add “intel-ligent obstacle avoidance.”

Automated Steering. Compacted soil cuts yield, but following the same wheel tracks reduces compaction be-tween crop rows. Automated tractor and combine steering technology is now be-ing extrapolated to implement wheels.

Fleet Management. Larger grow-ers have copied commercial trucking

technologies to keep track of their fleets via computer screens. Telematics shows where vehicles are at all times.

Irrigation Management. Remote ir-rigation management platforms are used to drastically simplify and automate use of irrigation scheduling methodology, helping growers decide precisely when, where, and how much to irrigate.

Sensors. Technology is leap-frogging in real-time sensing from vehicle-mount-ed devices that control the application and accuracy of things like chemicals and fertilizer, testing for a needed qual-ity and immediately changing amount, percentage, speed, and depth.

Laser Leveling. Uneven land does not auger well for water absorption. Flat surfaces mean water reaches every part of the field with minimal run-

off or water logging. “Just about every crop in Yuma is laser leveled,” says Brierley, “with no runoff or tailwater in flood irrigation — every-thing gets the same volume of water at the same time.”

The Many Ways to Use Drones

For Brierley, the airborne eyes in the sky could be the answer to a lot of problems. He calls drone science “the future of agriculture,” at least

®

S P E C I A LT Y C R O P S

GPS guidance allows for hands-free tractor operation.


to the point where data collection is required and drones are one way to get real-time data.

“Drones can collect a ton of data. It’s what you do with it that counts, build-ing decision tools for precision agricul-ture. Somebody has to take that data and make decisions on where to plant, how to water, what soil amendments to use and that data can come from drones, satellites, even soil sensors and field monitors.”

And don’t forget historical data as well as real-time input. Where you’ve been and what you’ve done previously helps lay out what you’ll be doing in the future — a combination of histori-cal data and predictive modeling based on that data’s history.

Brierley says his center, supported by both growers and shippers in the produce industry, can help. The Yuma Chamber of Commerce says the YCEDA group “brings its expertise and resources to finding solutions to the most pressing problems facing desert agriculture,” things like challenges to crop production, insect and pest disease infections, labor shortages, drought re-sponse, and food safety concerns.

“Forty percent of production in the world is on arid land, so we’ve become the perfect test situation to solve larger issues, and the solutions we come up with here can apply to desert agricul-ture anywhere,” says Brierley, who grew up working his family’s diversi-fied central California farm. “Yuma’s produce industry might be a small slice of the agricultural pie, but we can try new things here that can be scaled to a larger segment of agriculture. And the more problems we collectively solve for industry, the more support we will get from them.”

Allied in Brierley’s optimism about drone and unmanned aerial vehicle use in agriculture is Curtis Pate of Yuma’s

Agtegrity Agronomy Consulting, who sees multiple uses of UAV systems to bring tangible ROI — everything from early disease or stress detection to yield estimation and inventory management for different crops.

Pate consults on 10,000 acres of diverse crops concentrated in Arizona and California’s Imperial Valley, with its year-round cropping climate. Soil mapping plays a prominent part and precision agriculture comes into play here with quick-read soil fertility results that identify stress, oftentimes because of salinity. Using tablet devices, he can move through fields and view weak zones that need troubleshooting pro-vided by the overhead imagery.

“I have to provide some type of precision ag offerings to my clients — or get left in the dust,” he says. “For instance, I’m currently flying a weed detect for grass in an alfalfa crop. It’s streaky and spots, but I can create a precision map from my drone imagery and send in a spray rig to apply herbi-cide only where needed.”

Field Tests Will Determine the Future

Playing it forward, Pate says the de-veloping technology has to be tested to determine its value. “Most everybody is on board to a limited degree already, but until we get it in the field and see what it will really do for us, we can’t make a broad brush statement that you’d be crazy not to use these new ideas.

“One of the biggest ap-plications of technology is what we’re doing with guidance tractors. Go back a few years and it took one really good tractor guy who could bust a field open so others could hold the line. Nowadays there’s less than an inch variance on a half-mile run with seed and fertilizer remain-ing at a constant spacing. There’s no magic involved. We can operate as a sci-ence, rather than art.”

One big driver of preci-sion agriculture is a push to mechanize because of

an ominous black cloud: an industry worry about a dwindling labor force.

“This isn’t like a factory where you have perfect conditions for widgets on an assembly line. We have labor issues, weather events, diseases, and bugs to deal with. The more uniformity we can come up with — same-size crops, same maturity times, straight rows, similar moisture application, the more unifor-mity that can be achieved, the easier it will be to automate and mechanize pro-duction,” says Brierley.

Precision agriculture doesn’t just happen with the purchase of a GPS unit or a yield monitor, it occurs over time as new levels of management intensity are adopted in the areas of soil type, hydrology, microclimates — modifying techniques to meet within-field varia-tions affecting crop growth.

“It’s one thing for researchers to build these systems, but to get them integrated into precision agricultural application represents another level — the trust of growers who may be wary to leave deci-sions to electronics,” says Brierley.

Adds Alameda: “So many variables go into the equation. It’s everything working together with precision and ef-ficiency to make new technology palat-able ... or I may be out in the field with a shovel as I’ve done for the last 40 years. You need to have an open mind.” AVG

Lee Allen is a freelance writer who regularly reports on farming in the Southwest U.S.

COVER STORY| PRECISION AGRICULTURE

The bird’s-eye view from a drone can streamline tasks such as scouting.

Always read and follow all label directions and precautions for use. Unless indicated, trademarks with ®, TM or SM are trademarks of DuPont or affi liates. © 2017 DuPont. DUPCCV16021_VD_100117_AVG

Realize confi dent protection that lets you be somewhere else.DuPont™ Coragen® insect control delivers the kind of protection that lets you focus on other parts of your life. It contains an alternate mode of action that breaks the resistance cycle in insects and provides long-lasting protection against all major worm pests while suppressing silverleaf white� y nymphs. Ask your DuPont representative and retailer about the consistent control you can achieve with Coragen® and what that brings to your bottom line. See Coragen® in action at vegetable� eldday.dupont.com.

DUPCCV16021_VD_100117_AVG.indd 1 9/11/17 2:03 PM

SM

Grand Sierra ResortMarch 2-3, 2017 • Reno, NV

USA WEST 2017

REAL-WORLD APPLICATIONSFOR FIELD, ORCHARD, VINEYARD, GREENHOUSE

SM

Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa

March 7-9, 2018 • San Diego

USA WEST

BECAUSE THERE’S NO REST FROM PESTS IN THE WEST

BiocontrolsConference.com#BiocontrolsWest

SM

Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa

March 7-9, 2018 • San Diego

USA WEST

• New Biocontrol Products for 2018

• Organics • Biostimulants• Precision Application

Technology • Cannabis Pest

Management• And More

• Organics • Biostimulants• Precision Application

Technology • Cannabis Pest

Management• And More

LEARN MORE NOW! and sign up to receive event updates

SM

CONFERENCE & EXPO SERIES

BiocontrolsWestFullPage_2018.indd 1 9/20/17 11:11 AM

MAKE A HIGH-YIELD INVESTMENT IN

YOUR FARM’S SOILYOUR INVESTMENT IN INOCUCOR WILL PAY OFF BIG IN HEALTHIER SOILS THAT LEAD TO BETTER YIELDS.

We use a unique fermentation process to combine multiple yeasts, molds and bacteria into powerful natural crop optimizers that are economical and simple to use. They are safe for people and animals, and beneficial to your farm’s bottom-line.

Whether you’re growing strawberries or oranges, Inocucor will improve your crop yields, shorten growing periods, and improve the long-term productivity of your soil.

W W W.INOCUCOR.COM

To speak to an Inocucor soil health expert about creating a customized plan for your farm, contact Aaron Waltz, Ph.D. at [email protected] or (720) 543-0350.


WHEN JOHN DEERE acquired Blue River Technologies (BRT) last month, BRT’s See

& Spray technology received plenty of play. Yet many vegetable growers al-ready were familiar with the company’s lettuce-thinning technology.

And there are more such break-throughs that are likely to come. At Meister Media Worldwide, we’ve detected a gathering boom in preci-sion technology for horticulture crops, which is why you’re seeing an increas-ing amount of PrecisionAg® Specialty Crops articles like this one. We’re also hosting our second annual PrecisionAg Vision ConferenceSM this month, where we’ll explore how specialized precision applications are beginning to match the row-crop innovations that gave precision farming its start in the 1980s.

Our editors gathered recently to in-ventory the key trends that are driving precision in specialty crops. Here’s a sneak peek.

Precision is hot for specialty crops. Row-crop use of precision tends to rise and fall with commodity prices, but ag-tech and financial types are awaken-ing to specialty crop growers’ chronic issues, including labor and water short-ages, as well as their ability to pull in huge premiums for high-value crops improved by precision technologies.

Food companies, retailers, and

consumers are in the driver’s seat. Many are seeking to reduce their en-vironmental footprint — their own as

well as that of their suppliers. Preci-sion technology enables this transition; the resulting data proves it.

Gathering data is all important. Having field data is key no matter what the cropping area, with a premium in-creasingly awaiting growers with data. Precision agriculture consultant Lisa Prassack advises gathering at least four data points: field boundary, as-planted, seed variety, and as-harvested. Applica-tion is a bonus.

Precision field application is again a major focus. Data collection and analysis and precision prescriptions are for naught if crop inputs don’t meet their targets. AMVAC’s SIMPAS, for instance — short for Smart Integrated Multi-Product Pre-scription Application System — may be especially effective in potato production.

Water management gets precise. This is happening as irrigation systems are linked up with combinations of sen-sors, weather forecasting, analytics, and easy-to-use interfaces on mobile devices like iPhones and iPads.

Precision in Specialty Crops Gains Momentum

Here are some of the key drivers that may transform your farm in the years ahead.

James C. Sulecki is Chief Content Officer and Head of Global Precision Initiative for Meister Media Worldwide.

By James C. [email protected]

PRODUCTION | TECHNOLOGY®


2017 Grower Achievement Award winner Jones Potato Farm takes advantage of soil mapping to monitor production needs.

Rise of the machines? This automated strawberry picker from HarvestCROO Robotics has been ramping up from prototype to reality.

Ph

oto

co

urt

esy

of

Har

vest

CR

OO

Ro

bo

tics

So

il m

aps

cou

rte

sy o

f Jo

ne

s P

ota

to F

arm

continued on page 10

SipcamRotam's new oxamyl-based solution providing broad spectrum control of various sucking and chewing insects as well as nematodes.

For more information on ReTurn™ visit sipcamrotam.com

877 . 898 . 9514


Farm management gets grower-friendly. With their visual interfaces representing field data sets, platforms like Wilbur-Ellis’s AgVerdict are making pre-cision agriculture highly approachable.

Precision meets biological prod-ucts. Precision tools are proving the ROI of biocontrols — e.g., through use of high-resolution cameras to measure and control pest populations.

Actionable grower services. In the end, precision is about making grow-ers smarter and more profitable. These services are increasingly at your dis-posal: soil data for seed and fertiliza-tion decisions; weather data to validate insurance claims; imagery to respond to field data and make decisions; machine data to improve field perfor-mance (e.g., detect compaction, ensure correct tractor speed); pest alerts to initiate pest mate response using bio-controls; and storage using moisture and weather sensors.

Robotics are not quite there — but they’re coming. And when they’re here, they’ll be able to work in the dark in the field as well as in the packinghouse.

Predictive analytics are coming. Finally, get ready for technologies that tell you not only what is going on in your field now, but also what is likely to happen days or even weeks ahead, so you can prepare. This may well be the biggest game-changer of all.

Stay tuned … AVGMcCrometer CONNECT technology is being used by specialty crop growers to wirelessly transmit data from across the farm.

PRODUCTION | TECHNOLOGY

Ph

oto

s b

y Fr

ank

Gil

es

continued from page 8

www.timorexgold.com

©2017 Timorex Gold® is a registered product of Stockton (Israel) Ltd. EPA Registration No. 86182-1. Always read and follow all label directions. Not registered for use in California.

Introducing Timorex Gold® fungicide for control of the most common fungal

and bacterial diseases in specialty fruit and vegetable crops. Flexible enough to

use early in the season to keep disease pressures low and late in the season

thanks to its short PHI and REI, Timorex Gold keeps you in charge of your disease

control program. And, with Timorex Gold’s unique mode of action and FRAC

code, it is the ideal tank-mix and rotational partner. Add Timorex Gold fungicide

to your spray program this season and reap the harvest of your good choices.

Broad Spectrum Activity Against Plant Pathogens

No Residue Restrictions

Non-toxic to Bees and Beneficials

Excellent Resistance Management Tool

Unique Mode of Action


WHEN JOHN DEERE acquired Blue River Technologies (BRT) last month, BRT’s See

& Spray technology received plenty of play. Yet many vegetable growers al-ready were familiar with the company’s lettuce-thinning technology.

And there are more such break-throughs that are likely to come. At Meister Media Worldwide, we’ve detected a gathering boom in preci-sion technology for horticulture crops, which is why you’re seeing an increas-ing amount of PrecisionAg® Specialty Crops articles like this one. We’re also hosting our second annual PrecisionAg Vision ConferenceSM this month, where we’ll explore how specialized precision applications are beginning to match the row-crop innovations that gave precision farming its start in the 1980s.

Our editors gathered recently to in-ventory the key trends that are driving precision in specialty crops. Here’s a sneak peek.

Precision is hot for specialty crops. Row-crop use of precision tends to rise and fall with commodity prices, but ag-tech and financial types are awaken-ing to specialty crop growers’ chronic issues, including labor and water short-ages, as well as their ability to pull in huge premiums for high-value crops improved by precision technologies.

Food companies, retailers, and

consumers are in the driver’s seat. Many are seeking to reduce their en-vironmental footprint — their own as

well as that of their suppliers. Preci-sion technology enables this transition; the resulting data proves it.

Gathering data is all important. Having field data is key no matter what the cropping area, with a premium in-creasingly awaiting growers with data. Precision agriculture consultant Lisa Prassack advises gathering at least four data points: field boundary, as-planted, seed variety, and as-harvested. Applica-tion is a bonus.

Precision field application is again a major focus. Data collection and analysis and precision prescriptions are for naught if crop inputs don’t meet their targets. AMVAC’s SIMPAS, for instance — short for Smart Integrated Multi-Product Pre-scription Application System — may be especially effective in potato production.

Water management gets precise. This is happening as irrigation systems are linked up with combinations of sen-sors, weather forecasting, analytics, and easy-to-use interfaces on mobile devices like iPhones and iPads.

Precision in Specialty Crops Gains Momentum

Here are some of the key drivers that may transform your farm in the years ahead.

James C. Sulecki is Chief Content Officer and Head of Global Precision Initiative for Meister Media Worldwide.

By James C. [email protected]

PRODUCTION | TECHNOLOGY®


2017 Grower Achievement Award winner Jones Potato Farm takes advantage of soil mapping to monitor production needs.

Rise of the machines? This automated strawberry picker from HarvestCROO Robotics has been ramping up from prototype to reality.

Ph

oto

co

urt

esy

of

Har

vest

CR

OO

Ro

bo

tics

So

il m

aps

cou

rte

sy o

f Jo

ne

s P

ota

to F

arm


SipcamRotam's new oxamyl-based solution providing broad spectrum control of various sucking and chewing insects as well as nematodes.

For more information on ReTurn™ visit sipcamrotam.com

877 . 898 . 9514


Farm management gets grower-friendly. With their visual interfaces representing field data sets, platforms like Wilbur-Ellis’s AgVerdict are making pre-cision agriculture highly approachable.

Precision meets biological prod-ucts. Precision tools are proving the ROI of biocontrols — e.g., through use of high-resolution cameras to measure and control pest populations.

Actionable grower services. In the end, precision is about making grow-ers smarter and more profitable. These services are increasingly at your dis-posal: soil data for seed and fertiliza-tion decisions; weather data to validate insurance claims; imagery to respond to field data and make decisions; machine data to improve field perfor-mance (e.g., detect compaction, ensure correct tractor speed); pest alerts to initiate pest mate response using bio-controls; and storage using moisture and weather sensors.

Robotics are not quite there — but they’re coming. And when they’re here, they’ll be able to work in the dark in the field as well as in the packinghouse.

Predictive analytics are coming. Finally, get ready for technologies that tell you not only what is going on in your field now, but also what is likely to happen days or even weeks ahead, so you can prepare. This may well be the biggest game-changer of all.

Stay tuned … AVGMcCrometer CONNECT technology is being used by specialty crop growers to wirelessly transmit data from across the farm.

PRODUCTION | TECHNOLOGY

Ph

oto

s b

y Fr

ank

Gil

es

continued from page 8

IRRIGATION TECHNOLOGY FOR THE FUTURE

R2000WF ROTATOR® & MINI REGULATOR DRAIN CHECK

PART CIRCLE ROTATOR® FOR FIELD EDGES

ROTATOR® SPRINKLERS: HIGH UNIFORMITY ~ NO RISER VIBRATION EASY TO CLEAN ~ EASY TO REPAIR LONG WEAR LIFE ~ NO SEALS UNDER PRESSURE

W W W. NEL SONIRRIG AT ION . C OM

REQUEST A FREE SAMPLE KIT AT WWW.R2000WF.COM

TWIG® WIRELESS CONTROLS

1000 SERIES CONTROL VALVES


ORGANIC VEGETABLE PRO-DUCTION in Monterey County (CA) has evolved over the past

25 years. It was once the domain of small- to medium-sized growers that produced for local direct market outlets or direct sales to local retail outlets.

The community of smaller growers is still quite active; however, in the mid-

1990s larger-scale producers began to produce organic vegetables for distant mass markets.

The value of organic production has increased over the years. For instance, organic production comprised 0.6% of the total value of agricultural produc-tion in Monterey County in 1995 and by 2015 it comprised 6.9% ($335 million).

ORGANIC REPORT | PRODUCTION

Lessons from Large-Scale Organic Production

What growers in Monterey County, CA, are learning as they respond to higher consumer demand.

By Richard [email protected]

Spring mix salads and spinach are dominant crops, but romaine, romaine hearts, broccoli, and other cool-season vegetables also are produced.

Organic products are now essential items that all major shippers supply to their buyers. As a result, the importance of organic production has increased, and research organizations such as the Cali-fornia Leafy Greens Research Board have organic producers on their boards and fund research to help address spe-cific issues that face organic growers.

Diseases Are a Particularly Difficult Issue

Plant disease is a key issue among the myriad of issues that affect organic veg-etable production.

Downy mildew of spinach is an ex-ample of a particularly troublesome disease. In spite of the efforts by seed companies to develop resistant varieties to this pathogen, the disease continu-ally overcomes this resistance, leaving organic growers vulnerable.

In a recent cost study of organic spin-ach (https://coststudies.ucdavis.edu/current/commodity/spinach/), it was necessary to discount the average yields of organic production due to this disease

The call for organic veggies continues to grow. To maintain momentum, production and pest control challenges are being addressed by growers and researchers alike.

Ph

oto

s b

y R

ich

ard

Sm

ith

© 2017 Agro-K Corporation

Science-Driven Nutrition SM

Focused efforts on combining the “4R’s” of crop nutrition – Right Nutrient, Right Time, Right Form, Right Mix - with sound crop protection programs will deliver the highest quality and the highest marketable yield.

Agro-K’s certified CLEAN™ line of foliar nutrients and soil biological products are designed to address the specific nutritional needs of organically grown cole crops with superior formulations that are soft on plant tissue, rapidly taken up, highly bio-available and compatible with growers’ organic crop protection products. CLEAN nutrition helps cole crop growers meet peak nutrient demand timing and address nutrient deficiencies quickly while easily being integrated into crop protection programs.

Cole crop quality has many different components: head size, color, internal texture, shelf-life, reduced shrinkage & bruising. All these factors, which are directly affected by nutrition, influence ultimate crop quality and marketable packout.

CLEAN BIOMAX – A fermentation derived food source for beneficial soil borne bacteria and fungi. Designed to increase nutrient cycling of compost and other organic matter while also maximizing plant-available nutrients in the rhizosphere. Increasing soil available nutrients is the basis for increased crop quality and higher yields.

CLEAN SYMSPRAY – A seaweed based foliar spray designed to promote plant growth, fruit set and cell division. CLEAN Symspray is also an excellent tool to prevent and/or reduce both environmental and physiological stress, leading to higher quality produce at harvest.

CLEAN CALCIUM – An organic foliar calcium designed to increase calcium levels in both tissue and fruit while improving the nitrogen to calcium ratio. Higher calcium levels in the crop helps build stronger more disease tolerant cell walls. Thicker more durable fruit cells generate higher yields, less bruising, less shrinkage and longer shelf-life – in short better quality and higher grower returns.

CLEAN ZN, MG, MN, FE, CU, B – Agro-K’s also offers organic micronutrients - zinc, magnesium, manganese, iron, copper and boron designed to correct deficiencies rapidly to prevent yield drag and quality issues.

If you’re looking to increase marketable yield in your organic crop talk to Agro-K today about tailoring a nutrient management program that works with your crop protection program to improve results and deliver higher economic returns.

Seemlessly integrate nutrition and crop protection and improve crop quality.

AGRO-K CORpORAtiOn8030 Main Street, NE • Minneapolis, MN 55432

800-328-2418 • www.agro-k.com

cleannutrition for organic broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage growers


to accurately depict the reality of organic production. Organically acceptable fun-gicides provide little effective control of this disease and the main technique that organic growers employ to cope with this pathogen is early harvest to avoid infestations, thereby reducing yields.

Bagrada Bug Making an ImpactOther pest management issues that af-

fect organic growers include the recent invasion of Bagrada bug. This insect had the potential to develop very high popula-tions especially on crops in the mustard family. Available organic insecticides have limited effectiveness which, again, leaves organic producers vulnerable.

Short Season Crops Have an Advantage in Weed Control

Weeds can be a serious issue for or-ganic producers.

Interestingly, larger organic pro-ducers that have ranches dedicated to spring mix and spinach production,

crops that mature before weeds set seed, can eventually drive weed popula-tions to low levels. However, growers that are producing long-season crops can have serious weed issues and care-

ful, creative approaches to weed control (e.g. pre-irrigation, close cultivation, alternative cultivators, etc.) are all needed by organic growers to cope with weeds and to keep hand weeding costs at reasonable levels. For instance, in the organic spinach cost study mentioned previously, we assigned a cost of $440 per acre to hand weed the crop. This amount is a “typical” costs, but the reality is that this cost can be substan-tially higher if there is high weed pres-sure in the field.

It’s Important to Understand How Nitrogen Uptake Differs for Organic Production

Looking at the cost study for organic spinach, the other figure that jumps out just behind seed costs is fertilizer. Or-ganic sources of nitrogen fertilizer cost substantially more money than conven-tional nitrogen.

Local Availability Determines Fertil-izer Choice. The most common materials


Battling Bagrada bug organically is a challenge.

Photo by John Palumbo

© 2017 AgBiome, Inc. All rights reserved. AgBiome Innovations is a registered trademark of AgBiome Inc. and Howler is a trademark of AFS009 Plant Protection, Inc. Product not yet registered in all states.

Introducing Howler™ fungicide from AgBiome Innovations™, a revolutionary new

product that harnesses the power of the plant microbiome to create an e� cacious

and OMRI-listed biological unlike any other.

E� cacious fungicide

Multiple modes of action

Preventive control

No special storage conditions required

TO LEARN MORE, CALL 855.946.9537 OR VISIT AGBIOME.COM/HOWLER

THIS IS GOING TO CHANGE THE WAY WE THINK ABOUT BIOLOGICALS

THIS IS GOING TO CHANGE THE THIS IS GOING TO CHANGE THE WAY WE THINK ABOUT BIOLOGICALSWAY WE THINK ABOUT BIOLOGICALS

715-1705 Howler Print Ad 8x10.75.indd 1 8/31/17 9:47 AM


used are chicken manure pellets that contain 4% nitrogen, 4% phosphate, and 2% potash (4-4-2). Although it is com-monly referred to as “chicken” pellets, they are a combination of chicken ma-nure blended with bone and meat meal. The blending is done to assure a consis-tent analysis of 4-4-2.

Monterey County is fortunate to be relatively close to a large poultry indus-try in the Central Valley of California, which is the source of this material; organic fertilizer companies process the material into pellets and deliver it in a timely fashion to the growers.

Cover Crops Aren’t a Viable Op-tion in Monterey. I should point out that, for the most part, the organic vege-table producers in Monterey County rely almost exclusively on organic fertilizers to supply nitrogen for their crops.

There is little use of cover crops in this area because of high land rents. In addition, there is little to no use of le-guminous cover crops because legumes

are hosts to key diseases of lettuce, such as lettuce head drop (Sclerotinia minor).

Food Safety Rules Out Fresh Ma-nure. Growers also are limited in their use of fresh manures due to food safety concerns. These constraints explain why organic vegetable producers in this area are so dependent on fertilizer inputs.

Nitrate Release is Different for Or-ganic Fertilizers. Nitrogen in a material like 4-4-2 is in a form that cannot be immediately absorbed by the plant and must be broken down (mineralized) to plant-available forms such as nitrate. The rate of releases of nitrate varies depend-ing on soil temperature and moisture, and whether it is injected into the soil or is ap-plied as a top-dress application.

Given that the soil in vegetable produc-tion fields is moist, temperature is the big-gest factor affecting the release of nitrate from organic fertilizers.

This issue rears its head during cool spring conditions when a crop like lettuce can have trouble sizing up due to low ni-

trogen availability. Application Methods Make a Dif-

ference. The placement of fertilizer also affects the release of nitrogen.

In studies that we conducted last summer, we observed that about 50% of the nitrogen contained in 4-4-2 was mineralized to nitrate in seven weeks if applied as a top dress application, verses 70% if it was shanked into the soil.

The subtleties of nitrogen availability from organic fertilizers is a compli-cated matter in organic vegetable pro-duction and is one that organic growers struggle to overcome at times.

Organic vegetable production is a com-plicated enterprise. The good news is the demand for organic vegetables is strong and there is a need to supply this market. However, it has many challenges that or-ganic growers face to be successful. AVG

Richard Smith is a University of California Vegetable Crop and Weed Science Farm Advisor at the Cooperative Extension in Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito Counties.



Huma Gro® PROMAX® is an organic-listed, EPA-exempt crop protection product. It is a protective and curative pesticide recommended for control of plant parasitic nematodes and soil-borne diseases. The mode of action is as a contact killer. There is no restricted use, so it can be applied throughout the entire growing season.

http://www.humagro.com/AVG1017

Introducing Howler™ from AgBiome Innovations™, harnessing the power of the microbiome in a revolutionary way creating an efficacious fungicide with multiple modes of action that provides preventive, long-lasting activity on a broad spectrum of soilborne and foliar diseases. Howler can be used effectively at every phase of production.

[email protected]

www.agbiome.com/howler

CLEAN Calcium is a superior foliar calcium solution designed for rapid tissue penetration to improve calcium levels in fruit and tissue. Meeting peak calcium demand timing results in firmer fruit, better storage life, and higher quality.

Agro-K has a 40-year history of manufacturing the highest-quality nutritional products on the market. The new CLEAN line is the ideal choice for organic growers looking to produce high quality and maximize yield.

Talk to an authorized Agro-K dealer today about how CLEAN products can help your crops.

www.agro-k.com

Organic Products Offer Unique

Benefits

From zero PHI and REI to plant health stimulation, the benefits organics offer make them deserving of a place in your operation.

SPONSOR CONTENT | ORGANIC PRODUCT ROUNDUP

Chick Magic AG is high-quality, OMRI-listed fertilizer with zero restrictions derived from pure, processed poultry manure. After preparation, the manure is taken through a heat tunnel, lowering the moisture to 10 to 12%. This kills all pathogens of concern.

This is the best organic fertilizer money can buy!

Tom [email protected]

MECHANICAL TRANSPLANTER

COMPANY

MECHANICAL TRANSPLANTER CO., LLC1150 Central Avenue * Holland, MI 49423

Phone: 616-396-8738 * 800-757-5268Fax: 616-396-3619

website: www.mechanicaltransplanter.come-mail: [email protected]

Model 1000For small cells or

bareroot plants. Popular with small growers.

Model 5000Our most productive

carrousel transplanter. Packing wheel units

also available.

Model 912Transplants plugs through

plastic mulch. Twin row machines also available.

NPC REPORT | POLITICS

AS WE ENTER the fall season, it seems hard to believe that Presi-dent Trump was elected nearly

one year ago. 2017 has barreled forward at a dizzying pace and now just a few scarce months remain in this year.

The first 12 to 14 months of a Presi-dent’s term are the most valuable, as typically the leader’s popularity and strength is highest immediately follow-ing the election.

Looking back at the accomplishments of recent administrations during this window, President Obama signed an economic stimulus bill in February 2009 and pushed through his controversial Affordable Care Act by March 2010. President George W. Bush signed a $1.35 trillion tax reduction package in June 2001 and the No Child Left Behind edu-cation reform bill the following January. President Bill Clinton saw his plan for deficit reduction passed in August 1993 and North American Free Trade Agree-ment (NAFTA) ratified that December.

For President Trump, this valuable window of time is rapidly nearing its end. Many opportunities for enhancing Amer-ica’s economy are still waiting for action.

Issues The Trump Administration Should Move Forward on Soon

Among the policies the Administra-tion has still to address are:• Tax reform;• Legislation to deal with agriculture’s

immigrant labor crisis;• Renegotiation of NAFTA; and• Infrastructure reinvestment.

Additionally, Congress must increase

the nation’s debt limit when the current temporary fix expires and develop a plan to keep the government function-ing past that point.

Mid-Term Elections Make Passing Legislation Much Harder

The potato industry is strongly sup-portive of Congressional leaders and the Administration moving these vital policies forward before the mid-term election cycle is upon us.

The overall economy would greatly benefit from such positive actions.

Revitalizing our tax code, providing certainty as to the legal status of the ag-ricultural workforce, and increasing our competitiveness through strong trade agreements are long overdue.

The Farm Bill is Looming, TooIt should be noted the farm bill will

expire just one year from now. NPC ac-tively participated in finalizing the fruit and vegetable industry’s recommenda-tions for the 2018 Farm Bill.

For the upcoming farm bill to build on the strengths of the current bill, there must be bipartisan Congressional support and a strong boost from the Trump Administration.

U.S. Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue has been an energetic advocate for American agriculture, undertaking an RV road tour over the summer. He is certainly pushing the Administration to ensure deliberations on trade policy always include a strong focus on the impact they will have on U.S. producers and exports.

There’s Still a Window of Opportunity

Though the months following the No-vember elections have been volatile, the opportunity still exists to make mean-ingful changes on these federal policies. Success will require a focused effort by the President and Congressional lead-ers. In the interest of seeing our indus-try and the country thrive over the next few years, we encourage them to take up this challenge and will work with them to see it become a reality. AVG

The National Potato Council keeps a close watch on Washington’s impact on potato growers. John Keeling is its Executive Vice President and CEO. Reach him at [email protected].

The traditional time frame for rallying support for significant new legislation is closing, including immigration reform and agricultural trade.

John Keeling: Trump Administration on the Clock to Make Major Policy Changes



SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS | TECHNOLOGY

AMONG THE MANY many tools and resources developed, main-tained, supported, or compiled

by the USDA Natural Resources Con-servation Service (NRCS) are a wide variety of references and planning as-sistance applications related to carbon sequestration and climate change.

NRCS maintains a climate change portal as a home base for understanding and for planning for reducing the im-pacts of agricultural practices on the cli-mate combined with building in climate resiliency to minimize the impacts of climate change in the U.S. and around the world.

Visit the NRCS Climate Change portal at https://is.gd/nrcs_climate_change.

In addition to the main tools and links, the site offers responses to a num-ber of frequently asked questions and discussion topic:

1. What is the difference between weather and climate?

2. What is climate change?

Use cool tools to find out how your production methods may change in the future, how much your area is at risk, and how to limit your own impact on the climate.

John Whitney: Keep Track of

Climate Change



3. What is the difference between climate change and climate variability?

4. The greenhouse effect and climate change

5. NRCS conservation practices and climate change

6. Climate change impacts on agriculture and production

COMET-FARM is one of the many links on the climate change portal (Cometfarm.nrel.colostate.edu). It is a whole farm and ranch carbon and greenhouse gas accounting system. Once data are entered and analyzed, reports can be generated comparing current and future farm management scenarios and their impacts on carbon storage or “sequestering.”

The USDA Carbonscapes portal (Carbonscapes.org), also available from the NRCS Climate Change page, provides users with many ways of view-ing and modeling national and county carbon pool and climate statistics in various map and graphical formats.

In addition to NRCS and other gov-ernmental tools, most land grant colleges and many other colleges and universities have developed and compiled regional-ized tools and resources for understand-ing and addressing climate change. For example, Cornell University maintains a robust set of links and web pages at: Climatechange.cornell.edu.

Within the Tools and Resources tab of Cornell’s Climate Change page are many more links specifically for agriculture and even home gardening.

SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS | TECHNOLOGYcontinued from page 19

Climatechange.cornell.edu


A particularly well-developed set of tools and references can be found within the U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit web page: Toolkit.climate.gov/tools. This set of tools helps users navigate through the following steps to lower climate-related risks:

Farmers may ask, “What difference can I make on my farm alone?”

Individually, probably not that much. But, if we are all working toward the same goal, and particularly if the suc-cesses of climate change management strategies spread beyond the U.S. borders, the agricultural industry can demonstrate it is doing its part to address the climate change issues that threaten the agro-eco-system, the natural environment, the built landscape, national and global econo-mies, and the health of the planet.

Readers are encouraged to spend some time reviewing these web pages and tools and to contact their local NRCS, Soil and Water Conservation District, and/or Cooperative Extension offices for additional assistance. NRCS employees around the country are empowered to help producers address climate change issues using current and evolving tools and technologies. AVG

John Whitney ([email protected]) is a District Conservationist for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in East Aurora, NY.

Explore Hazards

Investigate Options

Assess Vulnerability & Risks

Priortize & Plan

Take Action

1

3

2

4

5

©2017 M

arrone Bio Innovations, Inc

Visit marronebio.com to defend your crops.

BIO WITH BITE.

56312_AVG_2-3PG_LeafyGreens_OCT17.indd 1 9/18/17 3:02 PM


MANY PEOPLE THINK the reason growers use organic production is due more to

opinion than science, that it’s a growing method popular only because of con-sumer demand.

So where does science come down on organics?

There have been many studies over the years to find out just that. American Vegetable Grower® reached out to leading production researchers to share the studies they find most significant. Some of these studies date back multiple years, but have withstood the test of time.

The Most Effective Tool for Changing Your Soil Microbial Profile Is Cover Crops

In this six-year study (“Cover Cropping Fre-quency Is the Main Driver of Soil Microbial Changes During Six Years of Organ-ic Vegetable Production”), USDA-ARS researchers Eric Brennan and Veronica Acosta-Martinez took a look at which elements of organic production made the most difference in soil microbe health in tillage-intensive, high-input organ-ic vegetable systems. The study looked at three types of cover crops — legume-rye mix, mustard, and rye — and all three out-per-formed compost. The likely reason, the researchers con-cluded, was “the result of inputs of labile carbon from above and below ground production.”

Cover crops also reduced the amount of some bacteria important to biological con-

trol agents, such as Pseudomonas.The researchers felt the results called

for developing methods with reduced tillage in high-value vegetable systems.

How the Soil Quality of Conventional, Organic, and Integrated Systems Compare

This seminal 1990s study (“Sustain-ability of Three Apple Production Systems”) led by Washington State University’s John Reganold compared Washington apple orchards and their production methods. Although conduct-ed on apple crops, the results can likely be applied to vegetable crops.

Among other results, the research-ers found:• Apple yields were similar for all

three methods

• Soil quality was higher for both inte-grated and organic production systems

• Environmental impact was lower for both integrated and organic systems

• Organically produced apples had a higher profitability compared to the other two methodsThe study concluded that both organic

and integrated systems performed bet-ter than conventional ones, with organic edging out integrated in some areas.

How Cover Crops Affect Biomass, Microbial Diversity, and Nematode Communities

Ajay Nair (currently at Iowa State University) and Mathieu Ngouajio (US-DA-National Institute of Food and Agri-culture) tested both rye and rye-vetch as cover crops, with and without compost,

on an organic tomato pro-duction system. For this study (“Soil Microbial Bio-mass, Functional Microbial Diversity, and Nematode Community Structure as Affected by Cover Crops and Compost in an Or-ganic Vegetable Production System”), the researchers analyzed soil from each plot at the end of the grow-ing season over three years. They looked at:• Soil respiration• Microbial biomass• Metabolic quotient• Nematode populations

The study was able to identify how different aspects of soil health are connected to one another:

Compost had a more pronounced effect on soil respiration.

The highest was found in soils with both a rye cover crop and compost.

PRODUCTION | ORGANIC

5 Studies That Help Explain How Organic Production Works

Science backs up claims that organic methods lead to healthier soils and nitrogen retention.

Microbial biomass nitrogen at time 0 and after 6 years (A), and the difference (B) with 5 organic vegetable management systems that differed in annual compost additions (0 versus 15.2 Mg ha1 annually), and cover crop type (legume-rye, mustard, or rye) and cover cropping frequency (annually versus every 4th winter).

By Carol MillerEditor

[email protected]

Sys.1. No compost + legume-rye in 4th year

Microbial Biomass Nitrogen

B

2003Time 0

2009After 6 Years

Microbial Biomass Nitrogen Change over 6 Yearsmg

N k

g-1 s

oil

Sys.2. Compost + legume-rye in 4th yearSys.3. Compost + legume-rye annuallySys.4. Compost + mustard annuallySys.5. Compost + rye annually

A50

40

30

20

10

0

30

30

20

10

0

-10


Microbial biomass had a direct cor-relation with attaining healthy levels of calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

Rye as a cover crop had the most impact on fostering a diverse soil, although rye-vetch performed well in this area.

Microbial communities responded more to compost than cover crops.

Nitrogen Management on Leafy Greens on the Central Coast

Specialists with different disciplines from the University of California (in-cluding American Vegetable Grower columnists Richard Smith, Vegetable Crops Farm Advisor; Michael Cahn, Ir-rigation Farm Advisor) set out to learn how nitrogen mineralization behaved in a number of situations. The group stud-ied data collected throughout 2016 in the Central Coast area of California.

The study’s name is, “Evaluation and Demonstration of Nitrogen Management of Organic Vegetable Production in Leafy Green Vegetables on the Central Coast.” Significantly, the team ran 10 test plots on commercial fields for organic baby and romaine lettuce. The selection of sites ensured the soil types were diverse.

The group evaluated the effect of dry and liquid organic fertilizer and studied the nitrogen and phosphorus balance in organic production fields.

Top dressings of fertilizer were found to release less nitrogen into the soil than applications worked into the soil — 42% vs 70.2%. The first 10 days saw the strongest release of nitrogen from the fertilizer, after which the release amount slowed.

At first glance, the amount of nitro-gen applied as a fertilizer was 1.2 to 4.8 times higher than the uptake by crops. But when the team assessed how much nitrogen was mineralized, the applica-tion amount was only 0.4 to 2.7 times what the crop used.

Nitrogen Type Makes a Difference in Nitrogen Soil Retention

The type of nitrogen impacts has a significant impact on long-term soil nitrogen retention, this 15-year study found (“Legume-based Cropping Sys-tems Have Reduced Carbon and Nitro-gen Losses”). The research team, led by L.E. Drinkwater, who was with the Ro-

dale Institute at the time and is now at Cornell University, conducted detailed micro-plot studies using a tracer to follow nitrogen. The study showed dif-ferences in how nitrogen is partitioned from organic vs. mineral sources, with more legume-derived nitrogen immo-bilized in microbial biomass and soil organic matter (SOM) than fertilizer-derived nitrogen.

The results show even in the study’s maize and soybean agro-ecosystems,

plant-species composition and litter qual-ity influence SOM turnover markedly.

“Greater retention of both carbon and nitrogen suggests that use of low carbon-to-nitrogen residues to maintain soil fertility combined with increased temporal diversity restores the biological linkage between carbon and nitrogen cycling in these systems and could lead to improved global carbon and nitrogen balances,” the researchers concluded. AVG

Potassium (K2O) 22%Intrepid Trio® delivers immediately available, low-chloride potassium that is long lasting for increased yields, larger fruit and improved shipping qualities.

Magnesium (Mg) 11%Intrepid Trio® provides readily available magnesium, improving photosynthesis and plant growth while preventing Mg deficiency on sandy, acidic soils.

Sulfur (S) as Sulfate 22%Intrepid Trio® provides pH-neutral sulfate that is 100% readily available, aiding in the formation of proteins and organic compounds that enhance fruit flavor.

Intrepid Trio® is 100% natural langbeinite, a unique mineral with three essential nutrients approved for organic farming. Trio provides a long-lasting, readilyplant-available source of K, Mg, and S ideal for vegetables grown in magnesium-deficient soils. Make Trio part of your naturally balanced fertilizer program.

Call 1.800.451.2888 or learn more at intrepidTRIO.com/veggies

Naturally Balanced Nutrition in Every Granule

Better Quality. Higher Yields. All Natural.


GENNEXTGROWERS | BUSINESS PLANNING

If you are considering joining and running your family business, here are some tips to ensure success.

Advice for Taking Over the

Family FarmBy Christina [email protected]

RETURNING TO YOUR family farm is a big decision and not one to be taken lightly. As a member of

the next generation of your farm, there are many considerations to make. A couple members of the next generation speak about their experiences in the pro-cess of joining their family operations and offer insight into how to start the process and how to keep things moving.

Start EarlyJake Robison is a fourth-generation

fruit grower in Chelan, WA, and the most important thing he says families need to understand is transitions take time. “You need to get started 10 years in advance,” he says. “We started two years ago, and the transition will be complete seven years from now.”

The first step, says Derek Orsenigo with Growers Management Inc., in LaBelle, FL, starts before discussing transitions: You should first verbalize your intentions to your family. “It just starts with being open and communicat-ing your intentions,” he says. “You have to be ‘all in.’ So, if you are passionate and focused on where you want to go and what you want to be, then it all starts with expressing your desires to be part of the business for the long term.”

Get Outside HelpRobison says he and his father sought

the help of an outside consultant. They used their local Farm Credit branch to help understand the technical nature of the transition. A moderator can help both parties come to an understanding. “It helps to have someone from the outside [assist] to make sure it is not too intense.”

Robison also has three siblings that are

not involved in the farming operations and the conversations were awkward and complex, he says, but necessary. “They have equal rights to this stuff. It’s an inheritance,” he says. “The door is open for them to come back.”

Having a moderator helped the family develop private sale terms. Robison says this setup was cre-ated so the terms were realistic for both parties.

Be Clear With GoalsRobison acknowledges each farm

and farm family will be different, and the transition is very personal in nature. That’s why it’s vital to establish goals for the transition that are specific to your farm and your operation.

For his family, the goals were “take care of the older generation and if they want a retirement, see how that can happen. We wanted to maintain a good family relation-ship, especially with those siblings not involved in the transition,” he said. And lastly, “the busi-ness needed to continue to profit through the transition.”

While It’s Personal, It Is a BusinessComing back to your family farm is a

personal decision, and one the genera-tions before you worked hard to develop and grow. And while there is a personal side to your operations — because you’re working with family — it’s vital to keep the personal side out of the de-cision. “We’re trying to view this as a business,” Robison says.

Orsenigo says his family sits down throughout the year to review how the business is going and how the transition will continue to take course for the fu-ture. “You must be fully vested for what is in the best interest of the entity,”

Orsenigo says. “Everyone has to be on the same page and focused on the task or goal at hand to advance the business.”

Learn From the Generations Before YouWhile you might have your own opin-

ions on how to run your family’s business once you take over, both Robison and Orsenigo say it is important to learn from the previous owners as to how and why decisions are made the way they are.

Robison says he’s been involved with the numbers side of the opera-tion to learn how his father makes

Jake Robison [left] says successful transitions start early and take time.

Derek Orsenigo [right] has learned much from his father Paul, helping to ensure future success for their family farm.

Photo by Frank Giles

Ph

oto

by

Ch

rist

ina

Her

rick


SM

@GenNextGrowers

facebook.com/

GenNextGrowers

GenNextGrowers.com

The GenNext Growers Initiative allows young growers to connect with and learn from produce industry leaders, enhance their business planning, human resource, and pubic speaking skills and get access to exclusive content.

Who Is A GenNext Grower?• A young person who is

preparing or already taking the reins of leadership on a farming enterprise;

• Has a passion to produce high-quality specialty crops;

• Seeks to be an advocate in his or her industry and beyond.

CONNECT WITH USCONNECT WITH US

decisions. His father also used him as a general manager, and often asked him how he would make a decision in a particular situation.

“He would say ‘You tell me what you think we should do,’” he says. “He’s the boss, and I know that.

I’m his manager. Be honest and transparent [with each other] and he let me make mistakes

and learn how he makes decisions.”Orsenigo says learning from his fa-

ther has been a vital step in taking over operations. “I have been fortunate to

have my Dad as a great teacher and leader. He has exposed me to a

multitude of experiences during my time with the business that will be very beneficial to me in the future,” he says. “It takes

several years to fully grasp and understand the depth of the opera-tion, from the farming/in-the-field side of things, to the day-to-day office/business function.”

He also says it’s important to soak up the knowledge from the elder generations on your operation.

Your family farm is in the position it is thanks to the hard work from the

generations before you. “The ones

that came before you (father/grandfather) got to where they are for a reason. Learn from their focus and diligence. Value their advice and experience,” he says.

It Takes Trust and Time“There is no written contract. I’m trust-

ing my dad a lot,” Robison says. “There are no stipulations, which leaves the door open. I’m not even tied to buy [the farm], but I have the first right of refusal.”

He says without a written contract, the door also is open for his siblings to come back, acknowledging seven years from now — when the transition will be complete — is a long time and a lot can change. However, there is a cutoff point for those siblings who aren’t involved now to decide to come back.

Orsenigo says, above all, understand that transitions take time, and have patience. “These transitions don’t happen overnight,” he says. “There is a lot to learn and consider in order to continue the business’ stability and success going forward.” AVG

Christina Herrick is the Senior Editor of American Fruit Grower® magazine, a Meister Media Worldwide publication.

GENNEXT 1/3-PG

ROUND

1

SPC160047

SPC160047 GenNext 3rd Page Ad

BASF

0” x 0”

4.5” x 4.875”

0” x 0”

None

None

None

Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black

APPROVALS

Creative Director

AD/Designer

Copywriter

Layout Designer

Account Manager

Project Manager

Print Producer

Greg B / Dave D

Lucia P

Steve K

N/A

Ava P / Amy Jo P

Maureen B

N/A

CC 2015InDesign INITIALS DATE

Job No.

Job Name

Client

Live/Safety

Flat/Trim

Bleed

Folded Size

Gutter

Panel Sizes

Fonts: Helvetica Neue LT Std (77 Bold Condensed Oblique, 55 Roman, 47 Light Condensed)

3-29-2017 1:12 PMDate

Images: Grow_Smart_Color_Gradient_Blue.ai, P4_CRP150128_Spring-Crop_D3.62948.eps (CMYK; 753 ppi), GROW_HeadlineTypeWht.ai, Grow_Smart_With_BASF_CMYK_White.ai, BASFw_wh100lb_4c.ai

3-29-2017 1:12 PMFile Saved

Colors

SPC160047_GS_GenNext_3rdPg_V2_4.5x4.875.inddFile Name

FONTS USED WITHIN THIS FILE ARE FOR OUTPUT ONLY BY THE END PRINTER/VENDOR. CHANGES TO COPY MAY REQUIRE FONT LICENSING AND PRINTERS/VENDORS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY LICENSING COSTS REQUIRED.

Manavi GaurPage Artist

NonePrinted At

with the right

inputs. And input.

You can always count on the full support of your experienced BASF representative. We’re proud

to help the next generation of growers succeed with innovative products, insights and resources.

Grow Smart is a trademark of BASF Corporation. © 2017 BASF Corporation. All rights reserved. APN 17-SPC-0009

T:4.5”

T:4.875”

B:4.5”

B:4.875”

SPC160047_GS_GenNext_3rdPg_V2_4.5x4.875.indd 1 3/29/17 1:12 PM


SEASIDEBREEDER: Sakata Seed AmericaDISTRIBUTOR: Rupp SeedsType: Baby leaf spinachDisease resistance/tolerance: Downy mildew resistantDays to maturity: 25 to 30Regions best suited for production: Eastern U.S.

Other attributes: Uniform, smooth, thick, dark-green, upright plant habit.SakataVegetables.com; www.RuppSeeds.com

SCULPINDISTRIBUTOR: SeminisType: Romaine lettuceDisease resistance/tolerance: High resistance to TVR1, NR:0 / BI: CA I-VIII, BI: 17 to 26, 28, 32Days to maturity: 65 to 95 daysRegions best suited for production: Coastal: Salinas Valley and Santa MariaOther attributes: A slow-maturing Romaine; strong disease resistance; ideal for the organic market: high-quality; excellent head weight; shows less fringe burn than other varieties.Seminis-US.com

RED URSABREEDER: Seeds By DesignType: KaleDisease resistance/tolerance: Tolerant to powdery mildewDays to maturity: Baby, 35 to 40; Bunch: 65 to 70Regions best suited for production: All across the U.S.Other attributes: Attractive for both baby leaf and bunchingSeedsbydesign.com

VARIETY SPECS | LEAFY GREENS

PARAKEETBREEDER: Rijk ZwaanType: Semi-savoy spinachDisease resistance/tolerance: High resistance: Pfs 1 to 14, 16; intermediate resistant: Pfs 15Days to maturity: Summer, 21; Spring/fall, 28 Regions best suited for production: U.S and CanadaOther attributes: Upright with thick leaves; dark green; round leavesRijkZwaanUSA.com

LAKESIDEBREEDER: Sakata Seed America Type: Baby leaf spinachDisease resistance/tolerance: High resistance: Pfs: 1 to 11, 15-16, UA1014; Intermediate resistance: Pfs: 12, 14Days to maturity: 25 to 30Regions best suited for production: Well-suited for all regionsOther attributes: Thick, uniform, dark-green leaves; round to oval leaf shape with an upright plant habit that makes harvesting easy; very versatile; can be used for baby leaf, bunch, or clipSakataVegetables.com

HOLBROOKBREEDER: SyngentaType: Romaine lettuceDisease resistance/tolerance: High resistance to TBSVDays to maturity: Varies depending on slot Regions best suited for production:

This variety is suitable for the processing market in the Central Coast of Monterey County’s summer main season and the fall and spring commercial production in the Desert Southwest. Other attributes: Tall plant; good color; excellent weight and uniformitySyngenta-us.com

AZTECBREEDER: Pop VriendDISTRIBUTOR: Seedway, LLCType: Spinach with slight savoyDisease resistance/tolerance: Downy mildew races 1 to 15Days to maturity: 21 to baby leaf sizeRegions best suited for production: Anywhere except in mid-summer in long daysOther attributes: Heat tolerant; good in high tunnels in the north during winter.www.Popvriendseeds.nlSeedway.com

FIRE FRESHBREEDER: Sakata Seed AmericaDISTRIBUTOR: Stokes SeedsType: Swiss ChardDisease resistance/tolerance: High resistance to leaf spot intermediate resistance to downy mildew race 1Days to maturity: Baby leaf: 25 to 30; Mature: 55 Regions best suited for production: NortheastOther attributes: Bright red petiole color with excellent veination contrastSakataVegetables.comStokeSeeds.com

8 Leafy Green Varieties You Need to Know

Compare these cultivars’ regions, disease-resistance packages, and other features to find the right ones for you.


WE REACHED OUT to lead-ing plant pathologists to learn how to spot and treat

Xanthomonas campestris (black rot of brassicas). This month, our contribu-tors: are Steven T. Koike, University of California Cooperative Extension; Joe Nunez, UC Cooperative Extension; An-thony P. (Tony) Keinath, Ph.D., Clemson University Coastal Research & Educa-tion Center; Lindsey J. du Toit, Ph.D., Washington State University Mount Vernon NWREC; and Margaret Tuttle McGrath, Cornell University.

Black Rot’s ImpactThe disease, while devastating to

farmers once it takes hold, is most detrimental in humid climates or opera-tions where moisture that accumulates on the outside of the plant doesn’t fully dry. This is a common problem when overhead irrigation systems are used. As the experts explain below, it has a bigger impact on some crops than others.

Koike: Black rot usually is of low im-portance in California, though periodic outbreaks can cause economic losses. For example, there were recent concerns about black rot developments in some

cauliflower and Brussels sprout plantings that are irrigated with sprinklers. The dis-ease can become a problem at any stage.

Keinath: Black rot occurs periodi-cally in South Carolina — particularly in the center of the state — and in nearby states. It can have serious economic con-sequences on collard and kale because the disease affects the part of the crop that is harvested. If the leaf spots are only on the wrapper leaves of cabbage or on the leaves of broccoli, then the heads may still be harvestable.

Although cauliflower is not a common crop in South Carolina, black rot also can cause losses on cauliflower because the leaves are harvested with the head. Black rot is less common on turnip and mustard greens and radishes than on heading brassicas (Brassica oleracea crops). The black rot bacterium also can spread very rapidly within a field, especially by wind-blown rain. Tropical storms in the Southeast U.S. (like Irma) in the late summer and fall can spread the bacterium across multiple counties or possibly further.

McGrath: Black rot occurs every year on Long Island where I am, and elsewhere in the Northeast. The patho-

gen does not readily move between farms, so it is not a problem everyone growing brassica crops will have. The economic impact depends on how favor-able the disease conditions are and the crop. Fresh-market kale, for example, has a very low tolerance for the disease symptoms. A few symptoms on the outer frame leaves of cabbage, however, has no economic impact for that crop. Black rot can affect seedlings thus it is a concern throughout the growing season.

du Toit: Black rot tends to be a lot less of a problem in dryer climates. The bacterium is seed-borne, so when the disease gets into seed, it can be ex-tremely concerning. The Pacific North-

CROP PROTECTION | DISEASE MANAGEMENT

Field Scouting Guide: Black Rot of Brassicas

Follow these tips for spotting and treating Xanthomonas campestris.

By Karli Petrovic [email protected]

Black Rot of BrassicasScientific name: Xanthomonas campestris pathovar campestris

Crops affected: All cultivated brassicas, including radish and any related weeds

Geographical Range: Worldwide, but the pathogen thrives in warm and humid climates. This problem is most serious in tropical and subtropical areas.



west is a large area for seed production, which makes black rot a huge concern, even if the disease doesn’t favor the climate. There’s zero tolerance for the disease in seed. It also is easily spread. Dispersed rain and overhead irrigation create favorable conditions, and it can be transported via seed and transplants — even on insects or equipment for a limited time. One of the worst economic impacts the disease can have is on yield.

How to ID the DiseaseNunez says that the black veins and

necrosis of black rot are unique, and most people won’t have trouble iden-tifying the disease if they know what to look for. Many experts agreed with respect to the disease’s distinctiveness, but added a few other plant problems they’ve seen mistakenly diagnosed as the disease.

du Toit: Plant chemical and nutrition problems can be misdiagnosed as black rot. It is important to reach out to experts

to get an accurate assessment. If the disease is black rot, farmers will need to move quickly to minimize its impact.

Koike: In some cases, two other bac-

terial diseases may resemble black rot: bacterial leaf spot (Pseudomonas syrin-gae pv. maculicola) and bacterial blight (Pseudomonas syringae pv. alisalensis).

McGrath: Symptoms from sys-temic infection could be confused with drought stress, Fusarium wilt or root damage due to an insect or root patho-gen. This type of infection, however, is rare and typically characteristic black rot symptoms also develop.

Keinath: The yellowing of leaves affected with black rot could be con-fused with symptoms of downy mildew on brassicas. With both diseases, the yellow spots sometimes stop abruptly at a leaf vein. Typically, yellowing as-sociated with black rot starts at the leaf margin and spreads inward in a V shape with the narrow end toward the middle of the leaf. Yellow patches due to downy mildew can be anywhere on a leaf and often start on the older leaves. On leaves with black rot, the leaf veins turn pur-plish black in the yellowed areas; this is a good diagnostic symptom to look for in the field.

Recommended TreatmentPreventing black rot of brassicas

starts with the seed. All the experts rec-ommend purchasing high-quality seeds from reputable sources. This means seeking out pathogen-free seed that has been properly tested. Growers should

Ph

oto

s b

y M

arg

are

t M

cGra

th

Black rot symptoms often can be mistaken for other maladies or even drought stress.

Your Grower’sEssential Tool!

Always Ahead in Science and Value

800-441-8482North Hollywood, CA 91605



Dec. 5-7, 2017 | Grand Rapids, MIDeVos Place Convention Center and

the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

MICHIGANGREENHOUSEGROWERS EXPO

GREAT LAKES

FRUIT, VEGETABLE & FARM MARKET

The PREMIER Show for fruit and vegetable growers, greenhouse growers and farm marketers!

4,000+

attendees

70+ education sessions

and workshops

450+

exhibitors

ONLINE REGISTRATION SEPT. 25 - NOV. 15www.GLEXPO.com

Registration covers both conferences and the trade show

Excellent Flags • High Yield Potential79 Days • (HR) Ps; (IR) Et, Bm

Exceptional Kernel Color

For Fresh Market & Processing76 Days • High Quality WhiteLarge Ears & Great Tip Fill

Snack PackSnack Pack78 Days • Incredible Eating Quality

A Full Season High QualityNice, Dark Husk

74 Days • Sturdy, Clean PlantUniform - High Quality EarsGreat Germination & Vigor

Improved Lodging Resistance81 Days • SRG® Plant & HuskSSW® Germination & Vigor

SS28802MRSS28802MR

68 Days • SSW® Germ & VigorGood Husk Protection & Flags

Great Kernel Contrast

ACcentuateACcentuateClean Plant • (HR) Ps, Et, Bm, Pst

Widely Adapted High Yielder81 Days • Resists Lodging

82 Days • Good Eating QualityGreat Kernel Color & Tip FillVery Desirable Ear Package

8909MRW8909MRWGlacialGlacial 1760MR1760MRHiGlowHiGlow ® HiGlowHiGlow ® HiGlowHiGlow ®

www.abbottcobb.comwww.abbottcobb.com

TenacityTenacityHiGlowHiGlow ®

SS BC Early RiserSS BC Early Riser

Abbott & Cobb, Inc. • 1-800-345-7333 • www.abbottcobb.com • [email protected] & Cobb, Inc. • 1-800-345-7333 • www.abbottcobb.com • [email protected]


avoid planting brassica crops where other brassicas have been grown for one to three years.

Weed control is another important step toward protecting these crops, as the disease can affect brassicas weeds (like wild radish) as well. Because chemicals, both traditional and organic, have not proven effective in curative or preventative applications, most experts cite integrated pest management proce-dures as a grower’s best chance to avoid getting black rot.

McGrath: Apply fungicides using a boom sprayer when foliage is dry. An airblast sprayer can disperse bacteria that are in any water that is present on the plant. Do not work in fields when plants are wet as bacteria in water can be moved on workers and equipment. Work in crops with no symptoms before affected crops. Clean equip-ment after use in an affected crop. Overhead irrigate when plants are dry; the worst time to water is when dew is present, as bacteria can be in guttation water that exudes out of hy-dathodes along leaf margins.

Keinath: Destroy diseased crop de-bris or abandoned crops as soon as pos-sible. The bacterium will survive in crop debris until it is decayed, and the thick stems of heading brassicas can take more than a year to decompose. Main-taining soil moisture at field capacity during dry spells and planting a legume cover crop or disking every one or two months will speed up decomposition. Do not plant multiple or sequential plantings of brassicas next to each other. If one planting becomes diseased with black rot, it may be possible to “sacrifice” it to prevent spread to younger crops located further away. Plant tolerant cultivars of cabbage and broccoli that are recom-mended for your region. AVG


Karli Petrovic is a freelance writer and former editor for Greenhouse Grower®

magazine, a Meister Media Worldwide publication.

TEAM UP

TANK MIX

CEASE® + MilStop® Provide an Added Boost in Controlling Pathogens

CEASE and MilStop have proven to be an excellent combination program giving an added boost in controlling pathogens that cause Erwinia, Xanthomonas, Pseudomonas as well as fungal pathogens that cause Botrytis, powdery mildew and other foliar diseases.

With CEASE and MilStop, you get multiple modes of action that can be used in preventative or curative programs – whatever meets your needs.

“The CEASE and MilStop tank-mix has been more or less a miracle mix for us at Bobs Market.” -Eric Barnitz, Bob’s Market & Greenhouses.

bioworksinc.com (800) 877-9443

π

COMPLETE CATALOG

1-800-295-5510

STRAP IT, SECURE IT!

ORDER BY 6 PM FOR SAME DAY SHIPPING


WE REACHED OUT to lead-ing plant pathologists to learn how to spot and treat

Xanthomonas campestris (black rot of brassicas). This month, our contribu-tors: are Steven T. Koike, University of California Cooperative Extension; Joe Nunez, UC Cooperative Extension; An-thony P. (Tony) Keinath, Ph.D., Clemson University Coastal Research & Educa-tion Center; Lindsey J. du Toit, Ph.D., Washington State University Mount Vernon NWREC; and Margaret Tuttle McGrath, Cornell University.

Black Rot’s ImpactThe disease, while devastating to

farmers once it takes hold, is most detrimental in humid climates or opera-tions where moisture that accumulates on the outside of the plant doesn’t fully dry. This is a common problem when overhead irrigation systems are used. As the experts explain below, it has a bigger impact on some crops than others.

Koike: Black rot usually is of low im-portance in California, though periodic outbreaks can cause economic losses. For example, there were recent concerns about black rot developments in some

cauliflower and Brussels sprout plantings that are irrigated with sprinklers. The dis-ease can become a problem at any stage.

Keinath: Black rot occurs periodi-cally in South Carolina — particularly in the center of the state — and in nearby states. It can have serious economic con-sequences on collard and kale because the disease affects the part of the crop that is harvested. If the leaf spots are only on the wrapper leaves of cabbage or on the leaves of broccoli, then the heads may still be harvestable.

Although cauliflower is not a common crop in South Carolina, black rot also can cause losses on cauliflower because the leaves are harvested with the head. Black rot is less common on turnip and mustard greens and radishes than on heading brassicas (Brassica oleracea crops). The black rot bacterium also can spread very rapidly within a field, especially by wind-blown rain. Tropical storms in the Southeast U.S. (like Irma) in the late summer and fall can spread the bacterium across multiple counties or possibly further.

McGrath: Black rot occurs every year on Long Island where I am, and elsewhere in the Northeast. The patho-

gen does not readily move between farms, so it is not a problem everyone growing brassica crops will have. The economic impact depends on how favor-able the disease conditions are and the crop. Fresh-market kale, for example, has a very low tolerance for the disease symptoms. A few symptoms on the outer frame leaves of cabbage, however, has no economic impact for that crop. Black rot can affect seedlings thus it is a concern throughout the growing season.

du Toit: Black rot tends to be a lot less of a problem in dryer climates. The bacterium is seed-borne, so when the disease gets into seed, it can be ex-tremely concerning. The Pacific North-


Field Scouting Guide: Black Rot of Brassicas

Follow these tips for spotting and treating Xanthomonas campestris.

By Karli Petrovic [email protected]

Black Rot of BrassicasScientific name: Xanthomonas campestris pathovar campestris

Crops affected: All cultivated brassicas, including radish and any related weeds

Geographical Range: Worldwide, but the pathogen thrives in warm and humid climates. This problem is most serious in tropical and subtropical areas.



west is a large area for seed production, which makes black rot a huge concern, even if the disease doesn’t favor the climate. There’s zero tolerance for the disease in seed. It also is easily spread. Dispersed rain and overhead irrigation create favorable conditions, and it can be transported via seed and transplants — even on insects or equipment for a limited time. One of the worst economic impacts the disease can have is on yield.

How to ID the DiseaseNunez says that the black veins and

necrosis of black rot are unique, and most people won’t have trouble iden-tifying the disease if they know what to look for. Many experts agreed with respect to the disease’s distinctiveness, but added a few other plant problems they’ve seen mistakenly diagnosed as the disease.

du Toit: Plant chemical and nutrition problems can be misdiagnosed as black rot. It is important to reach out to experts

to get an accurate assessment. If the disease is black rot, farmers will need to move quickly to minimize its impact.

Koike: In some cases, two other bac-

terial diseases may resemble black rot: bacterial leaf spot (Pseudomonas syrin-gae pv. maculicola) and bacterial blight (Pseudomonas syringae pv. alisalensis).

McGrath: Symptoms from sys-temic infection could be confused with drought stress, Fusarium wilt or root damage due to an insect or root patho-gen. This type of infection, however, is rare and typically characteristic black rot symptoms also develop.

Keinath: The yellowing of leaves affected with black rot could be con-fused with symptoms of downy mildew on brassicas. With both diseases, the yellow spots sometimes stop abruptly at a leaf vein. Typically, yellowing as-sociated with black rot starts at the leaf margin and spreads inward in a V shape with the narrow end toward the middle of the leaf. Yellow patches due to downy mildew can be anywhere on a leaf and often start on the older leaves. On leaves with black rot, the leaf veins turn pur-plish black in the yellowed areas; this is a good diagnostic symptom to look for in the field.

Recommended TreatmentPreventing black rot of brassicas

starts with the seed. All the experts rec-ommend purchasing high-quality seeds from reputable sources. This means seeking out pathogen-free seed that has been properly tested. Growers should

Ph

oto

s b

y M

arg

are

t M

cGra

th

Black rot symptoms often can be mistaken for other maladies or even drought stress.

Your Grower’sEssential Tool!

Always Ahead in Science and Value

800-441-8482North Hollywood, CA 91605



Experience it now.

on your desktop • on your phone • on your tablet

www.growingproduce.com

GrowingProduce.comNEW and IMPROVED, crop-specifi c navigation, giving you all the news and information you need at your fi ngertips.

GROWERVegetableA M E R I C A N

®

®

GrowingProduce.com

GP.comLaunch_1-2page.indd 1 6/27/17 11:58 AM

Your Source For Breaking News, Tips and Vital Information in Vegetable Production.

growingproduce.com/subscribeSign Up Now!

to your inbox weekly

Straight

eNews

growing vegetables

A WORLD of


avoid planting brassica crops where other brassicas have been grown for one to three years.

Weed control is another important step toward protecting these crops, as the disease can affect brassicas weeds (like wild radish) as well. Because chemicals, both traditional and organic, have not proven effective in curative or preventative applications, most experts cite integrated pest management proce-dures as a grower’s best chance to avoid getting black rot.

McGrath: Apply fungicides using a boom sprayer when foliage is dry. An airblast sprayer can disperse bacteria that are in any water that is present on the plant. Do not work in fields when plants are wet as bacteria in water can be moved on workers and equipment. Work in crops with no symptoms before affected crops. Clean equip-ment after use in an affected crop. Overhead irrigate when plants are dry; the worst time to water is when dew is present, as bacteria can be in guttation water that exudes out of hy-dathodes along leaf margins.

Keinath: Destroy diseased crop de-bris or abandoned crops as soon as pos-sible. The bacterium will survive in crop debris until it is decayed, and the thick stems of heading brassicas can take more than a year to decompose. Main-taining soil moisture at field capacity during dry spells and planting a legume cover crop or disking every one or two months will speed up decomposition. Do not plant multiple or sequential plantings of brassicas next to each other. If one planting becomes diseased with black rot, it may be possible to “sacrifice” it to prevent spread to younger crops located further away. Plant tolerant cultivars of cabbage and broccoli that are recom-mended for your region. AVG


Karli Petrovic is a freelance writer and former editor for Greenhouse Grower®

magazine, a Meister Media Worldwide publication.

GET YOUR COPY TODAY!

Sponsored by

An expanded update to “Lighting Up Profi ts,”* this new lighting book unlocks the secrets of managing light to enhance greenhouse crop production.

Get your copy of Light Management in Controlled Environments!

The book is available through Amazon in Kindle format or in print format. Go to GreenhouseGrower.com/Lighting to purchase today!

*Previous edition: Lighting Up Profi ts (Fisher and Runkle, 2004)

Third Page Square LIght Management Ad.indd 1 7/14/17 9:08 AM

π

COMPLETE CATALOG

1-800-295-5510

STRAP IT, SECURE IT!

ORDER BY 6 PM FOR SAME DAY SHIPPING

32 AVG October • 2017 | GrowingProduce.com

EQUIPMENT/SUPPLIESKERIAN SIZER - MODEL L60. 5’X10’ WITH 5’X12’ CONVEYOR. 715-572-1533.

SEEDLING TRAYS / VEGETABLE TRANSPLANTS. HARD PLASTIC, polypropylene, injected molded. Made in USA. Contact: [email protected] www.plantelnurseries.com

ACTIONAGBROKER.COM S.P. HARVESTORS (BEANS/PEA, Packaging, irrigation). 607-382-6929.

VEGETABLE CROP MACHINERY FROM TILLAGE TO HARVEST featuring the latest in rototillers, spading machines, chisel plows, subsoilers, bed shapers, tunnel layers, raised and flatbed plastic mulch layers. All types of transplanters for plastic mulch or bare soil. Plastic mulch lifters and winders. Precision vacuum seeders. Specialized pumpkin and potato planters. Strawberry planters, weeders, renovators & straw mulchers. Vegetable culti-vators of all kinds. Stainless steel fertilizer attachments and drop spreaders. Air blast and offset boom sprayers for sweet corn and pumpkin. Used 6’ hi clearance spray tractors. Potato diggers, harvest aid conveyor systems, under cutter blades. USED PIX-ALL® one row sweet corn and snap bean harvesters. Affordable PACKING LINES, brush and barrel washers, top on rinse washers, sizers, pea shellers, snap bean sorters. New & Used. Shipped Direct. www.marketfarm.com MARKET FARM IMPLEMENT, INC. 814-443-1931 Many Items In Stock! Showroom visitors by appointment please.

USED PIXALL® ONE ROW SNAP BEAN HARVESTERS, SORTING tables, elevators and sweet corn harvesters. 814-443-1931.

RINSE WASHER FOR WASHING ROOT CROPS WITH TOP ON. 814-443-1931.

SWEET CORN PLANTER - MATERMACC VACUUM SEEDER PLANTS all size seeds from raw lettuce to pumpkin! Stainless steel fertil-izer hoppers. Row spacings adjust quickly from sweet corn to pumpkin. Finally, one planter for all seed! In Stock! www.marketfarm.com 814-443-1931.

PLASTIC MULCH LIFTERS & WINDERS. IN STOCK! 814-443-1931.

STRAWBERRY MULCHERS FOR SPREADING SQUARE BALES of straw evenly over the rows. In Stock! www.marketfarm.com 814-443-1931.

BARREL WASHER WITH VARIABLE SPEED MOTOR FOR CARROTS and other root crops. 814-443-1931.

CARROT BRUSH WASHER WITH 20 BOTTOM BRUSHES AND 3 adjustable top brushes can wash many more crops than a barrel washer. 814-443-1931.

VEGETABLE PACKING LINES: NEW 4 PIECE WASH LINE INCLUDES infeed belt, washer, absorber, and round table available in 16”, 24”, 32” and 40” wide machines. Options include stainless steel construction, 12” top brushes, repolisher to reshine tomatoes, waxer, inspection conveyers, custom length outfeed conveyers and two way exit sorting belt. Bin Dumper. Water Dump Tank. Custom grape tomato washer, watermelon washer, carrot wash-ers with top on or off. Order up to 3 months ahead if not in stock. www.marketfarm.com 814-443-1931.

IRRIGATION/SUPPLIESIRRIGATION HOSE REELS, LARGE & SMALL FIELDS. BUY DIRECT From Factory. www.Idrofogliausa.com 360-393-4923

DIESEL IRRIGATION PUMPS. BUY DIRECT FROM FACTORY. www.idrofgoliausa.com 360-393-4923

PLANTS/SEEDS/BULBSGREY RED SHALLOTS, HARDNECK, SOFTNECK GARLIC, SHIPPING July-October 2017. 661-345-5735. www.shallotseed.com

WHOLESALE PUMPKINS FOR SALE. PRODUCT OF LANCASTER, PA. Call Bryan (717)629-0941 or email [email protected]

AVGMARKETPLACE

■ Rates: Only $1.50 per word (one-time insertion) $1.45 per word/per issue (six-time insertion) $1.40 per word/per issue (twelve or more) (no agency commissions)■ Combination Orders: Call or email for combo rates to include your ad in our other publications.■ Line Classified Border Charge: For an additional $5.00 per insertion, we can add a line border around

your ad. No pictures, logos or enlarged type permitted. For combo orders; $2.50 per publication.

■ Display Classified: Call advertising sales rep for rates.■ Blind P.O. Box Charge: $4.00 per issue.■ Closing date: Must receive copy by the first of the October preceding date of issue.■ Payment: Full payment must accompany order. VISA, MasterCard, Discover and American

Express accepted. Include account no. & expiration date on order.■ Mail typed or clearly printed ad copy and payment to:

American Vegetable Grower Classified CoordinatorP.O. Box 73169

Cleveland, Ohio 44193Phone: 440-602-9188

Fax: 440-602-9388E-mail: [email protected]

TEW MANUFACTURING CORP.FRUIT & VEG. CLEANING & SIZING EQUIPMENT

NEW STAINLESS WASHERS & ABSORBERSQUALITY LATEX & POLY SPONGE DRYING DONUTS

TUFF FOAM® PROTECTIVE PADDING - SCRUBBER RUBBER SIZING CHAINS & BELTS – CONVEYOR BELTS

CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION: 800-380-5839

TEW MFG. CORP.PO BOX 87PENFIELD, NY 14526

585-586-6120FAX: 585-586-6083www.tewmfg.com

American Vegetable Grower | October • 2017 AVG 33

YOUR AD HERE!

IT WORKS

ContactDebbie Preskar

to place your Classified Ad Today!

440.602.9188

®

Ad IndexCompany | Page | Phone | e-mail/Web-site

*Abbott & Cobb, Inc. 30 800-345-7333 abbottcobb.com

AeroVironment, Inc. 36 - Avinc.com/cis

Agbiome Innovations 15 855-946-9537 Agbiome.com/howler

Agro K Corporation 13 800-328-2418 Agro-k.com

Allen International 32 208-520-8222 [email protected]

*Atlas Mfg., Inc. 10 800-346-9902 AtlasGreenhouse.com

BASF 25 - agproducts.basf.com

*Bayer CropScience LP 7 866-992-2937 Movento.us

*Biocontrols USA West Conference & Expo 11 - BiocontrolsConference.com

BioWorks, Inc. 31 800-877-9443 bioworksinc.com

*DuPont Crop Protection 7 - vegetablefieldday.dupont.com

Fred’s Water Service, Inc. 32 440-259-5436 Fwservice.com

*Great Lakes Expo 30 734-677-0503

616-794-0492 glexpo.com

Growers Supply 29 800-476-9715 GROWSPAN.COM

Growing Systems 29 414-263-3131 -

Huma Gro 14 - HumaGro.com/AVG1017

*Inocucor Technologies Inc. 9 720-543-0350 Inocucor.com

Intrepid Potash 23 800-451-2888 Intrepid.TRIO.com/veggies

Kerian Machines Inc. 20 701-352-0480 Kerian.com

Marrone Bio Innovations 21 - marronebio.com

Mechanical Transplanter Co. 17 800-757-5268 [email protected]

mechanicaltransplanter.com

*Nelson Irrigation 10 - nelsonirrigation.com

R2000WF.COM

Renaldo Sales & Service 20 800-424-5564 Renaldo.org

S & R Egg Farm, Inc. 16 302-381-8050 [email protected]

Seeds By Design 35 530-438-2126 seedsbydesign.com

*SipcamRotam 9 877-898-9514 Sipcamrotam.com

*Stockton Group 11 - timorexgold.com

Tew Mfg. Corp. 32 800-380-5839 tewmfg.com

Uline 31 800-295-5510 -

Vitamin Institute 28 800-441-8482 SUPERthrive.com

Yara North America, Inc. 2 800-234-9376 yara.us

*In front of advertiser denotes regional advertisement – ad may not appear in all versions

Support AVG’s Valued Advertisers

SELL YOUR PRODUCTS AND SERVICESWITH CLASSIFIEDS ADS

Contact Debbie Preskar at (440) 602-9188

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION (Act of August 12, 1970, Section 368s, Title 39,

United States Code)1. Date of filing: September 29, 20172. Title of Publication: American Vegetable Grower3. Frequency of issue: 124. Location of Known Office of Publication: 37733 Euclid Avenue, Willoughby, Ohio 440945. Location of Headquarters: 37733 Euclid Avenue, Willoughby, Ohio 440946. Names and Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor: Gerry Bogdon, Group Publisher, 1555 Howell Branch Rd., Ste C204, Winter Park, FL 32789; Richard Jones, Executive Editor, Willoughby, Ohio 44094; Carol Miller, Editor, Willoughby, Ohio 44094.7. Owner: Meister Media Worldwide, 37733 Euclid Avenue, Willoughby, Ohio 44094.8. Known bondholders, mortgagees, and other security holders owning or holding 1 percent or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages or other securities: None.9. Total No. of Copies Printed (Net Press Run):(Average No. of Copies each issue during preceding 12 months - 26,648). (Single issue nearest to filing date - 26,458).Paid and/or requested circulation to term subscribers by mail carrier delivery, or by other means: (Average No. Copies each issue during preceding 12 months - 16,057). (Single issue nearest to filing date - 14,795).Free distribution by mail, carrier delivery, or by other means, samples, complimentary and other free copies. (Average No. of copies each issue during preceding 12 months - 9,678). (Single issue nearest to filing date - 10,780).Total No. of Copies distributed: (Average No. of copies each issue during preceding 12 months - 25,735). (Single issue nearest to filing date - 25,575).I certify that the statements made by me above are correct and complete.Gerry Bogdon, Group Publisher


0N A TYPICALLY cool afternoon in the Salinas Valley, I visited with a farm manager who oversees a large

operation. As we moved from one field to another, he talked about the precision agri-culture ideas he was testing on the farm.

Like many of you, when he’s unable to find what he needs to improve efficiencies on the farm, he figures out how to create his own solution.

One particular project he spoke about is a harvesting machine he and his team are testing, and it’s showing real promise.

But then he told me another story about the harvester, something that really frustrates him.

Developing new farm equipment can be pricey, so his preference is to purchase the machinery. But in this case, the crop he wanted to harvest automatically isn’t a big enough crop to warrant industry de-velopment. So he reached out to area peers, hoping to pool resources on solving the problem. That way, they would spread the risks and the benefits.

Not only was this a financial move, but a creative one as well. The more experienced growers you get together, the better the results.

But no one was willing to join him.What bothered him most, though, was that at least one of those

growers is forcing him to use his new harvester after dark. He claims this grower snuck onto the property to take photos of his prototype.

He was willing to work with these growers on the project, so he feels stung when one of them tried to steal his hard work.

We Accomplish More Together Than ApartThe challenge is to stop viewing each other as competitors, espe-

cially when that attitude gets in the way of innovation that benefits all. What growers should focus on, instead, is how to gain a stronger

voice when negotiating with retailers, as well as finding ways to improve your array of technological tools that will help trim input costs. Perhaps even by finding a cost-share development program with Silicon Valley types on the hunt for investments.

It’s my hope that cutthroat competition is turned to the real prob-lems and no grower ever has to harvest crops at night in order to protect his investments. If everyone worked together to solve these issues, just imagine where the industry would be. AVG

Stop Viewing Fellow Growers as the Enemy

Carol Miller Editor, [email protected]

1 According to the European Agricultural Machinery

Association, CEMA: “For 10,000 years, crops were cultivated using trial and error, generational wisdom like how the soil felt when rubbed between a farmers fingers. Mechanization pushed most of that into the past as satellites, precision positioning systems, smart sensors, and a range of IT applications brought about the latest agricultural revolution called Precision Farming.”

2 In a recent visit to Iowa to discuss the importance of high

tech for the future of agriculture, President Trump commented: “If we continue to train workers in these new technologies, we will usher in a new era of prosperity for American agriculture.”

3 President Trump’s visit to Iowa included demonstrations of

adjusting fertilizer application rates with the touch of a smart phone and watching drones gather crop data in real time.

Oh, One More Thing…I talk to smart, experienced growers and researchers every month. Not everything makes it into an article. Here are three things I think you can use.

EDITORIAL | FOOD SAFETY

We couldn’t fit everything in from Lee Allen’s excellent report

on Yuma, AZ, growers’ adoption of precision tools [see page 4]. Here are a couple things we couldn’t include:

Sponsored by

Get your copy of Light Management in Controlled Environments!The book is available through Amazon in Kindle format or in print format. Go to GreenhouseGrower.com/Lighting to purchase today!

*Previous edition: Lighting Up Profi ts (Fisher and Runkle, 2004)

An expanded update to “Lighting Up Profi ts,”* this new lighting book unlocks the secrets of managing light to enhance greenhouse crop production.

“Light Management in Controlled Environments” brings together the latest

fi ndings from scientifi c studies geared toward advancing the science

and application of lighting for specialty crop production. Authors Dr. Erik

Runkle of Michigan State University and Dr. Roberto Lopez of Purdue

University, along with 19 other leading plant scientists from around the

globe, discuss technology options for shade and lighting, including the

latest developments in greenhouse and sole-source lighting.

GET YOUR COPY TODAY!

LIGHT MANAGEMENT IN CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENTS

Full Page LIght Management Ad.indd 1 9/27/17 11:44 AM

Bountiful Brassicas

Seeds by Design and Terra Organics are wholesale companies. For more information please contact your local seed dealer.

4599 Mc Dermott Rd. , P.O. Box 602 Maxwell, CA 95955 Phone: (530) 438-2126 Fax: (530) 438-2171

www.seedsbydesign.com

Broccoli Rapini

63 days to maturity. Compact plant with dense, solid, oval heads. These super early deep red-purple cabbage weighs 2 – 4 pounds and are bred for Canada and Northern United States. Red Express is a medium size cabbage that can be spaced closer than other varieties.

60 days to maturity. A cool season green that is filled with nutrients and flavor. Black Magic is a cool season green that produces large narrow dark green leaves that are great for baby kale, frying into chips or sautéing. Black Magic consist of a rich flavor which improves with frost. Also known as Dinosaur Kale or Tuscan Kale.

45 – 55 days to maturity. A dark green tatsoi that does not contain the normal “cabbage” taste that most tatsoi contains. Black Knight is spoon shaped, thick and compact. It contains a very high vitamin content. The leaves can be enjoyed raw or stir-fried.

These large upright plants grow to be 16 – 18 inches tall. They are a southern curled type but with more deeply frilled and finely cut leaves. Mustard Green is the darkest green of any curly mustard while Purple Wave, being a cross between Osaka Purple and Green Wave, is a light purple with green on the edges of the leaves.

75 – 100 days to maturity. These bright green, whorled heads on a cauliflower-type plant are widely grown in northern Italy. They look gorgeous with their spirals and taste even better than the finest broccoli. Romanesco has a pleasing, nutty taste to them that can be enjoyed raw but if cooked lightly, will still retain its flavor and unique texture.

42 days to maturity. Rapini is the most versatile broccoli raab variety for growing throughout the season. They do well in spring and summer harvest as well as overwintering in mild climates. These large dark green broccoli raab is great lightly sautéed, boiled in soups or just fresh out of the garden.

120 - 200 days to maturity. Broccoli Purple grows on plants that are 24 – 36 inches tall. These purple broccoli turn green when cooked and has a very sweet flavor. A very frost hardy, bushy plant that grows slowly through the winter and sprouts out prolifically in spring, for spring harvest.

Cabbage Red Express50 days to maturity. This frilly-leafed kale grows to be 2 – 3 feet tall with sturdy leaves that are heavily curled. Scarlet is a deep red-purple color and gets even more vibrant as the weather cools down. Looks gorgeous in the garden and on your plates. Great for baby leaf and bunching.

Kale Scarlet Kale Black Magic Mustard Black Knight

Mustard Green & Purple Wave Broccoli PurpleBroccoli Romanesco

Documents

$2 · PDF fileCreative Services Manager Margaret J. Puskas Art Director Wally Edwards ... Production Works 24 GenNext Growers: Advice for Taking Over the Family Farm