Richard Smith
Breakthroughs in Auto Weeders Keep Coming for Vegetable Growers
New technology in lasers, cameras, and artificial intelligence promise big labor savings in the near future.
Why Making Progress in Agriculture Can Be Messy
New technology and plant breeding methods are exciting. But regulations, increased costs, and less availability in labor and supplies drive advances, too.
Smart Sprayers Now Multitasking in the Field for Lettuce Growers
Producers have used auto thinners for a while. The latest machines strive to do more.
Is America’s Salad Bowl Facing a New Normal?
The headline-grabbing wildfires and pandemic didn’t worry Salinas Valley growers as much as record breaking temperatures and two crop-destroying diseases.
How to Manage Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus in Lettuce
Growers are grappling with a viral double whammy. One infects humans, the other plants.
Automation in Vegetable Harvesting Picks up the Momentum
Take an in-depth look at the issues you should consider before adopting technology on your farm.
The Unseen Benefits of Improved Soil Health
Several recent studies underline the big impact that subtle changes to soil can have on vegetable production.
New Developments in Spinach Production
From harvesting to fertilization, growers continue to improve yield with new technology.
Automated Weeders Have Arrived in Vegetable Fields
Here is what’s on the market now, including how well the equipment is working, and what new technology to look for.
4 Challenges Large Operations Face in Organic Vegetable Production
Organic vegetable production in Monterey County has evolved over the past 25 years. It was once the domain […]
Labor, Efficiency, and the Future of Weed Control
Increases in labor costs will affect the costs of production of vegetable crops in California, so growers will have to take advantage of production practices that help reduce weed pressure.
Abiotic Issues Affect Vegetable Production And Quality
Although most issues you face are biotic, abiotic issues can greatly impact vegetable crop yield and quality.
New Weeding Technology Available For Vegetable Growers
Other technological developments include automated harvesters for salad plant lettuce.
Use Broccoli Rotations To Reduce Disease And Minimize Leaching
Crop rotations are a key production practice utilized by every grower. You recognize the importance of rotations to […]
Unusual Weather Creating New Challenges For Western Growers
Growers should be on the lookout for a series of nutritional disorders in plants caused by unusual weather in the West.
Water And Labor Shortages Continue To Distress California Growers
Water and labor, two critical elements to vegetable production, are both in short supply in California, providing growers with a distinct set of challenges.
Planting And Thinning Recommendations For Lettuce
Recommendations for growers to improve thinning in lettuce varieties using automated thinners.
Spinach: The Resilient Vegetable
The image of Popeye opening a can of spinach, pouring it into his mouth, and then cleaning up […]
Changing Vegetable Crop Production Practices
Change is a constant factor in the vegetable production industry. For example, take a minute to think about […]