The specialty crop industry is in a constant state of flux. With that comes change, progress, losses, gains, profit, and so much more. A lot can happen over the course of a year, and a lot of it is interesting. This was the case again for the produce industry in 2023. Continued challenges with invasive pests, extreme weather, and labor issues aside, there still was room for the industry to advance and new opportunities to sprout.
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October: Farmers Almanacs Vs. Modern Science: Which Winter 2023-2024 Forecast Will Win Out?
As the weather guessing game advances, so do the stakes for those most influenced by climatological shifts. Click here to find out how the predictions compare.
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October: 2024 Ranking for the Top 25 U.S. Colleges in Agricultural Sciences
Click here to check out the updated list of universities based on key stats as well as student and alumni reviews. Did your alma mater make the grade for 2024?
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September: Quarantine Zone Expands in Southern California for More Exotic Fruit Fly Finds
Already on alert, USDA-APHIS inspectors confirmed 20 more adult specimens of the Zeugodacus tau fruit fly were found in Los Angeles County. Click here for the details.
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July: How the ‘Cosmic Crisp’ Apple Is Still Striking a Nerve With Growers
The millions of ‘trees planted in Washington over the past several years are not viewed favorably by other growers around the country. Click here to see what had lots of readers reacting.
Photo courtesy of Proprietary Variety Management
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June: Overabundance of Fruit Tree Rootstock Options a Growing Issue for Nurseries Today
Rootstock availability has never been more varied, much to the chagrin of nursery operators. Click here to see how they are dealing with the situation.
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May: Hate to Be the Borer of Bad News — Major Pest Concern Moves West
The emerald ash borer has been a bane to trees in the East and Midwest for many years. Folks out west now are warned to watch for this destructive insect. Click here to learn more.
Photo by Kenneth R. Law, USDA APHIS PPQ, Bugwood.org
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April: New Hampshire Vegetable Grower All In on His Favorite Farm Equipment Picks
Andre Cantelmo, Co-Owner of Heron Pond Farm, grows crops covering all four seasons. We asked him about his best tool options. Click here to see what are his favorites.
Photo courtesy of Terrateck
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March: Discrediting the ‘Dirty Dozen’ List? Ag Industry Advocates Point to the Data
Folks at the Alliance for Food and Farming say there is plenty of research to refute controversial listing from Environmental Working Group. Click here to see what drew the most article reader comments during 2023.
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March: For New Blueberry Varieties, It’s Out With the Old and In With the Vigor
Starting anew with a blueberry renovation revolves around choosing the ideal replacement selections. Click here to read the story.
Photo courtesy of Oregon State University
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January: Here Are the Top Mobile Apps for Agriculture in 2023
The updated annual list of digital tools that will help you farm smarter and do your job more efficiently scored big again with readers. Click here to review the list.
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October: Farmers Almanacs Vs. Modern Science: Which Winter 2023-2024 Forecast Will Win Out?
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October: 2024 Ranking for the Top 25 U.S. Colleges in Agricultural Sciences
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September: Quarantine Zone Expands in Southern California for More Exotic Fruit Fly Finds
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July: How the ‘Cosmic Crisp’ Apple Is Still Striking a Nerve With Growers
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June: Overabundance of Fruit Tree Rootstock Options a Growing Issue for Nurseries Today
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May: Hate to Be the Borer of Bad News — Major Pest Concern Moves West
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April: New Hampshire Vegetable Grower All In on His Favorite Farm Equipment Picks
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March: Discrediting the ‘Dirty Dozen’ List? Ag Industry Advocates Point to the Data
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March: For New Blueberry Varieties, It’s Out With the Old and In With the Vigor
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January: Here Are the Top Mobile Apps for Agriculture in 2023
Avoid These Mistakes When Flying Drones Over Your Farm Field
01510 Big Headlines That Made Produce Growers React In 2023
Paul Rusnak is the Senior Online Editor for Meister Media Worldwide's Specialty Crops Division, which consists of American Vegetable Grower, American Fruit Grower, and Greenhouse Grower magazines, all Meister Media brands. He is based in Northeast Florida. See all author stories here.
December 26, 2023 
