Tag - 2024

Year

scientist in a blackberry field wearing a device with finger nodules for picking blackberries

Building a better blackberry picker

Labor is among the biggest expenses for U.S. fruit growers — 39% of production costs for fruit and tree nuts — and farm wages are rising, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service. Harvesting blackberries by hand is a costly endeavor that takes more than one-third of the hours in berry production. Mechanical harvesting of this [...]

Agricultural Systems, Story , , , , , ,
Read more...
dairy cow with a tracker collar

Virtual fencing to restore burned rangeland

New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension is exploring virtual fencing technology. The project is in response to flooding that destroyed hundreds of miles of fences in the Black Fire in 2022. More than 325,000 acres of forest and rangelands in the southern portion of the of the Gild National Forest were burned as well as the forage base. With virtual [...]

Agricultural Systems, Story , , , , , ,
Read more...
dairy cow against a blue sky

Extension helps South Dakota dairies boost health, production and profits

South Dakota is among the 16 leading dairy states in the United States, contributing 13% of U.S. milk production. The dairy industry in South Dakota has more than doubled the number of milk cows since its historic low in 2004. This increase in milk cows in South Dakota and the surrounding region creates a unique opportunity to produce high [...]

Agricultural Systems, Story , , , , , , ,
Read more...
a group of farmers attend an outdoor educational workshop

Seed initiative reflects role of beans in Puerto Rico culinary heritage and agriculture

Beans stand as a cornerstone within the vibrant tapestry of Puerto Rican creole cuisine. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 242 farms dedicated their land to cultivating dry, green and tender beans in 2017, generating an importation value of $15.2 million. Local bean varieties in Puerto Rico offer a host of advantages crucial for both farmers and consumers. [...]

Agricultural Systems, Story , , , , , , , ,
Read more...