It’s a Hard Knock Month for Smithfield

It’s a Hard Knock Month for Smithfield

Smithfield Foods, the world’s largest pork processor and the U.S.’s largest hog producer, has been feeling ‘when it rains, it pours’ vibes. First up: Food and Water Watch (FWW), a consumer advocacy group, claims Smithfield “exploited consumer panic” that the nation...
Grapes’ Robotic Revolution

Grapes’ Robotic Revolution

Some grape news for producers battling labor shortages in wine country: robots. UC Davis’ new guidelines for robotic pruning, canopy management, and harvesting of wine grapes point towards a “touchless” future for viticulture. Machines can tackle pruning, leaf...
Glass (Over) Half Full

Glass (Over) Half Full

The dairy industry seems to be sitting at something of a crossroads. And the proof is in the puddi….er, yogurt. Let’s talk supply: Total milk output is growing and it’s not showing signs of stopping. USDA data is pointing to 2.4% growth in daily milk output over...
This Potash Is ‘Born in the USA’

This Potash Is ‘Born in the USA’

Michigan Potash and Salt Co. (MPSC) in Evart, Michigan will harvest Borgen Bed (rock) 1.5 miles below the surface for the purest potash born in the USA. What’s the big deal? Potash is a crucial fertilizer rich in potassium. The U.S. Department of the Interior...
Hemp Hindered

Hemp Hindered

When states began legalizing the cultivation of hemp in 2018, many farmers were optimistic. The versatile crop was making waves as the new ‘value-add’ opportunity for traditional row crop farmers. But producing hemp has been an uphill battle for most. The issue: Part...