News
Ag robotics showcase returning for third year
For the third year, FIRA USA will showcase new technology in the global AgRobotics sector. The agricultural robotics conference is set for Oct. 22-24 at the Yolo County Fairgrounds in Woodland, California. This northern California event offers i... more
Small fire damages equipment at Red River Potatoes
A small fire caused minimal equipment damage and led to the evacuation of staff at Red River Potatoes in Grand Forks, North Dakota. No one was injured in the fire, which was quickly contained on May 7, according to news reports. The Grand Forks... more
Detailed House farm bill summary released prior to scheduled markup
U.S. House markup of a draft 2024 Farm Bill is scheduled for May 23. On May 10, Glenn “G.T.” Thompson released a title-by-title summary of the House Agriculture Committee’s draft. The House bill will increase funding for the Specialty Crop R... more
Michigan research conference registration deadline nears
Registration for “Rooted in Progress: Envisioning the Future of Michigan's Potato Industry” is open until May 20. The event will take place June 18-20 at Crystal Mountain Resort in northwest Lower Michigan. Industry professionals, growers and ... more
Fungicide receives registration in California
Crop protection company Albaugh has received registration from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation for a fungicide that helps protect against soilborne Oomycete diseases. ThriveTM 4M fungicide helps protect against Pythium and Phytop... more
Collins: Vilsack pledges to keep potatoes classified as vegetable
Senator: U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Thomas Vilsack called to say the department will officially support keeping potatoes classified as a vegetable
Bill would increase Specialty Crop Block Grant program authorization by $15M
Two U.S. senators have introduced a bill to increase the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant program authorization by $15 million. The Specialty Crops Security Act, introduced by Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Laphonza Butler, D-California, would increas... more
SCFBA applauds movement from House and Senate on farm bill
The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA) is applauding movement on a farm bill from the House and Senate Agriculture Committees. Both bodies released summaries of their proposals on May 1, with Senate committee chair Debbie Stabenow describin... more
New H-2A protections take effect next month
New protections under a final Department of Labor rule include a provision allowing H-2A temporary employees to invite labor and legal organizations to employer-provided housing. The rule, “Improving Protections for Workers in Temporary Agricult... more
Spuds in the news: 2023 was a positive year for potatoes
A new analysis of media coverage and social media posts reveals that 2023 was a good year for potatoes to make headlines. From January to December, there were more than six positive traditional news stories about potatoes for every negative one, a... more
