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By Jeff Mulhollem, Penn State UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa . — Weed control is essential in apple orchards because weeds compete with trees for nutrients, water and sunlight, which can reduce fruit yields. However, physically removing weeds is not only labor-intensive, but it also can damage soil structure and tree roots. Using chemical sprays to kill weeds can lead to other problems, such as pollution, herbicide resistance and excess chemical residues on apples. Another option called

by Jeff Ishee Source: USDA Economic Research Service December 24 - The month of December is a time for many farmers to finalize planting intentions for the following year. Sitting at their desk with a calculator handy, the big question on every farmer's mind is "Will 2026 be a profitable year?" To assist in answering that question, the USDA's Economic Research Service offers national estimates for crop production every six months. The USDA estimates the national average cost

by Jeff Ishee Mount Sidney, VA - With only a few days remaining in calendar year 2025, Virginia farmers are already planning ahead for the 2026 growing season. Crop input prices are expected to rise modestly next year, with fertilizer leading the way, while seed, chemical, fuel, and land costs remain relatively stable. The cost for farm labor is expected to increase in 2026. That’s one reason why we see many Virginia dairy farms and orchards turning to robots and autonomous

Source: GA Farm Bureau On Dec. 2, Walmart celebrated the grand opening of its owned and operated milk processing facility in Valdosta — a major milestone the company said will create more than 400 new jobs, strengthen Walmart’s end-to-end supply chain for affordable, high-quality milk, and advance the company’s long-standing commitment to U.S. manufacturing and local sourcing. The 300,000+ square-foot state-of-the-art facility represents a $350 million investment. According t

December 18, 2025 - The United Nations has officially declared 2026 the “International Year of the Woman Farmer,” a landmark initiative to spotlight women’s vital contributions to global agriculture and food systems. At a ceremony in Rome, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) launched the observance, emphasizing that women farmers are central to food security, nutrition, and rural economic resilience. Despite making up nearly half of the world’s agricultural workforce

By Jeff Ishee December 15, 2025 - Virginia’s next gubernatorial inauguration will take place on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the State Capitol in Richmond. Abigail Spanberger will be sworn in as Virginia’s 75th governor, becoming the first woman to hold the office. Governor-elect Spanberger has made agriculture and rural Virginia central to her platform, pledging strong support for farmers, producers, and agribusinesses. On December 3, the Richmond Times-Dispatch quoted h

Source: VA Farm Bureau CULPEPER, VA — From chic commercial spaces to outdoor gazebos, ambitious designers and innovative farmers are breathing new life into old grain bins—reimagining their form and function in unexpected and cost-effective ways. Ryan Kearney, the general manager of Old House Vineyards in Culpeper, converted a grain silo into a multi-level family home. From a distance, the rustic exterior of his circular, cantilever home vanishes into the agricultural landsca

December 11 - Maryland is offering tree-planting incentives to support a range of agroforestry practices that integrate farming and forestry. These practices can help generate additional farm income, create healthier conditions for livestock and crops, and promote cleaner air and streams. Programs include: Conservation Buffer Initiative​ ​This program offers farmers attractive incentive payments to plant streamside buffers to improve the health of local streams and the Chesa

Source: American Farm Bureau by Samantha Ayoub - Economist Washington, DC -- When minimum wages were first established in the 1938 Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), agricultural workers were exempt. Over time, amendments to the rule brought groups of farmworkers under minimum wage laws until all agricultural workers were included in 1978. Yet, the federal minimum wage has not risen since the current $7.25 per hour was set in 2009. Thirty-one states and Puerto Rico have raised

Source: Clemson University December 8 - Clemson University animal health officials are urging owners of backyard poultry flocks and pet waterfowl to remain vigilant as peak migration season for waterfowl and other wild birds is underway in the Atlantic Flyway. Owners should isolate domestic birds from wild waterfowl and from ponds, lakes and other waters that wild birds may use. The reminder follows confirmation of the Eurasian strain of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HP