Wholesum Harvest extends deadline for Grow With Us Sweepstakes
Organic grower Wholesum Harvest announced that the company has extended the deadline for its Grow With Us Sweepstakes to Sept. 30. The sweepstakes, which began April 1, requires contestants to “like” Wholesum Harvest’s Facebook page and fill out a registration form to qualify. The more “likes” the company receives, the more prizes it will award.
Christopher Ranch ups production of ‘Monviso California Heirloom Garlic’
Since the debut of the new “Monviso California Heirloom Garlic” label by Christopher Ranch LLC in Gilroy, CA, last year, demand for the product has been strong, and the company has plans to continue increasing production by 10 percent each year, according to a company press release.
The label is used for a particularly flavorful variety of garlic that the company has been growing for more than half a century.
Monterey Mushrooms’ sustainable corrugated package well received
Joe Caldwell, vice president of Monterey Mushrooms Inc., headquartered in Watsonville, CA, told The Produce News that the company continues to focus on its new sustainable corrugated mushroom packaging.
“The sustainable package has received tremendous comments from customers and consumers since we launched it in late 2011,” said Mr. Caldwell. “It is specially designed to deal with the high humidity that mushrooms create, and we wanted a package that we could print consumer-friendly information on, such as meal solution ideas and recipes.”
Hail projected to put smaller dent in coming Washington apple crop
Officials are working to quantify the actual effect that a July 20 hail storm will have upon this year's crop of Washington apples, but the news is not all that bad. According to Jon DeVaney, executive director of the Yakima Valley Growers-Shippers Association, the Evergreen State is gearing up for what appears to be the second-largest fresh apple crop in the state's history.
Fresh Directions
Daytime temperatures in Salinas, CA, were expected to range in the mid- to upper 60s through Aug. 28 with overnight lows in the mid-50s. Patchy morning and evening fog was forecast to persist through Aug. 28.
Continued hot and sunny days were predicted for Mendota, CA, through the remainder of August. Daytime temperatures were expected to range in the upper 90s through Aug. 28 with overnight lows in the low 60s.
TRANSPORTATION & FUEL
Demand for trucks in California remains steady. Freight rates are holding steady near current levels.
Anthony's Restaurant features Artisan Organic peaches on its August menu
Stemilt Growers' Artisan Organic peaches have been touted as a "Best of the Season" item by Anthony's Restaurants, a popular Northwest seafood chain, earning the delicious summer fruit several appearances on the restaurant's menu during the month of August.
WGA's Nassif tapped by Romney for Farmers & Ranchers post
Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney named Tom Nassif, president and chief executive officer of Western Growers Association, as one of six national chairs of his Farmers & Ranchers for Romney coalition.
Michigan apple growers show resiliency and determination despite devastating crop losses
The Michigan apple industry suffered huge crop losses stemming from historic weather events in late winter and spring. An early heat wave followed by a frost-filled spring resulted in the largest apple crop loss since the 1940s.
"We are predicting a crop of about 3 million bushels, compared to our normal 20 [million] to 23 million," Diane Smith, executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee, told The Produce News. "It wasn't just apples that were devastated. Cherry and other stone fruit crops also suffered huge losses."
Apple Crop Outlook & Marketing Conference kicks off
CHICAGO - The 2012 Apple Crop Outlook & Marketing Conference, held here, kicked off on Thursday, Aug. 16 with its first general session meeting and although the forecast for the 2012 U.S. apple crop isn't as promising as years prior, growers and industry veterans are remaining optimistic about what's to come.
"This year certainly does present quite a number of challenges," Mark Seetin, USApple director of regulatory and industry affairs, said during his presentation.
Despite crop woes, apple marketers in a healthy position
CHICAGO – The second and final day of the 2012 Apple Crop Outlook & Marketing Conference began bright and early the morning of Aug. 17 with the USApple state of the industry report and business meeting, and concluded with the announcement of the 2012 U.S. Apple Crop Forecast.