Once harvest kicks off, stockpiles of in-hull almonds become a favorite spot for Aspergillus mold as the moisture in almonds, combined with larger swings in air temperature from day to evening, result in elevated moisture levels and create a hospitable environment for the damaging mold to thrive. Aspergillus mold produces aflatoxin that causes significant food safety concerns that can put export …

While the onset of hullsplit signals that harvest season is near, it also marks the start of an unwelcomed orchard guest: hull rot. Almond hulls are susceptible to hull rot fungi from the beginning of hullsplit until the hulls dry, which is typically a month long, though the period may vary depending on fertilization and irrigation. Successful hull rot control …

John Deere has received approval from the U.S. Department of Labor for its new Registered Apprenticeship Program and is making it available to its Agriculture & Turf and Construction & Forestry dealers. The program will help address a widespread shortage of service technicians, especially in rural areas across the country, by providing dealers with a formalized, on-the-job and technical training …