Fruit Program News

  • red haven bud 041416

    Does crop insurance pay?

    October 29, 2016
    This year has been one of the most challenging in the history of Massachusetts farming. We saw record low temperatures in February that wiped out the 2016 peach crop followed by extreme low temperatures in April followed by an extreme drought. All farmers suffered losses on almost every crop either by lower yields and/or increase operating expenses. Every farmer got a chance to evaluate their risk management plan. Did they have coverage and was it at the right level? 
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  • 2016 Drought Information and Resources

    September 16, 2016
    2016 Drought Status and Related Information - As of Sept. 16, 2016 the US Drought Monitor is reporting over 98% of Massachusetts is in a state of Moderate to Extreme Drought.  See: http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/Home/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?MA.  Extreme Drought (area shaded in red) now extends across the state to Western Mass and covers over 50% of the land area of the state. 
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  • honey crisp apple

    Apple maturity reports have started...

    August 22, 2016

    2016 apple maturity reports have started, click here for details...

  • Disaster Assistance Drought Survey

    August 1, 2016
    Drought Survey In order to seek a disaster declaration and disaster relief for Massachusetts farmers ...
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  • 2016 Insecticides for Blueberry, Strawberry, Brambles and Grapes for Controlling SWD (UConn)

    July 8, 2016
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  • my ipm logo

    Clemson smartphone app series tackles fruit diseases and pests

    May 6, 2016
    Fruit growers can now fight insects and disease from the palm of their hands with technology developed at Clemson University and in collaboration with scientists from Cornell University, the University of Massachusetts, Penn State University, the North Carolina State University, and the University of Georgia.
    Read more

  • Updates to the 2016 New England Small Fruit Management Guide

    April 21, 2016

    2016 New England Small Fruit Management Guide Updates

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  • Mass Aggie Seminars 2016

    December 29, 2015

    The 2016 Mass Aggie Workshop Series has been unveiled.  See the full slate of workshops here.

  • Fruit nutrient management guidelines

    November 21, 2015

    A Nutrient Management page has been added to umassfruit.com. Both tree and small fruit nutrient management recommendations and guidelines have been added to assist fruit growers in meeting the requirements of the Massachusetts Plant Nutrient Management Regulations, which for Agriculture, goes into effect December 5, 2015.

  • Perennial Crops - Sales Closing Date for Crop Insurance is Nov. 20

    October 30, 2015

    Perennial Crops - Sales Closing Date for Crop Insurance

    November 20th, 2015 is the last day to purchase a new, change or cancel an existing crop insurance or Non-Insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) policy. Growers are encouraged to read the fact sheet for apples and peaches as they consider their 2016 risk management needs. All other perennial crops are covered byNAP which is administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA). Growers can also contact the UMass Extension Risk Management Education team for assistance understanding these programs.

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