Extreme weather, economic behavior affects agriculture

Extreme weather, economic behavior affects agriculture

Michigan’s sweet cherry industry lost about 75 percent of its crop in 2024 due to variable and extreme weather conditions. A mild winter followed by a warm and wet early growing season were ideal conditions for fungal diseases that are…

Thoughts from the Tractor Seat: When Fear Peaks, Who Picks? — Columbia Community Connection News Mid-Columbia Region

By Ken PolehnThe Dalles, Ore., June 21, 2025 — Just days ago, I stood at the edge of our orchard here in Wasco County, looking out over a sea of sweet cherries—blushing, full, and ready. The weather lined up. The quality is excellent. We should be celebrating a strong year. But instead, we’re fielding phone calls from neighbors and fellow growers asking: Where are the workers? I have enough hands for now — and I count that as a blessing. But I k…