Growing degree days since April 1: 3544 GDD (Average 3297 (11 year): (From the Illinois State Water Survey Degree-Day Calculator)
4 inch soil temp: 66°F (10 am 4-inch soil temperature under bare soil) (From the Illinois State Water Survey Illinois Climate Network)
USDA: New wash for sanitizing fresh produce. An Agricultural Research Service scientist in Pennsylvania has developed a sanitizing wash formulated with natural compounds that could reduce the number of foodborne illnesses caused each year by Escherichia coli, Salmonella,and Listeriaon fresh-cut produce. Click here for more information.
Survey Results Show Increase in Sales from Organic Farms. USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service has released the results of the 2014 Organic Survey, showing that 14,093 certified and exempt organic farms in the United States sold a total of $5.5 billion in organic products in 2014. These sales were up 72% since 2008. Approximately 5,300 organic producers say they intend to increase production over the next five years, and another 688 farms are currently transitioning.
SARE Offers Organic Transition Business Planner. Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) has a new publication available, Organic Transition: A Business Planner for Farmers, Ranchers and Food Entrepreneurs. It explores organic transition strategies and asks critical questions that help you decide whether organic makes sense for your farm or business.
Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) - Who is Affected? If you operate a business that grows and sells fresh produce – and/or processes, packs, manufactures, or holds food– you should read the following information, as your business may be affected by the proposed FSMA rules. Some businesses may not be affected at all, some may be affected by one rule, and some may be affected by both rules.
Source: University of Illinois Extension