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East, West Dry Bean Conditions Mixed

Dry bean prospects continue to shine bright in the North Dakota-Minnesota production region, while crops in Michigan and Ontario are experiencing the effects of tough spring planting conditions, according to the latest crop update from Thompsons Ltd.
 
In Manitoba, dry bean crops could use more rainfall.
 
Ontario:
 
Ontario this past week has received a considerable amount of rain, along with some rough weather including strong winds, hail and lightning. Reports of small amounts of crop damage in the dry bean crop. Various stages of growth through Ontario from full bloom to pod setting, but overall, a good crop is expected – although a bit late compared to normal. Some issues, such as root rot, has developed in small amounts due to a wet and cool planting season. Disease prevention is the main focus right now.
 
Cooler temperatures this week with an anticipated spike on the weekend, then falling again next week to about 24°C. Some chances of showers are in the forecast for Wednesday, Thursday and Monday.
 
Manitoba:
 
After some cool days, Manitoba temperatures are predicted to get up to 31°C by Thursday, continuing into the weekend. Hot temperatures the next seven days with only a 40% chance of showers Thursday, making for a hot and dry week. Rainfall in the area has been less than 5 mm, causing the soil moisture to decrease. Crop conditions are good for the majority, but rain will be welcomed. Dry weather seems to be the pattern in the region this growing season.
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Designing a Robotic Berry Picker

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Since blackberries must be harvested by hand, the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive. To support a growing blackberry industry in Arkansas, food science associate professor Renee Threlfall is collaborating with mechanical engineering assistant professor Anthony Gunderman to develop a mechanical harvesting system. Most recently, the team designed a device to measure the force needed to pick a blackberry without damaging it. The data from this device will help inform the next stage of development and move the team closer to the goal of a fully autonomous robotic berry picker. The device was developed by Gunderman, with Yue Chen, a former U of A professor now at Georgia Tech, and Jeremy Collins, then a U of A undergraduate engineering student. To determine the force needed to pick blackberries without damage, the engineers worked with Threlfall and Andrea Myers, then a graduate student.