Want to Improve Your Fruit and Nut Production in 2019? Follow This Advice

Each year American Fruit Grower’s State of the Industry survey yields a wealth of interesting information, but some of the really insightful answers come when we ask the nation’s fruit and nut crop consultants — and these answers come from every corner of the country — one single question: If you could offer the average grower one piece of advice, what would it be? Here’s a sampling from this year’s responses.

1. “Market your produce before you grow it.”
2. “Be open to new technology and getting your people on board with using it.”
3. “Do not be content with average production. Make hard decisions on pull-outs and plantings without emotion.”
4. “Do your homework when it comes to new varieties, new systems, and new chemistries. You already do, but the need is becoming even greater, as the risks are greater.”
5. “Implementing the Food Safety Modernization Act does not have to be expensive; be informed. Keep yourself up to date and let us help you with training.”
6. “Small farmers cannot hang in commodity markets; they must find a niche.”
7. “Focus. Decide what you can do well and focus on that.”
8. “Learn the nutrient demands of your crop; reduce nitrogen use.”
9. “Don’t undercut critical farming practices to save money.”
10. “Don’t be afraid to implement new products into a portion of your acreage. And, there are a lot of new/young consultants that have some good ideas: Give them a chance to work with you.”