Minnesota

Red River Valley Potato Harvest Has Potential for ‘Banner Year’

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 00:08:11 GMT

Harvest was on schedule, and color and quality of potatoes from the Red River Valley were looking good in late September, says Gary Shields, executive director for the Northland Potato Growers Association, East Grand Forks, Minn.

Growers in the 300-mile valley in upper Minnesota and North Dakota produce red, yellow, white and russet potatoes on 75,000 acres in North Dakota and 45,000 acres in Minnesota, he says.

Hall’s

Edinburg, N.D.-based Hall’s had harvested about 35% of its crop by late September, and partner Jackson Hall says he was pleased with the quality.

“We had a nice spring for planting, but things got dry June through mid-July,” he says. “We did get nice, timely rains late July through August.”

The size profile is larger than the past couple of years, he says, and volume should be similar to last year.

Hall’s main varieties are dark red
norlands and sangre, but it also plants small lots of other varieties to determine whether they’ll work on a larger scale.

Hall’s typically ships from late October through April or sometimes into May.

Edinburg, N.D.-based Hall’s had harvested about 35% of its crop by late September, and partner Jackson Hall says he was pleased with the quality. The size profile is larger than the past couple of years, he says, and volume should be similar to last year.

(Photo courtesy of Hall’s)

O.C. Schulz

O.C. Schulz & Sons Inc., Crystal, N.D., started its harvest Sept. 9, which is a typical start date, says owner Dave Moquist. The company ships several varieties of red and yellow potatoes from mid-October until early May. The harvest was somewhat slower this year because of hot weather.

Temperatures had cooled down a bit but were still above average in late September.

“Our digging conditions right now are excellent,” he said Sept. 18. “We have moisture in the ground, and quality looks good.”

Moquist expects yields to be average to slightly above average with good sizing and some spuds above average in size.

O.C. Schulz & Sons Inc., Crystal, N.D., started its harvest on Sept. 9, which is a typical start date, says owner Dave Moquist. The company ships several varieties of red and yellow potatoes from mid-October until early May.

(Photo courtesy of O.C. Schulz & Sons Inc.)

Black Gold Farms

Keith Groven, south central director of operations for Black Gold Farms, Grand Forks, N.D., seems excited about the coming season.

“This is shaping up to be an absolute banner year out of the Red River Valley,” Groven says. “I think we’ll see one of the better crops we’ve seen in the last decade.”

He describes the crop as very healthy and very nice-looking and adds that the large crop with good quality should lend itself well to selling through retail.

Black Gold Farms sells a wide range of sizes of mostly red and yellow potatoes, and Groven explains that the petite
and creamer size markets appear to be growing in both the red and yellow categories. The company offers organic red potatoes as well. Black Gold Farms also has steady foodservice business, Groven says.

Ben Holmes Potato Co.

Harvest for Ben Holmes Potato Co., Becker, Minn., started Sept. 2, which is earlier than usual because of optimal growing conditions, says owner Kevin Olson.

But the harvest slowed because of warm weather. Sporadic rain also cropped up throughout the valley this summer, with heavy precipitation in some areas.

“Right now, the quality is looking excellent on both reds and yellows,” he said in late September, with a good mix of sizes.

Ben Holmes Potato offers several varieties of red and yellow potatoes.

“They’re always trying to find something that can store for a longer period of time with minimal pressure bruising,” Olson says.

The company sells potatoes year-round, sometimes sourcing from out of state during the summer, he says.

Volume should be up a bit compared to last year because of increased yields, Olson adds.

Prices were soft during the summer, but Olson says he hopes fobs will strengthen as potatoes go into storage. He’d like to see 50-pound cartons of Size A potatoes sell for up to $20 to $22, similar to last year.

NoKota Packers

North Dakota had a good growing year in 2025, says Mike Rerick, vice president of sales and marketing for NoKota Packers Inc., Buxton, N.D.

“Most all areas had adequate rainfall and temperatures,” he says. “This was a welcome change from the past few years, where conditions have been very dry.”

Color and quality of the company’s yellow and red potatoes is average to above average, he says, and potato sizing is “right around the average size profile that we would like to see.”

NoKota Packers also sources russets from partner sheds.

“Our main focus is 5- and 10-pound retail packs along with 50-pound bags and boxes as well as bulk totes,” Rerick says.

Volume will be slightly up for NoKota Packers compared to last year.

As part of Fresh Solutions Network, the company supplies potatoes for partner firms that pack specialty items.

“Our exclusive Side Delights brand for this network has a wide variety of packaging options, including convenience items like Steamables, Bakeables, Grillables and Flavorables,” Rerick says.

NoKota Packing continues to upgrade its facility with new equipment to become more efficient and offer better products and service to customers, Rerick says.

“On the social media side, we continue to expand our presence using a variety of different platforms to reach as many consumers as possible,” he adds.

Packaging Options

Red River Valley grower-shippers offer a variety of packaging options.

Hall’s packs 3-, 5- and 10-pound poly bags, 50-pound sacks, 50-pound cartons and in totes, Hall says.

O.C. Schulz ships many 50-pound paper bags and cartons to wholesalers, provides totes for re-packers and packs standard

3-, 5- and 10-pound packages for consumers, Moquist says.

And Ben Holmes Potato sells a mix of packaging options including totes and 3- and 5-pound red and yellow potatoes, Olson says.

Over $1.6M Set to Boost Urban Agriculture Across Minnesota

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 17:01:01 GMT

Recipients of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s 2025 Urban Agriculture Grant will be awarded a total of $1,692,957 across 33 projects aimed at enhancing urban agriculture and improving access to locally grown foods across the state.

The grant program, an initiative under the Agricultural Growth, Research and Innovation framework, is designed to promote youth agricultural education and agriculture-linked community development in urban areas — with eligibility extending to cities over 5,000 in population and communities on federally recognized tribal lands, regardless of population size.

Awardees include a range of nonprofits, schools, school districts and local government entities. Projects funded under this initiative are diverse, covering a spectrum of needs from infrastructure enhancements to staffing support and curriculum development.

One example is Appetite For Change, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit. Through its project, youth in North Minneapolis will participate in paid, hands-on agricultural training at urban farms. The program is set to engage 30 young participants who will cultivate and donate an estimated 7,500 pounds of produce. In addition, the project includes the creation of a customized curriculum to ensure lasting community impact.

Another awardee is Urban Roots MN, a Saint Paul–based nonprofit focused on youth empowerment through hands-on agriculture. Its grant funds will go toward supporting the Market Garden Program and Community Garden Program by improving water infrastructure, covering staff wages, providing mentor stipends and purchasing necessary farm equipment.

By investing nearly $1.7 million in these projects, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture says it is reinforcing its commitment to sustainable and inclusive agricultural growth, bridging urban communities with hands-on food production and education.

Fall business surging for Twin Cities distributors

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 12:56:05 GMT

Leaves may be falling, but autumn sales for Twin Cities distributors certainly aren’t.

“Right now we’re going crazy,” said Ron Spychalla, operations manager for St. Paul, Minn.-based Northwestern Fruit Co. Inc., a 40-year-old family owned company.

Local commodities like zucchini, watermelon, yellow squash, pumpkins and corn are rolling into Northwestern Fruit from Minnesota and Wisconsin, Spychalla said.

“We try to support local as much as possible,” he said.

Most items will be available into October, but summer squash should be around until November.

Minneapolis-based Wholesale Produce Supply LLC continued to offer a number of summer items into the fall this year because of lingering mild temperatures, said Jason Hendrickson, vice president of procurement and business development.

“It looks like we’re having an extended local season this year,” he said.

The company still had commodities such as bell peppers and mini peppers well into September and was receiving increased supplies of potatoes and hard squashes as fall ramped up. On the organic side, the firm offers berries and tomatoes year-round, Hendrickson said.

About 75% of the business at fresh fruit and vegetable processor G.O. Fresh in Minneapolis is with foodservice customers, said Mark Remold, purchasing manager.

“Our strength has always been foodservice,” he said.

Vegetables like romaine lettuce and cabbage are the company’s mainstays, but G.O. Fresh also offers apples, cantaloupe, honeydews, watermelons and pineapples during this time of year.

“We’re seeing a nice little surge in business right now,” Remold said in late September.

The company tries to source locally when local product is available and when growers meet the firm’s quality standards, he said.

G.O. Fresh also is “dabbling a little bit” in organic produce, like avocados, kale mix and pre-cut coleslaw.

“We haven’t had a lot of requests for it, but it’s something we are looking at,” Remold said. “We’re hoping we see some growth in [organic] next year.”

St. Paul-based Co-op Partners Warehouse partners with 125 to 150 vendors regionally, nationally and from Mexico and Canada, said James Collins, senior director of supply chain.

The company provides retailers and foodservice operators with “everyday items” like broccoli and bananas year-round and offers seasonal items as well.

“We’re selling pumpkin bins right now,” he said in late September.

Apple volume and the number of apple varieties also increase in fall, including the Honeycrisp variety, which was developed at the University of Minnesota.

Locally grown kale, beets, fresh herbs, broccoli, cauliflower, red leaf and green leaf lettuces, green beans, turnips, beets and root vegetables are other fall items, he said.

“We are definitely seasonal,” Collins said.

Sales tend to dip from August through October, when consumers frequently patronize farmers markets, and they pick up again in November.

May, June and July are the company’s busiest months.

Business is stronger now at Northwestern Fruit than it was prior to the pandemic, Spychalla said — but some things are changing.

For one, more customers are placing their orders online rather than by phone. Online ordering may have its advantages, Spychalla said, but he refers the personal touch of a phone call.

“Then you can make sure you understand exactly what the customer wants,” he said.

Twin Cities suppliers continue to deal with inflation, Spychalla said.

“Inflation is as bad as it’s ever been,” he said. “Everything has gone up.”

The cost of fuel is “outrageous,” and that has led to higher prices for anything related to oil, including transparent packaging materials, Spychalla said.

Remold of G.O. Fresh said higher prices are caused by more than just inflation. Adverse growing conditions and bad weather in several growing areas have been frequent this year.

“A lot of the [price] increases in raw product are driven by those natural disasters,” he said.

There is good news on the foodservice side, said Hendrickson of Wholesale Produce Supply.

“Minneapolis seems to have a booming restaurant business,” he said.

Foodservice sales have rebounded from the pandemic slump and continue to hold strong, with the exception of the downtown area.

Many companies still have employees working remotely rather than coming into the office, he said, and that has prevented downtown eateries from making a full recovery.

“Outside of downtown, it seems to be awesome,” he said.

How Twin Cities distributors are readying for fall

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 15:12:13 GMT

Produce suppliers in Minnesota’s Minneapolis-St. Paul region are gearing up for a strong fall season as summer fruits give way to heartier autumn offerings.

St. Paul-based Liberty Fresh, a sales division of Russ Davis Wholesale, Wadena, Minn., continues to expand its foodservice business in the Twin Cities area, said Pat Miller, chief marketing officer.

Formed after the company purchased Kansas City, Kan.-based Liberty Fruit Co. in December 2022, Liberty Fresh is the foodservice division of Russ Davis Wholesale and ships “any fresh produce commodity a restaurant or foodservice company would be likely to buy, including fresh herbs and varietal fruits and vegetables,” Miller said.

Sales volumes change during the fall, Miller said.

“It’s more of a change in what people are eating and where they are getting it,” he said.

“People get excited about back to school, where a significant amount of food is consumed, and parents try to plan meals or have to feed kids around activities rather than cook out like they do in summer.”

On the processing side, the company’s Crazy Fresh value-added operation will offer a line of fall side dishes and salsas like Honeycrisp apple salsa and pico processed with local vegetables.

“Fall is a really great launch time for some new SKUs in our Crazy Fresh fresh-cut program,” Miller said. “Consumers will be ready for fall comfort food.”

The company also stocks an average of 450 organic products at any given time, with local organic items available from July to December.

“We’re a primary organic supplier for many retail, wholesale and foodservice customers,” he said.

Wholesale Produce Supply LLC, Minneapolis, has acquired Minneapolis-based processor G.O. Fresh as it aims to expand its fresh-cut capabilities, said Jason Hendrickson, vice president of procurement and business development.

“It was a good company for us to buy because it fell right in line with our current business model, and it enhanced our current fresh-cut capabilities,” he said.

The facility is undergoing a multimillion-dollar renovation, and Hendrickson said he has high hopes for its future.

The company offers a full line of fresh-cut items for retail and foodservice customers.

“We’re strong in both areas,” Hendrickson said.

The acquisition will give Wholesale Produce Supply more storage capabilities as the fresh-cut industry continues to grow, he said.

More customers are requesting third parties to provide fresh-cut products, and Wholesale Produce Supply can deliver daily, which is a unique advantage, he said.

Foodservice business picks up in fall as kids return to school, and the company offers items like butternut squash as consumers make more meals at home, Hendrickson said.

Halloween is a big season for Bergin Fruit and Nut Co. Inc. in St. Paul, said Tom Bergin, chief operating officer.

The family-run manufacturer and distributor established in 1951 now deals primarily in commodities such as nuts, dried fruit, raw grains and natural food items displayed in supermarket produce departments.

“Fall is one of our big seasons,” Bergin said. “We’ll do a big push for private-label packaged candy and branded candy.”

Seasonal offerings include variations of Halloween gummy worms, mellow-cream pumpkins, sour jelly pumpkins, candy corn, gummy candy corn, gummy Dracula teeth and a sweet-and-salty harvest mix, which is essentially a seasonal trail mix, Bergin said.

Many of the company’s offerings are organic, such as organic pecans and almonds.

Bergin is optimistic as fall approaches.

“It’s a pretty good year for most items,” he said. “Pricing should be fair.”

Product lines for most companies are tweaked during the fall.

Liberty Fresh will offer items like fall squashes, local potatoes, local onions and “anything the fall harvest brings on,” Miller said.

“There are plenty of fall local items that we procure for foodservice for their seasonal menu changes,” he said.

On the organic side, apples, citrus, value-added salads and berries are some of the most popular items.

Until now, Wholesale Produce Supply has been heavy into summer items like berries, but with the onset of fall, sales of hard squash, apples, cabbage and other hearty commodities will pick up, Hendrickson said. The company also offers local green peppers, cabbage, potatoes, and in October, local onions and local bagged onions.

Bergin Fruit and Nut Co. sources many fall items locally, including sunflowers, cranberries, grains and many of its 15 kinds of beans, including lima, garbanzo and kidney beans.

The company receives many new crop items during the fall as the baking season takes off, he said. “People’s appetites switch away from salads and summer fruits.”

Supplier sees promising early harvest for Minnesota carrots

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 17:22:17 GMT

Morris, Minn.-based supplier Fresha says the Minnesota carrot season has officially begun, with an early start to planting and favorable weather setting up a good outlook for the crop.

“We are thrilled with how this season is unfolding,” Matthew Wulf, Fresha vice president of sales and marketing, said in a news release. “Our early planting has given the carrots a head start, and the combination of good moisture and recent heat has been perfect for sizing up the crops. The quality of the carrots looks outstanding.”

Weather conditions have contributed to an expected yield that is slightly above average, the company said.

In addition to the season’s promising start, Fresha said it has expanded its acreage this year for both conventional and organic carrots. It is increasing carrot cultivation with the aim of providing consumers with more options and ensuring a consistent supply of fresh, locally grown carrots throughout the season.

“We are also working closely with retailers to promote Minnesota Grown carrots,” Wulf said. “Our goal is to highlight the exceptional quality and freshness of our local produce, and we’re looking forward to the opportunities to showcase the best of what Minnesota has to offer.”

Fresha, a vertically integrated, employee- and grower-owned company, also is actively involved in sustainable farming practices and community engagement, according to the release.

Bix Produce strengthens foodservice operation

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 21:36:40 GMT

One might think that a company that supplies the foodservice industry with fruits, vegetables and other food items might see a lot of downtime during the coronavirus pandemic , with restaurants and other operations closing or drastically reducing the scope of their operations.

That’s not the case at Little Canada, Minn.-based Bix Produce Co .

Bix Produce has swung into action not only to keep its customers well stocked, but to do whatever is necessary to help them adapt to new ways of doing business, said Alejandro Montoya, CEO and CFO.

“Our No. 1 objective throughout this entire time has been to make sure that we take care of our employees, our customers and our suppliers,” he said.

The most important thing the company needs to do is to “just take care of the basics,” he said.

The company’s business is predominantly foodservice, he said, and includes healthcare facilities, entertainment venues, sports arenas, cafeterias, airports and hotels.

Business may be down, but Montoya said Bix Produce is using this time to make its distribution model stronger.

The company is refreshing its fleet, incorporating voice technology into the picking process, strengthening its warehouse management system and re-slotting the warehouse, separating broken-box from full box orders.

“We’ve done a lot of things to strengthen how we take care of our customers,” Montoya said.

Montoya said in mid-August that he was within weeks of introducing some new products.

Bix Produce has thousands of stock-keeping units, he said, and a 30,000-square-foot modern production facility where products are transformed into cut fruit, cut lettuce, various mixes and salsas, fruit snacks and a variety of value-added offerings.

Last year it moved from a 70,000-square-foot plant in St. Paul to a 220,000 square-foot facility in Little Canada, a few miles north of St. Paul. P

Business has not been booming since the coronavirus pandemic hit.

“We suffered a significant reduction in revenue,” he said, but he added that sales are coming back.

Restaurants have dealt with the pandemic by focusing on pickup orders, simplifying their menus and investing in health precautions like barriers and cleaning operations, he said.

“It’s tough on them,” Montoya said. “That’s why we want to make sure we’re there for them.”

Montoya said he conducts an hour-long daily call with all the leaders of the company to discuss opportunities and operations.

“We have to feel what (customers) feel and understand what they’re dealing with so we can present them with solutions to help them,” he said.

“That’s the most important thing we have to do in the company.”

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Business strong in Twin Cities

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:36:16 GMT

Produce business seems to be doing well in the Twin Cities area as fall approaches, at least in part due to consumer reaction to the coronavirus pandemic.

“Fresh wholesale produce sales have actually shown double-digit increases since the start of COVID-19 in early March,” said Pat Miller, vice president of Russ Davis Wholesale Inc. , Wadena, Minn.

Honeycrisp apples are top of mind at Russ Davis.

“Local, new crop apples will be plentiful again this fall,” Miller said.

Local cooking vegetables like summer and winter squash , peppers and tomatoes are plentiful this time of year as well, he said.

“We are also in the heart of local russet potatoes and onions, as well as some of the nicest carrots of the year.”

But late summer is not a time that many sale records are broken in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.

“We see a small decline in produce volume this time of year,” Miller said, with local gardens in full swing and summer vacations coming to an end.

The Twin Cities area seemed to be experiencing sales trends similar to the rest of the country.

“During COVID-19 time, it seems like retail has been doing really, really well, where foodservice has suffered,” said John Rotondo, manager at Twin City Produce Inc. , Edina, Minn.

“We do more retail, so we were really busy, but now things are returning more to normal,” he said in mid-August.

Some of the company’s hot commodities in late August are local squashes and Colorado peaches , he said.

Apples are a big commodity year-round, he added.

Rotondo said there’s good reason for those in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area to be optimistic about the local market.

“We have a lot of Fortune 500 companies here, so it seems to be a real healthy economy.”

There’s also a very diverse population, he said.

“There’s kind of a market for everything.”

Mark Remold, purchasing manager for G.O. Fresh , a Minneapolis-based processor that serves the foodservice industry, said some items appear to be moving better than others.

“Our romaine numbers are pretty much on par with where they should be,” he said, and broccoli and cauliflower have done very well. But sales of cantaloupes and honeydews have dropped compared to past years. Carrot sales also are down, and green , red and yellow bell peppers have been “up and down like a yo-yo.”

Like many produce distributors, St. Paul-based Co-Op Partners Warehouse was trying to make up lost foodservice business with increased sales to retailers, said Tom Rodmyre, warehouse director.

Business was “rampant” when the pandemic hit in March, he said, “when people were hoarding, like they would never be able to leave their homes again.”

“Then they figured it out — they don’t need 20 cans of beans in their pantry.”

Melons , local cucumbers and local bell peppers will be available in late August as the corn season is winding down, he said.

Hard squash will start in mid-September.

Onions and potatoes run pretty much year-round, Rodmyre said.

“As little as five years ago, that wasn’t the case.”

Growers learned that implementing certain production practices like cooling potatoes and onions right after harvest helped stretch their seasonality, he said.

“They invested in coolers and in their businesses so they would be able to handle product for a longer time.”

Few produce categories saw a sales increase during the pandemic like potatoes.

“Because of the COVID scare, people were actually going in and buying multiple bags of potatoes,” said Kevin Olson, owner of Ben Holmes Potato Inc ., Becker, Minn.

The fact that potatoes store well put them at the top of many shopping lists, he said.

Olson, who sells red, white, yellow and russet potatoes from three area farmers, said one of his sheds went from 60% capacity to 100% after the coronavirus hit.

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Impact on restaurant scene in Twin Cities is devastating

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 21:36:40 GMT

Minnesota may be the Land of 10,000 Lakes, but it’s also the land of 10,000 restaurants, according to St. Paul-based Hospitality Minnesota.

The impact of the coronavirus pandemic on that industry has been “devastating,” said Liz Rammer, president and CEO.

A recent survey conducted by the association indicated that more than 50% of the state’s restaurants could be out of business within six months if occupancy does not increase soon.

At the same time, a story this summer in the Minneapolis-based Star Tribune reported that 30 new restaurants have opened in the Twin Cities area since COVID-19 took hold.

Restaurants and foodservice are a $10 billion sector in Minnesota, the association says.

Restaurants were closed to anything but takeout and delivery on March 17.

Alcohol-to-go was added later, as was outdoor seating with social distancing and now indoor dining up to 50% capacity.

Municipalities have been loosening zoning requirements to help businesses create expanded outdoor dining areas.

As in other parts of the country, meal delivery has become a growth area in the Twin Cities, with some restaurants employing their own people to deliver food.

Independent restaurants have suffered the most, Hospitality Minnesota says, but all types are struggling.

Minnesota has a strong independent restaurant sector and a number of nationally recognized chefs, many of which are said to be struggling.

Even eateries that are open for business are having to deal with “operational complexities” that make serving customers challenging.

“Quick-serve, especially those already set up for heavy takeout, have been weathering the storm most successfully,” Rammer said, “but the added operational requirements and shaken consumer confidence are impacting all types.”

Many restaurants are finding ways to simplify their menus and offer meal kits and/or products such as produce, meat, dairy and specialty items from their local vendors to extend access.

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Loffredo Fresh opens Minneapolis distribution center

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 20:51:02 GMT

Loffredo Fresh Foods , Des Moines, Iowa, is branching out to Minneapolis, delivering to customers from a new distribution center.

The company began deliveries of fresh produce, fresh-cut items and specialty foods from the Minneapolis facility on Aug. 10.

The new location allows Loffredo Fresh to better serve customers and expand opportunities, according to a news release.

“It’s exciting to continue to execute on our strategic plan, including expanding our reach into new geographic areas,” Brian Loffredo, president and CEO, said in the release. “While the foodservice industry has been greatly changed during the pandemic, Loffredo is uniquely positioned to emerge stronger than ever, benefiting our team members and business partners for years to come.”

The company, founded in 1892, has seven distribution facilities in Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, Wisconsin and Minneapolis, with more than 3,000 customers in the Midwest.

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Freightquote by C.H. Robinson adds new features

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 19:59:56 GMT

Eden Prairie, Minn.-based C.H. Robinson has made a series of tech enhancements to its self-shipping tool Freightquote by C.H. Robinson ( freightquote.com ).

The tool further automates and simplifies the shipping experience for small business owners while providing instant shipping options and real-time visibility to track shipments across all modes, according to a news release.

The release said small business owners have already reported saving half the time and cost when booking their shipping through Freightquote by C.H. Robinson.

The self-service shipping tool automatically provides new enhancements like terminal pick-up and drop-off to reduce costs; an interactive map that helps avoid additional charges; and even an option to hire a “Tasker” through a first-of-its-kind partnership with TaskRabbit, according to the release.

“We designed Freightquote by C.H. Robinson with easy-to-use technology, and are pleased that we are now unlocking even more automated opportunities to meet the shipping needs of our small business customers,” Mac Pinkerton, president of C.H. Robinson’s North American Surface Transportation division, said in the release.

“We know that many small business owners today face unprecedented challenges. That is why we built these new digital enhancements using our unmatched scale, information advantage and technology built by supply chain experts to make it easier than ever to meet their unique shipping needs today and in the future.”

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Minnesota’s First Kiss apple returns

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:41:33 GMT

First Kiss — an apple variety that debuted in 2018 in very limited supply — is back on retailers’ shelves in August.

For the first time, First Kiss will ship to select retailers nationwide, according to a news release. The variety was introduced by Elgin, Minn.-based Honeybear Brands and is grown exclusively in Minnesota.

“Our orchards are maturing each season and producing more and more of this amazing new fruit, so we’re able to ship — still in very limited supply — to a few retail partners outside of Minnesota who really want to try something that will wow their apple-loving customers,” Don Roper, Honeybear Brands vice president of sales and marketing, said in the release.

First Kiss is a descendent of Minnesota’s Honeycrisp. The result is a tart and juicy apple with a firm, crisp bite and a deep, scarlet skin.

“It’s an early season apple … so it really now marks the opening of the premium apple season,” Kristi Harris, Honeybear Brands brand manager, said in the release.

In Minnesota, Lund’s and Cub stores will sell First Kiss apples.

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NoKota Packers appoints Carissa Olsen president and CEO

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:25:20 GMT

Carissa Olsen is the new president and CEO of NoKota Packers Inc. , Buxton, N.D.

Olsen succeeds Steve Tweten, who retired in December.

She joined the company 15 years ago, as an administrative assistant, and her most recent role as chief operating officer began three years ago, according to a news release. Before that, she was director of operations.

Olsen has worked in numerous roles at the company, including food safety, human resources, grower relations and accounting, which has helped her “immensely with the nuts and bolts of the business operations,” she said in the release.

“My father, who will retire at the end of this season, was NoKota’s first employee, so I grew up around the business, following him while he worked in the plant and touring potato fields,” Olsen said in the release. “Pairing my experience in various roles with my knowledge of the history and current operations has prepared me thoroughly for this position.”

NoKota Packers is a member of Fresh Solutions Network LLC, a group of potato and onion grower-shippers who supply the Side Delights line of potatoes and other products.

It is a third-generation packer and shipper of red potatoes grown in the Red River Valley.

Mike Rerick, vice president of sales and marketing, and Steve Johnson, who is in sales, will continue in those roles, according to the release.

Kathleen Triou, president and CEO of Fresh Solutions Network, said Olson “will continue to lead with the same clarity of vision, mission, and purpose that has made NoKota successful over the last 40 years, while honoring the legacy of the founders and continuing it for future generations.”

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How Climate Variability Affects Crop Yields

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:01:10 GMT

So many factors affect your crop’s final yields. A new report from researchers at the University of Minnesota Institute on the Environment (IonE) has found that climate variability may be one of the biggest disruptors in crop yields.

Historically, the IonE says climate variability is responsible for 32% to 39% of year-to-year yield variability in corn, rice, wheat and soybeans. That’s the equivalent of 36 million metric tons of food each year.

Researchers analyzed production statistics from around the world between 1979 and 2008 and matched it with corresponding precipitation and temperature data. The team used this data to calculate year-to-year fluctuations and estimate how much was due to climate variability.

IonE’s finding varied among regions. Climate variability was highly influential on crop yields in high-production regions but was less of a factor in low-yielding regions.

“This means that really productive areas contribute to food security by having a bumper crop when the weather is favorable but can be hit really hard when the weather is bad and contribute disproportionately to global food insecurity,” says Deepak Ray, senior scientist with IonE. “At the other end of the spectrum, low-yielding regions seem to be more resilient to bad-weather years but don’t see big gains when the weather is ideal.”

That means parts of Asia and Africa show little correlation between climate variability and yield variability, Ray says. On the other hand, climate variability can affect yield variability by as much as 60% in regions that include the U.S. Midwest, the North China Plains, western Europe and Japan.

Next, the team will look at historical records to see if yield variability attributed to climate has changed over time.

“Yield variability can be a big problem from both economic and food supply standpoints,” Ray says. “The results of this study and our follow-up work can be used to improve food system availability around the world by identifying hot spots of food insecurity today, as well as those likely to be exacerbated by climate change in the future.

For more information, visit environment.umn.edu . And join this controversial conversation on climate change on the AgWeb discussion boards .

Minnesota Farmers, Propane Suppliers Prepare For Winter

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 20:01:18 GMT

Minnesota officials and propane suppliers say they’re better prepared to avoid repeating the shortages that hit much of the Midwest last winter.

Propane supply and demand are always at the whims of weather, but last year’s one-two punch of a wet fall harvest that used up more fuel and a brutally cold winter created one of the worst shortages in recent memory.

With another cold winter approaching, Gov. Mark Dayton said he’s confident the state has taken steps to ensure Minnesota residents have access to propane. Several propane storage facilities in the region have increased capacity, and more farmers and homeowners have filled up their fuel supplies early.

“We’re in as good of shape as we could be today,” Dayton said after meeting with industry officials Tuesday.

But the state’s efforts to ensure adequate fuel supplies could be hindered by a key pipeline that’s no longer shipping propane into Minnesota. The Cochin pipeline, which once supplied about 40 percent of Minnesota’s propane, was switched over in the spring to move petroleum products into Canada.

Dayton said filling that gap is one of his top concerns. To help, the state will lean on railroads, which Dayton has pressed to address months of backlogs that have hit farmers with delays.

“There’s no question the rail transport system in this state is very seriously overextended,” the governor said. “We’re going to be on them very rigorously to find out what their situation is, to monitor what they’re doing.”

Dayton said the state will continue meeting with industry officials and monitoring propane supplies as winter approaches.

The late start to last year’s planting season pushed harvest back into a wet fall, requiring more of the fuel to dry out corn and other grains. The cold winter drove up propane demand to heat more than 200,000 Minnesotans’ homes, raising prices and making supply scarce.

A wet spring pushed back planting this year too, Minnesota Corn Growers Association spokesman Adam Czech said. Despite the late start, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is projecting a record corn crop in Minnesota — a crop that may need plenty of propane for drying. Farmers can use more than 1,000 gallons of propane daily to dry their crop.

The association started warning farmers in June to stock up on propane.

The issues “are just kind of piling on top of each other, and it adds up to propane issues,” Czech said.

Minnesota Governor Asks Feds to Intervene in Grain Delays

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 20:01:18 GMT

Gov. Mark Dayton is urging the federal government to step in on railroad delays hitting Minnesota grain farmers.

A growing backlog of railroad shipments cost corn, wheat and soybean farmers $109 million in lower prices this spring, according to a University of Minnesota study. With harvest approaching, Dayton on Wednesday asked the Surface Transportation Board, a major federal railroad regulator, to press freight railroads to address the issue.

Dayton says recent plans to tackle delays released by BNSF Railway, Minnesota’s largest freight carrier, don’t have enough information to soothe the state’s concerns.

Farmers and some politicians have blamed railroad companies for prioritizing oil shipments from North Dakota over agricultural products, while railroads say the brutally long winter has caused issues.

Large Harvest Creates Issues For Minnesota Farmers

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 20:01:18 GMT

Minnesota farmers will face several challenges in shipping and storing what’s expected to be the state’s second largest corn crop in history.

The state’s fall harvest will amount to nearly 1.4 million bushels, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported. But the massive corn crop is pressuring grain prices, so farmers may opt to store their grain instead of sell it. Farmers may run out of places to store the grain and be forced to pile it on the ground, according to Bob Zelenka, head of the Minnesota Grain and Feed Association.

“I think we’re going to see some ground storage this year, because of the lack of interest by producers in moving grain into the market,” he said Tuesday.

Agricultural experts are continuing to monitor potential problems with transporting crops since many railroads are already backed up with the shipment of oil, coal, taconite and other commodities. The watchful eyes were driven by harvest troubles last year, but the same problems aren’t expected to occur again this fall.

“It appears to be more manageable than last year, because we’re all aware of the situation,” Zelenka said.

Shipping concerns are also fueled by the fact the North Dakota has become a big producer of corn and soybeans, on top of wheat, meaning there is more grain to transport.

“This is the first time we’ve had a corn and soybean (shipping) problem in North Dakota,” said Jerry Fruin, a specialist in transportation economics at the University of Minnesota. “We used to talk about wheat, but that (harvest) happened in August when the weather was better.”

Pressure is also added to the busiest parts of the railroad network by the demand for U.S. grain in Asia. Minnesota farmers can choose to transport crops via different methods, but barges have been unreliable and fuel prices have increased, according to Fruin.

Leftover grain from the 2013 harvest also contributed to the 60 percent increase for this year’s harvest. There are 162 million bushels of Minnesota’s 2013 corn as of Sept. 1, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Black Gold Farms forms Horizon Logistics

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 20:00:34 GMT

Black Gold Farms , Grand Forks, N.D., has formed Horizons Logistics LLC to overcome increasing challenges of finding reliable transportation.

Horizons Logistics, also in Grand Forks, will move Black Gold Farms potatoes , and service other companies. With the independent, full-service logistics company, Black Gold Farms becomes a vertically-integrated “farm to forklift” operation, according to a news release.

“In the last few years, we’ve seen the transportation deal be as up and down as ever, and that was affecting our customers,” Black Gold Farms CEO Eric Halverson said in the release. “Our number-one objective is to make sure we get our potatoes to our customers, when they want them and how they want them. Trucks have a major influence in that.”

The potato grower-shipper has an internal team focusing on transportation through a “brokerage-style” business, according to the release.

“Our current system has worked well in the past, and we know that our transportation team is the last line of defense in order to create the most value the farm can to our customers,” Matt Jahnke, director of transportation for Horizon Logistics, said in the release.

Black Gold Farms will be discussing Horizon Logistics at the Produce Marketing Association Fresh Summit expo Oct. 18-19 in Anaheim, Calif., at booth No. 4642.

Related stories:

Doug Kling joins Black Gold Farms board

Leah Halverson leads Ten Acre Marketing

Black Gold Farms hires chief production officer

USDA cites J & J Distributing Co. in Minnesota for PACA violations

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:26:10 GMT

The USDA has imposed sanctions on J & J Distributing Co. Saint Paul, Minn., for violating the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.

These sanctions include barring the business and the principal operators of the business from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without approval from USDA.

J & J failed to pay $493,611 to 12 sellers for produce that was purchased, received and accepted in interstate and foreign commerce from June 2020 to April 2021, according to a news release .

This is in violation of the PACA. J & J cannot operate in the produce industry until July 12, 2024, and then only after they apply for and are issued a new PACA license by USDA.

The company’s principals, Jason Jaynes and New Harvest Foods Inc., may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until July 12, 2023, and then only with the posting of a USDA approved surety bond, according to the release.

USDA is required to publish the finding that a business has committed willful, repeated and flagrant violations of PACA as well as impose restrictions against those principals determined to be responsibly connected to the business during the violation period. Those individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, members, managers, officers, directors or major stockholders may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without USDA approval.

By issuing these penalties, USDA continues to enforce the prompt and full payment for produce while protecting the rights of sellers and buyers in the marketplace.

For further information, contact Corey Elliott, Chief, Investigative Enforcement Branch, at (202) 720-6873 or PACAInvestigations@usda.gov.

Bushel Boy Farms launches year-round greenhouse cucumbers

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 14:25:02 GMT

Bushel Boy Farms is now growing cucumbers at its Owatonna, Minn., greenhouse.

The first harvest will hit shelves at major retailers throughout the Twin Cities in October, according to a news release. Bushel Boy Farms is the first company in Minnesota to produce the crop year-round, according to the release.

Cucumbers are just the second crop to be grown using Bushel Boy Farms’ high-wire production system. The company, operating for 32 years, has nine varieties of fresh tomatoes, as well as greenhouse-grown strawberries, launched in 2021.

“We’re driving innovation for the greenhouse farming industry in the Midwest with the launch of cucumbers, our first vertically grown crop in decades,” President Chuck Tryon said in the release. “We’ve strived to build our brand on the premium flavor and quality of our tomatoes, and consumers can expect that same level of commitment with these new products when they see our logo in stores.”
 
In addition to its Minnesota facility, the company also owns and operates a 16-acre greenhouse and campus in Mason City, Iowa, that opened in 2020.

Retailers carrying Bushel Boy Farms’ cucumbers include Cub Foods, Kowalski’s Market, Coborn’s Grocery Stores, Lunds & Byerlys, Hy-Vee, Jerry’s Foods and more, according to the release. To learn more about Bushel Boy Farms, visit www.bushelboy.com.
 

Red River Valley offers rich environment for potato growing

Thu, 13 Oct 2022 19:00:28 GMT

Red River Valley potatoes are promoted in a big way by the Northern Plains Potato Growers Association .

The association is comprised of over 200 growers and shippers across North Dakota and northwest Minnesota, according to the group’s website.

The Red River Valley includes a stretch of land between the rolling plains of North Dakota and the lakes and forests of Minnesota, according to the group’s website. The Red River Valley is the bottom of what was once Lake Agassiz, a huge glacial lake even bigger than the Great Lakes, according to the group’s website.

As the huge glacier plowed over the land, it deposited a layer of silt, clay, sand and rock that slowly transformed into the valley’s rich soil.

While red potatoes are the potato that made the Red River Valley famous, the group also notes the region is also a top producer of yellow flesh potatoes for the fresh market.

The Red River Valley is the nation’s largest producer of red potatoes and the third-largest potato-producing region overall, the group says, supplying potatoes for fresh, chip, seed and frozen processing markets.

The Red River Valley potato growers had the first and only grower-owned research farm to study and experiment with variety development, according to the group’s website, and growers now fund two research farms, each with different soil types and focused on different growing practices.

Red River Valley Fresh Potato Shippers

A & L Potato Co., East Grand Forks, Minn.
Associated Potato Growers Inc., Grand Forks, N.D.
Campbell Farms, Grafton, N.D.
Folson Farms, East Grand Forks, Minn.
H & S FreshPak, Hoople, N.D.
J.G. Hall & Sons, Edinburg, N.D.
Heimbuch Potatoes, Cogswell, N.D.
Lone Wolf Farms, Minto, N.D.
NoKota Packers, Buxton, N.D.
O.C. Schulz & Sons Inc., Crystal, N.D.
Peatland Reds, Inc., Trail, Minn.
Spokely Farms, Nielsville, Minn.

Source: Northern Plains Potato Growers Association

USDA files action against H Brooks and Company LLC in Minnesota for alleged PACA violations

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:27:20 GMT

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has filed an administrative complaint against H Brooks and Company LLC (H Brooks) for alleged violations of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).

The company, operating from Minnesota, allegedly failed to make payment promptly to 37 produce sellers in the amount of $3,812,292 from August 2019 through April 2021.

H Brooks will have an opportunity to request a hearing. Should USDA find that the company committed repeated and flagrant violations, it would be barred from the produce industry as a licensee for three years, or two years with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond. Furthermore, its principals could not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee for two years, or one year with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.

For more information, contact Corey Elliott, Chief, Investigative Enforcement Branch, at (202) 720-6873 or PACAInvestigations@usda.gov.

G.O. Fresh Minneapolis hires new director of sales

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 20:31:04 GMT

Minneapolis, Minn.-based fresh-cut produce processor G.O. Fresh has hired Adam Dilley as the company’s director of sales and business development.

Dilley brings extensive industry experience to G.O. Fresh, having spent over 10 years in foodservice and retail produce/fresh cuts, according to a news release. His success in management of account and customer development makes him the perfect choice to head the G.O. Fresh sales team, the release said.

G.O. Fresh offers more than 700 packs of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables for foodservice and manufacturers, according to the company.

Round red potato market firm for Minnesota, North Dakota shippers

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 21:14:12 GMT

Some Red River Valley potato marketers could finish a little earlier than usual this year, said Ted Kreis, marketing and communications director for the Northern Great Plains Potato Growers Association.

In the Northern Plains Region, potatoes are grown on about 70,000 acres in North Dakota and 8,800 acres in Minnesota, according to the group.

Marketing conditions in mid-February for the Red River Valley potatoes indicated firmer prices compared with year-ago levels, according to the USDA.

Size B Round red potatoes per 50-pound carton were $19-$20.50 fob on Feb. 11, up from $14.50-$16 at the same time a year ago.
Creamer yellow potatoes per 50-pound carton were $29-$32 fob on Feb. 11 compared with $30 the same time a year ago.

Kreis said Red Reiver Valley growers planted fewer acres of red potatoes in 2021, and drought conditions reduced yields. That means marketers could finish with storage inventories anywhere from a month to six weeks ahead of normal time.

Round red prices took a jump after the holidays, Kreis said.

“With shipping costs the way they are and input costs skyrocketing, it was needed,” he said. “But it’s kind of unprecedented for that to happen.”

Truck supplies have been tight, but shippers have been taking tight transportation conditions in stride because there is no rush to ship potatoes with the shorter crop.

Some of the region’s 13 shippers will be finishing in March and April, rather than a typical May finish.

Yellow potato acreage increased for the Red River Valley in 2021, Kreis said, resulting in the region’s biggest yellow potato crop ever. About a third of the region’s fresh potato crop in 2021 was yellow potatoes, he said.

The region has been receiving good quantities of moisture over the winter, which Kreis said should lead to good planting conditions this spring.

Russ Davis Wholesale acquires Liberty Fruit Co.

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 13:15:45 GMT

Kansas City, Kan.-based Liberty Fruit Co. Inc ., has been acquired by Russ Davis Wholesale Inc ., Wadena, Minn.

Details of the transaction were not disclosed.

Russ Davis Wholesale was started by the Davis family over 65 years ago and has been employee-owned since 1991, according to a news release. Serving wholesale and retail customers in 12 states, the company operates five distribution centers and three manufacturing facilities across the upper Midwest and into the eastern Rockies. The company currently serves wholesale and retail customers in 12 states. With the addition of Liberty Fruit, the combined entity will expand distribution to Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Arkansas, bringing its total reach to 16 states, the release said.

Liberty Fruit, a produce wholesaler founded in 1965, operates a 160,000-square-foot, SQF-certified distribution and processing facility that is home to more than 250 team members, the release said. Combined with a full-line commodity program, Liberty Fruit offers extensive repack services and made-to-order fresh-cut products for retail and food service customers in seven states throughout the Midwest, according to the release.

Coming together

Liberty Fruit is now part of Russ Davis’ Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and will continue to operate independently and will be led by its existing leadership team, according to a news release.
The opportunity to become 100% employee-owned was the driving force behind the merger, Liberty CEO John McClelland said in the release.

“The Caviar family has owned Liberty for all of its nearly 60 years,” he said. “Not many owners, regardless of industry, get to leave this kind of legacy for their employees.”

Adam Gamble, president and CEO of Russ Davis Wholesale, cited the companies’ shared vision and values as a primary catalyst.

“The Liberty team relates to their employees and customers the same way we do,” Gamble said in the release. “We’re excited about the opportunity to bring programs from both companies to a larger area with the confidence that customers will be very satisfied due to the shared focus on service and quality.”

The two companies have worked together for several years to service Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) military bases throughout the Midwest, the release said. Through that process, operational and geographic synergies were discovered that made a potential merger intriguing.

“Our primary growth vehicle in recent years has been wholesale and retail, and RDW—particularly with their substantial manufacturing capabilities—gives us the opportunity to expand this business significantly,” McClelland said in the release, “and our distribution footprints couldn’t be more complementary.”

Jose Rossignoli tapped as next president of Robinson Fresh

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 17:05:47 GMT

Eden Prairie, Minn.-based logistics company C.H. Robinson has named Jose Rossignoli as the new president Robinson Fresh, the sourcing and transporting division of C.H. Robinson.

Rossignoli succeeds Michael Castagnetto, who has been promoted to vice president of customer success supporting the North American Surface Transportation division within C.H. Robinson, according to a news release.

“C.H. Robinson is on course to continue to deliver and grow superior global services and integrated capabilities to our customers, carriers and growers,” Scott Anderson, interim CEO of C.H. Robinson, said in the release. “Jose’s appointment as president of Robinson Fresh and Michael Castagnetto’s promotion to a leadership role in our NAST division will help us serve our customers in the most optimal way. I want to thank Michael for his great work leading Robinson Fresh and we’re looking forward to seeing where Jose and his team take the business.”

In his over a decade tenure at Robinson Fresh, Rossignoli has held several leadership roles, including general manager, director of global sourcing and, most recently, vice president of global sourcing. During this time, Rossignoli has played a key role in evolving supply chain product and services companies in the fresh food industry, according to the release.

Related news: Petition by ag groups for expanded hours of service denied by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Rossignoli’s background, which includes experience engaging stakeholders across the entire international fresh supply chain, will help build Robinson Fresh’s momentum with a focus on integrating products and services to provide seamless supply chain solutions, according to the release.

“Robinson Fresh has undergone a positive transformation over the past couple of years, and I am excited to work with our extremely talented team to build upon that growth and progress,” Rossignoli said in the release. “The next year will be exciting as we work toward our strategic goal of growing our integrated capabilities while continuing to uncover new and innovative ways to meet our customers’ needs.”

Consumer expectations are driving supply chain complexity — especially for fresh, frozen and food products. Robinson Fresh is in a unique position to reduce complexity for customers by not only deliver fresh produce, but to offer integrated supply chain and logistics services to create a more efficient and holistic solution for customers, according to the release.

Strong start for potato shipments from Red River Valley

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 15:37:13 GMT

Potato movement has been good throughout the Red River Valley at the start of this season, says Carissa Olsen, president and CEO of NoKota Packers Inc. and spokesperson for Northland Potato Growers Association, East Grand Forks, Minn.

“Most sheds reported steady movement through the Thanksgiving holiday and expect the movement to continue into the New Year,” she said, adding that finding trucks has not been a problem so far this season for shippers.

Olsen said Northland Potatoes continues to work with Ten Acre Marketing for all its marketing programs.

“They have done an excellent job of highlighting the quality product we continue to produce in the Red River Valley,” she said. “They have a few fun projects in the works to promote the rich, black soil that is unique to our area. There are also several plans coming together to promote our Red River Valley on existing and new social media platforms.”

Olsen said the Red River Valley increased planted yellow acres in 2023. Sheds continue to pack in the standard 3-pound, 5-pound, 10-pound and 50-pound bags, cartons and totes, with options for additional packs as well.

Retailers who leverage consumer and seasonal trends and offer in-store merchandising can increase potato sales, Olsen said.

“Highlighting the many ways, you can prepare potatoes can be a way for retailers to increase demand and sales in this category,” Olsen said. “Potatoes are a shelf stable, affordable, nutritious vegetable that can be used in a variety of ways. As a regional grower association, we work to promote these qualities and the many ways you can prepare this single vegetable.”

New Survey Shows Labor is Serious Challenge for Ag Industry

Thu, 28 Dec 2023 18:00:19 GMT

A new survey from the Minneapolis Fed found ag bankers rank labor availability as a top concern for their farm clients.

The survey, which was conducted with ag bankers from the ninth district (Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin), found the issue is viewed as a “serious challenge” for 63% of respondents and a minor challenge for the majority of the remaining 37%.

“It’s becoming more and more difficult to obtain the labor needed to operate,” a Minnesota-based banker told the Minneapolis Fed.

The availability of livestock workers was seen as more limited than crop workers and those surveyed also shared that finding long-term help is more difficult than temporary help due to the seasonal nature of the ag industry.

As far as how this compares to past conditions, 39% of respondents said labor availability has gotten “much worse” over the past five years and 44% said it’s “a little worse”.

The Minneapolis Fed attributes this challenge to the region’s low influx of migrant workers and aging workforce.

According to U.S. Census Bureau data, 10% of animal production employees in the area are foreign born, compared to 18% nationally. The number is even lower for crop production with just 5% of workers being foreign born, compared to 32% nationally.

The region also has some of the lowest unemployment rates in the U.S.

(Farm Journal)

At the same time, the median age of workers in the region rose from 51 to 56 in 2021. The number of workers between 45 to 54 has declined over the past decade with a small increase of those between the ages of 25 to 44 and a large increase of those over 55.

(Farm Journal)