Contents VGN Reports FEBRUARY 2019 In Every Issue 4 38-39 40 42 43 44-46 46 46 47 Editor's Letter Industry News Grower's Postcard Ag Labor Review Notes from the Farm Classifieds Calendar of Events Advertiser Index VGN 7 8 Penn State beginning farmers' project saluted 9 Harrell honored for commitment to Florida strawberries 10 Carrot nitrate content could soar in late season 12 H-2A use soars amid escalating adverse wage rate 14 Organic growers, researchers focus on soil care 15 Recruiting ants to fight weeds on the farm 16 Biodegradable mulch lessens labor pressure 18 Tyson brings expertise to role as Georgia onion agent Great Lakes EXPO News 20 EXPO the setting for award presentations 22 GLEXPO Farm Market Bus Tour well-attended 24 GLEXPO Farm Market Bus tour photo gallery 26 Debut Fruit, Vegetable 40 Under 40 class honored MSUE Vegetable Notes 28 Nematode management in vegetables is challenging Controlled Environment 30 Light maps help growers manage plant growth Leafy Greens 31 Research focuses on downy mildew on lettuce Irrigation & Water Management 32 Clemson alumnus wins $10,000 for farm efficiency app 33 SmartPath technology to lead to smart farm irrigation Farm Market & Agritourism 34 Processed products, online sales spur success 36 Social media lets farm marketer target customers VGN | FEBRUARY 2019 | 3