2013 Agriculture in Yuma Archive Stories

WASHINGTON — Drones numbering in the tens of thousands will be in the skies by 2030, the Federal Aviation Administration predicts. But where some may fear precision weapons or flying spy cameras, Steve Markofski sees flying tractors.Markofski, a new business planner for Yamaha, hopes to repeat the success here that the company

After the last of the winter wheat is harvested in the Yuma area, the fields need to be prepared for the next growing season. To do so, many farmers in the Yuma area choose to burn their fields, which means residents can expect to see many plumes of smoke rising throughout the region in coming months.“Summertime is

Herb Guenther, affectionately referred to in Yuma County as “Mr. Arizona Water,” related the adage that some people make things happen, some watch them happen and some wonder what happened.“I would rather be in the first group,” he told more than 100 agriculture, business and community leaders who gathered Thu

Organizers of Yuma's AgWeek are pleased with this year's turnout.Yuma Lettuce Days, the festival capping off several days that promoted Yuma's extensive agricultural background, saw more than 18,000 attendees – a slight dip, as the festival competed with other major area events like the air show at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma

• The olive is native to the Mediterranean region, tropical and central Asia and various parts of Africa. At a site in Spain, carbon-dating has shown olive seed found there to be 8,000 years old. Archeological evidence suggests that olives were being grown in Crete as long ago as 2,500 B.C.• Spanish missionaries would load

• The first modern greenhouses were built in Italy in the 13th century to house the exotic plants that explorers brought back from the tropics. The concept of greenhouses soon spread to the Netherlands and then England, along with the plants.• Greenhouse tomato production is in its infancy in the Yuma area. However, the gre

Water is certainly a “hot button” for Yuma, evidenced by the reaction to a controversial bill in the Legislature that would have authorized establishing authorities that could buy and sell water.HB 2338, currently on hold in the House Agriculture and Water Committee, was seen by many in Yuma as an effort by thirstier part

Miguel Aceves, an agriculture student at the University of Arizona-Yuma, was selected to attend the U.S. Department of Agriculture's recent 2013 Agricultural Outlook Forum in Arlington, Va.Aceves was one of 20 university juniors and seniors nationwide who were chosen based on their essays, “Agriculture as a Career,” and o

With a dramatic increase in the number of Asian citrus psyllid detected in western Arizona, including Yuma County, the Arizona Department of Agriculture has updated the quarantine that limits the movement of citrus plants.The agency already had a quarantine in place for the southwestern portion of Yuma County. The new quarantine adds

Spring is in the air! Our temperatures are warming up and thoughts are turning to the fast-approaching Yuma County Fair April 2-7. This year's fair theme is “Grand Ol' Fair,” and you can have a grand ol' time entering your plants and cut specimens in the fair's flower show sponsored by Federated Garden Clubs of Yuma.

A controversial water bill opposed by Yuma County and other rural areas of Arizona likely won't progress any further this year in the Legislature, those attending the Southwest Ag Summit Thursday were told.Arizona water guru Herb Guenther said he had talked with House Speaker Andy Tobin Saturday and again Wednesday and the lawmaker i

If you've ever eaten an artichoke in Peru, it's possible that your vegetable had its origins in Yuma.Yuma's agricultural industry goes beyond the romaine, broccoli and melons grown for the fresh market – e.g., the grocery store produce section. It's also a fine place to grow produce for seed. Pat Cooley of Keithly-Williams Seed

• In the Yuma area, cilantro is grown on approximately 250 acres as a fresh-cut specialty crop. After harvest, it can be found in grocery stores and restaurants all over the United States. • Cilantro has a strong, sage-citrus flavor that many find irresistible. Others hate it, perhaps because of an enzyme that changes the w

When folks plan a vacation or business trip, one stop they hope not to make is at the local emergency room or hospital.But being on the list of “places to miss” for Yuma visitors doesn't keep Yuma Regional Medical Center from being a big supporter of tourism — and especially events like the annual Lettuce Days festi

About 25,000 visitors will learn about the roots of Yuma's agriculture industry during the 2013 Yuma Lettuce Days Festival March 9 and 10. “This event celebrates the agriculture industry in the Yuma area,” said Susan Sternitzke of Limelight Creative Group, which is involved in organizing the festival. “It is an

Some of the many unique crops and culinary trends emanating from the Yuma area will be on display during the 2013 Yuma Lettuce Days Festival. Among the produce farmed in Yuma such as lettuce, spinach and other dinner table staples lurk some rather unusual edibles that are creeping into mainstream America one bite at a time. &ldqu

Put a rainbow on your plate, learn a tasty kale or grilled lettuce dish, and maybe see a potato turn into a rose with the chefs demonstrating their expertise at Lettuce Days.The celebrity and local chefs who will bring their talents to the festival include:Ben FordYuma offers plenty of options for a che

A large delegation from Yuma County traveled to Phoenix on Thursday to meet with House Speaker Andy Tobin to discuss their concerns about a controversial water bill he sponsored, only to be stood up by the lawmaker when they arrived at the Arizona Capitol.The bill, HB 2338, would authorize establishment of water augmentation authorit

The current proposed route plan for overweight trucks might give growers in Mexico an unfair economic advantage, according to a local farmer.Tim Dunn, owner of Dunn Grain Co., said the plan gives “economic advantage” to Mexican growers over local ones.“It would be cheaper to haul from Mexico than Dome Va

You could hardly have a festival dedicated to lettuce without including salad – but what's special about the Toss It Up Arena salad bar at Yuma Lettuce Days is the quality of the produce you can put on your plate. That's only natural, since the Toss it Up Arena sponsor is Tanimura & Antle, a producer that's renowned nationally

Bring your appetite to this special tasting event where an array of Yuma restaurants offer samples of their most delicious specialties – along with wines from Yuma's Main Squeeze, samples of Budweiser brews and tasteful entertainment by the Yuma String Ambassadors. Wristbands are $10 per person and can be purchased in advance at the Visito

You can't just eat one. That's what they say about potato chips. But there's a healthier alternative, which some say are just as addictive and delicious - kale chips.Never tried them? Here's your chance. Taylor Farms will be sponsoring the first-ever kale-gating event at Yuma Lettuce Days March 9-10. Yuma chef Alex Trujil

During Lettuce Days, parking at the front entrance to the Yuma Quartermaster Depot State Historic Park off 4th Avenue is reserved for those with handicapped parking permits only.Free parking for the public (and entertainers, vendors and others) is available in the special events parking lots along 1st Street between 4th Avenue and Ol

At a time when Yuma is celebrating agriculture, it's also celebrating the people who bring those fruits and veggies from field to market, and eventually, your plate. Close to 200 Dole employees in the Yuma area will be feted by their employer for at least 25 years of service to the produce giant. The party is planned for March 6 at Julie

Yuma-area farmers not only are growing crops to feed and clothe the nation, they also are doing what they can to grow future generations to carry on the local agriculture industry. A few years ago, farmers and businesses that support them started a scholarship program for Yuma-area students who want to pursue a career in an agriculture-r