USHBC’s BerrySmart Field initiative is a collaborative experience among growers, researchers and tech providers to optimize blueberry farming operations, focusing on soil, soil nutrients, yield distribution, weather, chemicals, and labor. As part of this initiative, we’re working in partnership with innov8.ag to validate a smart farm network that enables blueberry growers, packers and stakeholders in sales, tech and research to collaborate on farm operation optimization with better and more predictable yield outcomes.
We’re excited to share that BerrySmart Field is in year two, with an expanded site and new technology. There are currently three BerrySmart Fields — two in Washington and one in Oregon. This year, we'll build upon findings of pollination variability across blocks by doubling down with bee and pollination experts, including Beewise, BeeFlow and BeeHero. We'll also be exploring mechanical pollination with BloomX, and are excited to introduce automated mapping of blossom and yield variability with the Burro autonomous robot and the GreenAtlas mapping system.
Visit ushbc.org/BerrySmart to learn more. Plus, go to innov8.ag/berrysmart to sign up for newsletter updates. You can also let us know about any emerging technologies we should consider incorporating into BerrySmart Fields! Reach out to Amanda Griffin, USHBC vice president of engagement and education, at [email protected] to learn more and get involved in the BerrySmart initiative.
Register for The Blueberry Summit in Georgia This Fall
Mark your calendar to attend The Blueberry Summit, Sept. 27-29 in Savannah, Georgia!
Registration for the event is opening soon, and we’re making plans to bring you informative learning sessions, the latest on ag technology, an inspiring list of keynotes, and lots of opportunities to network with blueberry industry thought leaders and colleagues.
We’ll be gathering at The DeSoto in the heart of downtown Savannah, a hotel that has welcomed four presidents and dozens of personalities, including Gregory Peck and Katharine Hepburn. And it’s not just a hotel – it also has an art gallery feel because The DeSoto partners with the acclaimed Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD) to showcase the work of SCAD graduates, emerging artists and fine art photographers.
Believe us when we say you do not want to miss out on this event. The Blueberry Convention in February received rave reviews, and we’ve got even more planned for you this fall, so be sure to save the date!
Don’t Miss USHBC’s Weekly Crop Reports
Tune in to “The Business of Blueberries” podcast each week to listen to a blueberry crop report from Brittany Lee, vice president of Florida Blue Farms, and others.
It’s a turnkey way to get helpful data on the state of the crop! Plus, our weekly podcast includes a guest from the blueberry industry discussing a hot topic, innovation or insight into the industry. Listen every week wherever you get your podcasts!
