Planning for Agriculture's Future at the Great Lakes EXPO
Fruit Growers News, October 2026
Discover how new orchard systems, regenerative practices, and artificial intelligence can improve efficiency, profitability, and long-term resilience.
By Madi Schafer
Greg Reighard, Professor Emeritus of Horticulture at Clemson University, will deliver his educational session, "The Peach Orchard of the Future: Rootstock, Orchard Systems, Labor, and Climate Risk" during this year's Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable, and Farm Market EXPO. This event takes place Dec. 9-11 at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, MI.
Reighard's session will explore how peach orchards may need to adapt to:
- Increasing climate variability
- Rising labor costs
- New opportunities in rootstocks and orchard design
"I’ll present current technology and rootstocks for high-density peach orchards, as well as ongoing research to assist the transition to 2D-planar from 3D canopies for peach production," Reighard shares. "I will also discuss the current obstacles to implementing this technology to improve orchard efficiency and profitability, including the effects of climate on future production expectations."
Attendees will learn about:
- Advances in rootstock selection
- Mechanization
- Higher-efficiency production systems
- Strategies for building more productive, economical, and resilient orchards
As the industry continues to evolve, Reighard offers advice for growers:
- Expect change
- Be adaptable
- Be a problem solver
- Keep up with current research
- Try new things
- Get to know your extension agents
"They can help you stay abreast of many of the changes that occur and affect your business," Reighard reminds.
Lastly, make sure your representatives are advocating for your operations at the local and national levels.