UMass Extension Fruit Program

WASHINGTON — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced it will host a roundtable on the herbicide paraquat this summer.

A hybrid between two fan-favorite apples is poised to be the next big variety once it arrives in grocery stores.

The Apple Grower of the Year award recognizes growers who have reached outstanding levels of success through their efforts in innovative production, marketing, horticultural, and management practices. These high standards have been in place for nearly four decades. We recently announced the 2026 Apple Grower of the Year overall winner as Robert (Bobby) Brown of Orchard Dale Fruit Co.

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources’ Spotted Lanternfly Survey Team has reported that spotted lanternfly egg masses have started hatching in Massachusetts, with small black nymphs now active in some areas of the state. Hatch is expected to continue over the next several weeks, depending on weather conditions, so there is still time to find and destroy unhatched egg masses.

May 8, 2026:

Today, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper declared worsened drought conditions in several regions of Massachusetts. The Connecticut River Valley, Central, and Northeast Regions and Nantucket County are now in a Level 2 - Significant Drought. The Western and Southeast Regions and Dukes County have moved to a Level 1 – Mild Drought. During March, Massachusetts received approximately 3 to 5.5 inches of precipitation, which is normal for this time of year. Some areas – like Essex, Middlesex, Dukes, and Nantucket Counties – got less than normal, about 0.5 to 1.5 inches below average.