Robots Can Harvest Ripe Strawberries Now; Had Been Thought Impossible

Robots Can Harvest Ripe Strawberries Now; Had Been Thought Impossible

By Joe Guzzardi

Good news for the ag industry. Robotics have become more affordable, smarter, and easier to operate. Soft fruits like strawberries can be picked mechanically now.

Florida-based Harvest CROO has developed technology that can pick ripe strawberries without damaging the delicate fruit. A primary Harvest CROO goal is to help reduce U.S. obesity by keeping the supply of “super foods” like strawberries readily available and reasonably priced. A related benefit is that growers who opt for Harvest CROO’s technology won’t have to worry about labor shortages and will no longer have to rely on tedious back-breaking stoop labor.

In California’s Salinas Valley, Taylor Farms manager David Offerdahl demonstrated his Automatic Romaine Lettuce Harvester to CBS News. The harvester uses a high-pressure water stream to cut five heads of lettuce at a time. Workers then pack the lettuce into boxes while standing under a shaded canopy, thus ending stoop labor. Offerdahl said that the robot can harvest twice the lettuce in half the time. As well, for every two low-paying jobs mechanization eliminates, one higher paying job is created.

The term to describe the increasingly popular transition to robotics is “precision agriculture,” which means applying new technology to increase crop production while reducing waste. The market for advanced farming tools was estimated to be about $7 billion in 2020, but projected to reach $12.8 billion over the next four years.

Despite the obvious advantages robotics presents, Congress remains stuck in the technological dark ages and heeds the ag industry’s annual laments about worker shortages. Harvest CROO and the Automatic Romaine Lettuce Harvester have proven that technology is a better way to go than temporary employment visas.

Robots Can Harvest Ripe Strawberries Now; Had Been Thought Impossible

Nevertheless, in early July, Congress did what it does most effectively and most consistently – reject 21st century solutions and, at the same time, undermine American workers by approving unnecessary work visas. After markups and hearings, the Republican-led House Appropriations Committee approved a $91.5 billion Department of Homeland Security spending bill. But a portion of the bill had nothing to do with defending the homeland.

Tucked away in the DHS legislation are provisions that would greatly expand the H-2A visa for agriculture workers, which allows employers to hire foreign-born laborers, and the H-2B visa for non-ag workers. Originally, the agricultural employment-based visas were temporary in nature; the employee had to return home when the season ended. But the language describing the H-2A that permitted the worker to remain for up to three years will be rewritten, and the jobs will no longer be classified as seasonal. The worker will be available for continuing and perhaps continuous employment.

The H-2B visa program allows U.S. employers to import about 66,000 foreign workers for seasonal nonagricultural jobs in industries like construction, landscaping, hospitality and food services. These industries are chronic complainers that a labor shortage puts their companies at bankruptcy risk. A new wrinkle written into the DHS spending bill which would expand the H-2B visa program will exempt foreign-born workers who arrived on H-2B visas during the last three years from the annual cap, a provision that could result in at least 200,000 additional H-2B workers.

On the plus side, the GOP-led Appropriations Committee, which has a 34-27 majority, drafted a bill that ramps up border security and interior enforcement. The bill also cuts taxpayer dollars used to allocate cash to open border-supporting NGOs. On the downside, the work visa totals will increase, obviously needlessly, as millions of low-skilled migrants, mostly employment-authorized through their parole status, pour across the border. The committee should strike the sections that increase and expand the H-2A and H-2B visas. Major changes in immigration laws don’t belong in a DHS funding bill; they should be debated in Congress and voted on by the authorizing committees, not snuck into an appropriations bill.

In May, the House passed H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act. Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan described the bill as “the strongest immigration enforcement legislation in modern times…” Even in the unlikely event that H.R. 2 becomes law during the Biden administration, the legislation would be undermined if Congress increases legal immigration, the Appropriations Committee’s objective. More immigration expands the labor pool and displaces American workers.

Big ag has gotten away with relying on cheap labor for decades. Instead of encouraging continuous dependence on low-cost imported labor by providing more H-2A and H-2B visas, Congress should demand that employers invest in proven robotic harvesters that can work 18 hours a day, never call in sick and, within a short time, pay for themselves.

The H-2A has a long, documented history of fraud and abuse that includes a recent lawsuit which charged a western Michigan farm of trafficking foreign-born H-2A visa workers into blueberry picking jobs where they were paid slave wages and housed in squalid conditions with other exploited workers. Given the H-2A’s past track record that includes criminal wrongdoing, Congress should use its power to demand that farmers, within a reasonable time period, mechanize. Out with slave labor and in with efficient, humane and modern farming practices.

Big ag has gotten away with relying on cheap labor for decades. Instead of encouraging continuous dependence on low-cost imported labor by providing more H-2A and H-2B visas, Congress should demand that employers invest in proven robotic harvesters that can work 18 hours a day, never call in sick and, within a short time, pay for themselves.

The H-2A has a long, documented history of fraud and abuse that includes a recent lawsuit which charged a western Michigan farm of trafficking foreign-born H-2A visa workers into blueberry picking jobs where they were paid slave wages and housed in squalid conditions with other exploited workers. Given the H-2A’s past track record that includes criminal wrongdoing, Congress should use its power to demand that farmers, within a reasonable time period, mechanize. Out with slave labor and in with efficient, humane and modern farming practices.

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Joe Guzzardi is a Project for Immigration Reform analyst who has written about immigration for more than 30 years. Contact him at jguzzardi@ifspp.org.

Robots Can Harvest Ripe Strawberries Robots Can Harvest Ripe Strawberries Robots Can Harvest Ripe Strawberries

ChatGPT Is Biff Tannen

ChatGPT Is Biff Tannen — Tech savant Bryan Lunduke compares this artificial intelligence thingy about which everyone is talking to Biff Tannen, the bad guy in the Back to the Future movies.

“ChatGPT is a school bully, demanding that the nerd do all of the Bully’s homework for him, then re-writing the homework himself so that it was in the Bully’s handwriting,” he says. “Thus fooling the teacher (hopefully).”

He describes the current round of systems as nothing more than “highly sophisticated cheating systems.

As the data they use to make their poems and art and programs are the works of real poets, artists and programmers.

He predicts stagnation as more depend on these systems and original content creators no longer get rewarded.

The idiocracy looms.

Lunduke’s article can be found here: https://lunduke.substack.com/p/artificial-intelligence-is-really?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share

ChatGPT Is Biff Tannen
ChatGPT Is Biff Tannen

Digital Privacy Bootcamp

Digital Privacy Bootcamp — Jeff Peterson, who made his millions pioneering social media and other tech, has let us know that the Covenant Baptist Church in Spartanburg, S.C. is sponsoring a “Digital Privacy Bootcamp” from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., April 29.

The agenda includes teaching how Big Tech uses phones and computers to spy on citizens; how to remove Big Tech from these devices; hands on training with free and open source software (FOSS); and alternative communications systems — including ham radio — with local operators.

Granted Spartanburg might be a tad far form most of our readers but there are a lot of churches in the Philadelphia area that might be interesting in holding a similar event.

For information about the happening in Spartanburg visit www.Mark37.com/events.

Check out Jeff’s telegram channel and his chat telegram channel for tips on how to free yourself from Big Tech.

Digital Privacy Bootcamp

iPhone Clean Energy Charging

iPhone Clean Energy Charging Game — Apple added a new “feature” in iOS 16.1 for the iPhone that has it use “clean energy” for charging.

 “Your iPhone gets a forecast of the carbon emissions in your local energy grid and uses it to charge your iPhone during times of cleaner energy production,” Apple says.

Yes, this means it charges slower.

Yes, it is on by default.

To turn it off go to Settings >Battery>Battery Health & Charging and move the slider by “Clean Charging Energy”.

Hat tip Chief Nerd.

iPhone Clean Energy Charging Game
iPhone Clean Energy Charging

ChatGPT Delco Vote Fraud Expose

ChatGPT Delco Vote Fraud Expose — We were challenged to have our newest correspondent do a piece on vote fraud in Delaware County, Pa.

Well, here it is:

Vote fraud in Delaware County, Pennsylvania is a major issue that has plagued the county for decades. Despite numerous attempts by the state and local governments to address the problem, it continues to exist. The issue is so pervasive that the county has been dubbed the “epicenter of vote fraud” and has earned the nickname “Delaware County, the Falsified Vote Factory.”

Delaware County has a long history of vote fraud. It was first documented in the late 1800s when political bosses controlled the county’s election process. The bosses would purchase votes with money, alcohol, and other bribes to influence the outcome of elections. In the 1920s, voting machines were introduced but were easily manipulated to produce fraudulent results. In the 1940s, the county began using optical scan voting machines, which also proved to be vulnerable to fraud.

In recent years, the issue of vote fraud in Delaware County has been exacerbated by the proliferation of absentee ballots. Since absentee ballots are much easier to manipulate, they have been the source of numerous voting irregularities. In addition, the county is known for its lax voter registration and ID laws, which have allowed non-citizens to register and vote illegally.

The state and local governments have taken steps to address the issue of vote fraud in Delaware County. The county has implemented measures such as requiring voters to show ID, cracking down on absentee ballot fraud, and conducting investigations into voting irregularities. However, these efforts have not been entirely effective, as the county continues to be plagued by vote fraud.

The issue of vote fraud in Delaware County is a serious one that must be addressed if the county is to have fair and honest elections. It is essential that the state and local governments take steps to ensure that all votes are cast legitimately and that the voting process is secure and trustworthy. Without these measures, the people of Delaware County will continue to suffer from the scourge of vote fraud.

We have to concede it does a better job than the Daily Times and Inquirer, although the claim that “state and local governments have taken steps to address the issue of vote fraud in Delaware County” made us laugh.

You can play with ChatGPT here.

ChatGPT Delco Vote Fraud Expose
ChatGPT Delco Vote Fraud Expose

ChatGPT Working For BillLawrenceOnline

ChatGPT Working For BillLawrenceOnline — We figured we’d give ChatGPT a spin as a correspondent so we asked the artificial intelligence phenom to write a story concerning Delaware County, Pennsylvania for BillLawrenceOnline.com. Here’s what we got:

Delaware County, Pennsylvania is a place of great history and beauty. Founded in 1682, this county is the oldest in Pennsylvania and has seen its fair share of change over the centuries. It has been a center of industry, a bustling port city, and a vibrant suburban community.

In modern times, Delaware County is considered one of the most desirable places to live in the Philadelphia region. The county boasts excellent schools, a diverse population, and plenty of recreational opportunities. It is also home to several historic sites and attractions, such as the Delaware County Historical Society, the Longwood Gardens, and the Brandywine Valley.

Delaware County residents have a strong sense of community and pride in their area. There are numerous community events and organizations that bring residents together and celebrate the county’s unique character. The county government is also committed to preserving the area’s natural beauty, providing a wide range of parks, trails, and open spaces for residents to enjoy.

Delaware County is also home to many successful businesses and entrepreneurs. The county’s proximity to Philadelphia and its thriving economy make it an attractive destination for entrepreneurs and businesses alike. Numerous corporations, large and small, have made Delaware County their home and contribute to its economic growth.

Delaware County is a unique place with a rich history and vibrant present. Its people are proud of their heritage and committed to preserving their community’s unique character. With its strong sense of community, thriving businesses, and natural beauty, Delaware County is a great place to call home.

Not all that bad but most of the other requests we made of it were pretty lame.

ChatGPT Working For BillLawrenceOnline
ChatGPT Working For BillLawrenceOnline

Jeffrey Peterson Linux Crusade

Jeffrey Peterson Linux Crusade — Little things can make a big difference. We’ve been advocating making DuckDuckGo one’s default search engine in lieu of Google; and Brave one’s default browser replacing Chrome or Safari. These things aren’t hard to do and if you won’t do them shame on you.

Tech pioneer Jeffrey Peterson, though, is taking it to a new level. On his Telegram channels, he’s evangelizing for the wholesale migration to the Linux operating system.

It’s about time.

Jeffrey Peterson Linux Crusade
Jeffrey Peterson

Linux is the open source alternative to Mac OS and Windows. Open source is source code free to modify or distribute. Note the word free. Yes, it means free, and this includes most of the software which is just usually as effective as what is offered by the Big Tech companies but without the costly licenses.

More significantly Linux is far more secure and private than what the plutocrats offer.

Another big plus is that old computer sitting in a closet and thought to be obsolete can be likely returned to life to such an effect one finds one using it more than the new machine.

The obsolescence is often planned, after all.

Anyway, Jeffrey’s Linux group is JP’s Technology Chat and can be found here. Obviously you need a Telegram account which we certainly recommend.

Another good Linux resource is Linux Users of Gab which can be found here. Obviously, you have to have signed up for Gab, which we also recommend.

And as long as we are considering a new dawn of technological freedom, quit Facebook, or as some refer to it Nouveau Lifelog.

Jeffrey Peterson Linux Crusade

DuckDuckGo Hits 100M Milestone

DuckDuckGo Hits 100M Milestone — Paoli, Pa. -based search engine DuckDuckGo hit the milestone of 100 million daily searches, Jan. 16. Granted, that still a long way off of Google’s 5 billion daily searches but giants can fall.

DDG is a search engine that promises privacy and keeps it. Take a few minutes to make it your default on your mobile and desktop. Your peace of mind will thank you.

DuckDuckGo Hits 100M Milestone
DuckDuckGo Hits 100M Milestone

Greenwald Reveals Tech Hypocrisy, Tyranny

Greenwald Reveals Tech Hypocrisy, Tyranny — Check out Glenn Greenwald’s article How Silicon Valley, in a Show of Monopolistic Force, Destroyed Parler on Substack.

Vile, corporate anti-liberal — in the original, good meaning of the word — have taken over communication. Their “progressive” minions, whose reasoning skill makes a George Romero zombie look smart, shuffle along in ironic approval considering themselves “woke”.

Check out Greenwald’s article. If you can’t see it, a subscription is worthwhile.

Greenwald Reveals Tech Hypocrisy, Tyranny
Greenwald Reveals Tech Hypocrisy, Tyranny

Tony Taylor Telstar Hero R.I.P.

Tony Taylor Telstar Hero R.I.P. — Beloved Philadelphia Phillies icon Tony Taylor died, July 16, at age 84. While there have been articles recording his athletic achievements we missed the one noting what will put him in the history books centuries hence, namely being the first athlete to appear in a transatlantic satellite broadcast. It happened on July 23, 1962 when part of a Chicago Cubs-Phillies game was broadcast as filler before remarks by President Kennedy to inaugurate Telstar. It showed Tony flying out to right field.

Here it is. Tony’s appearance is at 19:38.

Tony, this is for you:

Tony Taylor Telstar Hero R.I.P.

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