Kate Prengaman is the editor for Good Fruit Grower, writing articles for the print magazine and website. She earned her bachelor’s degree in biology and environmental science at the College of William and Mary and a master’s degree in science journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Kate joined the magazine in 2016. Prior to the Good Fruit Grower, she covered the natural resources beat for the Yakima Herald-Republic and reported environmental stories for the Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism. She lives in Yakima with her husband and two daughters.
Contact her at 509-853-3518 or at kate@goodfruit.com and follow her on twitter @kprengaman
My Recent Articles
Tech aims to turn burn piles into profits for tree fruit growers
Can new technology help growers get paid for climate-smart practices?
WSU to hold Ravenholt symposium on sustainable wine production May 9–10
Washington State University’s Viticulture and Enology department will host a two-day symposium on sustainable wine production, new technologies and climate resilience...
Underground watering spreads across vineyards
Grower agreements help Washington State University professor scale up subsurface irrigation method.
California Cherry Board releases crop estimate
California cherry growers expect to harvest a 10.2-million-box crop with relatively normal timing...
Washington declares drought, junior irrigators prepare for water shortages
On April 16, the state of Washington declared a drought emergency for almost the entire state...
Sustaining success with a soil-first farming system — Video
Regenerative apple grower wants to feed his soil microbes as well as his trees to create a more resilient orchard system.
Ag waste that isn’t waste
New partnership will recycle old trees and dairy waste to foster more climate-friendly farming in Eastern Washington.
Disaster declarations give Northwest cherry growers access to emergency loans
Washington and Oregon cherry growers are eligible for emergency loans following crop losses in 2023...
Washington ag moves to strengthen relationship with Vietnam on trade mission
The Washington State Department of Agriculture signed a memorandum of understanding with Vietnam’s agriculture minister to strengthen agricultural trade, development and research between the two regions...
Inversion conditions help inform frost forecasts
Precision frost protection research project looks at inversion events with weather towers and drones to build better models for growers.
The value of variable orchard inputs
New technology helps to make precision nutrient management easier to execute.
Washington State University launches name contest for WA 64 apple
Washington State University is seeking the public’s help to select a brand name for its latest apple release...
IFTA speakers share insights with the industry
International Fruit Tree Association conference topics include climate challenges and Honeycrisp nutrition.
Dialing in crop load data with machine-learning management
International Fruit Tree Association meeting dives into sensor systems making progress on providing accurate, actionable crop load data.
Precision crop load management based on counting, no cameras required — Video
IFTA panelists share tips for people-powered precision.
Disaster declaration approved for Washington cherry growers
On March 18, the U.S. Department of Agriculture approved Washington’s request for a natural disaster designation due to losses during last year’s cherry crop...
Oregon disaster declaration gives cherry growers access to emergency loans
The U.S. Department of Agriculture approved Oregon’s request for a natural disaster designation after the state’s cherry growers lost an average of 35 percent of their crop...
Navigating the new Washington wine landscape — Video
Washington wine industry looks at positioning itself for success in an era of shifting consumer demands.
Pushback on cherry powdery mildew
After a dry-season respite in recent years, powdery mildew pressure is back in Northwest cherry orchards.
Evidence for inaction with psylla control
New thresholds for pest and predator monitoring can give growers more data for IPM decisions.
South Africa on the IFTA schedule
Registration is open for the International Fruit Tree Association’s study tour in South Africa, scheduled for December...
Hansen: Mealybug focus for Washington vineyards
Sustainable management of grape mealybug a top priority for Washington wine industry.
Canker menace makes a comeback
Northwest cherry growers fight against oozing outbreaks and signs of antibiotic resistance.
Science puts a spotlight on leafhopper species
One leafhopper species appears responsible for most of Washington’s X disease transmission. Scientists are studying it from every aspect to offer growers more sustainable control strategies.
It pays to prevent further X disease infections
A new economic analysis shows the value of removing trees infected with X disease.
IFTA honors leaders amid research updates
On the final day of the International Fruit Tree Association’s annual meeting in Yakima, Washington, Feb. 14, the group took a break from orchard innovation and technology talks to honor members for their significant contributions to the industry...
Cherry King, motivation and marketing punctuate Cherry Institute
The Northwest Cherry Growers gathered in January for the 81st annual Cherry Institute featuring the crowning of the Cherry King and an inspirational keynote speaker with a tale of overcoming adversity...
IFTA gathers for annual conference and tours in Yakima, Washington
The International Fruit Tree Association gathered in Yakima, Washington, on Feb. 11 for a week of research talks, technology workshops and orchard tours...
Washington cherry growers to vote on marketing order referendum
Washington cherry growers: Check your mailbox! Ballots for the continuance referendum on the Washington Cherry Marketing Committee are in the mail...
Apple industry discusses collective marketing
A new industry conversation considers declining consumption and what collective apple marketing could look like in the modern era.