Ross Courtney is an associate editor for Good Fruit Grower, writing articles and taking photos for the print magazine and website. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Pacific Lutheran University.
Courtney worked as a writer, photographer and video producer for the Yakima Herald-Republic starting in 2000, covering agriculture, education and local government. He was the author of the Herald-Republic‘s popular Crop Lines blog.
Earlier in his career, he worked as a communications specialist for a Pasco, Washington, company representing agricultural groups. Before that, he covered sports for the Tri-City Herald.
Courtney joined the magazine in 2015. He lives in Prosser with his family.
Follow the author — Contact: 509-930-8798 or Email
My Recent Articles
USApple to host season-end webinar May 14
The U.S. Apple Association will host a webinar May 14 to take a rearview-mirror look at the 2023–24 apple season...
Underground watering spreads across vineyards
Grower agreements help Washington State University professor scale up subsurface irrigation method.
Dialing in a more affordable soil moisture sensor
Engineering researcher developing a less expensive soil moisture sensor that uses radio waves.
New online tool for Northwest grape growers
Grant funds an updated cost-of-production calculator for Washington, Oregon and Idaho grape producers.
X-ray visions for sterile insect technique
Ag tech company pursues new codling moth sterilization method.
Columbia River Gorge groups push online forms to report unmanaged fruit trees
Industry groups in the Columbia River Gorge region between Washington and Oregon have developed online reporting systems for unmanaged orchards and backyard fruit trees...
Apple industry sees constant change in Central Washington
International Fruit Tree Association tours Yakima Valley orchards in transition.
The future for irrigators and automation — Video
Veteran irrigators still have a role in the automation of water delivery systems, panel says.
Crop load comes first when managing common apple storage disorders
Nutrient plans matter, but crop load is Job 1 for avoiding bitter pit and green spot.
Growers planting gardens for pollinators
Washington State University research finds bees and wasps live year-round in orchard-adjacent flower gardens.
Northwest fruit growers can learn how to fix plastic bins at upcoming classes
Plastic industrial bin manufacturer IPL Macro Plastics will hold three free bin repair classes in the Northwest during the first week of April...
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.
The 15-month plan for cherry crop load management
Cherry crop load management takes more than a year.
Orchard pests also pose problems in the lab
Fickle pests vex entomologists studying how to kill them.
IFTA to tour California July 16–18
The International Fruit Tree Association has set the dates of its 2024 California summer tour...
Mapping innovation for the Washington tree fruit industry
Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission updates its Technology Roadmap.
Integrating IPM in pear orchards — Video
Pear growers share experiences switching to softer psylla control.
Producing and emitting befuddling pheromones
Companies begin process of commercializing grape mealybug pheromone.
Moffitt to leave Pear Bureau Northwest
Later this year, Kevin Moffitt will begin leaving Pear Bureau Northwest after 35 years with the nonprofit marketing organization.
Mixed messages for organic apple industry
Organic demand curves give Washington apple marketers pause.
Season-long sprays support organic storage success
Researchers offer best practices for ensuring long-term health when storing organic apples.
Washington’s Smart Orchard gets a new home
Tree fruit industry researchers, growers and technology vendors have selected a young, modern apple orchard near Mattawa, Washington, for the next iteration of the Smart Orchard Project...
Mind your sprayer maintenance —Video
Even smart technology and computer vision requires sound gauges, nozzles and fans on sprayers.
On the road for Day 3 of IFTA
Tour buses fanned out across the Yakima Valley as tree fruit professionals eager to learn visited six orchards on Day 3 of the International Fruit Tree Association winter conference in Washington...
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...
Okanogan Valley farms growing in the land of perseverance
Growers in Washington’s Okanogan Valley find creative ways to thrive on small parcels.
Small grower cooperative makes a change for the bigger
Okanogan marketing cooperative expands with mid-.
Topworking trees brings down modernization costs
Brothers graft to modernize without debt.
Grand Tasting highlights final day of WineVit
Niche varieties such as Chenin Blanc, Semillon and sparkling Lemberger Blanc de Noir — and the opportunities that could come with them — were on the menu Wednesday during the Grand Tasting event at WineVit...