U.S. apple industry expects 250 million bushels in 2023
The first estimate of the 2023–24 U.S. apple crop is 250 million 42-pound bushels, a 1.5 percent increase from last year...
In “difficult process,” Ste. Michelle moves to renegotiate contracts and reduce tonnage
The Northwest’s largest wine company, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, is drastically cutting back its grape volume and asking growers to renegotiate existing contracts...
Washington expects large apple crop
Washington apple growers expect a fresh crop of roughly 134 million boxes, if the preseason estimate holds...
Washington Apple Education Foundation announces 2023 scholarship recipients
The Washington Apple Education Foundation announced its 2023 program awarded 316 scholarships...
India to lift retaliatory apple tariff
The Republic of India will lift the 20 percent tariff on U.S. apples in the next 90 days, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative announced on Thursday.
2023 WAEF Year of the Apple Art Contest winners announced
The Washington Apple Education Foundation announced in a news release the winners of the 2023 Year of the Apple Art Contest...
Labor Department penalizes California farm labor contractors and vineyard
The U.S. Department of Labor has penalized two farm labor contractors and a vineyard in California for numerous violations of federal labor rules.
Washington Rep. Newhouse seeks input on Farm Bill priorities
U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse is asking Central Washington farmers to submit their priorities for the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill discussions...
Washington State Wine Commission hires Kristina Kelley as new executive director
The Washington State Wine Commission has hired Kristina Kelley as its new executive director...
Northwest cherry producers expect 20 million boxes this year
Cherry growers in the Northwest expect to harvest roughly 20 million boxes, or 200,000 tons, of cherries this year...
Northwest canners agree to raise Bartlett prices $15 per ton to reflect inflation
Last year, pear growers and processors had the foresight to negotiate a two-year contract and offer stability and price increases to the recovering Bartlett market. But this year, processors agreed to raise prices even further to reflect inflationary costs. Del Monte and the Neil Jones Food Co., the Northwest’s largest
Washington State Fruit Commission and five-state cherry meetings May 17
The Washington State Fruit Commission will hold a board of directors meeting May 17 in Richland, with the annual five-state meeting for Cherry Growers Northwest to follow.
Washington Apple Education Foundation art contest deadline May 1
The Washington Apple Education Foundation announced in a news release the opening of its annual Year of the Apple Art Contest.
Omnibus bill funds NW fruit research positions
The $1.7 trillion federal funding bill passed right before Christmas includes a couple of tree fruit nuggets.
Farm labor reform doesn’t make it into Senate’s spending bill
A last-ditch effort to pass a farm labor reform bill in the U.S. Senate has fallen short. On Thursday, Senators approved a $1.7 trillion federal spending bill that does not include the Affordable and Secure Food Act, which Sen. Michael Bennet, a Colorado Democrat, had attempted to attach as an
UMN releases new cold-hardy white wine grape
The University of Minnesota has released a new cold-hardy white wine grape, named Clarion. According to a UMN announcement, Clarion will be an open release, with a limited number of vines available for spring 2023 planting. Clarion produces excellent vines, and its grapes continually produce high-quality, dry white wines with
Ag labor reform bill introduced in the Senate
A bipartisan group of federal lawmakers has floated a late-season bill that would attempt to do many of the same things as the Farm Workforce Modernization Act...
Columbia Fruit Packers and Frosty Packing announce merger and Goldman Sachs investment
Washington’s Columbia Fruit Packers of Wenatchee and Frosty Packing of Yakima have announced a merger, stemming from strategic investment from Goldman Sachs Asset Management.
2023 WAEF scholarship applications now open
The Washington Apple Education Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2023 scholarship program.
WSTFA annual golf tournament Aug. 30 in East Wenatchee
The Washington State Tree Fruit Association will host the organization’s 29th annual scholarship golf tournament Aug. 30 at the Highlander Golf Course in East Wenatchee. The event will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude with a barbecue dinner and raffle. All proceeds from the tournament go toward student scholarships honoring
WAEF apple art contest winner announced
The Washington Apple Education Foundation announced Chelan High School junior Macie Cowan was named the grand prize winner in the organization’s 27th annual Year of the Apple Art Contest. The contest is sponsored by Corteva Agriscience. “Ascending Apples” by Macie Cowan won the grand prize in the Washington Apple Education
Washington Apple Education Foundation awards 2022 scholarships
The Washington Apple Education Foundation announced in a news release the organization has awarded 318 scholarships to students this year, including 218 renewing students and 100 new students. These scholarships represent over $1 million sponsored by the state’s tree fruit industry through various fundraisers, annual donations and in memory of
Expecting a short crop at about 110 million boxes, Washington Apple Commission tightens budget
Apple industry leaders from across Washington predict a short crop this year, with estimates ranging from 100 million to 115 million boxes, according to discussion at the Washington Apple Commission’s board meeting this week. “It seems like nobody has a good crop,” said commissioner Jim Thomas. That poses a budget
Oregon heat, smoke rules to take effect soon
Oregon workplace regulators have enacted permanent rules to protect laborers from excessive heat and wildfire smoke that take effect June 15 and July 1, respectively. The regulations are “the most protective of their kind in the United States,” according to the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which enacted them
Washington further loosens COVID housing restrictions
Washington authorities have pulled back many of the temporary farm labor housing restrictions designed to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus, moving operation requirements closer to those of pre-pandemic days. In an announcement last week, more than two years after the temporary rules took effect, the Washington Department of Labor
USDA announces disaster relief funds available for 2020 and 2021 losses
On May 16, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the availability of approximately $6 billion in disaster assistance for commodity and specialty crop growers who suffered crop losses due to natural disasters in 2020 and 2021. The funds are available through the USDA Farm Service Agency’s new Emergency Relief Program.
Growers reduce Northwest cherry crop estimate at five-state meeting
Northwest sweet cherry growers are predicting a 2022 crop of 13.6 million 20-pound box equivalents, or 136,800 tons, which is down significantly from recent years due to the mid-April snowstorm that blew through the region in the middle of bloom. Growers at the Northwest Cherry Growers’ five-state meeting Wednesday in
Pear industry to gather in Portland on June 1 and 2
The Pear Bureau Northwest is inviting pear growers to its 90th annual meeting, which will be held June 1 and 2 in Portland, Oregon. The meeting includes the bureau’s board of directors meeting, the Fresh Pear Committee meeting, the bureau’s export committee meeting and a USA Pears trade fair and
Washington Apple Education Foundation hires new executive director
Faviola Barbosa The Washington Apple Education Foundation announced in a news release the hiring of Faviola Barbosa as its new executive director. Barbosa began her role with WAEF on Feb. 1. “On behalf of the WAEF board of directors, I am thrilled to welcome Faviola Barbosa as the new executive
Washington State Organic and Sustainable Farming Fund deadline Jan. 31
Tilth Alliance is now accepting applications from Washington farmers seeking financial assistance to support projects that will improve the economic viability, social impacts or environmental sustainability of their farm businesses and/or community. The application deadline is Jan. 31. According to a news release, the goal of these grants is to
Grower concerns, research, stats punctuate Cosmic Crisp session
The very last presentation of the Washington State Tree Fruit Association Annual Meeting packed the biggest punch. In front of a packed Yakima conference room, Mike Robinson of Double Diamond Fruit in Quincy leveled criticism at the WA 38, Washington State University’s new apple marketed as the Cosmic Crisp. The
Washington Wine Industry Foundation scholarships now open
The Washington Wine Industry Foundation announced in a news release the opening of scholarships for qualifying students pursuing wine-related studies. Six scholarships are available to students in two- or four-year programs. The scholarships and their requirements include: —Albert Don Memorial Scholarship. Established in honor of Albert Don, a respected innovator
Washington tree fruit industry honors standouts
The tree fruit industry, holding an awards banquet for the first time in two years, raised a glass to industry leaders at the awards banquet that accompanies the Washington State Tree Fruit Association Annual Meeting. And all received a standing ovation. Jacqui Gordon Nuñez, director of training, education and member services
Abundant founder details successes and failure at Hort Show
Curt Salisbury speaks about what Abundant Robotics learned in their effort to create an autonomous apple harvester during the second day of the Washington State Tree Fruit Association's Annual Meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021, at the Yakima Convention Center in Yakima, Washington. (TJ Mullinax/Good Fruit Grower) Curt Salisbury began
Tree Top CEO highlights Hort Show opening session
Craig Green, president and CEO of Tree Top, shared concrete plans for the future of the Selah, Washington, fruit processing company as one of the highlights of the morning session at Day 1 of the Washington State Tree Fruit Association Annual Meeting on Dec. 6, in Yakima. One of them
Washington specialty crop farms eligible for new program with free consulting, deadline Dec. 15
Through Dec. 15, the Washington State Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for a new bilingual program created to help the state’s small, specialty crop farms forced to adjust in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a WSDA news release. With funding from a WSDA Specialty Crop Block Grant,
2022 Accelerating a Generation Syngenta Scholarship open for applications
Students studying agriculture have a chance to win a $2,500 scholarship and a donation to the charity of their choice through the 2022 Accelerating a Generation Syngenta Scholarship Program, according to a news release. Through the scholarship program, which is run by the National FFA organization, Syngenta will give a
Washington wine industry taking comment on sustainability program
The Washington wine industry has opened public comment on its new vineyard sustainability certification program. Growers and industry representatives have until Oct. 25 to comment about the Washington State Winegrape Certification Standard, according to a news release from the Washington Winegrowers Association. After feedback is processed, the standard is due
U.S. Apple revises crop forecast to 244 million bushels
Editor's note: This post was updated on Friday, Aug. 20 with the U.S. Apple Association's final 2021 forecast. The latest U.S. Department of Agriculture estimate predicts that U.S. apple production will exceed 265.4 million (42-pound) bushels for the 2021–22 crop year. That would be a 2.7 percent increase from last
EPA moves to ban chlorpyrifos following court order
This week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced plans to ban the use of the insecticide chlorpyrifos on food crops, following an April court order that the EPA either halt use of the product or demonstrate its safety. The broad spectrum insecticide, marketed to growers as Lorsban, has been under
WSTFA annual scholarship golf tournament on Aug. 31
The Washington State Tree Fruit Association announced in a news release its 28th annual scholarship golf tournament is scheduled Aug. 31 at the Highlander Golf Course in East Wenatchee. This tournament honors Gerald Nolan, Melvin Crowder, Jim Matson, Delmar Smith, Warren Morgan, Jack Batjer and other past industry leaders, and
Washington tree fruit industry awards over $1 million in scholarships
The Washington Apple Education Foundation (WAEF) announced its 2021 scholarship recipients, with 332 students sharing in this year’s awards totaling more than $1 million, according to a news release on June 1. Funded through voluntary donations made by industry employers and supporters, WAEF scholarships are awarded to students whose families
Before vaccinations took effect, COVID-19 spread on Washington farm
A total of 45 employees tested positive for COVID-19 on May 27 at Gilbert Orchards in Yakima, Washington. The outbreak started with one worker among a new arrival of Mexican H-2A employees who tested positive and spread over two floors of their housing facilities before their on-farm vaccinations took effect,
Washington softens COVID-19 restrictions for farmworker housing
In light of high vaccination rates among Washington’s farmworkers and shifting federal guidelines about coronavirus precautions, state workplace safety and health officials loosened temporary farmworker housing restrictions today. The state's Department of Labor and Industries and Department of Health filed updated emergency rules aimed at preventing the spread of coronavirus
USApple plans in-person conference in August
Citing widespread COVID-19 vaccinations and the re-opening of Chicago, the U.S. Apple Association's Board of Directors decided to go forward with plans for an in-person conference in August. The 126th Annual Crop and Outlook Marketing Conference is planned for August 19-20 in Chicago, the association said in a news release.
Cherry growers gather for annual pre-season meeting, predict 222,000-ton crop
Northwest cherry producers estimate they will ship 222,000 tons of sweet cherries in 2021, they announced in an industry meeting today. Pre-season cherry forecasts are usually hazy due to changing weather and other factors. But if the estimate from today’s meeting holds, the total would surpass 2020’s crop of 195,000
Orchard harvest robots among the 13 tech companies participating in Western Grower’s automation initiative
With a twist and a pull, a three-fingered end effector on FFRobotics’ picker plucks a Kanzi apple from the canopy in 2019. FFRobotics is one of the AgTech companies participating in an harvest automation acceleration effort led by Western Growers. (TJ Mullinax/Good Fruit Grower) As part of its Global Harvest
Washington State Senate advances overtime bill that prevents retroactive pay claims
Washington growers concerned about retroactive overtime pay liability got one step closer to certainty on Tuesday, when the state Senate approved a plan to phase in overtime pay for most farmworkers and prevent claims for back pay. The bill, developed in response to a December ruling by the Washington State
Crisis communication: Engage, don’t duck
Media experts recommend proactive and transparent communication during a crisis.
Tree Top announces CEO retirement and successor
Tom Hurson Tom Hurson, president and CEO of Tree Top Inc., announced his retirement from the company, and Craig Green, current chief financial officer, will replace him as president and CEO, according to a news release from Tree Top. After serving as CEO since 2017, and with a total of
Federal government finalizes streamlined H-2A rules
After more than a year of discussions, the U.S. Department of Labor has revised H-2A rules that aim to streamline the hiring process for employers and boost protection for workers. Among other revisions, the rule changes mandate electronic filing of job orders, permit joint applications for small employers and allow
Federal funding bill aids fruit industry
The recently passed legislation that funds the federal government contains a couple of nuggets that will benefit the tree fruit industry. The bill — the one that narrowly avoided a government shutdown at the end of 2020 after President Trump and U.S. Congress argued about the size of stimulus checks
NuPhy gives new life to Phytelligence tissue culture technology from WSU
The reboot, backed by Spokane-based Cowles Co., aims to focus on tree fruit industry needs for propagation and genetic testing.
Grape Society annual meeting starts off with soil and weed management talks
A Washington State University soil scientist and a Cornell University weed scientist kicked off the 49th annual Washington State Grape Society’s annual meeting on Nov. 18. “Our very first and hopefully last virtual one,” said Catherine Jones, president of the organization. Deirdre Griffin LaHue, an assistant professor at WSU’s Northwestern
WSU finishes Plant Sciences Building in Pullman
On Nov. 16, Washington State University celebrated the opening of its new $66 million Plant Sciences Building on the Pullman campus. (Courtesy Washington State University) Washington State University unveiled its new $66 million Plant Sciences Building with a video tour on Nov. 16. The university’s College of Agricultural, Human and
Washington dings more than 20 farms for COVID-19 violations
Coronavirus-related violations account for about 15 percent of Washington’s farms dinged by health and safety regulators in 2020. The state Department of Labor and Industries inspected 384 agricultural employers through Oct. 31 this year and found health and safety violations at 130 of them, according to a department news release
Karen Lewis named director for WSU Extension’s Agriculture and Natural Resources Program Unit
After more than 30 years working with tree fruit growers as an extension specialist in the Columbia Basin, Karen Lewis is taking on a new leadership role with Washington State University Extension this month. Karen Lewis As director of the Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) Program Unit, Lewis will work
CMI Orchards named 2020 WAEF Volunteer Organization of the Year
CMI Orchards receives the Washington Apple Education Foundation 2020 Volunteer Organization of the Year Award, Nov. 4 in Wenatchee, Washington. (Courtesy CMI Orchards) The Washington Apple Education Foundation, WAEF, presented the nonprofit’s 2020 Volunteer Organization of the Year Award to CMI Orchards on Nov. 4, according to a news release
Operation eradication
The Washington State Department of Agriculture’s Asian giant hornet eradication team, wearing hornet-proof protective suits, poses with the 85 live hornets they vacuumed from a tree-cavity nest in Northwest Washington on Oct. 24. (Courtesy Washington State Department of Agriculture) Wearing supposedly sting-proof suits, a team of enterprising entomologists successfully eradicated
USDA announces $14 billion in coronavirus relief funds with expanded eligibility
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a second round of assistance for producers impacted by the pandemic on Friday, with more expansive eligibility. The $14 billion program now includes wine grape growers. The first wave of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program that Congress passed in April offered $12 billion in
Courts uphold Michigan farmworker testing order
On Sept. 9, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan approved dismissal of a lawsuit that sought to halt a state emergency order requiring COVID-19 testing for agricultural and food processing employees. The dismissal on the part of the plaintiffs — two farms, True Blue Berry Management
Gebbers Farms testing shows low COVID-19 infection rate
State-mandated coronavirus testing at Gebbers Farms has so far showed a relatively low infection rate among employees, which the Brewster, Washington, fruit production company says proves its disease prevention measures have worked. In late August, the Washington State Department of Health mandated the company test all of its employees after
Appeals judge upholds WSU Cosmic Crisp victory over Phytelligence
A federal appeals judge has ruled in favor of Washington State University in its lawsuit against the former Seattle tissue culture company Phytelligence over unlicensed propagation of the WA 38 apple. A three-judge panel of the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals, which has jurisdiction over patent appeals, ruled on Aug.
Cornell releases three new apple varieties
Cornell AgriTech’s apple breeding program has released three new varieties. In a Sept. 2 news release, Susan Brown, professor and apple breeder, and Kevin Maloney, research specialist, announced the release of Cordera (NY 56), Pink Luster (NY 73) and Firecracker (NY 109). The new varieties will be open to all
Washington Fruit and Produce Co. and Yakima Fresh announce partnership
Two Yakima, Washington, fruit companies with over a century of experience each announced a merger of marketing operations this week. The new partnership, Washington Fruit Sales, will merge Yakima Fresh with the Washington Fruit and Produce sales team. Marketing company Yakima Fresh was formerly a partnership of three Yakima-area fruit
California farmworkers receive donation of N-95 masks
The California Fresh Fruit Association and California Farmworker Foundation announced in a news release they have distributed more than 50,000 N-95 masks and single-use surgical masks to agricultural employees across the Central San Joaquin Valley. The organizations partnered with the Fresno County Agricultural Commissioner, California Department of Food and Agriculture
Apple Outlook, Day 2: 2020 crop down 3 percent from last year
The 2020 USApple estimate is 253.3 million bushels, very close to the USDA estimate, as shown here in a slide from the conference that was held virtually Aug. 20–21. (Matt Milkovich/Good Fruit Grower) Day two of the 2020 Apple Crop Outlook & Marketing Conference has wrapped up, and the final
Auction of Washington Wines raises over $1.74 million
In its first-ever virtual event series, the Auction of Washington Wines raised more than $1.74 million, according to a news release from AWW. Proceeds from the events benefit Seattle Children’s, Washington State University Viticulture and Enology Program research, and AWW. “We are so grateful for the incredible show of support
Washington state mandates farmworker testing for coronavirus
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has mandated that all agricultural employers “broadly” test their workers in the event of a COVID-19 outbreak and comply with another round of stringent protocols, while state health authorities have mandated one large tree fruit employer test every single employee. On Aug. 19, Inslee issued amendments
Wildfires hit Northwest fruit growing areas
Firefighters have contained a 6,000-acre brush fire on a ridge near Yakima, Washington, that caused damage in some nearby tree fruit orchards, while crews battled other blazes nearby and in the Columbia Gorge region of Oregon. Officials deemed the Ahtanum Ridge Fire contained as of Aug. 17 and lifted evacuation
Fruit breeder David Cain honored for industry contributions
David Cain The American Pomological Society awarded the 2020 Wilder Medal, its highest honor, to David Cain, founder and chief plant breeder of International Fruit Genetics. The medal recognizes Cain’s contributions throughout his 42-year career in fruit breeding, according to an IFG news release. Cain has developed or co-developed 94
WSTFA Annual Meeting and NW Hort Expo going online
Citing concerns about coronavirus restrictions, the Washington State Tree Fruit Association announced in a news release its annual meeting will move online the week of Dec. 7. According to the release, after much consideration, the Washington State Tree Fruit Association, North Central Washington Fieldmen’s Association and Yakima Pom Club have
Interpoma announces online events
Interpoma, the international fair dedicated to the world of apples, will be presented in a new hybrid format with both digital and in-person events, according to a news release from Interpoma. Originally scheduled to take place in Bolzano, Italy, in November, this year’s event, Interpoma Connects 2020: Digital Days for
Auction of Washington Wines event goes online Aug. 11–15
For the first time in its 33-year history, the Auction of Washington Wines’ annual August weekend of events will move online Aug. 11–15. Events include a series of online and virtual auctions featuring a variety of exclusive wines and experiences such as a Washington-Napa experience hosted by AWW honorary chair
Chile to take U.S. West Coast blueberries
The government of Chile has agreed to accept imports of blueberries from Washington, Oregon and California, and will consider other areas, opening up potentially lucrative counter-season trade. On July 31, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, or APHIS, notified the North American Blueberry Council that
Great Lakes EXPO moves to virtual format for 2020
The Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market EXPO announced in a news release on July 30 it is moving the December event to a virtual format. According to the release, after running various scenarios, discussing options and investigating every possibility, the Expo board decided the best way to fulfill
Free tickets now available for Fruit Focus LIVE
Here’s an opportunity to attend an industry event in Europe this year, at least virtually. Scheduled on Sept. 9 and 10, the Fruit Focus event has moved online to support the industry while there is still a threat due to the coronavirus, according to a news release. “Although visitors may
Meghan Swain named executive director for Cherry Industry Administrative Board
The Cherry Industry Administrative Board announced in a news release that Meghan Swain has been selected as the organization’s executive director, beginning Aug. 24. According to the release, Swain brings to CIAB a background in nonprofit management, government relations and board organization experience. Most recently, she served as the executive
Foundation donates to West Coast undocumented farmworkers
Drawing from private donations, a foundation connected to the United Farm Workers Union is distributing $500 prepaid debit cards to undocumented West-Coast agricultural employees affected by the coronavirus. The United Farm Workers Foundation, or UFW Foundation, plans to give away more than 21,500 cards to help alleviate the impacts of
Dave Puglia to serve on Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer announced the appointment of Dave Puglia, Western Growers president and CEO, to serve on the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee. According to a news release from Western Growers, Puglia will provide advice to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and
WAEF scholarship students and sponsors celebrated in online campaign
Instead of gathering together for the traditional scholarship celebration luncheons held each year, the Washington Apple Education Foundation is recognizing the organization’s scholarship recipients and donors with an online campaign that features a short video with heartfelt expressions of gratitude from some of their 320 current students. “Given the current
WSTFA annual golf tournament scheduled on August 25
The Washington State Tree Fruit Association announced its 27th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament will be held August 25 at the Highlander Golf Course in East Wenatchee. According to a news release, the tournament format has been modified to be compliant with COVID-19 restrictions. Rolling tee times will start at 8
Christopher Gerlach to join USApple as director of industry analytics
Christopher Gerlach The U.S. Apple Association announced Christopher Gerlach will join the organization as director of industry analytics. According to a news release from USApple, Gerlach will assume the portfolio of longtime USApple team member Mark Seetin, who is currently a part-time employee and moving toward retirement. Seetin and Gerlach
Blueberries eligible for coronavirus relief payments
Just as for apples, the federal government has changed its mind and made blueberries eligible for coronavirus relief funding. Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the blueberry growers would be eligible for Category 1 Coronavirus Food Assistance Program payments. In June, the USDA determined that apple and blueberry
Backup plans underway for industry events
Groups brace for contingencies, even for events months in the future.
Another Cosmic lawsuit filed
Management company accuses nursery of illegal propagation of WA 38 trees.
Viticulture and enology degree offered at WSU
Washington State University students can now earn a bachelor’s degree in viticulture and enology, according to a news release from WSU. The university’s board of regents approved the new degree in May, and the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities gave the final approval to make the degree official. The
Auction of Washington Wines introduces virtual tasting series
Auction of Washington Wines announced in a news release a series of seven virtual taste-along events to be held between June 18 and Aug. 20. The series will feature AWW’s honorary chair, Karen MacNeil, and 21 prominent Washington vintners. “The current stay-at-home world has provided a unique and exciting window
Chad Kruger to oversee WSU’s Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center
Chad Kruger Chad Kruger has been named the next director of Washington State University’s Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center in Wenatchee, Washington, according to a news release from WSU. Kruger will begin his new position in Wenatchee on July 1, taking over for Kate Evans who has served as
WAEF scholarship recipient donates back with first paycheck
Neftali Garcia A Washington Apple Education Foundation scholarship recipient has donated a portion of his first paycheck to the scholarship program that helped him earn his degree. Neftali Garcia graduated in May from Washington State University with a double major in fruit and vegetable management and landscape, nursery and greenhouse
Free hand sanitizer distribution in Yakima area and Wenatchee June 4
The Washington Farm Bureau has arranged two distribution sites for free hand sanitizer in Wenatchee and the Yakima area on Thursday, June 4, according to a news release from the Washington State Tree Fruit Association. G.S. Long Co. is volunteering its Union Gap and Wenatchee locations as distribution points. WFB
Pear Bureau Northwest will meet via webinar May 26–29
The Pear Bureau Northwest’s annual meetings will be held via webinar May 26–29. The meetings are open to all interested growers and other industry members. On Tuesday, the Fresh Pear Committee’s box weight and Anjou regulation subcomittees will meet. Wednesday will be the foreign trade committee meeting and Thursday will
Apple, pear growers eligible for USDA pandemic relief fund
Tree fruit industry groups seek clarity on eligibility details for Coronavirus Food Assistance Program.
Washington Apple Education Foundation awards over $1 million in scholarships
The Washington Apple Education Foundation announced its 2020 scholarship recipients in a May 15 news release. In total, the foundation is awarding more than $1 million to 310 students from Adams, Benton, Chelan, Columbia, Douglas, Franklin, Grant, Kittitas, Okanogan, Walla Walla and Yakima counties in Washington state and in Oregon’s
Two Washington shippers start making Farmers to Families food boxes
USDA coronavirus response program offers contracts to distributors to supply nonprofits directly, benefiting both growers and families in need.
Tree fruit groups respond to walkouts with crisis management advice
Tree fruit industry associations issued advice late Tuesday to production companies after workers at a few Washington packing houses walked off the job in protest for hazard pay, safer work conditions and better communication. The walkouts in Yakima County occurred as positive cases of the new coronavirus continue to climb
Oregon delays pandemic rules enforcement
Action on bunk-bed ban postponed until June 1.
Wine Foundation elects new board members
The Washington Wine Industry Foundation announced in a news release the election of Erik McLaughlin, Kristina Mielke van Löben Sels and Alex Oh to the foundation’s board of directors. McLaughlin is CEO and managing partner at Metis. He has nearly three decades of experience in the fine wine and hospitality
Auction of Washington Wines moving to virtual events in 2020
Auction of Washington Wines announced it is moving all 2020 events to a virtual-only format. The decision was made with consideration for the safety and well-being of all patrons, donors, sponsors, winemakers and staff, according to a news release. The organization is also exploring new ways of reaching broader audiences
Oregon issues pandemic farming rules
Emergency regs ban bunk beds in worker housing.
Washington Winegrowers Association elects board and officers
Becca de Kleine and Carrie Arredondo were elected to the board of directors of the Washington Winegrowers Association at their annual meeting in March, according to a news release. De Kleine earned a bachelor’s degree in viticulture and enology at Washington State University. In 2012 she was hired to help
Cliff Plath, 1955–2020
Yakima grower and philanthropist died April 11.
CMI Orchards and Yakima Fruit form partnership
CMI Orchards LLC announced in a news release a new strategic partnership with Yakima Fruit and Cold Storage Co. “With this partnership comes tremendous opportunity to increase our daily shipping capacity with the expansion of packing facilities and high-density acreage,” said Bob Mast, president of CMI, in the release. “This
Agricultural employment essential during COVID-19 crisis
Ag associations roll out advice regarding coronavirus as growers prepare for seasonal labor.
Coronavirus slows H-2A visas
U.S. State Department seeks middle ground to allow some seasonal ag workers.
Coronavirus uncertainty rattles the fruit industry
Coronavirus updates posted 04/12/2020 through 04/27/2020.
Cold air surge heads for Eastern Washington
Orchards nearing bloom at risk for high levels of cold damage, according to WSU.
WA apple license plate clears legislature
Specialty plate to benefit fruit scholarships heads to governor’s desk
Federal judge rules against Zirkle
A federal judge has ruled against a Washington blueberry producer’s prevailing wage challenge and ordered the company to pay its workers their escrowed wages. Judge Salvador Mendoza determined last week that federal and state employment authorities did not act capriciously or arbitrarily last year when they raised the prevailing wage
WAEF applications due March 1
The deadline for Washington Apple Education Foundation scholarship applications is March 1. The foundation plans to grant more than $1 million in new and renewed college scholarships this spring. Applicants must have a tie to Washington’s tree fruit industry to qualify: Either they have been raised in a family that
New pear geneticist hired
Jessica Waite, a postdoctoral research associate at Washington State University, has been hired by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to fill an empty pear research geneticist position. Jessica Waite Waite’s start date has not been determined, said Jim Mattheis, research leader at the Agricultural Research Service laboratory in Wenatchee. However,
Chlorpyrifos ban proposed in Washington state
Washington state senators introduce bill to prohibit most uses of Lorsban.
Washington State University hires new extension specialist
Jenny Bolivar-Medina Late last fall, Washington State University hired Jenny Bolivar-Medina for a new position on the tree fruit extension team as an information technology transfer specialist for horticulture. The position, based at the Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center in Wenatchee, is funded by the tree fruit industry endowment.
WSU Tree Fruit Endowment fully funded
Assessments will end for apple and pear growers on Jan. 21.
2020 Cherry King crowned
Dena Ybarra given annual honor at Cherry Institute.
Peter Landolt: 1952–2019
Longtime USDA entomologist dead at 66.
Tissue culture startup shuts down
Millions of trees in limbo after tissue culture company Phytelligence enters receivership.
Apple license plate proposed
Washington senator proposes apple-themed license plate to benefit education foundation.
Michigan hort society bestows three awards
Robinettes, Laubach and German get the honors.
USApple’s Bair gives update on Farm Workforce Modernization Act — Video
Legislation passed in the the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday.
Washington Wine Industry Foundation opens 2020 scholarships
The Washington Wine Industry Foundation announced in a news release four scholarship opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate students studying viticulture, enology or related disciplines. All applications are due March 31, 2020. Scholarships include: —The Horse Heaven Hills Wine Growers Scholarship, created by growers and vintners dedicated to promoting education in
Felco pruning contest scheduled Jan. 31 in New York
Second annual event hosted by Cornell University.
Washington Apple Week takes local growers to global markets
Apple Commission launches campaign in 14 export countries.
Harper named director of Penn State Fruit Research and Extension Center
Jayson Harper has been named director of Penn State University’s Fruit Research and Extension Center. Harper, who’d been serving as interim director since March 1, will oversee all personnel and financial activities while providing strategic vision for the center, according to a news release. Jayson Harper Located in Biglerville, in
Phylloxera, economics highlight the 2019 Washington State Grape Society annual meeting
Identifying and managing phylloxera, a common grape pest that is popping up in Washington, dominated the presentations and displays Thursday at the 2019 annual meeting of the Washington State Grape Society in Grandview. An estimated 255 people attended Day 1 of the two-day gathering, which continues Friday at the Grandview Nazarene Church.
IFTA offers scholarships for young professionals to attend 2020 annual conference
The International Fruit Tree Association is offering scholarship opportunities for young professionals who want to attend the 2020 IFTA Annual Conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Feb. 9–12. IFTA members worldwide are eligible to apply for the Young Professionals Scholarship, according to a news release. The IFTA Young Professionals Scholarship Program
CMI names Julie Gordon its new president
Gordon will replace the retiring Phil Korson at Cherry Marketing Institute.
H-2A poised for change
Proposed laws and regulations aim to make the H-2A program more affordable, accessible.
Accelerating a Generation Syngenta Scholarship open through Jan. 15
Eligible university students are invited to apply for Syngenta’s annual Accelerating a Generation Syngenta Scholarship, the company announced in a news release. In a 2- to 5-minute video essay, entrants should share how their roots have influenced the way they view the future of the ag industry. Applicants must complete
USDA declares United States free from plum pox
No other country has successfully eradicated the stone fruit disease.
Washington Wine Industry Foundation seeks applicants for Powers Sabbatical
Foundation awards up to $5,000 annually for wine industry professionals to learn from wine producers around the world.
Cosmic Crisp in the courts
Judge sides with WSU in contract dispute over WA 38 propagation.
Washington Apple Education Foundation celebrating 25 years
WAEF awards more than $1.1 million in scholarships, but its impact goes beyond the money.
Federal judge temporarily halts wage hike for Zirkle blueberry pickers
A Selah, Washington, fruit company won an early round in its lawsuit against federal and state labor authorities Thursday when a judge temporarily stopped a mandated midseason wage hike for blueberry pickers. Zirkle Fruit Co., one of Washington’s largest blueberry producers, was granted a preliminary injunction by Judge Salvador Mendoza
U.S. EPA approves bee-delivered fungicide
Bee Vectoring Technology receives approval for first plant protection product applied by bees.
Prengaman: Good Fruit Grower welcomes Michigan-based writer Matt Milkovich
This month, Good Fruit Grower welcomes a new associate editor, Matt Milkovich, who will expand our coverage of the Eastern U.S. fruit regions from his base in Grand Rapids, Michigan. As the former editor of Fruit Growers News, where he worked for 12 years, Milkovich brings a depth of experience
2019 apple crop forecast to be 1 percent larger than last year
Day two of USApple conference reveals estimate up slightly from the five-year average.
Midseason wage blues
Washington blueberry producer sues to stop wage increase mandate.
Washington apple growers expect 137.3 million boxes
Northwest pear growers revise estimate up to 18.6 million boxes
Washington apple growers expect 137.3 million boxes
Northwest pear growers revise estimate up to 18.6 million boxes.
New round of trade help
Federal government announces new wave of trade mitigation programs.
Neil Jones makes price offer for canning pears
Neil Jones Food Co. has agreed to pay canning pear growers a price lower than offered by the association that has typically negotiated for Northwest farmers. At a small growers meeting last week, the Vancouver, Washington, company offered $315 for Grade 1A pears, said Adam McCarthy, a Hood River, Oregon,
Stemilt adds Belton to agriculture leadership team
Darrin Belton Stemilt Growers, a tree fruit growing, packing and shipping company based in Wenatchee, Washington, is adding Darrin Belton to its agriculture leadership team in the newly created position of business development director of Stemilt Ag Services, according to a news release. Belton joins Stemilt’s agriculture division after a
Parkhill joins Next Big Thing growers’ cooperative as executive director
Jennifer Parkhill Next Big Thing, a growers’ cooperative that grows and markets managed varieties of apples, including SweeTango, recently announced that Jennifer Parkhill will lead the organization as executive director, according to a news release. Parkhill will be responsible for developing strategies to advance the cooperative’s mission and objectives, promoting
Kasey Cronquist named president of blueberry councils
Kasey Cronquist The North American Blueberry Council (NABC) and U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) have named Kasey Cronquist as the new president, effective July 29, according to a news release. The councils’ current executive director, Mark Villata, will retire at the end of this year. “After 25 exciting and rewarding
Variety debate
WA 2 lawsuit continues in Washington state courtrooms.
26th annual WSTFA golf tournament on August 6
Tee up to honor past tree fruit industry leaders and help support tomorrow’s leaders at the 26th annual Washington State Tree Fruit Association golf tournament on Tuesday, August 6 at the Highland Golf Course in East Wenatchee, Washington. The annual WSTFA golf tournament helps raise money to support student scholarships
Northwest fresh pear growers anticipate a solid crop
Pear Bureau Northwest announced in a news release the first official fresh pear crop estimate for the 2019-20 season. Pear growers and producers from Washington’s Wenatchee and Yakima districts and Oregon’s Medford and Mid-Columbia districts anticipate harvesting 17.3 million 44-pound box equivalents, or approximately 380,000 tons of fresh pears. The
Pear processor turns down pear price
Break in Northwest canning pear tradition adds to industry uncertainty.
Cosmic Crisp partners with Crunch Pak and Litehouse
Cosmic Crisp, the new apple variety developed by Washington State University as WA 38, will be part of a partnership with two refrigerated product companies: Crunch Pak, the sliced apple specialist, and Litehouse, known for its refrigerated salad dressings and innovative consumer packaged goods. According to a news release from
Annual Yakima Pom Club golf tournament on July 25
Good Fruit Grower received the following information in a news release about the 9th annual Yakima Pom Club golf tournament, scheduled on July 25 in Yakima, Washington. It's that time again... Please join us for the 9th Annual Pom Club Golf Tournament Title sponsor: Wilson O.V.S. Date: Thursday, July 25
Anita Azarenko named interim vice provost for outreach and engagement at OSU
Anita Azarenko Anita Azarenko has been named interim vice provost for the division of university outreach and engagement at Oregon State University and director of the OSU Extension Service, according to a news release. Azarenko will replace Scott Reed, who will retire from OSU on July 31. Azarenko has more
Matthew Hendrickson fills new staff position at USApple
Matthew Hendrickson The U.S. Apple Association announced in a news release that Matthew Hendrickson will join the organization in the newly created position of manager of association services. Previously with Interel Group US, an association management consulting firm, Hendrickson brings to USApple his experience in association and nonprofit management, including
Seneca closing pear processing plant
Seneca Foods plans to close its Sunnyside, Washington, fruit processing facility after the 2019 pear harvest, leaving the Northwest with only two pear canners. (Ross Courtney/Good Fruit Grower) Northwest pear growers may respond to Seneca Foods closing its Sunnyside, Washington, processing plant by pulling out orchards as the pear industry
Dininny: A new view
With a change in leadership at Good Fruit Grower, our commitment to all of you remains steadfast.
USDA announces $16 billion in trade aid to farmers for 2019
On Thursday, President Donald Trump announced a second round of financial assistance to farmers hurt by recent trade wars — $16 billion worth of direct payments, surplus commodity purchases and new export market development. This follows the
European cherry fruit fly quarantine in New York expands
The pattern on the wing of the European cherry fruit fly, Rhagoletis cerasi, can be used to distinguish it from native fruit flies. (Courtesy Steve Paiero/University of Guelph) Federal regulators have expanded the quarantine zone for the European cherry fruit fly in New York to now include all
Mexico lifts tariff on U.S. apples
Mexico announced today the lifting of a 20 percent tariff on U.S. apples, after the U.S. announced on May 17 the end of tariffs on Mexican and Canadian steel and aluminum. “We welcome the return of duty-free access to Mexico, our largest export market, and continued duty-free access to Canada,
Washington’s drought worsens
Gov. Jay Inslee on Monday expanded Washington’s drought to cover nearly half the state, including most of Central Washington’s tree fruit production areas. (Courtesy Washington State Department of Ecology) A recent spell of rainy weather hasn’t helped much. Washington’s drought has officially gotten worse anyway. Gov. Jay Inslee
Canadian nursery launches tissue culture lab
This week, Upper Canada Growers announced the opening of a new tissue culture laboratory in Harrow, Ontario, that aims to provide Canadian growers with clean fruit trees and rootstocks — faster than the current certification process for new varieties. The new lab is a partnership with the University of Guelph
Michigan School for the Deaf awarded Apples4Ed grant
At a celebratory event on May 7, U.S. Apple Association awarded students at the Michigan School for the Deaf a $4,000 Apples4Ed grant. According to a news release, the Michigan school was selected for its proposal to create a healthy snack “fueling station” for students living on campus. “The Michigan
Cherry growers gather to update crop estimate
Southern Washington cherry growers huddle to discuss the upcoming crop today at the annual 5-state meeting of the Northwest Cherry Growers in Richland, Washington. (Ross Courtney/Good Fruit Grower) Growers and industry representatives from five Northwest cherry producing states predicted a crop of about 23.6 million 20-pound box equivalents
USDA proposes Fuji grading changes
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has proposed a change to apple grading standards. Earlier this week, the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service proposed a rule change that would remove net-like russeting as a factor to determine Extra Fancy, U.S. Fancy and U.S. No. 1 grades for Fuji apples, according to a
More changes for BC Tree Fruits
British Columbia’s largest fruit company has purchased land on which to build a new packing line and company headquarters. BC Tree Fruits, a 400-member grower cooperative, is finalizing the purchase of 85 acres in Kelowna for new apple, cherry, pear and soft fruit packing lines, office space and its cidery,
Seneca to close pear plant
Seneca Foods plans to close its Sunnyside, Washington, fruit processing facility in the fall after the 2019 pear harvest, leaving the Northwest with only two pear canneries. (Ross Courtney/Good Fruit Grower) Seneca Foods is getting out of the processed pear business and will shutter its Sunnyside, Washington, plant
Washington State Fruit Commission board meeting May 15
The Washington State Fruit Commission board of directors meeting is scheduled Wednesday, May 15, at the Red Lion Hanford House in Richland, Washington. President B.J. Thurlby will report on commission business and Good Fruit Grower projects. Financial reports will be presented by commission treasurer JoAnne Daniels. Industry reports will include
National Organic Standards Board discusses sanitizer reviews
Of all the synthetic products allowed in organic food production, sanitizers required for food safety standards are some of the most important for all producers and handlers. The National Organic Standards Board, a diverse group of growers, handlers and environmentalists charged with decided what stays on the National List of
Blue Bird plans to rebuild after fire
Central Washington fruit packer Blue Bird to replace warehouse destroyed in early March fire.
BC Tree Fruits hires CEO, CFO
BC Tree Fruits, a grower cooperative that packs most of British Columbia’s apples, has permanently filled its CEO and chief financial officer positions in the wake of a company restructuring. Todd McMyn Todd McMyn started his role as CEO on April 1, according to a news release from
No-match letters from the Social Security Administration are back
Growers should keep an eye out for “no-match” letters from the Social Security Administration, which warn employers that the agency has found that at least one name or Social Security number submitted in 2018 does not match records. Officially known as Employer Correction Requests, the letters issued this spring are
Gallo acquires wine brands and production facilities in California, Washington and New York
E. & J. Gallo Winery announced April 3 that it has entered into an agreement with Constellation Brands Inc. to purchase more than 30 wine and spirits brands, along with six winemaking facilities located in California, Washington and New York. According to a news release, among the brands joining the
USDA’s farmers.gov now features help with H-2A applications and managing loans
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has launched of two new features on farmers.gov to provide assistance with the H-2A application process and managing farm loans. “These new features will help our customers as they manage their farm loans and navigate the H-2A temporary agricultural visa program,” Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue
Sara Spayd receives highest honor from the American Society for Enology and Viticulture
Sara Spayd, professor emerita of North Carolina State University, Raleigh, has been selected to receive the American Society for Enology and Viticulture’s Merit Award for 2019. The award is ASEV’s highest honor and acknowledges excellence in the fields of education, technology, management, public relations or any discipline related to enology
Growers, researchers earn IFTA awards
Annual awards from the International Fruit Tree Association recognize industry leaders.
New Jersey Peach Promotion Council welcomes new board members
Erica Shiles The New Jersey Peach Promotion Council announced in a news release three new board members: Erica Shiles, Bonnie Lundblad and Matt Duffield. Shiles is a fourth-generation family farmer on F & R Grasso, in Mullica Hill, New Jersey. The farm was purchased in 1953 and harvests
Industry veteran Jamie Peha appointed as executive director of Auction of Washington Wines
Jamie Peha The Auction of Washington Wines has named industry veteran Jamie Peha its interim executive director, effective immediately. According to a news release, Peha has already played a key role as part of the AWW team. As director of the event’s Private Barrel Auction, she grew the
FDA announces wine grapes among commodities to be exempt from Produce Safety Rule
On March 27, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) issued a statement praising the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s issuance of a final guidance stating the agency’s intent to exercise enforcement discretion for the requirements of the Produce Safety Rule, part of the Food Safety Modernization Act, as they apply to entities
Fire destroys Blue Bird fruit warehouse
A Blue Bird fruit warehouse in Peshastin, Washington, caught fire Sunday, March 3, leaving the building a total loss. (Reilly Kneedler/The Wenatchee World) A Blue Bird Inc. cold storage building in Peshastin, Washington, was destroyed in a fire that started Sunday night. “The building is going to
Washington Winegrowers elect board members
The Washington Winegrowers Association elected board members and officers at their annual meeting held in February in Kennewick, Washington. Steele Brown of Golden West Vineyards was newly elected to the board of directors. Patrick Rawn of Two Mountain Winery was re-elected as chair of the board and Shane Collins of
Sale of Broetje Orchards creates FirstFruits Farms
New owner plans to continue many employee-support programs created by Broetje.
USApple announces 2019 Young Apple Leaders
The U.S. Apple Association announced its class of 2019 Young Apple Leaders, a group of young women and men selected by the organization to join with and learn from USApple leaders as they advocate on issues impacting growers and the apple industry. “The 2019 Young Apple Leaders’ class is the
BC Tree Fruits restructures
International Fruit Tree Association tour attendees participate in a hard cider tasting session in July, 2018, highlighting BC Tree Fruits’ decision to open a cidery as a market for the cooperative’s commercial-grade fruit at its Kelowna, British Columbia, packing facility. (TJ Mullinax/Good Fruit Grower) BC Tree Fruits, which
Women’s Farm to Food Business Competition now open
The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) Foundation is offering a new business competition for women making food and beverage products in Oregon and Washington. In partnership with the Washington State Department of Agriculture and Oregon Department of Agriculture, the NASDA Foundation is hosting the first Women’s Farm
President signs Farm Bill
President Donald Trump on Thursday signed the $867 billion Farm Bill that Congress passed last week with bipartisan support. The five-year Farm Bill ensures several items of funding that affect the tree fruit industry. Among them are continued support of work to fight pests and diseases, enhancement of the National
India delays additional apple tariff, again
India has once again postponed implementing a retaliatory tariff on imported U.S. apples, this time until Jan. 31. Earlier in 2018, India, one of the largest export markets for U.S. apples, imposed an additional tariff on the fruit in retaliation for President Donald Trump’s tariffs on imported steel and aluminum,
Chelan Fruit announces new interim CEO
The Chelan Fruit Cooperative board of directors announced CEO Reggie Collins will transition from his current position to an advisory position, effective Jan. 1. Mark Stennes, currently the company’s assistant general manager, has been selected to replace Collins as interim CEO. Collins joined the cooperative in 2000, starting as the
Fresh Pear Committee nominations sought for Mid-Columbia district
Pear growers will elect nominees for positions on the Fresh Pear Committee (FPC) of Marketing Order #927. The committee is responsible for the collection of assessments for research and the promotion and advertising of all pears marketed in the domestic and export markets. There is one grower position for the
Congress passes $867 billion Farm Bill
Today Congress passed an $867 billion Farm Bill with strong bipartisan support. The House of Representatives voted 386-47 in favor of the bill. The Senate passed the legislation in an 87-to-13 vote on Tuesday. “It will take us some time to wade through the bill and get to all the
Grape Society annual meeting
Awards and the search for a soil connection to chlorosis at the final day of the Washington State Grape Society annual meeting.
Call for committee nominations
Pear, cherry and apricot growers and handlers can submit committee nominations at industry meetings in December and January.
Rainiers break a record in the 2018 cherry season review
Northwest Cherry Growers releases year-end report on second-largest crop ever.
“Recall Ready” workshop May 22 in Pasco, May 23 in Des Moines, WA
Three organizations are teaming up to offer training on what to do when hit by a recall situation. The event web page. Here's the announcement: The United Fresh Recall Ready Workshop is an exclusive education and training service that leverages the expertise of the food industry’s leading professionals, in partnership
May 1 is deadline for nursery growers to get USDA crop insurance
USDA's Risk Management Agency has put out the word that May 1 is the deadline for nursery growers to apply for crop insurance or make changes to existing coverage. Growers applying for the first time may purchase coverage at any time. Here's the release: SPOKANE, Wash., April 3, 2018 -
Food safety answers
The latest updates on the Food Safety Modernization Act.
Study shows temps at which cherry buds are damaged
Oregon State University researcher David Gibeaut has posted online the results of his differential thermal analysis that measures the fatal temperatures of sweet cherry floral buds in the Pacific Northwest. Images of cherry buds damaged by cold. (Courtesy Todd Einhorn/Oregon State University) Gibeaut conducted the research on Bing,
Munch Madness? USApple rolls out pun-laden promotion
Munch Madness has begun. The third annual promotion of the U.S. Apple Association pits apple varieties against each other in popular votes tournament-style. Munch Madness Organizers ask apple eaters to visit applevsapple.com to vote for their favorite varieties through the different stages of the tournament. The contest includes
Ashley Thompson picked for OSU Mid-Columbia extension faculty
Ashley Thompson Ashley Thompson will be officially starting as Oregon State University Mid-Columbia Horticultural Extension Faculty on April 27, the university announced. This new position will be responsible for tree fruit production, so will include both pears and cherries in Hood River and Wasco counties, with Thompson's main office in
Washington wine people meet Jan.18-19 to discuss research
The Washington State Wine Commission will hold its annual Research Review on January 18 and 19 at the Clore Center in Prosser. The commission encourages growers and wine makers to attend and provide feedback on research proposals. Research topics include pest management, irrigation, soil quality, mechanization, wine spoilage, and tannin
Stemilt partners to give back to children in central Washington
For the fifth year, Stemilt has donated holiday gifts to foster children in central Washington state. Stemilt is based in Wenatchee, Washington. Here's the details from Stemilt's news release: WENATCHEE, Wash. – For the fifth consecutive year, Stemilt employees have joined together to play the role of Old Saint Nick
“They are there to find something wrong with you.”
The New York Times paid a visit to a New York apple farm and described "unending layering" of new rules and regulations that fall on an orchardist. With thick rule books laying out food safety procedures, compliance costs in the tens of thousands of dollars and ever-changing standards from the
OSU names Mateus Pasa to lead cherry and pear research program
Mateus Pasa Oregon State University has named Mateus Pasa, Ph.D., as assistant professor and leader of its horticulture research program at the Mid Columbia Agricultural Research and Extension Center. He will be in charge of its research program on sweet cherry and pear production systems. Here is the
Wine Institute praises excise tax relief in new tax bill
California's Wine Institute celebrated passage of new tax legislation, saying it provided the first reduction in wine excise taxes in more than 80 years. As part of sweeping tax changes lead by Congressional Republicans and President Donald Trump, legislation includes a two-year version of the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax
Two Oregon cherry growers join forces
Two longtime cherry producers in the Dalles, Oregon, have merged to form an affiliation that will begin just after the new year. On Jan. 8, Orchard View Farms will become the parent company of Omeg Family Farms, creating a production entity with more than 3,000 combined acres and 200 years
Overhiser, Isaacs and others honored at Great Lakes Expo
At the 17th annual Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market Expo Banquet on Wednesday night, the Michigan State Horticultural Society and the Michigan Vegetable Council presented industry awards and scholarships. Allyn Anthony, center, with his family after he was honored with the Michigan State Horticultural Society's Distinguished Service
Strong market for Michigan sweet cherries: GLExpo Day 2 wrap
There was good news and bad news for cherry growers at the second day of the Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable, and Farm Market Expo in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The good news is that there is a strong market potential for fresh market sweet cherries from consumers who want local fruit,
Bee haulers get delay in complying with new federal rules
The federal government has granted truckers who haul live animals, including honeybees destined for tree fruit pollination duty, a 90-day reprieve from enforcement of electronic logging device requirements.
California Supreme Court rules against farm owners
From the Los Angeles Times: "California’s highest court decided unanimously Monday that farmers may have a labor contract imposed on them if negotiations with a union fail to produce an agreement."
Grape prices, fungicide resistance likely heading up
The acreage of juice grapes in Washington continues to decline, but the price is likely to go up next year, said Trent Ball at the Washington State Grape Society annual meeting on Friday. Challenging growing seasons in Argentina, Spain, and California mean global supplies are down.
Oregon State looking for cherry growers to develop pest plan
Oregon State University is looking for sweet cherry growers in the Northwest to help develop a long-term Integrated Pest Management plan.
Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention set for Jan. 30-Feb. 1
More than 2,400 fruit, berry and vegetable growers are expected to attend the 2018 Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention set for Jan. 30-Feb. 1 at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
Wenatchee district pear grower, handler nomination meeting set
Pear handlers will elect nominees for a Wenatchee district grower position and a handler position on the Fresh Pear Committee of Marketing Order 927.
Veterans see future in WSU wine program
There’s something about all the hands-on work that attracted Nick French, a former Air Force mechanic, to the wine industry. He likes getting his hands a little dirty and working with equipment.
Number of apples in storage up 8 percent from 2016
194.4 million bushels of apples were reported in storage as of Nov. 1, an increase of 8 percent over last year and 15 percent above the five-year average, according to a report from the USApple Association released Thursday.
Keyes Packaging hires Burroughs as VP
Keyes Packaging Group of Wenatchee, Washington, has hired Jeff Burroughs as vice president of business development.
Yakima district pear grower nomination meeting set
Pear handlers will elect nominees for a Yakima district grower position on the Fresh Pear Committee of Marketing Order 927.
Report says Apple Commission overbilled by contractor in India more than $500k
The Washington Apple Commission overpaid a contractor in India more than $500,000, according to a state investigation first reported by The Wenatchee World newspaper.
Apple pesticide study results released
The Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission has released the results of its 2017 study of apple pesticide residue.
Cherry and apricot marketing boards to make nominations
Nominations for grower and handler positions on the Washington Cherry Marketing Committee and Washington Apricot Marketing Committee will take place during industry meetings in January. The committees establish grade, size and pack regulations for fresh cherries and apricots from designated counties in Washington state.
75th Cherry Institute set for Jan. 12 in Yakima
The 75th annual Cherry Institute is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on Jan. 12 at the Yakima Convention Center.
Sprouts Farmers Market named Pear Retailer of the Year
For the second straight year, the pear industry has granted the Pear Retailer of the Year honor to a Phoenix-based natural foods store.
Napa Valley wineries largely dodge wildfire destruction
Wildfires that killed 40 people and burned thousands of homes and businesses in Northern California left wineries in the Napa Valley mostly unscathed, according to a survey by a nonprofit association.
Underwood Fruit plans to rebuild after fire
The federal government is investigating a fire that destroyed a pear packing facility in Bingen, Washington, while the company is rerouting its fruit and some of its employees to other Northwest packers.
Stemilt will use virtual reality for tours at PMA show
Those attending the Produce Marketing Association Fresh Summit will get a glimpse of Stemilt Growers without having to leave the conference.
European Cherry Fruit Fly found in NY
The U.S. Department of Agriculture officials have confirmed that European Cherry Fruit Fly is now present in Niagara County, New York. The invasive pest was first detected in North America in Ontario, Canada, in 2015.
Good Fruit Grower earns grant for Spanish coverage
The Washington State Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have announced this year's recipients of Specialty Crop Block Grant Program funds.
Ferguson joins Pear Bureau
Neil Ferguson, Communications specialist for Pear Bureau Northwest. (Photo courtesy of Pear Bureau Northwest) Neil Ferguson has joined Pear Bureau Northwest as a communications specialist. Ferguson recently worked as a media content developer for Coroflot, a site that connects creative professionals with work opportunities. He has also worked
Produce Safety training courses set for Wenatchee
The Washington State Tree Fruit Association will hold Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training courses on Oct. 24 and 25 in Wenatchee, Washington.
Mid-Columbia CORE pesticide training set
Mid-Columbia CORE pesticide training is scheduled for Dec. 13 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The workshop will be held in the Columbia Gorge Community College Lecture Hall, Building 2 in The Dalles.
Michigan State Extension seeks survey participants
Michigan State University Extension is looking for participants in its Fruit Team Impact Survey.
House bill would revamp H-2A program
Northwest tree fruit industry groups tentatively praised Monday’s effort by U.S. Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Virginia, to revamp the nation’s agricultural guest worker program.
Wa Tree Fruit Research Commission is hiring
The Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission, an agency whose work is invaluable to the tree fruit industry, is hiring a Special Projects Coordinator. The coordinator will work on projects that are central to the organization’s mission. The successful candidate will be expected to work closely with colleagues, board members, growers, faculty and
Justices hear arguments on farmworker piece-rate wages
Washington State Supreme Court justices heard oral arguments Sept. 14 at the Temple of Justice in Olympia on the question of whether employers should be mandated to pay their piece-rate workers a separate hourly rate for work not directly connected to production, such as training or waiting for equipment.
Grape & Wine Issues Caucus set for Nov. 14 in Yakima
Washington Winegrowers and the Washington Wine Institute will hold their Grape & Wine Issues Caucus on Nov. 14 in Yakima.
WAEF hosting ESL forum in Central Washington
The Washington Apple Education Foundation will host its fifth adult English as a second language forum on Sept. 13 at Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Washington. The forum is open to providers of adult ESL located in Central Washington.
Perry, cider’s understated cousin, making its own name
Tim Larsen at a perry tree on his family-run Wenatchee orchard with WSU fermentation expert Bri Ewing. (Photo courtesy of Washington State University) by Linda Weiford, WSUNews An alcoholic beverage made from fermented pears that was a favorite drink of Napoleon’s is gaining popularity in the United States,
Cosmic Crisp field day rescheduled
Washington State University has rescheduled its field day for the WA 38 apple, better known as Cosmic Crisp.
NAFTA is the talk of USApple Outlook conference
Gala apples ripening before harvest in a Wapato, Washington, orchard on August 24, 2017. (TJ Mullinax/Good Fruit Grower) The three parties to the North American Free Trade Agreement — the United States, Canada and Mexico — have entered negotiations on a new deal, so it’s no surprise NAFTA
Unusual property coming on market near Walla Walla
A land brokerage has announced a call for bids on a roughly 6,000 contiguous acre plot near Walla Walla, Washington.
European Union predicts down year for apples
The European Union is estimating a 9.343 million metric ton apple harvest for the 2017-18 growing season, down 21 percent from 2016, according to a press release from Interpoma. The total is equivalent to about 10.3 million U.S. tons, or 1.03 billion 20-pound boxes.
Free event in Yakima for growers Sept. 21 on intellectual property management
Lynnell Brandt, left, president of Proprietary Variety Management, discusses licensing and grade standards of Cosmic Crisp apples during a field day in September in Quincy, Washington. At right is Ines Hanrahan, project manager for the Washington State Tree Fruit Research Commission. (Ross Courtney/Good Fruit Grower) A free Intellectual
Wine Spectator donates $1 million to WSU wine program
The Wine Spectator Scholarship Foundation will donate $1 million to the Washington State University Viticulture & Enology program.
California eyes changes to chlorpyrifos regulation
The California Environmental Protection Agency has announced that two state agencies are pursuing actions that could lead to increased restrictions on chlorpyrifos, a widely used agricultural pesticide.
Cherry pesticide residue survey results available
The results of the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission’s seventh annual cherry pesticide residue survey are now available.
WSTFA releases hand washing training video
The Washington State Tree Fruit Association has released a training video on hand washing for tree fruit packing house employees.
New version of UC Produce Facts app released
UC Davis logo The Postharvest Center at the University of California, Davis has released a new version of its “UC Produce Facts” app for Android devices. The app, which joins an iOS version released in January, includes storage recommendations, maturity and quality indices, and physiological and physical disorder
Steinbach named Michigan Apples dietician
Michigan Apples Logo The Michigan Apple Commission has named Shari Steinbach the official dietician of Michigan Apples. Steinbach is president of Shari Steinbach & Associates and previously worked as a dietician for major retailers in the Midwest, including Meijer for 26 years. In those roles, she managed consumer
Washington state authorities find live female gypsy moths
Female gypsy moth. (Photo courtesy of WSDA) After more than 40 years of trapping, the Washington State Department of Agriculture has discovered live female gypsy moths for the first time, according to a news release. “This is an extraordinary find for our team,” said Jim Marra, WSDA Pest
Report: European apple forecast down 21 percent
The World Apple and Pear Association is forecasting a 2017 European apple crop that will be 21 percent less than the previous year. The association expects the crop at 9.34 million metric tons, or 489 million 42-pound cartons, according to a news release. Of the total crop, about 324 million cartons
Big cherry crop came with surprises
Northwest cherry growers produced a record crop this season, but they’ll be looking for ways in the offseason to improve fruit size and quality next year following complaints that some of the fruit didn’t meet the industry’s usual high standards.
Northwest pear growers announce 2017 fresh market volume estimate
Northwest pear growers anticipate harvesting about the same volume of fresh market pears as last year, but organic production is expected to skyrocket.
Board mulling lower assessments for Oregon brine cherries
The Oregon Sweet Cherry Commission is considering a proposed administrative rule change to reduce the assessment rate on brine cherries.
Washington apple crop expected to be big, but not a record
Washington apple growers expect a large, but not record, fresh volume for the 2017 harvest, which has begun in some of the earliest locations.
Cornell berry workshop set for Aug. 29
Cornell University will hold a berry crop field workshop at Aug. 29 at the Berry Patch in Stephentown, N.Y.
Washington wine commission sets research priorities
The Washington State Wine Commission has approved a list of research priorities for the coming year.
WSU Transitioning to Organic tour set for Aug. 2, 3
Washington State University and the Next Generation Tree Fruit Network will hold a pair of tours focusing on transitioning to organic farming. The first tour will be from 3-5 p.m. on Aug. 2 at Brownfield Orchards in Chelan. Mike Brownfield has farmed organic apples, pears and cherries since 1990. Jeff
NY Apple Association makes staffing changes
The New York Apple Association has announced that its president and CEO Cynthia Haskins will direct the association's marketing and promotional activities for the 2017 apple crop.
Lake Ontario Tour shows wide range of New York tree fruit farming
The only consistency on the Lake Ontario Fruit Program tour this summer was the humidity. Otherwise, the five-farm tour organized by Cornell University Cooperative Extension covered a remarkably diverse swath of tree fruit farming in a narrow band along Lake Ontario’s shores: new high density apple plantings and apple orchards far older than this reporter, along with high density peaches, berries, and a brand new cidery.
Bryant Christie Inc. celebrates 25th anniversary
Bill Bryant, left, and James Christie of Bryant Christie Inc. (Courtesy photo) Bryant Christie Inc., a company that helps agricultural, food and beverage producers open and expand foreign markets, celebrated its 25th anniversary on July 1. The company was founded in 1992 as W.L. Bryant Co. by Bill
Scholarships offered for United Fresh Washington Conference
The application period for the 2017 Frieda Rapoport Caplan Family Business Scholarship is now open.
IFTA seeks new management and staffing proposals
The International Fruit Tree Association (IFTA) seeks proposals from individuals or management companies to provide executive management and staffing functions effective no later than January 1, 2018. This Request for Proposals has information on the scope of services requested as well as relevant deadlines and timelines. Interested parties may
Mite threatening honeybees in New York
A tiny mite is being blamed for major honeybee losses in New York, threatening the state’s $500 million agriculture industry.
Five companies honored with Produce Innovation Awards
Five products were honored with Produce Innovation Awards at the United Fresh Produce Association’s event in June.
WSU wine researchers win distilled spirit honors
A team from Washington State University took home top honors at the Worldwide Distilled Spirits Conference in Glasgow, Scotland, for research on spirits using a technique traditionally used on wine.
New estimate points to record NW cherry crop
Now that cherry harvest is in full swing, growers have updated their estimate of the crop size.
Cornell professor wants you to name his new grape
At twice the size of a Concord, a new grape developed in New York is certainly a mouthful. So is its current name: NY98.0228.02.
Oregon State to fill 2 vacant hort positions
Oregon State University will hold two meetings this summer to discuss the filling of two vacant horticultural positions in the extension program. The Hood River County spot was previously held by Steve Castagnoli, who is now the director of Oregon State University’s Mid-Columbia Agricultural Research and Extension Center, also in
Amazon purchase of Whole Foods a sign of big disruption in food retailing
America’s grocery stores are undergoing tremendous change. Profits face downward pressure. Consumers are buying more from outside of traditional supermarkets. Online purveyors such as Blue Apron are on the rise. Two big German chains are expanding their presence in the U.S. Then there’s Amazon, the online juggernaut that has turned its
Northwest cherry harvest begins
The Northwest cherry season has begun with growers picking early varieties like Early Robin, Chelan and Santina, among others, according to Northwest Cherry Growers.
Interpera Congress addresses industry inertia
About 150 people attended the first day of Interpera 2017, this year’s World Pear Congress meeting, Thursday, June 15, 2017, in Wenatchee.
U.S. congressmen ask for analysis of Polish apples
Two Republican lawmakers from apple producing states have asked for a full pest and disease risk analysis of fruit imported from Poland, a nation that has not previously met U.S. requirements.
Chelan Fresh, Columbia Valley Fruit enter agreement
Six weeks after announcing a merger with another fruit company, Chelan Fresh has entered into an exclusive marketing agreement with Columbia Valley Fruit of Union Gap, Washington. Under the agreement, Chelan fresh will be the exclusive marketer of Columbia Valley Fruit’s organic and conventional apples. The fruit will be marketed
Oregon Cherry Growers processing business purchased by California cooperative
The processing side of Oregon Cherry Growers, a grower cooperative, has been purchased by Pacific Coast Producers, a California co-op that processes and packages produce for retail and food service.
Northwest pear growers predict smaller crop
Northwest pear growers are estimating a fresh crop of about 17.6 million boxes for the 2017 season, down 2 percent from last year and down 10 percent from the five-year average.
A Long goodbye for Oregon horticulturalist
Thursday’s preharvest cherry tour, held every year in the Columbia Gorge areas of Washington and Oregon, concluded with a farewell celebration to Lynn Long, the horticulturist who usually leads it.
Same grapes, different names
A long running debate over grapes in Missouri and Arkansas has been put to rest by researchers at Missouri State University.
L.A. Times: Trump promised a ‘big beautiful door’ in his border wall. California farmers are ready and waiting
From the Los Angeles Times: More than 11,000 foreign guest workers like Betancourt were approved last year to harvest the lettuce, fruit and vegetables for California’s $47-billion agricultural industry — a fivefold increase from 2011, according to a Los Angeles Times analysis of U.S. Labor Department data. If this year’s
Vanguard International buys Pride Packing
The Vanguard International Group of Issaquah, Washington, has purchased Pride Packing Co. of Wapato, Washington, to further its goal of developing a vertically integrated fresh-fruit organization.
Holtzinger Fruit changes name to Fourth Leaf
Holtzinger Fruit Co., the only packer in Washington that works solely with independent growers, has changed its name to Fourth Leaf Fruit Company.
Sanitation workshops set for May 31, June 1
The Washington State Tree Fruit Association and the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission will host cleaning and sanitation workshops on May 31 in Naches, Washington, and on June 1 in East Wenatchee, Washington.
Ag groups respond to Trump’s proposed budget
Here is an ongoing roundup of responses to President Donald Trump's federal budget proposal, which was released Tuesday, May 23. Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance: “We are very disappointed to see the President’s budget, released yesterday, call for draconian cuts, or even total elimination of programs that are important to
Pscheidt: How to rate viruses
With three-dozen different viruses that can be found on cherry trees, which ones do growers need to worry about?
What’s hiding in your orchard?
A survey of cherry viruses in Oregon has turned up none that are new to the Pacific Northwest, which is a good thing. However, at least two new viruses, and possibly a third, have been detected in Oregon for the first time — and two of the three could have a significant impact on cherry production if not controlled.
Thurlby: Looking ahead to the Northwest cherry season
In Washington, we just came through the rainiest March on record, and the view from the window tells me the season has yet to give way to what most of us would call “springtime conditions.”
Seattle Times: Tree Top uses surplus peaches to feed hungry
From The Seattle Times: There’s the old adage, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” Tree Top, the food processing co-op based in Selah, Yakima County, has its own version: When life gives you peaches, make peach-flavored squeeze tubes that help feed the poor. Tree Top, the nearly 60-year-old growers’
Scholarships available for IFTA trip to New Zealand
IFTA has reserved a limited number of spots on its 2018 New Zealand Study Tour and Annual Conference for recipients of Young Professional Scholarships.
WSU offering free soil testing
WSU Extension is offering free soil health testing to a limited number of growers in Eastern Washington.
WSDA to dedicate state-of-the-art greenhouse
The Washington Department of Agriculture will formally dedicate on May 11 a $750,000 greenhouse intended to support the tree fruit industry.
Washington state’s Borton Fruit, Chelan Fresh to merge
Two longtime Washington state fruit companies will join forces when Chelan Fresh merges with Borton Fruit this summer.
Oregon State researcher Wang has died
Dr. Yan Wang, who led postharvest physiology research at Oregon State University, died unexpectedly on Thursday, April 27. His age was not immediately available Friday.
FSMA Water Quality Testing Workshops
Registration for the Washington State FSMA Water Quality Testing Workshops is now open. The Washington State Tree Fruit Association will host two workshops in collaboration with the Western Center for Food Safety (WCFS) from UC Davis, the Northwest Horticultural Council and the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission, on May 9 in Yakima and May 11 in Wenatchee.
Sorry about the label confusion
Good Fruit Grower ran a story in our April 15 issue about the Washington Apple Commission discussing uses of its apples logo and sticker.
Who knew? DNA research shows honeycrisp has a royal ancestor.
A University of Minnesota researcher has found new answers to the origin of Honeycrisp and if apples had blood, this blood would be blue. Released in 1991, Honeycrisp was thought to be the child of Macoun and Honeygold, but researchers in 2004 discovered that the original parentage information was wrong.
Washington’s 2015 drought losses estimated at $700 million
State agriculture department releases final estimate
Northwest pear growers will continue marketing order
Overwhelming majorities in favor of order
Sorry about the label confusion
Good Fruit Grower ran a story in our April 15 issue about the Washington Apple Commission discussing uses of its apples logo and sticker.
Healthy cherries from the ground up
Diagnostic tools will prevent you from paying for too much fertilizer.
Researcher convinced he can replace honeybees
WSU horticulturist secures three more years of funding for mechanical pollination research.
Where can I get training to be prepared for FSMA?
Answers to your food safety questions
What’s killing these trees?
Pathologists hope a survey of Northeast apple growers will provide clues in the case of rapid apple decline.
Growers, packers meet with lawmakers
Members of the Washington Apple Commission and Columbia Fruit Packers were among a group of apple industry leaders from across the country who met with members of Congress on March 23 in Washington, D.C. The meetings were part of the U.S. Apple Association's annual fly-in. Todd Fryhover and Lindsey Huber
Don’t invest in unwanted shoot growth
With spring approaching in the Northern Hemisphere, a new season for orchardists starts with flowers, new leaves and shoots — and much anxiety.
Yakima pear handler nominations set
Pear handlers will elect nominees for the Yakima, Washington, handler position on the Fresh Pear Committee of Marketing Order 927. The position will be filled at the Fresh Pear Election Meeting at 2 p.m. on April 27 at the Washington State Fruit Commission (105 S. 18th Street, Yakima, WA 98901).
Fighting honeybee decline with instrumental insemination — Video
WSU researchers hope to breed better bees
A new, old bee
From high in the Tien Shan Mountains of Central Asia, Washington State University entomologists Steve Sheppard and Brandon Hopkins have brought home semen from a new strain of honeybees that evolved right alongside the wild apple tree.
Disaster loans available in Pennsylvania
The U.S. Small Business Administration has announced eligibility for disaster loans related to a frost and freeze in Pennsylvania in April 2016. Federal Economic Injury Disaster Loans are available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations located in Pennsylvania. The declaration
Mulch madness at Oregon soil workshop
David Granatstein of the Washington State University Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources speaks at a soil health workshop on March 16, 2017, in The Dalles, Oregon. TJ Mullinax/Good Fruit Grower At a soil health workshop organized by Oregon State University in the Dalles, Oregon, several speakers
Gillison’s donates mechanical planter to Michigan State researchers
A donated piece of equipment will help Michigan State University fruit research stations plant more trees faster. Gillison’s Variety Fabrication donated the mechanical planter to the Michigan Tree Fruit Commission, which in turn gave it to MSU. The planter was designed to plant 300 to 500 trees per hour, which
National Grape & Wine Initiative names new president
Donnell Brown has been named president of the National Grape & Wine Initiative, succeeding Camron King. Brown will begin her duties on April 3. Brown has worked in the wine industry since 2009. She has operated a private consulting firm, Between the Vines LLC; served as senior marketing director for
Wasps released to eat stink bug eggs
A Trissolcus japonicus parasitoid wasp lays eggs inside brown marmorated stink bug eggs at the USDA-APHIS Quarantine Facility in Corvallis, Oregon. Photo courtesy of Christopher Hedstrom Brown marmorated stink bugs show no signs of stopping their advance in the Pacific Northwest. But last fall, Oregon launched the first
Mercer Canyons settles H-2A lawsuit
A Central Washington farm that grows tree fruit and wine grapes has agreed to pay $1.2 million to settle a lawsuit related to its use of H-2A workers. Mercer Canyons, located south of Prosser, Washington, was sued in U.S. District Court by two domestic employees for failing to inform them
Safe spaces the focus of Ag Safety Awareness week
The theme of this year's Agricultural Safety Awareness Program Week is "Get Out of My Space!" The week runs from March 5-11. The U.S. Agricultural Safety and Health Centers, along with the American Farm Bureau Federation, is urging respect for the safety spaces around hazardous farm equipment and tasks. Grain
Medford fresh pear handler nominations set
An election for the Fresh Pear Committee handler position for Medford, Oregon, will be held March 28 in Medford, Oregon. The election for the two-year term will be at 2 p.m. at Naumes, Inc. (2 W. Barnett Street) in Medford. The position is held by Laura Naumes, with Mike Naumes and Gerald May as first and second
Wine grape research seminar set for April 19
Registration is open for Washington Advancements in Viticulture and Enology, a research-focused seminar designed for grape growers and winemakers. The research day is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on April 19 at the Clore Center in Prosser, Washington. The seminar will be sponsored by the Washington State Wine Commission and
WSU to host event on climate’s effect on grapes
In the Pacific Northwest, the warm spring and summer of 2016 led to the earliest and largest harvest on record, followed be one of the toughest winters in recent years. Washington State University researchers are finding that the lengthy cold-snap has caused more bud damage than expected. What can we expect for the 2017
Spanish irrigation workshop set for Hood River
An irrigation management workshop in Spanish is scheduled for March 29 in Hood River, Oregon. The event has been organized to educate Spanish speaking agricultural workers on comprehensive irrigation water management for improved fruit production and responsible water use. The workshop, which is free, will be from 9 a.m. to
Pear handler election set for Wenatchee, Washington
Pear handlers will elect nominees for the Wenatchee, Washington, district position on the Fresh Pear Committee of Marketing Order 927. The position will be filled at the Washington Pear Marketing Association meeting at noon on March 28 at the Washington Apple Commission conference room. The Apple Commission is located at 2900
Washington wine grape harvest sets record
Washington state's wine grape harvest set a record in 2016, according to the Washington State Wine Commission's Annual Grape Production Report. The report shows the 2016 harvest totaled 270,000 tons, an 18.9 percent increase over 2014, which was the previous high. Red varieties accounted for 58 percent of the total harvest, with
Washington wine fundraiser nets $145,000
The Washington Wine Industry Foundation raised more than $145,000 at its Feb. 8 fundraiser event in Kennewick, Washington. The foundations supports the wine industry by advancing research, education, and leadership. More than 300 people involved in the Washington wine industry attended the event, made possible by support from Northwest Farm Credit Services, Wine
ITFA Day 3: “From Bud to Bin”
Mike Robinson talks to IFTA participants about his partial, tilted shade cloth in one of his Mattawa, Washington, apple blocks. The smaller size and tilt helps Robinson protects against sunburn and hail. (TJ Mullinax/Good Fruit Grower) The second day of tours for the International Fruit Tree Association’s 60th annual
First day of IFTA tours focuses on the future
The first day of orchard tours at the International Fruit Tree Association’s 60th annual conference in Washington featured a central theme: the future. Washington is the top producer of apples in the United States, with a diversified mix of more than 30 commercial varieties grown today, on more than
Discussion in Seattle March 29: Exploring how mushrooms can help bees survive
Can the mushroom hold a key to survival of honeybees? That topic is the focus of a talk in Seattle March 29 at the Moore Theatre by Paul Stamets and Louie Schwartzberg. Beekeeper Justin Vincett of Ellensburg, Washington, holds a frame of honeybees. (Melissa Hansen/Good Fruit Grower) National Public
Growers needed for cherry index chart survey
Northwest Cherry Growers Washington State University and Oregon State University are looking for growers to complete a survey regarding the development of an index chart for Pacific Northwest dark sweet cherries. To participate in the survey, go to www.surveymonkey.com/r/cherrycolor
NGWI picks 13 board members, 3 officers
Jupiter grape variety the Washington State Viticulture Field Day in Prosser, Washington on August 13, 2015. (TJ Mullinax/Good Fruit Grower) Thirteen board members and three officers were elected at the National Grape & Wine Initiative annual meeting last week in Sacramento, California. The group is made up of
Arkansas fruit breeder Moore dies at 85
Jim Moore Jim Moore, a longtime fruit breeder, who was influential in the tree fruit industry died Sunday, Jan. 22, 2017, at age 85, according to a news release from the University of Arkansas. Moore, who held a doctorate from Rutgers University, established the fruit breeding program at
Sweethearts beat Bings in 2016 cherry shipping numbers
For the first year ever, Bing was not king. In 2016, Northwest cherry growers shipped more Sweetheart cherries than any other variety, including the historically dominant Bing, according to a board of directors update from the Washington State Fruit Commission. The Northwest cherry industry shipped 3.49 million 20-pound box equivalents
New webcast talks about fire blight resistance to antibiotics
The Plant Management Network has released a new web presentation called “Fire Blight and Streptomycin Resistance.” The webcast covers the biological mechanisms of fire blight and its history of growing resistance to streptomycin antibiotics. The presentation also discusses management techniques such as: overwinter pruning, copper spraying and canker treatments; in-season
Oregon Grower Bob Bailey named 2017 Cherry King
Dennis Jones crowns The Dalles, Oregon grower, Bob Bailey of Orchard View Farms as the 2017 Cherry King on January 20 at the Cherry Institute in Yakima, Washington. Jones was the 2016 Cherry King honoree. (TJ Mullinax/Good Fruit Grower) Bob Bailey of Orchard View Farms in The Dalles,
Empire State Producers Expo: Thursday wrapup
A hard cider tasting wrapped up one of the final sessions of the Empire State Producers conference on Thursday in Syracuse, New York. Cortni Stahl, a Cornell enologist and cidery owner pours samples. Ross Courtney/Good Fruit Grower When placing the end post of your orchard trellis system, think
Washington grower and packer Gary W. Hansen dies at 73
Gary W. Hansen, the former president of Hansen Fruit and Cold Storage of Yakima, Washington, died Jan. 15 after a yearlong battle with cancer. He was 73. He began his career in agriculture as an employee of his father’s orchards called Valley Roz Orchards in Parker Heights, Washington, in the
Grape and wine research review rescheduled for Jan. 30-31
The Washington State Grape and Wine Research Program’s research review has been rescheduled for January 30 and 31 at the Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center in Prosser, Washington. The research review features 28 presentations by viticulture and enology researchers. They will share findings and pitch new research proposals to
Empire State Producers Expo: Wednesday wrapup
A sparsely attended but lively discussion about H-2A guest workers highlighted Wednesday’s proceedings at the Empire State Producers Expo in Syracuse, New York. One New York apple grower complained during the question and answer portion of a labor session that New York State labor officials force them to hire bad
Empire State Producers Expo: Tuesday wrapup
Craig Kahlke, Cornell University fruit quality management extension specialist, helps New York apple grower Kevin Bowman draft his food safety plan Tuesday at the Empire State Producers conference in Syracuse, New York. (Ross Courtney/Good Fruit Grower) No more theory. No more hypothetical examples. Four apple growers, as well
Empire State Producers Expo: Monday wrapup
Elizabeth Bihn About 50 farmers, many of them apple growers, took one of their first official first steps toward complying with the intricate U.S. Food Safety Modernization Act regulation called the Produce Safety Rule at a workshop Monday in Syracuse, New York. “You have successfully completed 112.22(c),” said
Oregon’s largest apple grower sells to Washington company
Earl Brown & Sons, the largest apple grower and packer in Oregon, has been sold to the Foreman Fruit Co. of Wenatchee, Washington, according to the East Oregonian newspaper. The deal keeps allows the Browns to remain as managers of local operations, which include more than 1,000 acres of apples
Washington state expands apple maggot quarantine area
After finding apple maggot in the southeastern corner of Lincoln County, the Washington State Department of Agriculture has expanded its quarantine area to include the area. The quarantine prohibits the movement of homegrown or foraged fruit from the quarantined area into a pest-free area. WSDA held public meetings as part
Public input requested on labor practices charter
The Produce Marketing Association and United Fresh Produce Association are seeking public input on a draft framework for responsible labor practices in the fresh produce and floral supply chains. The boards of the two groups established a joint committee last year to look into the issue amid growing interest in
GMO Arctic Apple gets new logo and higher profile
Okanagan Speciality Fruits continues to raise the profile of its genetically modified Arctic Apples with a new marketing logo and test marketing of its packaging at select stores. Arctic Apples logo As a genetically modified organism, Arctic Apples are controversial within the fruit industry and more broadly with certain environmental
Mercer to be honored with Rising Star Award
Rob Mercer, owner of Mercer Estates Winery, will be honored with the Rising Star Award from the Pasco, Washington, Chamber of Commerce’s Agriculture Hall of Fame. Mercer is a graduate of Washington State University and served in the U.S. Marines before returning to work on the family’s farm in the
Finding the right people
Orchards and packing houses aren’t the only places in the fruit industry with a labor shortage. Universities also are struggling to hire researchers and educators needed to keep the industry ahead of pest pressures, prepared for food safety requirements, growing new varieties and in tune with emerging technology.
U.S., New Zealand win WTO ag dispute with Indonesia
A World Trade Organization settlement panel on Dec. 22 ruled that Indonesia’s restrictions on horticultural products, animals and animal products are inconsistent with WTO rules. The dispute, which was filed by the United States and New Zealand, sought to address trade barriers that restrict the importation of fruits and vegetables;
Pazazz hits market early
Pazazz, a new apple variety from Honeybear Brands, was expected to hit stores early. The apple was expected in grocery stores in the second week of December, with availability through February, according to a news release. The variety is in its third year of commercial production. “(It’s) already showing incredible potential
Trinka, Veliquettes honored at Great Lakes Expo
Dave Trinka is presented with a distinguished service award from Michigan State Horticultural Society president, Kurt Dowd at the 2016 Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market Expo (GLExpo). (Courtesy GLExpo) Dave Trinka and twin brothers Gene and Dean Veliquette, were honored by the Michigan State Horticultural Society
Fresh Pear Committee nominations set for January meeting
Pear growers will elect nominees for positions on the Fresh Pear Committee of Marketing Order No. 927. The committee is responsible for the collection of assessments for research and the promotion and advertising of all pears marketed in the domestic and export markets. The FPC grower position for the Wenatchee,
Washington horticulturalist Fred Valentine dies
Fred Valentine in a 2015 file photo. (Geraldine Warner/Good Fruit Grower) Fred Valentine, a longtime field horticulturist and former president of the Washington State Horticultural Association, died December 4. He was 81. Valentine was born in Tennessee, and his family moved to Peshastin, Washington, when he was a child.
WSTFA annual meeting — Wednesday wrapup
Hermann Thoennissen: Get the stakeholders together, develop a farm transition plan and be consistent about updating it every year. (TJ Mullinax/Good Fruit Grower) Farm transfer planning and lending were the topics in one Wednesday morning session about “Future Farmers” at the Washington State Tree Fruit Association annual meeting
Industry giant Bill Evans dies
Bill Evans (Courtesy Evans Fruit Co.) Bill Evans, co-founder and president of Evans Fruit Co., died early Tuesday morning. He was 87. His death was confirmed to the Yakima Herald-Republic by his daughter, Vicki Loges. Founded in 1949, Evans Fruit started with a 10-acre apple orchard on Naches Heights,
Introducing our Spanish website
I’m pleased to announce that Good Fruit Grower has launched a Spanish language website, goodfruit.com/es. There you’ll find translations of articles from past issues, new essays by researchers and others and videos of horticulture experts. All in Spanish. The Spanish site follows months of discussion and collaboration with growers, researchers
Good Fruit Grower launches website to serve Spanish speakers
Good Fruit Grower, the Yakima, Washington-based magazine serving tree fruit and wine grape growers, has launched a Spanish-language website of articles, essays by researchers and videos of best horticulture practices. “Our new site is one more way we serve the grower community, and Spanish speakers are a vital part of
Washington annual meeting 2016 schedule
The opening day of the 112th annual meeting will kick off at 8 a.m. on Monday, December 5, 2016. Early packet pick-up will be available Sunday between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the Wenatchee Convention Center, Wenatchee Coast Hotel and the Red Lion Hotel. Annual meeting registration will open
Washington Apple Commission board accepting nominations
Barbara Walkenhauer The Washington Apple Commission is accepting nominations to replace Barbara Walkenhauer on the board of directors. Walkenhauer, the current chairwoman, has served nine years on the board and will not seek re-election when her term expires in March 2017, the Apple Commission said in a news
Washington’s 2016 Concord grape harvest is up, as are prices
Washington Concord juice grape growers expect to harvest about 194,000 tons of fruit in 2016, up from last year’s drought-stunted crop but just below the 10-year average. That’s according to Trent Ball at his “State of the Grapes” presentation today (Nov. 11) at the Washington State Grape Society annual meeting
Orchard Bee Association meets Dec. 9 in Hood River
The Orchard Bee Association is meeting Dec. 9 in Hood River, Oregon. Here's their announcement: People who are interested in bees, particularly blue orchard bees, and the challenges they face can learn more at the 2016 International Orchard Bee Association Meeting on December 9, 2016, including the Pollinator Symposium and
November events of note
While a lot of growers have their focus on the various regional horticulture expos and trade shows starting in December, there are quite a few interesting gatherings on the schedule in November. Here are some highlights in chronological order: • Agronomics: Vision for the Future runs from Nov. 7-11 in
USDA Reminds Fruit Producers of Crop Sales Nov. 20 Closing Deadline
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has put out a reminder that Nov. 20 is the final date to apply for crop insurance for the 2017 crop insurance: SPOKANE, Wash., Oct 13, 2016 – USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Idaho, Oregon, and Washington fruit producers the final date to apply for
Northwest Farm Credit Services gives positive report on region’s tree fruit and wine grapes crops
Northwest Farm Credit Services, the lending cooperative, reports a positive outlook for tree fruit and wine grape growers in its latest Market Snapshot. Here’s the report for tree fruit: Apples – Most apple producers are optimistic for new-crop quality and pricing. After last year’s 114.6 million box crop, the new
Washington Winemakers Mike Wallace and Scott Pontin, RIP
Two prominent Washington State winemakers have died in recent days. The Yakima Herald reports that Mike Wallace owner of Hinzerling Winery and one of Prosser's original winemakers, died over the weekend after complications from pneumonia. And Scott Pontin, 53, died Monday, reportedly from a heart attack. He was the owner and winemaker
FDA awards Pennsylvania $6.3 million FSMA grant
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf has announced that the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture received a $6.3 million grant from the Food & Drug Administration to share the administration and enforcement costs for the Food Safety and Modernization Act produce safety rule. The money will allow the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to
State finalizes rules to kill maggots before shipping compost
Washington state regulators have finalized special permit requirements for composters seeking to transport feed stocks outside the apple maggot quarantine area. Apple maggot fly The state Department of Agriculture today (July 8) released its “Guidance for Requesting a Special Permit.” The state requires the special permit to prevent
Meet candidates for WSU’s “crucial” Food Safety Specialist position
WSU is inviting growers and others to participate in the selection of its Food Safety Specialist. Here is the announcement: During the week of June 20th, the School of Food Science is conducting on-site interviews to fill the WSU Food Safety Specialist position with Extension and Research components (formerly held
July 1 is deadline for USDA producer grants
Growers who might be interested in building a cidery or a packing facility or a processor or a grower-owned co-operative looking to expand or build operations to produce value-added products should look into USDA’s Value-Added Producer Grants. USDA allotted $44 million this year to kick-start efforts to generate new agricultural
Mexico dismisses dumping complaint against U.S. apple growers
The Mexican government has terminated an antidumping case filed by growers in the border state of Chihuahua and will not impose antidumping duties on U.S. apples. The decision reverses a provisional ruling in January under which all but three U.S. exporters would have had to pay duties ranging from 2.44
Pear growers again hold the line on marketing assessment
For the fifth year straight, the assessment charged to growers for the federal marketing order for processed pears will remain at $7 per ton. Gem pears at the Oregon State University Mid-Columbia Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Hood River Oregon in 2013. (TJ Mullinax/Good Fruit Grower) The
Northwest cherry growers expect larger crop in first estimate
Young cherries near Granger, Washington on April 28, 2016. (TJ Mullinax/Good Fruit Grower) Cherry growers throughout the Northwest expect to harvest 207,460 metric tons, or 20.7 million 20-pound equivalent boxes, in 2016, according to the industry’s first estimate of the year. If the figure holds, the volume would
California council schedules June MRL workshop
The California Specialty Crops Council will hold its 2016 MRL Harmonization Workshop June 1-2 in San Francisco. The interactive seminar based on maximum residue levels (MRLs) will address critically important issues for stakeholders with interests in exporting agricultural products. Registrants, growers, packers, shippers, PCAs, regulators, trade experts, and other stakeholders
Washington growers can dispose of unwanted pesticides in May events
The Washington State Department of Agriculture has schedule two events for growers to dispose of unwanted pesticides. Here's the announcement: Currently, the WSDA Waste Pesticide Program has scheduled two unusable/unwanted pesticide collection events this spring. These events are located near Yakima on Tuesday, May 17 and near Pasco on Thursday,
Wine Foundation scholarships deadline is March 15
The Washington Wine Industry Foundation is offering over $30,000 in scholarships for undergraduate and post-graduate students studying viticulture, enology or related disciplines. All applications are due March 15 with awards for the 2016-2017 school year awarded by May 15. New This Year: The Bill Powers Travel Sabbatical Thanks to the family and
Seneca Foods buys Diana Fruit Co.
Seneca Foods Corporation said today that it has purchased Diana Fruit Co. Seneca said the purchases represented "a significant commitment to the cherry industry." Seneca is a public company based in Marion, New York. Diana Fruit, one of the leading providers of maraschino cherries and fruit cocktail cherries, is based
Michigan tart cherry growers switching to high-density plantings
The cherries in that slice of pie most likely came from an orchard in Michigan, probably one in the northwest corner of the state near Traverse City. Dr. Gregory Lang of Michigan State University discusses management techniques at a Bear Lake tart cherry farm on Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016,
Consumers will not tire of new varieties, Washington grower tells IFTA conference
Fruit growers need look no further than the beverage aisle at their local convenience store for inspiration. That’s according to Jeff Cleveringa, one of the speakers today (Wednesday) at the International Fruit Tree Association conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Consumers will not tire of new fruit varieties anytime soon, said
IFTA growers feel the big chill in Grand Rapids
The word of the day Tuesday, Day 4 of the IFTA conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan, was brrr. Third-generation grower and parttime rock musician Gunnar Nyblad discusses some of his orchard blocks Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2016, during the IFTA conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Describing a Honeycrisp pruning experiment:
WSU’s WA 2 apple will be re-launched and marketed as Sunrise Magic
Washington State University's WA 2 apple will be marketed as Sunrise Magic, the university announced today. This a re-launch of the apple, this time in partnership with Proprietary Variety Management. The goal is to give WA 2 will be marketed as Sunrise Magic. Photo by Kate Evans/WSU a
MSU researcher to growers: fire blight is just “bad, bad, bad”
A record 404 people attended science-heavy presentations today (Monday) Feb. 8, 2016, at the International Fruit Tree Association in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Ross Courtney/Good Fruit Grower A Michigan State University researcher gave a bleak view of fire blight as one of the highlights today (Monday), Day 3 at
Growers visit plots of cherries and apples during IFTA conference
Traverse City, Michigan, grower Leonard Ligon discusses how fruit and leaf buds protrude from a mechanically hedged branch on Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016, at the Michigan State University Clarksville station apple research block during an IFTA pre-conference tour. The conference and tours continues in Grand Rapids through Friday. (Ross
IFTA conference opens in Grand Rapids, celebrates “moneymaker” apple varieties
Wanda Heuser Gale of International Plant Management polishes and displays apples at the kickoff of the International Fruit Tree Conference on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. A total of 275 people attended the first event, a pre-conference intensive workshop about growing Fuji, Gala and Honeycrisp apples.
Washington Association offers Spanish language training workshops
The Washington State Tree Fruit Association is hosting a series of educational training workshops in collaboration with its industry partners, the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA), Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L & I), Washington State University Extension and sponsors. The sessions are intended for Spanish speakers,
Lawyer asks: can the EEOC be an ally of fruit industry?
Brendan Monahan As a prominent Washington grower agrees to pay a fine, its lawyer asks why can't U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or EEOC, treat the industry like an ally rather than an adversary? The quote comes from a Yakima Herald article on a fine being paid by
Gamache Vineyard sold to Allan Brothers
Naches, Washington-based Allan Brothers Incorporated announced the purchase of Gamache Vineyard near Basin City, Washington, today. The purchase of the White Bluffs area vineyard will be the second major wine grape investment by Allan Brothers in the past two years. In a release from Allan Brothers, the prominent tree-fruit grower
Mexico to impose duties on U.S. apples
The Mexican government is imposing provisional duties on most U.S. apple exports, beginning Jan. 7, as its investigation continues into an antidumping complaint brought by growers in the Mexican border state of Chihuahua. Exports of Red Delicious apples will be affected by Mexico decision (TJ Mullinax/Good Fruit Grower) Mexico
Readers win GFG prizes
Scott Jacky, left, received a Gator from Kyle Dillon. (O. Casey Corr/Good Fruit Grower) Scott Jacky, manager of orchard operations for Valley Fruit in Wapato, Washington, won the Great Gator Give-A-Way contest co-sponsored by Wilbur-Ellis and Good Fruit Grower. Scott received his 2015 John Deere Gator TX 4X2 from Kyle Dillon,
Funds issued for more farmworker housing in Washington State
The state of Washington today awarded the Washington Growers League $3 million to build a seasonal farmworker housing complex in Mattawa, Wash., while another Washington labor organization is making plans for its own farmworker housing facility. The funding for the Growers League’s 120-bed facility is part of $50.1 million worth
Wine grape growers invited to meetings on pest management plan
Representatives from Oregon’s wine grape industry are collaborating to create a Pest Management Strategic Plan to document current pest management challenges and needs within the industry and to create a cohesive plan for focusing the industry’s time, money and energy in the future. The group is gathering regional input and
Senate panel approves $92m for Yakima Basin water plan
Kachess Lake (Courtesy Ricardo Martins) A massive plan to improve irrigation for growers who tap the Yakima River system passed a major hurdle when a Senate panel approved $92 million in funding. The U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on Nov. 19 approved a bill authorizing funds
Ross Courtney named Associate Editor at Good Fruit Grower
Good Fruit Grower is gaining a new associate editor. Ross Courtney, an award-winning writer with the Yakima Herald Republic, joins Good Fruit Grower as associate editor December 1. Ross Courtney “Ross is a very talented writer who already has earned a great reputation covering the tree fruit industry. He’s committed
New “alien” wasp found in Washington State; could be bad news for stinkbug
A female Trissolcus japonicus parasitoid wasp emerging from parasitized Halyomorpha halys eggsat the USDA-APHIS Quarantine Facility, Corvallis, Oregon. (Courtesy Christopher Hedstrom, Oregon State University) Washington State University has announced the discovery in Washington State of a wasp from Asia that eats the eggs of the brown marmorated stinkbug. The
24 specialty crop proposals in Wa State receive $4.1m
The Washington State Department of Agriculture says that it will award approximately $4.1 million in grant funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. The 2015 USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant will fund 24 projects managed by WSDA in partnership with other organizations. Washington ranks second
WSU reports on growth in organic tree fruit
Retail organic food sales increased 11.2 percent in 2014. Organic fruit and vegetable sales increased 11.7 percent and accounted for 7 percent of all fruit and vegetable sales. (Courtesy Washington State University) Organic apples grown and packed in Washington state in the 2013-14 season had a total f.o.b.
WAEF honors Shindler as volunteer of the year
Mallory Shindler Mallory Shindler is a volunteer of the year The Washington Apple Education Foundation has named Mallory Shindler its volunteer of the year in recognition of the many ways she supports the foundation. Shindler, who is relationship support manager with Rabo AgriFinance in Richland, Washington, said she
Des Layne takes new WSU position in Pullman
Des Layne Dr. Desmond Layne, hired by Washington State University three years ago as its tree fruit extension leader, has moved from Wenatchee to the Pullman campus to take a new administrative position affective September 1. Layne has been named director of the Agricultural and Food Systems and
McFerson named director of WSU Tree Fruit Research Center
Jim McFerson Dr. Jim McFerson assumed the new role of director of Washington State University’s Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center in August, while still working as manager of the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission—a move that both organizations see as positive. McFerson signed a contract with WSU
C&O Nursery restructures management
Todd Snyder The board of C&O Nursery in Wenatchee, Washington, has restructured management of the company. Todd Snyder, formerly company secretary, succeeded Jack Snyder as president and chief executive officer. Jack remains chair of the board. Shad Snyder was named vice president, and Gary Snyder took Todd’s place
WA Supreme Court: Pay farm workers for rest breaks
The Washington Supreme Court today ruled that piece-rate workers must be paid separately for rest breaks. The Yakima Herald Reports: OLYMPIA, Wash. -- Piece-rate farm workers must be paid separately for rest breaks, the state Supreme Court said in a ruling issued this morning that is expected to drastically change
We’re on the road with IFTA’s Regional Tour in WA State
Good Fruit Grower has a team covering the International Fruit Tree Association's 2015 Regional Summer Tour in Washington State. We'll have forthcoming reports on our web site and in our print magazine. You can catch live tweets from the tour this week on our Twitter account at https://twitter.com/goodfruitgrower The tour ends
Northwest cherry growers have shipped a record 15.2m boxes
Through July 6th, Northwest cherry growers have shipped 15.2 million 20-lb. boxes of fruit. That's 21 percent more than the previous record and 124 percent more than the 15-year industry average. Here's the report issued yesterday by B.J. Thurlby, president of Northwest Cherry Growers: Through yesterday, July 6th, the
Broetje Orchards to pay $2.25 million fine for hiring illegal immigrants
Broetje Orchards of Washington State, one of the country’s largest apple growers, has agreed to pay a $2.25 million fine for hiring illegal immigrants. The fine is one of the largest ever levied against an agricultural concern, according to report today by the Wall Street Journal. A spokesman for Immigration
China’s ag agency says yes to all varieties of U.S. apples
(TJ Mullinax/Good Fruit Grower photo illustration) The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that China's agriculture regulatory agency has allowed access for all U.S. apple varieties, according to a news release today from Northwest Fruit Exporters. Phytosanitary certificates for export will be available after USDA has updated their phytosanitary export
Growers League opens farmworker housing
Congressman Dan Newhouse, left, learns about farmworker housing from Mike Gempler of the Washington Growers League during a tour of the Brender Creek housing complex in Cashmere, Washington on May 6, 2015.(Geraldine Warner/Good Fruit Grower) U.S. Congressman Dan Newhouse took the opportunity to visit the new Brender Creek
USDA Approves Record-Breaking Purchase of Apples
US Apple Association today issued the following news release: Vienna, Va. - April 29, 2015 - The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will officially announce today that the US Apple Association’s (USApple) request for a bonus buy of fresh apples and processed products has been
Don Mercer to be inducted into Wine Hall of Fame
Don Mercer played a key role in bringing the first vinifera grapes to Horse Heaven Hills. Courtesy Rachel Mercer Horse Heaven Hills pioneer Don Mercer will be inducted in the Legend of Washington Hall of Fame in August by the Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center. Don, working
Another record harvest for wine grapes
Washington State’s 2014 wine grape harvest was the largest on record and posted the third consecutive year of growth, reports the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Washington grape growers produced 227,000 tons last year, up 8 percent from the previous year. “We’re in a period of strong growth,” said Steve Warner,
Washington fruit commission representatives reappointed
Mike Wade of Wenatchee has been reappointed as a representative of the Washington State Fruit Commission on the board of the Northwest Horticultural Council for a one-year period beginning July 1. The Fruit Commission also reappointed Rob Lynch of Yakima to the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission for a three-year
Apple specialist retires
Leslie Huffman, apple specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, retired March 1. She joined OMAFRA in 1981 and worked in fruit and vegetable extension and as the weed management specialist for horticultural crops. Since 2008 she has been the province’s apple specialist. She was a
Judge blisters EEOC for "frivolous" case against growers
A federal judge has issued a blistering critique of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, saying the agency had brought a lawsuit against growers that was “baseless, unreasonable and frivolous.” The decision on March 18 by U.S. District Court Judge Edward Shea ordered the EEOC to pay attorneys’ fees, expenses and
Washington governor declares drought in three regions
Expected water volumes from snow pack in Washington show several areas below 50 percent of normal as of March 18, 2015. Click the image to open PDF. (Courtesy USDA/NRCS) Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has declared a drought emergency for three areas of the state, setting in motion money,
Richard Lehnert of Good Fruit Grower earns MSU distinguished service award
Associate Editor Richard Lehnert is based in Michigan but reports from around the world for Good Fruit Grower, including this trip to Italy late last year. Good Fruit Grower Richard Lehnert, who writes about tree fruit production as associate editor of Good Fruit Grower magazine, was selected to
Richard Lehnert of Good Fruit Grower earns MSU distinguished service award
Associate Editor Richard Lehnert is based in Michigan but reports from around the world for Good Fruit Grower, including this trip to Italy late last year. Good Fruit Grower Richard Lehnert, who writes about tree fruit production as associate editor of Good Fruit Grower magazine, was selected to
Crab apple pruning demos
Two pruning demonstrations have been scheduled this month to help orchardists understand how to prune Manchurian crab apple trees in order to be eligible to export apples to China. The Chinese apple market, closed between 2012 and 2014 due to fruit infection caused by two postharvest rots, recently reopened. The
WSU will add to tree fruit faculty
Des Layne TJ Mullinax/Good Fruit Grower Washington Stat e University plans to hire several new faculty over the next couple of years to work specifically on issues important to the tree fruit industry. The university is interviewing three candidates to fill the position of Extension Specialist Tim Smith, who
WAWGG honors grape industry members
Kevin Corliss Several long-time industry members were honored for their decades of growing, industry involvement, and advancement of Washington State’s wine grape industry during the annual meeting of the Washington Association of Wine Grape Growers. Kevin Corliss, who’s spent his career working to improve, expand, and enhance the
Corr: Was USDA’s GMO decision a black cat crossing America’s orchards?
Non-browning GMO Arctic Granny and Arctic Golden. (Courtesy Okanagan Specialty Fruits) To hear some critics tell it, the government’s decision Friday the 13th to deregulate a GMO apple was bad luck for growers and consumers. You could almost see the black cat crossing America's orchards. The U.S. Department
Stark Bro’s testing new apple Scarlet Star
Scarlet Star is being offered to growers by Stark Bro’s, which will add it to its catalog this year. Richard Lehnert/Good Fruit Grower Stark Bro’s Nurseries and Orchards Company is testing a new apple, named Scarlet Star, that was discovered as a whole-tree mutation in an orchard in
WSU’s Tim Smith honored for 40 years of distinguished service
From left, Dr. Mike Willett, Tim Smith, Paul Tvergyak and Brooke Peterson at the 2014 Hort Show in Kennewick, Washington on December 2, 2014. (TJ Mullinax/Good Fruit Grower) Washington State University extension specialist Tim Smith has received the inaugural Washington Tree Fruit Distinguished Service Award for his significant
Distinguished Service Award: Harold Thome
The Thome family poses for a portrait. The new building in the background will house CA storage rooms next year. From left are Steve, JoAnn, Harold, and Mitch. (Richard Lehnert/Good Fruit Grower) Harold Thome is old enough to remember his dad packing apples into barrels for shipment to
Sweet Rosa Lynn
New apple variety named after wives of the two men who discovered it.
Latino Leadership Award 2014: José Ramirez
His philosophy has always been that you can’t wait for things to happen around you. You have to make them happen.
2014 Silver Apple Award goes to Jerry Haak
Jerry Haak had a passion for growing fruit and finding better ways to do it. He used cutting-edge techniques not only to increase his yields, but to produce higher quality fruit and use labor more efficiently.
New tree fruit association will expand services
The new Washington Tree Fruit Association plans to expand its services to the industry, says President Jon DeVaney, who will be busy working on legislative affairs in the state capital of Olympia in the coming session.
Growers’ advocate ends 42-year career
During his four decades working at the Washington Growers Clearing House Association, Kirk Mayer saw the Washington apple crop grow from 25 million boxes to 140 million and availability of labor become an increasing concern.
Growers of distinction
Casey Corr Sixteen times a year, Good Fruit Grower’s cover shows a gorgeous photograph or painting of something related to the fruit industry. It could be a closeup of an apple, a winter orchard crusted in ice, a vineyard near sunset, or cherry trees in bloom. But once
Hort Council appoints information specialist
Drew Toop will join the staff of the Northwest Horticultural Council as regulatory information specialist on December 8. Toop, who grew up in the Yakima, Washington, earned a bachelor’s degree in English and Chinese Language and Culture from Washington State University in 2012. He has spent time in Taiwan and
Tree fruit groups do well with new MAP funding
The nation’s tree fruit organizations fared well in 2015 funding allocations for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Market Access Program. Ten organizations representing tree fruit will receive more than $16 million of the $173 million allocated to help expand export markets. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the MAP funding allocations
Daniel Symms, 1961-2014
Dan Symms (Courtesy Symms Family) Daniel Thomas Symms, great-grandson of the founder of Symms Fruit Ranch in Caldwell, Idaho, died from cancer on October 7. He was 52. Symms grew up on the Symms Fruit Ranch until his father, Steven Symms, was elected to the U.S. Congress in
Growers sought for Piqa pears
PiqaBoo is a new pear that combines attributes of European and Asian pears(Prevar Limited) The New Zealand company Prevar is looking for orchardists in North America who would like to grow new Piqa brand pear varieties developed in New Zealand. Prevar commercializes fruit varieties bred by Plant and
New organization to promote Australia’s horticulture industry
A new organization called Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited has been formed to replace Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) and undertake research and development and marketing efforts to support Australia’s $9.5 billion horticulture industry. The move follows a recent independent report into the performance of HAL that recommended a change to a
RosBREED extended with new SCRI grant of $10 million
Ten million dollars in new funding will transform the RosBREED project from a research program devoted to genetic discovery into a more focused, practical phase of breeding fruit crops resistant to diseases. The new funding comes from the Specialty Crop Research Initiative. Spread over five years, the funding will bring
USDA Announces Loss Adjustment for Late Apple Harvest
Multi-Peril Crop Insurance policyholders are getting an extension because of the delayed maturity of apple crop this year. The USDA put out the following press release: SPOKANE, Wash., Nov. 5, 2014 – USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) announced an extension of the insurance period for apple Multi-Peril Crop Insurance
Schlect: Elections aftermath
● Greg Walden (R/Oregon) should be happy today. The chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee sheparded his flock of candidates to a significant national victory in yesterday's mid-term election. However, the delegation from the Pacific Northwest did manage to stand pat, with the only change being in the 4th District
John Daniel Gebbers, 1930 – 2014
John “Danny” Gebbers (Courtesy Gebbers family) John “Danny” Gebbers, 84, patriarch of the Gebbers family that has been growing apples near Brewster for more than 100 years, died October 21 of complications from a fall last summer during the region’s forest fires. Gebbers Farms, with more than
China opens to Washington State apples
Red Delicious apples. (Courtesy Tracy Hebden, LRPS.) Good news came to Washington’s apple industry today when U.S. Department of Agriculture officials announced the immediate reopening of China’s market to Washington Red and Golden Delicious apples. It’s good timing as growers are wrapping up harvest of the largest
United Fresh endorses Newhouse
United Fresh Produce Association, the national trade association for the fresh produce industry in Washington, D.C., has endorsed Dan Newhouse who is running in Washington's Fourth Congressional District. "We are proud to join a number of our pro-business partners from across the district in supporting Dan's efforts to represent the
Oxbo sells vineyard product line
The latest products and services for tree fruit and grape growers.
UC hires apiculturist
Industry People in the news
Carter retires from Hort Council
Industry people in the news
Jon DeVaney will head new tree fruit association
Maintaining services for growers will be a priority after merger of four tree fruit organizations.
Obama goes without Congress on immigration reform
President Barack Obama will announce today his plan to use executive authority to move on immigration reform. Obama has said the immigration system is broken and that he will use administrative powers to move on issues where Congress has not acted. Reuters has the story. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack
Thurlby on radio: 2014 Northwest cherry crop still looking great
BJ Thurlby of Northwest Cherry Growers continues to have a bullish outlook on this year's crop. Growers are expecting the 2nd biggest cherry harvest, plus excellent quality. He's especially excited about the alignment of factors that could make the crucial Fourth of July a "slingshot" for strong sales all the
Warmest spring in 20 years ends with hottest May since 1997
Washington State has been warm, the warmest spring in 20 years, says AgWeatherNet meteorologist Nic Loyd. And also amazing: Washington saw one of its coolest early growing seasons in 2011, only to see a dramatic increase in 2014. The temps have been especially helpful for cherry growers, who this year are
Grim: Washington’s industry consolidation has reached the bell lap
Two and one-half years have passed since West Mathison broached the idea of industry consolidation in Washington State at the December, 2011 Annual Meeting in Wenatchee of the Washington State Horticultural Association (WSHA).
Goodbye, Washington Growers Clearing House; hello, Tree Fruit Association
Kirk Mayer Board members of the Washington Growers Clearing House will hold their last meeting of the association’s 73-year history in August. In a mail ballot, its members overwhelmingly approved the board’s recommendation to dissolve the association and consolidate with other industry groups to form the new Washington
Northwest cherry growers gain airlift capacity into Shanghai
Northwest cherry growers gained airlift capacity into China with the launch today of weekly service between Seattle and Shanghai on China Eastern Airlines. The new service serving Seattle-Tacoma International Airport will carry more than 400 metric tons of cherries to China from Northwest shippers. In addition, China Eastern runs an
Washington Gov. Inslee kicks off 2014 cherry season
Washington Governor Jay Inslee, left, is given a tour of a new cherry packing line at Washington Fruit and Produce Co. by company president Rick Plath on June 6, 2014, in Yakima, Washington. The state-of-the-art cherry line was in its third full day of operation. (TJ Mullinax/Good Fruit Grower)
Knock wood. NW cherry crop still looking big
The Northwest’s cherry crop remains on track to be the third biggest crop in history. Northwest Cherry Growers held their five-state cherry commission meeting on Wednesday and largely validated a previous forecast of nearly 20 million boxes expected this year. Forecasts can be proven wrong by surprises such as rain
WSU researcher wins educator award
Washington State University researcher, soil scientist and teacher, John Reganold, was named the 2014 Food and Farm Educator by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and the Berkeley Food Institute on May 14. Reganold is one of four 2014 Growing Green Award winners from the two groups that include livestock,
Honorees announced for Washington Wine auction
Larry and Dick Olsen (left) and Anne-Marie and Tom Hedges (right) courtesy Auction of Washington Wines. The Auction of Washington Wines named Larry and Dick Olsen, and Tom and Anne-Marie Hedges as honorees for the 27th annual events this summer. Larry and Dick Olsen are the auction’s 2014
NW Cherry Growers expect 19.96m boxes this year, up 39 percent from 2013
Northwest Cherry Growers have issued their Round One estimate for this year's cherry crop, and it's bullish: up 39 percent from last year. The Northwest Cherry Crop Estimate: Round #1 calls for 19.96 million 20-pound equivalent boxes, up from the previous year's disappointing 14.3 million boxes. The group cautions that
Quick Bites for April 15, 2014
Jon Alegria Barbara Walkenhauer Apple Commission appoints officers Barbara Walkenhauer of Selah succeeded David Douglas as chair of the Washington Apple Commission at the board’s annual meeting in March. Jon Alegria of Yakima was appointed vice chair. Walkenhauer and Alegria were reappointed to the board for
Mayer named Apple Citizen of the Year
Washington Apple Blossom Royalty (from left) Princess Caroline Dahl, Princess Nikara Morgan, and Queen Roslyn Thompson surprise Kirk Mayer with the Apple Citizen of the Year award.(Geraldine Warner/Good Fruit Grower) Kirk Mayer, manager of the Washington Growers Clearing House Association, has been named Apple Citizen of the Year
Inspiration Awards presented to Yakima area farm families
Four couples from Mexico were honored by the Center for Latino Farmers in Yakima
Bee expert to retire
Dr. Eric Mussen, Extension apiculturist with University of California, Davis. The California State Beekeepers Association has presented a special recognition award to Dr. Eric Mussen, Extension apiculturist with University of California, Davis, for 38 years of work and support. He will retire in June. Mussen was born in
Cracked dam in WA causes scramble for water
This photo of the Columbia River at Vantage shows the effects of the drawdown of the Wanapum Dam. (Courtesy Grant County Public Utilities District) With the frost protection season looming, Washington fruit growers who have been left high and dry because of draw downs in sections of the
Washington Apple Commission revises roles in handling market access issues
The Washington Apple Commission gave a nod of approval during its annual meeting in March to changes in how responsibilities for international market access issues are divided between the Northwest Horticultural Association and Northwest Fruit Exporters. The original memorandum of understanding between the organizations, adopted in 1998, gave NFE responsibility
Commission: More MAP dollars mean cherries go farther
New commissioners, Jill Douglas and Doug Field joined the board on Wednesday, March 12, 2014. The Washington State Fruit Commission is gearing up for a strong cherry crop in 2014. Though it’s too soon to estimate crop numbers, trees overwintered well and early indications point to a robust
David Geen named Outstanding Grower by IFTA
David Geen KELOWNA, B.C. -- British Columbia orchardist David Geen was named Outstanding Grower of the Year by the International Fruit Tree Association at its annual meeting here this week. Geen owns Coral Beach Farms, near Kelowna, B.C., where he has 400 acres of cherries, making him the
Grape growers recognize industry leaders
The Washington Association of Wine Grape Growers recognized Rick Hamman for his viticultural skills and presented him with its Erick Hanson Memorial Grower of the Year Award. Hamman has assisted Washington grape growers since 1999 when he left Colorado State University as extension viticulturist to join Hogue Cellars in Prosser.
Michigan growers vote on creation of Tree Fruit Commission
Phil Korson Michigan growers of apples, cherries, peaches, and plums are voting this next two weeks on a plan to create the Michigan Tree Fruit Commission. Ballots were to be mailed by the Michigan Department of Agriculture, and they needed to be postmarked for return by February 28.
Dawn Drake is Michigan Pomesters’ Fruit Person of the Year
Dawn Drake, manager of the Michigan Processing Apple Growers, has won the Michigan Pomesters’ Fruit Person of the Year Award.
Billionaire quiet on vineyard plans
Aquilini’s British Columbia company shocked the wine world with the purchase of land at Red Mountain.
Speedy grafting tools
Ian Adams of Scionon, Ltd., Hastings, New Zealand, and Matt Moser of Moser Fruit Tree Sales, Inc., Coloma, Michigan, have agreed to partner in the United States and Canada in the distribution and marketing of Scionon (pronounced “scion on”) grafting tools. Scionon tools are designed to allow unskilled operators to
GRAS2P record-keeping
The Washington State Horticultural Association and ApRecs have teamed up to offer growers and packers access to a spray record and food-safety documentation system that includes interactive forms and updates for the association’s GRAS2P program. GRAS2P (Growers Response to Agricultural Safe and Sustainable Practices) is a program designed to help
Fruit legends star in minimovies
Howell at the Moon Productions has released two new short documentaries on the legendary Washington fruit growers Grady Auvil and Tom Mathison. Gee Whiz: The Apples of Grady Auvil tells how Auvil pioneered the Granny Smith apple, Rainier cherry, and Fuji apple in the United States. Tom Mathison: The Growing
Wine foundation honored
The Washington Wine Industry Foundation was named a benefactor last month during the fundraising Washington State University Foundation Gala in recognition of its high level of giving to the university. The Wine Foundation has partnered with WSU in many projects and has been an advocate for research funding and development
Give feedback on crop insurance
The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Washington State Department of Agriculture will hold listening sessions in February to get feedback from specialty crop growers on the effectiveness of the crop insurance programs available to growers. Judy Olson, director of the USDA’s Farm Service Agency in Washington, said as the
Washington State fruit consolidation plan advances
The boards of four Washington organizations will vote in the next few weeks on whether to go ahead with a plan to consolidate into a new organization called the Washington Tree Fruit Association
Top 5 global wine trends
A survey of 115 international wine trade professionals, commissioned by ProWein, an international trade fair of wines and spirits, points to five major developments in the next 20 years: 1 Consumers, not producers, will rule the wine industry in 2034. The global wine industry will need to be more responsive
World fruit watch for January 15, 2014
Happenings in the world of tree fruit.
Michigan Apple Queen crowned
Elizabeth Wittenbach of Belding (right) was crowned the 2014 Michigan Apple Queen, and Emily Webster of Paw Paw is first runner-up. (Richard Lehnert/Good Fruit Grower) Elizabeth Wittenbach of Belding was crowned the Michigan Apple Queen for 2014, and Emily Webster of Paw Paw is first runner-up. The contest
Oregon Cherry Growers promotes Weeden
Danny Weeden (Courtesy Almquist Studios) Grower-owned cooperative Oregon Cherry Growers has announced the promotion of Danny Weeden, ten-year company veteran, to the role of executive vice president, general manager, and chief financial officer. Weeden, who was the cooperative’s vice president and CFO, will manage operations in addition to
Jim Archer named 69th Cherry King
BJ Thurlby, president of Northwest Cherry Growers, crowns Jim Archer as the 69th Cherry King on Jan. 10, 2014 in Yakima, Wash. Courtesy James James Michael Congratulations to Jim Archer, the 69th Cherry King selected by Northwest cherry growers at the annual Cherry Institute meeting in Yakima, WA.
NFE’s Archer retires
Jim Archer Good Fruit Grower file After leading the Northwest Fruit Exporters for 20 years, Jim Archer retired at the end of 2013. Fred Scarlett replaced Archer in early January. Today, NFE is responsible for managing cherry and apple export programs required by the foreign countries of Japan,
No ban on small cherries
Dr. Desmond O’Rourke speaking in Wenatchee, Wash. (TJ Mullinax/Good Fruit Grower) Washington’s fresh cherry packers will continue to be allowed to ship 12-row red cherries, members of the Washington Cherry Marketing Committee decided at their meeting in early December. The committee commissioned economist Dr. Desmond O’Rourke to study
Taylor: FDA will make food rules more farmer friendly
Growers, you were heard. But what's next?
Michigan’s Expo draws record crowd
Speakers focus on threats to bees, funds for experiment stations, and fruiting walls.
Feedback wanted on Washington’s consolidation plan
Four Washington tree fruit industry organizations will consolidate next summer, and the question now is how best to do it, Robert Kershaw told members of the Washington State Horticultural Association at their annual meeting. “People keep asking me what are the odds of this coming together,” he said. “It’s a
Hort Association bestows honors
Kent Christensen, president of Independent Warehouse, Inc., in Dryden, Washington, received the Washington State Horticultural Association’s Silver Pear Award during the association’s annual meeting in December.
Grower comments wanted
Consolidation task force seeks input.
Colombini, the collaborator
California orchardist has helped bring Northwest and California cherry industries together.
Learn by doing
Jeff Colombini has learned the hard way that not all growing techniques fit his conditions.
Meet the 2013 Grower of the Year
California grower has an open door -- Jeff Colombini is always looking for a better way to grow fruit.
Opportunities in olives
California's extra virgin olive oil renaissance is due in part to concern about future labor shortages.
A passion for research
Jim McFerson is passionate about bringing the benefits of research and extension to the entire tree fruit industry
Last Bite: What are they talking about?
1 “Our biggest fear was jettisoning good fruit.” —Paul Koch a. Overzealous inspector b. In-field sorting c. Nondestructive fruit quality detector d. Ozone generator 2 “The gee-whiz factor runs cold pretty quickly.” —Sanjiv Singh a. Autonomous vehicle b. Robotic harvesting c. Granny Smith d. Yield scout 3 “The key was keeping it very simple so if there’s an
In My View: A journalist returns to farming
Kate Moser is a former newspaper journalist who decided to return to and run the family farm. In this essay, she tells why.
Fernandez and Mullinax join Good Fruit Grower
Yakima, WA -- Maria Fernandez and T.J. Mullinax have joined Good Fruit Grower magazine as Circulation Manager and Digital Producer, respectively, Managing Editor Casey Corr announced today. Based in Yakima, Washington, Good Fruit Grower is the nation’s leading tree-fruit and wine-grape grower publication, circulating to 50 states and 50 countries.
In The Box
Chloe Underwood likes her apples whole. Apple cruncher Dear Good Fruit Grower: Chloe is the daughter of my daughter, Andrea, and her husband, Kyle Underwood. Their little family of three is currently living with me and my wife, Kathy. This is a true story about Chloe. Every year
First Bite: A new, digital chapter
O. Casey Corr Welcome to the Good Fruit Grower issue themed on technology. On that topic, I’d like update readers on how we’re using digital tools to serve growers better. Good Fruit Grower began in print in 1946. The magazine moved into the digital age in 1996 when
Nominate a wine legend
The Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center in Prosser, Washington, is inviting nominations for the 2014 Legends of Washington Wine Hall of Fame. Candidates should have made contributions and commitments to the Washington wine industry and must have been involved in the industry for at least 25 years. Nominations are
Produce shipper recognized for community support
Dewight Hall of Columbia Fresh Produce receives the Medallion Award from Washington Secretary of State Kim Wyman.Courtesy of Columbia Fresh Produce Columbia Fresh Produce, Inc., a fresh fruit and vegetable shipper based in Walla Walla, Washington, was one of five companies that recently received a Medallion Award from
Benbrook appointed to Organic Center's new board
Dr. Chuck Benbrook, an agricultural economist with Washington State University’s Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources, has been appointed to the Organic Center’s new 24-member Science Advisory Board. He is the only one located in the Pacific Northwest. The center’s mission is to conduct research on the benefits of
Underwood retires after 45 years
Chuck Underwood and his wife Marcia celebrate his retirement.Columbia Marketing International Chuck Underwood, domestic sales representative for Columbia Marketing International LLC, recently retired after 45 years of service to the produce industry. Underwood’s career in the produce world began in the late 1960s at the Washington Growers Clearing
Russian retailers see Washington harvest
Vavya Glushkova, import purchasing manager for a Russian retail company, was one of five Russian retail representatives who visited Washington State to learn about the tree fruit industry. Produce buyers from five Russian retail chains, who came to Washington State this week to learn about the tree fruit
Preparing for change
Italian pomologist Dr. Stefano Musacchi strides ahead of field day attendees before his inaugural talk as an endowed chair at Washington State University at the Sunrise Research Orchard in Wenatchee, Washington on August 7, 2013. Musacchi is an expert on the biaxis tree training system and will work on
David Mas Masumoto to address Tilth meeting
Fourth-generation California farmer David Mas Masumoto and his daughter Nikiko will be keynote speakers at the annual conference of Tilth Producers of Washington at the Yakima Convention Center, November 8–10. Masumoto is an organic peach and grape grower and author of the 1995 book Epitaph for a Peach. The theme
Fall events scheduled at the Clore Center
This Millennium Edition Harley-Davidson could be yours for $100 if you draw the winning raffle ticket. Two events scheduled in November at the Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center will help raise funds for the educational center being built in Prosser, Washington. Biker Rally Raffle Party, November 1
Video: Governor attends Wine Science Center groundbreaking
The groundbreaking of Washington State University’s Wine Science Center on September 26 is as much about the wine industry’s future as it is a new facility. The new Wine Science Center, being built at WSU Tri-Cities, helps fulfill the state wine industry’s vision of becoming a world-class wine
Lutz returns to Washington’s apple industry
Columbia Marketing International, a grower-shipper of apples, pears, and cherries in Wenatchee, Washington, recently hired marketing and produce industry veteran Steve Lutz as vice president of marketing. The position has been vacant since April when Bob Mast was promoted to President of CMI. Lutz, born and raised in Wenatchee, was
Rabo AgriFinance grows Washington staff
Greg Loudon Rabo AgriFinance has added to its western and eastern Washington State financing team through the addition of two newly appointed senior relationship managers. Greg Loudon is senior relationship manager in central Washington; Jon Vander Kooy is manager in western Washington. Loudon comes to Rabo AgriFinance with
USDA’s Ramming inducted in Hall of Fame
U.S. Department of Agriculture For 38 years, Dr. David Ramming was responsible for breeding new varieties of table and raisin grapes and stone fruit for commercial production. For his important contributions to industry, which resulted in some 40 new fruit varieties, Ramming was inducted into the U.S. Department
Citizen scientists needed to count stinkbugs
Courtesy David R. Lance, USDA APHIS PPQ The scientists working to conquer brown marmorated stinkbug are looking for homeowner volunteers in the Mid-Atlantic States to count stinkbugs. They want these citizen scientists to count the number of stinkbugs they see on the exterior of their homes once a
The Boyers of Chestnut Ridge
In Pennsylvania, almost all the apples grow in Adams County but 90 miles west, there’s a ridge—Chestnut Ridge—where fruit trees, mostly apples but also peaches, pears, and cherries
Universities collaborate
Kari Peter, the new plant pathologist at Penn State, will serve fruit growers in three states. by Richard Lehnert Three eastern universities have agreed to work together to coordinate their hiring of faculty members serving fruit growers. Informally called the Mid-Atlantic Fruit Consortium, it’s built on a memorandum of understanding
Winery showcases estate fruit
Kerry Shiels began as Côte Bonneville’s winemaker in 2009, after getting her master’s from the University of California, Davis, and working harvests for five different wineries in California, Australia, and Argentina.by Melissa Hansen/Good Fruit Grower Hugh Shiels had one reason for expanding from wine grape grower to winery
Universities collaborate
Kari Peter, the new plant pathologist at Penn State, will serve fruit growers in three states.by Richard Lehnert Three eastern universities have agreed to work together to coordinate their hiring of faculty members serving fruit growers. Informally called the Mid-Atlantic Fruit Consortium, it’s built on a memorandum of understanding
WSU to interview tree fruit physiologists
Washington State University will interview three candidates in September for a new tree fruit physiology position based at the Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center in Wenatchee. The new researcher will focus on physiological mechanisms of tree fruit issues, such as fruit set and disorders. The candidates are: Dr. Jozsef
Apple Commission promotes Trovato
Danelle Trovato. Danelle Trovato, export assistant with the Washington Apple Commission for the past five years, will transition into the position of export trade specialist. She will succeed Chris Scott who left the commission at the end of July to become general manager of NORPAC Industries, a frozen
OSU celebrates 100 years of ag service at Hood River
OSU president Dr. Ed Ray speaks during the centennial celebration at the Mid-Columbia Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Hood River. (TJ Mullinax/Good Fruit Grower) Oregon State University's Mid-Columbia Agricultural Research and Extension Center celebrated its 100-year anniversary August 8 in Hood River, Oregon. The celebration included a
Crunch Pak hires Sargent as CEO
Scott Sargent has experience in supply chain management.Courtesy of Crunch Pak Scott Sargent has been appointed chief executive officer of Crunch Pak, a major sliced apple processor and marketer based in Cashmere, Washington. Sargent was previously manager of supply chain purchasing for the 1,700-restaurant chain Chick-fil-A in Atlanta,
Good Stuff
Closer receives registration Dow AgroSciences has received federal registration of its sulfoxaflor insecticide, sold under the brand name Closer, which is designed to control sap-feeding insects, such as aphids, in tree fruits and other crops. It is the only insecticide available for specialty crops that is classified in Group 4C,
Scott leaves Apple Commission
Chris ScottWashington Apple Commission Chris Scott, export trade specialist for the Washington Apple Commission for the past four years, left the commission on July 31 to take a position as general manager of NORPAC Industries, a frozen food processor in Quincy, Washington. The company has more than 300
Good Stuff
Book of secrets Karin Argo of Zillah, Washington, is selling the second edition of her popular The Secrets of Eastern Washington Cookbook. Argo, who grew up on an apple, cherry, and pear orchard in Yakima, said she wrote the book as a way to showcase agriculture in central Washington. It
Quick Bites
New cherry bulletins, videos Two new publications on cherry production and several sweet cherry videos covering training systems and pruning are available free to growers. Cherry Orchard Establishment in the Pacific Northwest (PNW 642), written by Lynn Long and Clive Kaiser, Oregon State University extension educators, discusses factors to consider
Yakima Valley AVA turns 30
PHOTO COURTESY OF WASHINGTON WINE COMMISSION The Yakima Valley American Viticultural Area, established by the federal government on March 23, 1983, is celebrating its 30th anniversary. In this issue, Good Fruit Grower begins an in-depth look at Yakima Valley’s early roots in the wine industry. Subsequent stories will focus on
The NOSB’s ‘lose-lose’ decision
A decision by the National Organic Standards Board not to extend use of a key antibiotic to control fireblight in organic fruit production represents a loss for both producers and consumers, says Harold Austin, an NOSB board member. The antibiotic oxytetracyline will no longer be approved for use on organic
First Bite
As the Northwest cherry season draws closer, for the first time in six or seven years I am thinking that the 2013 harvest has the potential to begin during the first days of June. If you’ve ever seen the movie Money Ball, you know the premise of determining a “winning”
Food Alliance’s future uncertain
A lack of funding has forced the Food Alliance to suspend its operations, though its licensed producers will be able to use the eco-label through the end of the year. The Food Alliance, based in Portland, Oregon, established its sustainable food certification program in 1997 with the goal of helping
Trends in organic tree fruit
Washington State University’s sustainable agriculture specialist David Granatstein keeps tabs on organic tree fruit production statistics, compiling charts and graphs from data supplied by the Washington State Department of Agriculture. The most recent statistics from 2012 show the following trends: Apples Certified organic acreage declined in 2012 to 13,655 acres.
Cornell releases wine grape varieties
A new white variety is cold tolerant; a new red variety is disease resistant.
Meet Washington State’s new agriculture director
Bud Hover’s road to directorship of the Washington State Department of Agriculture began in 1938 when his mother and her family loaded their belongings on a truck and left North Dakota, headed west at 35 miles per hour. Hover calls it a scene from The Grapes of Wrath. His mother
WSU seeks licensee
Washington State University’s Research Foundation, which owns the new WA 38 apple, has issued an “announcement of opportunity” inviting individuals, companies, or cooperatives that are interested in managing the variety to submit proposals. The successful applicant will have an exclusive license to manage the commercialization of the variety but will
Students tackle tree fruit issues
Two north central Washington high school students got their first lobbying experience when they participated in the annual Tree Fruit Day at the Washington State legislature in Olympia. The two Cashmere High School students, Danielle Morrison and Heather Powell, both in the eleventh grade, attended Tree Fruit Day as part
Tree fruit program revived
Although Leo Garcia is best known in the tree fruit industry for championing education programs for Hispanic workers, he’s also been dedicated to enhancing agricultural programs overall at Wenatchee Valley College in Washington State. He has worked hard to revive the college’s tree fruit production program, for which he is
Another Geneva mixup
For the second time in as many years, there has been a stumble along the road to bringing the new Geneva rootstock, G.214, to growers' orchards. Cornell University horticulturist Dr. Terence Robinson confirmed that a mixup in rootstock material will mean a delay of about one year in the introduction
An educator who teaches hope
Leo Garcia has been honored for his dedication to helping Hispanic people in the tree fruit industry to reach their full potential through education. Garcia, director of bilingual agricultural education programs at Wenatchee Valley College in Wenatchee, Washington received the Latino Leadership Award from the Washington State Horticultural Association. Karen
Project objectives
Five specific objectives for the Integrated Crop Pollination project are: Identify economically valuable pollinators and the factors affecting their abundance. Develop habitat management practices to improve crop pollination. Determine performance of alternative managed bees as specialty crop pollinators. Demonstrate and deliver ICP practices for specialty crops. Determine optimal methods for
Bee Care Center
Bayer CropScience has begun construction of its North American Bee Care Center at its headquarters in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. The center is to be a gathering place for researchers, bee experts, students, and other visitors to meet with Bayer scientists with the goal of promoting and protecting bee
WA 38 will have a name
The commercialization plan for WA 38 will be different than for its first release, WA 2. Washington State University is finalizing a plan for how its second apple variety, WA 38, will be commercialized. The university will send out an “announcement of opportunity” (similar to a request for proposals) inviting
Conserving wild pollinators
PHOTO COURTESY OF MARY ANN FRAZIER Cornell University has a new publication called Wild Pollinators of Eastern Apple Orchards and How to Conserve Them, compiled by Cornell’s Mia Park with seven coauthors from Cornell, Penn State, and the Xerces Society. The 20-page publication describes the habits of major wild bee
Good job
Cherry blossoms being protected by ice during an early April cold snap. Cherry orchard owned by Andy and Sheila Slinkard, located near Basin City, Washington. PHOTO COURTESY OF SHEILA SLINKARD Drip irrigation developer wins World Food Prize Last year, Dr. Daniel Hillel, an Israeli soil scientist, joined an exclusive club
Extension leader has ambitious goals
Dr. Des Layne, Washington State University’s new and first tree fruit extension team leader, began work on February 1 with no modest ambition in mind. “I am eager to help the WSU folks raise the profile of their online presence, to add new content, and to create the highest quality
WSU Grape irrigation bulletin
Washington State University Extension has released a new irrigation manual for vineyards, clarifying irrigation options and strategies for juice and wine grape producers in Washington State. “Irrigation Basics for Eastern Washington Vineyards” is the title of the bulletin that seeks to help growers better understand what’s behind grape irrigation. Two
Good Stuff
The iconic blue FFA jacket, worn by more than four million young agricultural leaders since it was introduced in 1933, turns 80 this year. A community-centered program launched in 2008 by Syngenta and its retailer partners, has raised more than $2.6 million for the national organization. Syngenta matches every $2,500
New managing editor hired for Good Fruit Grower
Casey Corr Casey Corr has a rich background in business journalism and print publications, and his broad range of skills should help him lead the Good Fruit Grower into a new era of electronic media while keeping a keen eye on quality educational and editorial content. During the 1980s, Corr
New winery adds capacity
Grapes are piped overhead from the crush pad on the right into the winery for processing. Notice the abundance of windows and full-length glass doors that take advantage of natural lighting. Photos by by Melissa Hansen The “wow” factor is often used to describe sleek, luxury cars and new electronic
First Bite—Farewell
Jim Black I retire as managing editor as of February 1, having served Good Fruit Grower for over 20 years. Getting to know so many of you has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I think you grow wonderful, healthy, great-tasting fruit, but it’s not the
Zirkle Fruit moves into wine
The two 50-ton grape presses came from Italy and fit perfectly when put in place on the concrete pad. Photo by Melissa Hansen The idea for the new Zirkle Wine Company custom crush facility in Prosser, Washington, evolved over several years, Mark Zirkle says. “The idea for a winery was
Quick Bites
British are Smitten Prevar Limited has licensed the rights to grow, market, and sell the Smitten apple in the United Kingdom to Worldwide Fruit Limited and Empire World Trade Limited. Smitten (PremA17 cultivar) was bred by Plant and Food Research in New Zealand, which is contracted by Prevar to breed
Good to Go
IPM academy focuses on shifting weather patterns Michigan State University is offering fruit growers a two-day workshop that focuses on integrated pest management practices that will help them adapt to shifting weather patterns. The 2013 Integrated Pest Management Academy will take place February 19-20 at the Okemos Conference Center in
Good Stuff
Molded fruit Chinese businessman Steven Ding is selling plastic molds that can transform round or pear-shaped fruit into weird and wonderful shapes while they’re growing on the tree. Ding said this type of mold was invented by a Chinese farmer a few years ago, and he has been collecting differently
Auction benefits research
Washington State’s wine industry will receive a big windfall this year when the Auction of Washington Wines contributes nearly $250,000 for grape and wine-related research and education. The donation was given to Washington State University for the viticulture and enology program. About $100,000 will be dedicated to research, with the
Red-fleshed apples
The red trait, which is common in crab apples and ornamentals, produces flesh colored anywhere from pink to deep red. Skin color and flesh color are inherited separately, so yellow apples can have red flesh. (Photos courtesy of IFORED) Next Big Thing’s last big thing was the SweeTango apple. Now,
End of the line
Growers Credit Corporation board members and staff leave their last board meeting. Pictured are (from left) Bob Petersen of Manson, Gary Roberts of Oroville, former manager Steve Joy, office manager Nancy Baker, Roger Hodgson of Omak, Gene Handley of East Wenatchee, and Floyd Stutzman of Wenatchee. Board members of the
Spooked by the weather
Most fruit growers have trouble accepting the idea that human-caused climate change is occurring. They prefer to think recent weather events are just part of a long, mysterious, and continuing cycle. What’s happening now has happened in the past—and it’s just normal. What goes around comes around. Still, there is
Ladders on the run
Photos courtesy of John Maher It was the “elegant, gorgeous shape” of wooden orchard ladders that first struck artist John Maher. As the concept took shape in his mind, he thought about Christo’s Running Fence art installation in California in the 1970s, and visualized a hundred brightly colored orchard ladders
Hort awards and recognition
The following fruit industry members were honored during the Washington State Horticultural Association’s annual meeting in December. Silver Apple George Allan, a partner at the fruit growing and packing operation Allan Brothers in Naches, Washington, received the Silver Apple Award. Allan grew up in Naches and earned a degree in
Juice grape crop down in 2012
Washington State produced an estimated 174,000 tons of juice grapes in 2012, down from its ten-year average of 193,000 tons, according to Trent Ball, director of the vineyard and winery technology program at Yakima Valley Community College. Washington is the nation’s leading Concord and Niagara grape producer, typically producing about
New player enters Concord juice deal
The last berries of a Concord grape delivery make their way from the receiving station to the de-stemmer. Photo by Melissa Hansen The Concord grape juice industry, though known for up and down swings in production, is a stable one, with little change from year to year in acreage numbers
Good Job
Cherry co-op names new president Oregon Cherry Growers, Inc., a member -owned fruit cooperative, named Timothy Ramsey as its new president and chief executive officer. Ramsey, with experience leading companies and launching new products, was most recently chief operations officer for La Terra Fina USA. Before that, he was vice
Last Bite: Cox pipped out by Gala
Cox’s Orange Pippin is a firm, juicy, full-flavored apple with an orange-red skin and cream-colored flesh. Photo by Jacqueline King, WSU Cox’s Orange Pippin—Britain’s favorite apple for 150 years or so—has been usurped by Gala, one of its grandchildren. It’s not because Gala is a better apple, British journalist Michael
Organic trade association seeks input
The Organic Trade Association is holding town-hall forums across the country to gather industry thoughts about the association’s proposal to establish a federal organic research and promotion order. One such forum will be held during the Washington State Horticultural Association’s annual meeting in Yakima at the end of the afternoon
Cost of growing Reds
A new economic study from Washington State University estimates the variable costs of producing Red Delicious in a mature orchard at $6,436 per acre and fixed costs at another $2,804. On top of that, the grower would pay $12,862 in packing charges, assuming a net yield of 59.50 bins per
Newest AVA
Cameron Fries of White Heron Cellars was one of several who worked to create the new Ancient Lakes AVA. Photo courtesy of White Heron Cellars When the first wine grapes were planted in Washington State’s newest American Viticultural Area more than 30 years ago, the new crop looked out of
Washington-Chile partnership
Washington State fruit growers and packers Gebbers Farms of Brewster and Chelan Fruit Cooperative have purchased a 50-percent stake in four fruit-producing companies in Angol, Chile. All are partners in a new company called Chilean South Apples, or CHISA. Reggie Collins, chief executive officer of Chelan Fruit Cooperative, says the
GAO report documents, but doesn’t fix, H-2A
Adding new fuel to the growing fire over farm labor reform, the Government Accountability Office issued a report in September describing the H-2A program as time-consuming, complex, and challenging. While there are an estimated 1.5 to 1.75 million migrant and seasonal farmworkers in the United States each year, H-2A supplied
Good Point: Real estate activity by region
Beginning in late 2011 and continuing into 2012, there’s been increased real estate activity in the Pacific Northwest, driven by strong fruit prices and expansion within the tree fruit sector. However, in Michigan, there have been few sales of orchard properties in the lake shoreline region the past three years,
Nursery trees are selling fast
Strong prices for apples during the past few seasons have prompted a spurt in orchard renewal and expansion, tree nurseries report. Demand for certain varieties and rootstocks is such that nurseries are taking orders for trees that will be planted as far out as 2020. Washington nurseries should have a
Borton Fruit turns 100
A fourth generation will honor the family’s values and heritage.
Information is key
As incoming president of the Washington State Horticultural Association, Jeff Cleveringa hopes to strengthen the association’s role in keeping growers informed. For over a century, the association has held its annual meeting each December to apprise growers on the latest issues and research. Cleveringa said the meeting still serves an
Classes for Hispanics
Wenatchee Valley College will offer two employee educational programs for the 2012-2013 academic year—level one of its Hispanic Orchard Employee Education Program and level one of a similar viticulture program. The orchard program will be taught at the Wenatchee campus and at the Grandview campus of the Yakima Valley Community
Des Layne joins WSU
Desmond Layne Washington State University has appointed Dr. Desmond Layne, a professor at Clemson University in South Carolina, to the new position of tree fruit extension team leader. He will start his new job on February 1. The position was created after Washington apple and pear growers voted
New director
Soil Scientist Dr. Rich Koenig has been appointed associate dean and director of Washington State University Extension. He was formerly chair of WSU’s department of crop and soil sciences. He succeeds Dr. Randy Baldree who served as interim associate director of WSU Extension from June 2011 until September this year.
Vineyard and winery courses go online
Yakima Valley Community College, through a national science grant, is transitioning its vineyard and winery educational program to an online and hybrid format to better serve its student community. Four classes are now available online, and ten are offered in a hybrid format. Catherine Jones was hired in September 2010
Planning for continued success
David Douglas will hand over the presidency of the Hort Association to Jeff Cleveringa during the association's annual meeting in Yakima, December 3–5. Those are among the reasons why the main theme of the association’s annual meeting, December 3 to 5, will be succession planning, says David Douglas,
Good Stuff
New Zealand’s Tow and Blow Tow and Blow is a portable wind machine developed in New Zealand by engineer Kim McAulay. He used to import wind machines from the United States but designed his own portable machine to address some of the inefficiencies he experienced with the stationary versions. Wind
U.S. cider takes U.K. honors
Snowdrift cidery makes several blends of cider and perry. Perry is made from pears.Geraldine Warner Peter Ringsrud used to grow picture-perfect Red and Golden Delicious apples at his East Wenatchee, Washington, orchard, but found little profit in it. After a 25-year interval working as an engineer, Ringsrud returned
Honeycrisp moves into top six
For the first time, Honeycrisp will make the list of the top six apple varieties produced in the United States this year. The rank order of the top six U.S. varieties, by bushels, is Red Delicious, Gala, Golden Delicious, Fuji, Granny Smith, and Honeycrisp, Mark Seetin, director of regulatory affairs
Apple pricing will be challenging this year
U.S. apple growers will market a smaller-than-average-size crop this year, but pricing the product won’t be easy, and there are penalties for making the wrong choices early in the season. “Don’t lose October,” admonished Steve Lutz, executive vice president of the Nielsen Perishables Group, speaking to attendees at the U.S.
Fireblight expert retires
Larry Pusey has used crab apples for his fireblight studies, as they can be manipulated to bloom year round in the greenhouse. Geraldine Warner For almost 20 years, Dr. Larry Pusey has been focused on researching a single problem—fireblight. As Pusey, 60, retires this month as plant pathologist with the
Good to know: WSU releases WA 38 apple
The latest release from WSU, WA 38, is an eye-catching, large, dark red apple with a remarkably firm, crisp, and juicy texture. It also has exceptional flavor with ample sweetness and enough tartness to impart real character. When it comes to the combination of taste, texture, and beauty, WA 38
Good to Know: A gem of a pear
US 71655-014 has been tested in Hood River, Oregon, for ten years, and is expected to be released soon. A new fireblight-resistant, European pear selection bred by Dr. Richard Bell at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Appalachian Fruit Research Station in Kearneysville, West Virginia, is expected to be released soon.
Good Stuff
New cherry sorters Rick Lancaster said Chelan Fruit’s new cherry grader will help ensure that only firm cherries go to export markets. Chelan Fruit Cooperative has about 600 year-round employees, but needs an additional 1,000 packing house workers during the cherry season. It installed a new cherry grader
Canned pear assessment drops
Northwest pear growers will pay a reduced assessment on canned pears in the coming season. The rate will drop from $7.33 per ton to $7.00 per ton. The new rate was approved at the annual meeting of the Processed Pear Committee in Portland on May 30. The rate includes $5.50
Canadians will reduce pressure to eliminate plum pox
Plum pox-infected trees will ultimately produce low yields of deformed, mottled fruit. The virus is detected through testing, so symptomatic fruit is seldom seen. In the “usual” journalistic process, reporters find expert sources and ask questions, then ask additional questions as the answers dictate. This process did not
Truitt Brothers helps consolidate pear processing
After almost 40 years as a major pear canner, Truitt Brothers of Salem, Oregon, is “bowing out” of the business in order to help the industry consolidate. The company is no longer processing pears, and its 50 growers will instead take their fruit to Northwest Packing Company (part of the
Canning pear price set for Pacific Northwest
The price for processing Bartlett pears grown in the Pacific Northwest has been set for the next three years. The two remaining Northwest processors that buy pears on the cash market—Del Monte Foods and Northwest Packing (part of the Neil Jones Food Company)—will pay $260 a ton for field run,
Bob Koehler promoted by Pear Bureau
The Pear Bureau Northwest has promoted Bob Koehler to lead regional marketing manager. In this new position, he will serve as the liaison between Kevin Moffitt, Pear Bureau president, and the regional managers in territories throughout the United States and Canada. He will lead the development of fresh pear marketing
WA 2 update
WA 2 in 2011 at Quincy, Washington, with a crop of 79 bins per acre. Washington State University’s first new apple variety, WA 2, is in its second season of intensive industry evaluation (Phase 3). As in 2010, horticultural and storage performance was evaluated in the 2011 season,
Muscat plantings on the rise
Muscat grape varieties, the hottest selling wines in America, have also been the hottest selling grape nursery stock. And while there’s been an uptick in Muscat plantings in Washington State, in general, the state’s wine industry is taking a cautious approach to the latest wine fad.
B.C. releases blush cherries
Starletta blush cherries were bred in Summerland, British Columbia.Photo courtesy of PICO Cherry growers in British Columbia, Canada, have historically not been interested in blushed cherry varieties because of the fruit’s sensitivity to bruising and the difficulties of growing and packing it. In fact, it’s estimated that only
Succession of cherries
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s fruit breeding program at Summerland, British Columbia, is expected to release a new cherry variety later this year. SPC136 is a midseason red cherry that is said to be big (9.5 to 8.5 row) with excellent flavor and storage potential. Cherry varieties released by the breeding
Sustainable program for wineries launched
Wine bottle corks are repurposed as mulch, an example of sustainable practices implemented at Snoqualmie Vineyards winery. Photo courtesy of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates Winerywise, the free, online guide to sustainable winemaking and winery practices developed for Washington State’s wine industry, is ready for use. Educational outreach sessions are planned
New group begins work
A new marketing and research group has consolidated the California cherry industry into one voice, says Chiles Wilson, chair of the new organization that became effective in early April. The California Cherry Marketing and Research Program supersedes the California Cherry Advisory Board, which had represented growers of Bing, Rainier, Van,
Niche product
Sevin (carbaryl) will continue to be available for chemical thinning and pest control in tree fruits, says Dr. Jonathan Akins, director of regulatory affairs with the supplier Tessenderlo Kerley, Inc. Tessenderlo recently bought Sevin from Bayer CropSciences. Akins said the company heard that rumors had been circulating that Sevin would
Growers vote on special assessment
Washington State tree fruit growers will be asked to pay a special research assessment to strengthen research and extension programs at Washington State University. The university has launched a major fundraising campaign with a goal of raising a billion dollars overall to fund priority programs. Of the total, $42 million
Root2Fruit group will request research funding
A group of scientists from around the country aims to develop new tree fruit rootstocks for the tree fruit industry with the goal of increasing orchard profitability. The group, which calls itself Root2Fruit, plans to submit a proposal in 2012 to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for funding through the
Aiming for efficiency
Almost $3 million in government funding earmarked for packing house improvements was announced January 27 at the B.C. Fruit Growers’ Association’s annual convention at Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. The province of British Columbia and the Canadian government are contributing $2.7 million to help modernize the Okanagan Tree Fruit Cooperative’s storage
WSU releases promising apple
WSU’s newest variety, WA 38, is a cross of Enterprise and Honeycrisp. Geraldine Warner Washington State University has released a third apple variety and is discussing new ways to introduce this and future varieties to the state’s producers. The latest release, WA 38, is a cross of Enterprise and Honeycrisp,
Tree Fruit Day in Olympia
Hort president David Douglas, left, and Jennifer Armen discussed tree fruit interests with Senator Linda Evans-Parlette in her Olympia office. Jim Black Thirty tree fruit industry members converged on the Washington State legislature on January 31 to meet with 66 senators and representatives about issues of critical importance to our
B.C. growers propose apple agency
Kirpal Boparai, president of the B.C. Fruit Growers' Association, says his priority is to get money into growers’ pockets. Terry Edwards British Columbia, Canada, apple growers took an initial step towards establishing a national apple and promotion agency, and potential future regulated marketing, at the B.C. Fruit Growers’ Association’s annual
New pesticide safety guide released
Many practical ideas to solve everyday problems with pesticide handling have been invented and used by growers throughout Washington State. The Pacific Northwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center, known as PNASH, studied these farm-bred and tested ideas and put them together in a new guide called Practical Solutions for Pesticide
Cherry committee up for renewal
Michigan tart cherry growers will cast mail-in ballots between March 12 and March 25 to determine whether the Michigan Cherry Committee, which is organized under Michigan law to operate a checkoff program and conduct research and promotion, will continue to operate for another five years. The Michigan Cherry Committee is
WSU recruiting
Washington State University is beginning the hiring process for two new endowed position supported by the special assessment that apple and pear growers will begin paying this year through the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission. One position is an applied physiologist position, which will likely be based at WSU’s Tree Fruit
Good Stuff
Tote bagger Graybill Machines, Inc., of Lititz, Pennsylvania, which specializes in designing and building automated machinery, has introduced the Graybill Apple Bagger, a packing-house machine that gently handles and fills 1,000 half-peck (five-pound) tote bags per hour. It is a compact, self-contained unit made of stainless steel and aluminum. For
Access to China is near
It’s been almost two decades since the U.S. pear industry began pushing for access to China, but it finally appears that the market might open during the 2012-2013 season. “This has been a long-term effort to gain access for pears,” noted Mark Powers, vice president at the Northwest Horticultural Council.
Food alliance certifies eastern orchards
Last year, Three Springs Fruit Farm, operated by Dave, John, and Ben Wenk in Aspers, Pennsylvania, was certified by Food Alliance. An Oregon-based organization, Food Alliance provides third-party certification that sustainable agricultural and food handling practices are used in a farm’s operation. Since then, Food Alliance announced certification of two
New fungicides benefit from lessons of Benlate
Fruit growers will have new fungicides this year to help manage diseases as diverse as leaf spot in cherries, scab in apples, and brown rot and scab on peaches. The new materials are so-called second-generation succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors (SDHI), similar in action to boscalid, one of the components
Good Job
Lewis receives Latino award Karen Lewis, Washington State University tree fruit regional extension specialist, has been honored with the first annual Latino Leadership Award from the Washington State Horticultural Association. The award was established at the suggestion of retiring association president West Mathison to recognize Latino people working in the
Cherry marketing order passes
Washington State sweet cherry growers voted to continue the federal marketing order that regulates sweet cherries. During the referendum held in November, 92 percent of eligible growers who voted, representing 82 percent of the participating volume, favored continuing the marketing order that was established in 1957. A referendum is required
High-tech nursery launched
Dr. Amit Dhingra, genomicist with Washington State University, has set up a new company to produce fruit varieties, rootstocks, and nursery trees faster and cheaper through tissue culture. In addition, the identities of the plants are guaranteed through high-resolution genetic fingerprinting. The company, called Phytelligence, is a spinoff of WSU.
Washington’s grape crop down in 2011
Concord yields varied widely last year, ranging from no crop to 20 tons per acre. Suphasuk Pradubsuk Washington State’s juice and wine grape crop will likely be the smallest since 2005 for wine grapes and 2004 for juice grapes, reports agricultural economist Trent Ball. Grapes got a double hit this
Committee nominations
Nominations for board positions with several Pacific Northwest fruit industry groups will be held during upcoming horticultural meetings. Cherry Marketing Committee Nominations for three grower positions in District 1 will be held during the North Central Washington Stone Fruit Day at the Wenatchee Convention Center on January 19. Current members
Good Stuff
Ty Snyder promoted C & O Nursery of Wenatchee, Washington, has promoted Ty Snyder to the position of orchard manager. Snyder has worked at the nursery since 2006 and earned an associate degree in agriculture from Wenatchee Valley College. He is managing the company’s Rocky Reach and Grant Road orchards.
Vineland launches an apple breeding program
Daryl Somers A new apple breeding program was born this year, on the Niagara Peninsula in Ontario, Canada. While operation of the infant program is just beginning, it has nurturing parents. The Ontario Apple Growers are backing the program; they want new varieties that potentially could be produced for export
Committee to advise on endowments
An industry advisory committee has been formed to work with Washington State University to decide how to spend the money that will be generated by a special research assessment on Washington apples and pears. The $1-per-ton assessment, which goes into effect with the 2012 crops, will provide $11 million for
B.C.’s strategic plan stymied
When the British Columbia Fruit Growers’ Association launched its strategic plan four years ago, the priorities were to develop new varieties, increase fruit quality, strengthen market position, attract and retain human resources, and increase profitability. No factors served to hijack those goals more drastically than the impact of the rising
Great Lakes Expo set for December 6–8
The Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market Expo will be held in the DeVos Place Convention Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan, from December 6–8. Last year, nearly 4,000 people from 34 states and five Canadian provinces attended the educational programs and the trade show, which attracted 380 exhibitors and
What is driving change in the tree fruit industry?
The Washington State Horticultural Association’s annual meeting will inform growers about a wide range of issues and innovations that are driving change in the tree fruit industry both in the United States and abroad. The meeting is scheduled for December 5–7 at the Wenatchee Convention Center. West Mathison, retiring Hort
Safety regulations nix customized platforms
A worker uses a Girette to prune trees. (Courtesy Flathead Cherry Growers, Montana) Regulators in British Columbia, Canada, have developed safety documentation for the elevated, mobile work platforms widely used in the province’s orchards—but have sidelined locally designed equipment that reflected local farming conditions. WorkSafeBC, the organization that regulates workplace
Cherry vote
Cherry growers vote this month to continue or end a federal marketing order that regulates handling of sweet cherries grown in designated counties in Washington State. Regulations require that a continuation referendum be held once every six years. Federal Marketing Order 923, established in 1957, authorizes minimum grade, size, maturity,
SweeTango lawsuit settled
An out-of-court settlement of the lawsuit challenging the exclusive marketing arrangement for the SweeTango apple has been reached. The lawsuit ended in victory for the University of Minnesota, which bred the apple, and Pepin Heights Orchard, which bought rights to the apple and organized Next Big Thing, a 64-grower cooperative,
Michigan apple companies join forces
Three Michigan apple companies have linked up to form All Fresh GPS, a limited liability company that will market fresh apples across the United States and into export markets. GPS is short for growers, packers, and shippers, which describes the activities of the three entities. They will market about 10
Wine industry backs new center
The Washington Wine Commission’s commitment of $7.4 million towards the cost of building a Wine Science Center at Washington State University’s Tri-Cities campus gives the fundraising effort an important boost, says Dr. Thomas Henick-Kling, director of WSU’s viticulture and enology program. The center will house WSU’s rapidly expanding viticulture and
The big picture
When the U.S. Apple Association holds its annual marketing and outlook conference in Chicago in August, it’s an occasion to look at the big picture. Not only do the 300 or so apple growers, packers, and shippers evaluate the size and condition of the United States crop, they try for
More late cherries coming
A new tree-fruit acreage survey in Washington State shows a decline in all tree fruits except cherries over the past five years, and suggests that the state will be harvesting more late-season cherries in the future. The survey, compiled by the National Agricultural Statistics Service, shows that Washington has 234,000
Peach breeder Dick Okie retiring
After 30 years breeding peaches for the South—15 in the Prince series alone—W.R. (Dick) Okie retired this year. He is still working until a successor is decided upon. Courtesy of W.R. Okie W.R. (Dick) Okie, the USDA-Agricultural Research Service’s stone fruit breeder in Byron, Georgia, for more than 30 years,
Good Stuff
Jack Everhart, left, New Holland, Inc., congratulates John Riel, right, of Burrows Tractor. Recognition for Burrows The New Holland dealership Burrows Tractor, Inc., in Yakima, Washington, has earned membership to New Holland’s President’s Club in recognition of outstanding achievement in business facilities, management, sales, parts and service support, and customer
Special assessment would fund research
A referendum will be held soon to find out if growers are willing to pay a special assessment to enhance tree fruit research at Washington State University. The university has launched a major fundraising campaign to help strengthen priority programs and hopes to raise $42 million for tree fruit research.
First forecast of U.S. apple crop
It takes true grit to try to assess the size and quality of the United States apple crop on the first day of summer, when the June drop still isn’t over and growers are making decisions about whether or not to thin one last time. But each year, about 150
Pear assessments drop
Pear growers in the Pacific Northwest will pay less money to the Pear Bureau Northwest for winter pear promotions in the coming season. The Pear Bureau’s board of directors has reduced its assessment rate for winter pear promotions from 44 to 41 cents per box, reflecting the trend for producers
Opportunities for cherry exports
The Pacific Northwest cherry harvest is running later than usual this year, which could open up opportunities in export markets. Because of a late spring, shipments were expected to peak after the Fourth of July weekend, which is a crucial time for cherry promotions and sales. However, the season has
H-2A changes add cost, difficulty
The McDougall & Sons housing camps are made up of manufactured units for 12 people. This camp at Quincy, Washington, has 96 beds. GERALDINE WARNER An increase in the wage rate that employers must pay workers recruited through the H-2A guest-worker program will add well over $1 million to labor
Good Stuff
New spraying book Dr. Andrew Landers’ new book Effective Vineyard Spraying is now available for purchase from Cornell University. Landers, who directs the application technology program at Cornell, has conducted sprayer workshops for growers from coast to coast. His practical guidebook is filled with suggestions to help growers save money
NY seeks marketing strategy
Those new apples from New York are being prepared to come to market, with the first expected in quantity in direct farm markets in 2014 and in commercial markets in 2015 or 2016. At least, that’s what’s envisioned in the overall plan that’s in the process of development. The apples
Fungicide tools and resistance management guidelines
As of spring 2011, growers in eastern Washington have several new fungicides at their disposal for managing powdery mildew. For cherry growers, new products include Adament (tebuconazole + trifloxystrobin), Quash (metconazole), and Unicorn (tebuconazole + sulfur). Four new materials are available for grape growers: Adament, Inspire Super (difenoconazole + cyprodinil),
British cherry breeding to continue
Cherry breeding at East Malling Research Center in the United Kingdom will continue thanks to a three-way partnership involving East Malling Research, an international nursery group, and a produce marketing company. Dr. Felicidad Fernández Fernández, plant breeder and molecular geneticist at East Malling Research, said that public funding for cherry
Growers vote on special assessment
Washington State tree fruit growers will be asked to pay a special research assessment to strengthen research and extension programs at Washington State University. The university has launched a major fundraising campaign with a goal of raising a billion dollars overall to fund priority programs. Of the total, $42 million
Root2Fruit group will request research funding
A group of scientists from around the country aims to develop new tree fruit rootstocks for the tree fruit industry with the goal of increasing orchard profitability. The group, which calls itself Root2Fruit, plans to submit a proposal in 2012 to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for funding through the
Clean plant center has new manager
James Susaimuthu inspects plant material in the Fruit Tree Clean Plant Center's greenhouse. One of the goals of Dr. James Susaimuthu, new program manager of the Fruit Tree Clean Plant Center, is to use his diagnostic skills to find ways to improve virus testing of plant material. Susaimuthu, with a
Manager ready to tackle real problems
Dr. James Susaimuthu, program manager of the Fruit Tree Clean Plant Center at Prosser, Washington, attended college in India before coming to the United States and graduating with a doctorate in plant virology from the University of Arkansas. In his role at the Fruit Tree Network, he sees opportunity to
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Allan Baugher wins Maryland hort award The Maryland State Horticultural Society gave Allan Baugher of Westminster, Maryland, its Harry Black Distinguished Service Award during the Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention in Hershey, Pennsylvania, in February. The Baugher family operates Baugher’s Farm Orchard Market. The award was presented by his son
Good Stuff
Sweet success A new series of scab-resistant apples called “Sweet Resistants” developed by the Consorzio Italiano Vivaisti (CIV) in Italy was among the ten finalists for the Fruit Logistica Innovation Award during the Fruit Logistica trade fair in February. The five varieties in the series are Gaia, Gemini, Renoir, Smeralda,
New food safety law could swallow GAP programs
When provisions of the new food safety law (the American Food Safety Modernization Act) are implemented, Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) certification programs should wither away, no longer needed. But that’s not likely to happen soon, according to Phil Tocco, a Michigan State University Extension educator who advises fruit growers and
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Jim and Rose King, at left, and John and Betsy King, right, pose with their award and the National Cherry Queen Maria LaCross, who hails from a tart cherry farm close to King Orchards. Very Cherry Promotion Award The National Cherry Festival Committee has awarded the Very Cherry Promotion Award
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John Carter crowned king The Dalles, Oregon, cherry grower John Carter was named 2010 Cherry King during the annual Cherry Institute meeting held in Yakima, Washington. Carter was the 67th king to be crowned by the institute. Rick Derrey, who presented the award, said that Carter’s interest and involvement in
No apple releases imminent
Washington State University’s apple breeder, Dr. Kate Evans, is not recommending that the university release another variety for at least a year or two. The breeding program’s first variety, WA 2, was released in 2009, went into widescale evaluation a year ago, and can now be planted commercially. The second
Quick Bites
Pear committee nominations Nominations for positions on the Processed Pear Committee will be accepted during upcoming fruit industry meetings. Nominations for an Oregon handler position held by Doug Lowry (with Rob Peterson first alternate and Gary Wells second alternate) will be taken during the Hood River Grower-Shipper Association’s annual meeting
Stepping aside
Tedd Wildman is busy loading grapes during harvest. It would be easier to list the industry groups that Prosser, Washington’s Tedd Wildman has not been actively involved with than to list the ones he has chaired or served as an officer or board member. In addition to serving as chair
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Michelle Moyer, the new viticultural extension specialist for Washington State, visits vineyards in Oppenheim, Germany. New viticultural specialist hired Michelle Moyer had a family nursery and landscape business waiting for her in Wisconsin, but instead chose viticulture while working on her master’s degree and doctorate at Cornell University. Moyer will
Fumigation improves productivity
Published January 15, 2011 Over the past 25 years, 130,000 acres of orchards have been replanted in Washington State, requiring a total investment of $1.7 billion, estimates Tim Smith, Washington State University Extension educator in north central Washington. Sometimes, the trees grew well and recouped the investment, but occasionally they
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Silver Apple Organic grower and consultant Dain Craver of Royal City received the Washington State Horticultural Association’s Silver Apple award. Craver grew up in California. His father, a police officer and part-time actor, moved the family to Spokane, Washington, when Craver was young. After attending Washington State University, Craver got
Economic outlook for tree fruit
The economic outlook for the tree fruit industry in Washington State and the Pacific Northwest is quite good. This conclusion may surprise many readers accustomed to the steady stream of negative stories in the media. However, the reason for this optimism about the fruit industry is that it now services
Learn how to get paid
Increasing numbers of growers are reporting difficulty in getting paid for their grapes, a result of the trickle effect that the down economy has had on the farm. To help growers improve their chances of payment, a series of “Getting Paid” seminars is planned in Washington State. The first “Getting
Smaller Washington grape crop in 2010
A steady trend in juice grape acreage and reduced overall inventory of grape juice should lead to similar—or slightly higher—cash prices for the coming year, predicts agricultural economist Trent Ball. But he warns of big crops for Washington and New York in the coming year. Ball, coordinator of Yakima Valley
Pear Bureau to work closer with sales desks
A pear industry task force is recommending that the Pear Bureau Northwest and pear shippers and marketers work more closely together when setting up retail promotions on the domestic market. The task force was established early in 2010, following a Pear Bureau strategic planning meeting, to review the way the
Specialty crops will be on center stage
David Schweikhardt predicts a lively specialty-crops– centered Farm Bill debate will start in Congress soon. Specialty crops growers, who were pleased that they got “their own title” in the 2008 Farm Bill, will be even more the focus of attention as the new 112th Congress turns to composing a new
Fruit survey coming up
Starting in December, Washington State tree fruit and grape growers will be asked for information on their acreage, varieties, and rootstocks for an industrywide survey that will be compiled by the National Agricultural Statistics Service. The last grape and tree fruit acreage survey was published in 2006. Dan Kelly, assistant
WSU seeks to fund priority programs
Dr. Jay Brunner Washington State University will officially announce a major fundraising campaign this month to fund priority programs. The university aims to raise a billion dollars over a five-year period, and already raised a significant amount before moving the campaign into the public phase. About 25 percent of the
Wine science center campaign begins
A Washington State University wine science center could be near reality within two years. A fundraising campaign to raise private and public funds to build the center at WSU’s Tri-Cities branch has already garnered significant donations. Dr. Thomas Henick-Kling, director of WSU’s viticulture and enology program, said that wine industry
WSU releases second new apple, called WA 5
Just a year after the release of WA 2, WSU’s apple breeding program in Wenatchee is releasing its second new cultivar, WA 5. WA 5 is sufficiently different from WA 2 in ripening season, appearance, and eating quality to justify its release. With a bright orange-red stripe covering 60 to
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Oregon State University hires research assistant Preston Brown has been appointed research assistant at OSU’s Mid-Columbia Agricultural Research and Extension Center at Hood River. He will assist Dr. Peter Shearer, superintendent of the center, with lab and field studies on the biology, ecology, and management of insect and mite pests,
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Scharlau joins grape board Vicky Scharlau, executive director of the Washington Association of Wine Grape Growers, has been elected to the board of the National Grape Clean Plant Network to succeed Tedd Wildman, owner of Stone Tree Vineyard near Mattawa, Washington. The National Clean Plant Network was created by the
Farmworker housing opens in Othello
Lugar Seguro is designed as a safe place for farmworkers to house their families. The Othello Housing Authority’s new Lugar Seguro (Safe Place) housing development has 19 units designed to accommodate 96 farmworkers and family members. Each unit has two or three bedrooms, a bathroom, and fully equipped
Good Stuff
Owners change at Burrows Tractor John Riel, who joined Burrows Tractor Company in Yakima, Washington, 32 years ago as a general helper, has bought the company. Riel started work there after graduating from high school. He became a mechanic in the service department, was promoted to service manager, and transitioned
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New AgWeatherNet director Dr. Gerrit Hoogenboom, a professor of agrometeorology and crop modeling, has been appointed director of Washington State University’s agricultural weather network, AgWeatherNet. He succeeds Dr. Gary Grove, who will continue his research and extension program in plant pathology. Hoogenboom was previously a professor in agrometeorology and crop
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E.W. Brandt & Sons, Inc., of Parker, Washington, has announced a change in leadership roles for owners and brothers Lynnell and Allen Brandt, that was made effective in May. Lynnell, who has served as company president since 2003, is transferring his duties to second vice president with responsibilities to oversee
Good to Go
Cherry Variety Showcase July 8 The annual Cherry Variety Showcase will be held July 8 at the Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center in Benton Harbor. The showcase starts at 4 p.m. with variety displays and commentary. Speakers will include Dr. Greg Lang, Michigan State University; Dr. Robert Andersen, professor
Good Stuff
Voliam label expansion The California Department of Pesticide Regulation has approved a label expansion for Voliam Xpress insectide, which allows its use on pome and stone fruits, and other crops. Voliam, developed by Syngenta Crop Protection, contains two active ingredients with different modes of action: the diamide insecticide chlorantraniliprole and
New rules govern Michigan irrigators
Last July, new rules in Michigan required most would-be irrigators to get permission to withdraw water either from groundwater using wells or from flowing streams and rivers. This was shocking in itself, for Michigan is a riparian state in which both surface and groundwater used to be freely available to
First Bite
We’re excited to offer you, our print readers, something new, something interactive, and something, we hope, that will pique your interest, too. In April, we exchanged our old Web site layout for a whiz-bang, state-of-the-art site design that features original news stories, blogs from industry leaders, and topical content for
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WSU team writes “best paper” Washington State University Extension enologist Jim Harbertson and colleagues received an award for the 2009 Best Paper in Enology from the American Society of Enology and Viticulture. The paper, “Chemical and Sensory Effects of Saignée, Water Addition, and Extended Maceration on High Brix Must,” published
Geneva releases four new rootstocks
This rootstock, commercialized as Geneva 214, is one of four newly released from the New York breeding program. Growers on tour with the International Fruit Tree Association waded deep snow to look them over at the Wittenbach farm in Belding, Michigan, in early March. Resistance to fireblight is one
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Harold Thome is Pomesters’ Fruit Man of the Year Harold Thome, a fourth-generation apple grower on Fruit Ridge near Comstock Park, Michigan, has been named Fruit Man of the Year by the Michigan Association of Pomesters. Now 78, Thome has turned management over to son Steve, but he still works
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Italy orchard tour Susan Pheasant and Mauricio Frías are offering an intensive technical tour of South Tyrol orchards in November to learn about high-density orchard systems, production practices, and specialized machinery for tree fruit. The tour will begin in Venice and include key visits in Bolzano, Ferrara, and Bologna. Also
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Apple Blossom Queen Margaret Robinson presented a plaque to WSU Extension Educator Tim Smith when he was named Apple Citizen of the Year 2010. Tim Smith is Apple Citizen of the Year Tim Smith, a Washington State University Extension educator for the past 25 years, has been named Apple Citizen of
New organic organization
Minnesota grower Harry Hoch helped found a new organization called the Organic Tree Fruit Growers Association, and his wife, Jackie, is the first president. The organization started as an informal network of a few upper Midwest growers who wanted to help each other meet the challenges of growing organic fruit
Good Point–Washington fruit industry scholarships change lives
Yadira Castaneda recently received the Jacque McDougall Memorial Scholarship, funded by McDougall and Sons of Wenatchee, and Cecelia Guzman received a CCM scholarship funded by Columbia Marketing International, Columbia Fruit Packing, and McDougall & Sons. Both scholarships are equivalent to 85 percent of the cost of tuition, books, room and
Good to Go
Susan Pheasant of Wenatchee, Washington, and Mauricio Frías of Curicó, Chile, are organizing an intensive technical tour of sweet cherry orchards in the Pacific Northwest in June. The 11-day tour will begin on June 17 in Portland, Oregon, and continue to Hood River, The Dalles, Pasco, Yakima, Columbia Basin, Wenatchee,
Fumigation rules delayed
New regulations on the use of agricultural fumigants, due to go into effect at the beginning of this year, have been delayed, possibly until the fall, says Mike Conway, general manager for Trident Ag Products in Woodland, Washington. The proposed regulations are designed to reduce the risks of agricultural
Grove to Receive Extension Award
Dr. Gary Grove, Washington State University plant pathologist, will receive the American Phytopathological Society’s Excellence in Extension Award during the society’s annual meeting in August. The award recognizes an APS member who has made outstanding contributions or provided significant leadership in the area of Extension. Grove has statewide Extension responsibilities
Chamberlain Leads Growers
Lynne Chamberlain was elected 2010 chair of the board of directors of the Washington Association of Wine Grape Growers. Chamberlain, the first woman to lead the organization’s board, is owner of Spofford Station Vineyards and JLC Winery of the Walla Walla Valley appellation. Todd Newhouse of Outlook was elected vice
Good Stuff
Dream tractor? The Mach 4 is an articulated reversible quad-track vehicle for specialized farming. Launched in Italy in 2008 as a “dream tractor,” it is now one of the leading models that Antonio Carraro produces. It is a universal vehicle designed to handle extreme working conditions on any kind of
Apple Matters –USApple launches program
As I travel the country visiting apple growers and apple companies, one question keeps coming up: Who will be the next generation of apple leaders, the ones to lead the apple industry beyond the next decade? USApple’s 2009 Apple Crop Outlook and Marketing Conference, held last August in Chicago, featured
IFTA Board Adds New Members
Three new directors were elected to the board of the International Tree Fruit Association during IFTA’s 53rd annual conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in early March, and two board members were re-elected. The new directors, each of whom will serve a three-year term, are: Phil Schwallier, Michigan State University extension
IFTA Makes Awards to Key People
The International Fruit Tree Association gave awards during the winter conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in early March. Phil Brown, owner of Phil Brown Welding, Conklin, Michigan, won the Industry Service Award for his 35 years of providing innovative machines for the fruit industry. His latest creation, a vacuum harvester
Long wait for immigration reform
Every year, the Valicoff Fruit Company in the Yakima Valley dutifully sends off W-2 tax forms for its pickers. President Rob Valicoff says he requires legal identification from all his workers, but he knows IDs can be faked. Every year, his company expects some return mail from the Internal Revenue
Good Point – Jim Allen
The controversial Lou Dobbs was often labeled as an opinionated, biased, and outspoken television news anchor who had the stage to spread lies and conspiracy theories about immigrants and Latinos. While many were outraged by his broadcast, his loyal listeners cheered his remarks. Dobbs quit CNN two months ago, but
Good Point – Robin Pollard
Washington State's wine community is gathering in Kennewick early this month to discuss a range of industry topics: from pest management and composting to label compliance and marketing. Alongside the seminars, there will be plenty of conversation about the economic challenges of the past year. Sales for many wineries were
Good Point – Sharlau: Democracy isn’t dead in ag
Government by the people seems to be alive and well in the agricultural community. And unless you're a member of an organization with a lobbyist or a strong volunteer advocacy committee, you may not fully recognize the behind-the-scenes work done on your behalf. Our Washington State legislature convenes every January,
Vineland seeks self-sufficiency
Paul Truscott, business development manager at the Vineland research station in Ontario, Canada. Research is costly with little chance of a direct, let alone immediate, payoff. Just ask fruit breeders, who can labor for years testing new varieties designed to meet evolving consumer tastes and emerging environmental pressures. But a
Service is an education
im and Rena Doornink of Parker, Washington, have been named Good Fruit Growers of the Year for 2009 by Good Fruit Grower magazine. The award is made annually to a grower or family who is innovative and inspiring, focuses on growing quality fruit, and contributes to the tree fruit industry
IFTA returns to its beginnings
The IFTA annual conference will include field visits of different orchard training systems, such as these Gala apples grown on a tall spindle. by Phil Schwallier, Michigan State University Welcome home to where it all began! The 53rd annual International Fruit Tree Association meeting and pre- and postconference workshop and
Weather affects grape crops
These Concord grapes near Quincy, Washington, were hit by the early October freeze and left unharvested. Weather adversely affected the 2009 juice and wine grape crops coast to coast. Agricultural economist Trent Ball told Washington State Grape Society members recently that an October freezeone of the earliest on recordimpacted grape
Farmworker housing loans funded
An example of farmworker housing that was built with a loan from Washington State’s Farmworker Housing Infrastructure Program. The popular zero- and low-interest loan program for growers developing or restoring on-farm housing for seasonal farmworkers survived recent state budget cuts and has $3.5 million available for loans, according to the
Cherry Institute looks to the future
As the Pacific Northwest sweet cherry industry moves toward larger crops in the future, it will take the industry working together to achieve success, says the president of Northwest Cherry Growers. The Cherry Institute, scheduled for January 15 at the Convention Center in Yakima, Washington, aims to bring all segments
Industry veteran is new CEO
With more than 30 years' experience in all aspects of the tree fruit industry, Keith Mathews became CEO in October for the new marketing firm, FirstFruits Marketing of Washington. Mathews was executive director of the Yakima Valley Growers-Shippers Association for the past two years, and for five years in the
Good Job – November
Mathews CEO at FirstFruits Keith Mathews, former executive director of the Yakima Valley Growers-Shippers Association, is the new CEO at FirstFruits Marketing of Washington, a new marketing firm in Yakima that opened for business in August. Mathews began work at FirstFruits October 1 and will be responsible for strategically recruiting
Quick Bites – November
Teeple chairs USApple John Teeple of Teeple Farms, Inc., Wolcott, New York, chairs the U.S. Apple Association for 2009-2010. He succeeds Bruce Grim, Entiat, Washington. Teeple, a third-generation grower, grows more than 15 varieties of apples on his 400 acres of orchard in upstate New York. He's a member of
Great Lakes fruit sessions
More than a dozen educational sessions for tree fruit and grape growers will be offered during the Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable, and Farm Market Expo to be held December 810 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The expo includes a large trade show with over 300 companies exhibiting their products and services
Cultivating resiliency
Resiliency is the ability to see opportunity in what some people might view as a negative experience. Dr. Glen Fahs of the Cascade Employers Association, based in Salem, Oregon, will talk about resiliency when he presents the 30th annual Batjer memorial address during the opening day of the Washington State
WSU releases its first apple variety
Retired WSU apple breeder Dr. Bruce Barritt checks another promising selection in an evaluation plot in a commercial orchard. Washington State University has granted an exclusive license for its first apple variety to the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission, which plans to make it available to any Washington State grower.
Center back on track
The Port of Benton located the site for the Clore Center and has a long-term lease with the center's board. Since the founding directors kicked off a fundraising campaign for the Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center in 2003, the project has seen three executive directors, asked for some $3.5
Broader scope for wine center
The Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center's 22-acre site stretches along the Yakima River in Prosser, Washington. Plans for the site include a 15,000-square-foot building, parking, outdoor picnic and event area, and a vineyard. Picture a building where hundreds of visitors flock every day, sampling regional foods, tasting local wines,
Quick Bites
Big Gala crop The Washington State apple industry expects to harvest 107 million boxes of fresh apples this fall, according to the first official estimate compiled in August. That would be a 2 percent drop from last season's record 109-million-box crop. The Gala crop will be the largest ever at
Good to Go
Honeybee health Honeybee specialists and native pollinator experts from around the country will discuss bee health and disease research during the Western Apicultural Society's annual conference in Healdsburg, Sonoma County, California, August 17-20. Other topics will include: beekeeping with minimal chemical input, cooperative rearing of local honeybee stocks, identifying pollinators
Quick Bites
EQIP deadline The Natural Resources Conservation Service has funds to help growers meet the cost of implementing conservation practices, including the installation of windbreaks and beneficial insect habitat plantings, updating an irrigation system, or for pest --management or nutrient management projects. The funds are offered through the federal Environmental Quality
Good Point – Larry Lutz
So, this is where it all began—the North American apple industry, that is. Apples have been grown in Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley since the French explorer Samuel de Champlain first settled at what is now Annapolis Royal in 1605. This was the first permanent European settlement in North America north
Northwest reports record cherry crop
The first official estimate of the 2009 Northwest sweet cherry crop was a record 16 million boxes, which would be a significant jump from last year's crop. As the season got under way, reports from horticulturists indicated that it could be as large as 18 million. Representatives of the five
Research revealed
Washington State University's new research orchard needs industry support, says Dr. Jay Brunner. Washington State University will hold a field day on July 22 to showcase its new research orchard located at Sunrise Lane between Wenatchee and Quincy. WSU bought Sunrise Orchard in 2006 to replace the research blocks at
Canned pear assessment rises
The promotional assessment on Pacific Northwest processed pears will increase from $5 to $7.11 per ton this season in an attempt to keep the Pacific Northwest Canned Pear Service functioning. The volume of pears grown for processing has declined significantly over the past 15 years, B.J. Thurlby, manager of the
Pear crop is large, but not a record
Pacific Northwest pear growers are expecting to harvest a large, but not record winter pear crop this fall. The industry's first official crop estimate, compiled in late May, is for 14.75 million boxes of fresh winter pears, of which 10.4 million boxes should be d'Anjou pears. That's an 11 percent