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Science puts a spotlight on leafhopper species
One leafhopper species appears responsible for most of Washington’s X disease transmission. Scientists are studying it from every aspect to offer growers more sustainable control strategies.
It pays to prevent further X disease infections
A new economic analysis shows the value of removing trees infected with X disease.
Washington’s Smart Orchard gets a new home
Tree fruit industry researchers, growers and technology vendors have selected a young, modern apple orchard near Mattawa, Washington, for the next iteration of the Smart Orchard Project...
Unpredictable weather complicates orchard disease control
Michigan State University research helps growers adapt as mild weather turns wild more often.
IFTA honors leaders amid research updates
On the final day of the International Fruit Tree Association’s annual meeting in Yakima, Washington, Feb. 14, the group took a break from orchard innovation and technology talks to honor members for their significant contributions to the industry...
On the road for Day 3 of IFTA
Tour buses fanned out across the Yakima Valley as tree fruit professionals eager to learn visited six orchards on Day 3 of the International Fruit Tree Association winter conference in Washington...
Cherry King, motivation and marketing punctuate Cherry Institute
The Northwest Cherry Growers gathered in January for the 81st annual Cherry Institute featuring the crowning of the Cherry King and an inspirational keynote speaker with a tale of overcoming adversity...
Okanogan Valley farms growing in the land of perseverance
Growers in Washington’s Okanogan Valley find creative ways to thrive on small parcels.
Small grower cooperative makes a change for the bigger
Okanogan marketing cooperative expands with mid-.
Topworking trees brings down modernization costs
Brothers graft to modernize without debt.
IFTA gathers for annual conference and tours in Yakima, Washington
The International Fruit Tree Association gathered in Yakima, Washington, on Feb. 11 for a week of research talks, technology workshops and orchard tours...
Orchard change without chainsaws
Michigan growers get a look at side grafting.
Jon Puglisi, a young grower from Horsham, Pennsylvania
Jon grew up in a suburb outside of Philadelphia and is pursuing his doctorate in plant pathology at WSU. He’s the son of Christine and Gregory Puglisi.
Washington cherry growers to vote on marketing order referendum
Washington cherry growers: Check your mailbox! Ballots for the continuance referendum on the Washington Cherry Marketing Committee are in the mail...
Apple industry discusses collective marketing
A new industry conversation considers declining consumption and what collective apple marketing could look like in the modern era.
Grand Tasting highlights final day of WineVit
Niche varieties such as Chenin Blanc, Semillon and sparkling Lemberger Blanc de Noir — and the opportunities that could come with them — were on the menu Wednesday during the Grand Tasting event at WineVit...
DIY vineyard rootstock trials
Experts encourage wine grape growers to seek their own rootstock answers.
WineVit State of the Industry session looks at national challenges to wine consumption and local opportunities for growth
Speakers shared a lot of data during the WineVit State of the Industry session, to paint a picture of the challenges at play and chart paths forward...
Apple industry feeling the squeeze from economic pressures
With prices down and costs up, apple industry looks at strategies for weathering the downturn.
WineVit opens with a discussion on diversity in the wine industry
Who are the wine drinkers of the future? Who are the future workers — at every level — to drive success? Almost certainly, it’s going to be a more diverse community than in the industry’s past...
Hansen: Smoke science research advances
Website will provide latest smoke resources to the wine industry.
Survey to help develop sustainability metrics for Pacific Northwest apple industry
Apple growers in the Pacific Northwest are needed to participate in a survey that will support the development of a life cycle assessment and help develop region-specific solutions to address climate change challenges...
USApple announces 2024 NextGen Apple Fellowship Class
The U.S. Apple Association announced in a news release the newest members of its leadership development program, the NextGen Apple Fellowship...
Frei: Shaping the future of the Washington wine industry
New director looking toward innovation and collaboration to shape the next era of the Washington wine industry.
Discolor diagnostics for storage disorders
Cornell studies storage disorders in MAIA-1 apple.
Apple industry investigating benefits of dynamic storage technology
Grant will support research into best practices for dynamic controlled atmosphere storage.
Luis Gaitan, a young grower from Royal City, Washington
family background/Luis is a second-generation farmer who is studying horticulture at Wenatchee Valley College while working at Washington Fruit and Produce. He is the son of Angelica Barajas Birrueta and Manuel Gaitan.
Innovations and renovations for Indiana’s Oliver Winery
A willingness to experiment with cultivars in their climate helped a pioneering Indiana winery grow, but now it’s narrowing the field to the most successful selections.
Mount Adams reschedules pear pruning tour in Washington’s Columbia Gorge
Mount Adams Fruit orchard managers have rescheduled their annual pruning tour to Feb. 8, due to weather...
Checking out cherries in storage
Successful storage of Washington cherries needs more study. Washington State University’s Carolina Torres is leading the way.
Berries on hold with high-tech, low-pressure storage
Low-pressure storage chambers extend blueberry storage six weeks for Washington farm.
Planar peaches ripe for robotic picking
California farm readies for robots with vertical trellis system.
New optical sorter has cherry research lining up with the industry
Washington State University cherry breeding team ready for data from new sorting line.
Elusive solutions for storage disorders
Nova Scotia studies ethylene inhibitors in Honeycrisp and Ambrosia.
Automation advancements in apple harvesting — Video
Robot harvest startups make strides.
Robotic financing for apple farmers
Researchers calculate hypothetical costs of robotic apple harvester.
Pest management a top topic at North Central Washington Tree Fruit Days
The idea of a new year offering a fresh start unfortunately does not apply to pest management in cherry orchards...
Sustainable packaging a hot topic for tree fruit industry
Industry looks to adapt to shoppers’ desires for convenience and sustainability.
Smaller expectations for Washington wine volume
Washington wine industry crush estimate down.
Tree fruit industry under pressure
Hort Show keynote: International trends squeeze fruit growers.
Marketing, Cherry King and motivation punctuate Cherry Institute
The Northwest Cherry Growers gathered on a frigid Friday morning in Yakima for the 81st annual Cherry Institute...
Tart cherry troubles for U.S. growers
Pricing, imports and weather-related crop losses lead to industry uncertainty.
Concord cash prices create confusion
Cash prices for Washington juice grapes crash — on average — leaving some growers confident and others uncertain.
Andrew Stirling, a young grower from Centreville, Nova Scotia
Andrew is a fourth-generation farmer who manages the family farm with his brother, Timothy, and uncle, Stephen. He is married to Hope and is the son of Mark Stirling.
Pruning planar pear systems
Mount Adams Fruit shows off high-density pear systems in Washington's Columbia Basin.
USDA agrees to purchase more apples
The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service will accept bids until Jan. 11 for a total of $60 million in fresh apples and $40 million in processed apples...
Compressed cherry crop crisis
Overlapping harvests along the West Coast diminished cherry prices and shipments.
Indian market reopening for apples
Washington state exporters shipping more apples to India.
Wiggs: Consider the costs for crop insurance
A Washington cherry grower shares why crop insurance is critical for her farm, the cherry industry and her ability to sleep at night.
Small purchases, big payoffs for family-owned vineyard
Washington grape grower sees efficiency and quality gains from modest mechanical investments.