Kate Prengaman is the editor for Good Fruit Grower, writing articles for the print magazine and website. She earned her bachelor’s degree in biology and environmental science at the College of William and Mary and a master’s degree in science journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Kate joined the magazine in 2016. Prior to the Good Fruit Grower, she covered the natural resources beat for the Yakima Herald-Republic and reported environmental stories for the Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism. She lives in Yakima with her husband and two daughters.
Contact her at 509-853-3518 or at kate@goodfruit.com and follow her on twitter @kprengaman
My Recent Articles
2021 Cherry Institute spotlights Northwest cherry successes
Of all produce, cherries showed the highest percentage of dollar growth in March to September
Cherry Institute and Tree Fruit Days go virtual
Series of webinars next week organized by WSU Extension feature cherry, apple and pear priorities.
Washington considers new grape pest quarantine rules
Industry-backed rule changes would reduce risk of pest and disease spread.
Grape stats for 2020: good, bad and ugh-ly
Concord growers enjoy rising demand and prices, while Washington wine grape growers struggle with reduced demand, smoke concerns.
WAVEx webinar to help grape growers do the mechanization math
The Washington State Wine Commission invites grape growers to a free webinar about the economics
Family farm finds a fruitful future
New ventures in cider, wine and pear pizza bring more visitors and stronger financial footing to an Oregon fruit farm.
IFTA shares details on virtual February meeting
What’s a winter IFTA meeting without that tingling sensation of cold toes during a snowy
Off-farm income on the farm
For many growers, off-farm jobs support their ability to farm.
Flyby for fertilizer management
New $4.75 million grant supports High-Resolution Vineyard Nutrient Management project to develop sensor-based management strategies.
A farm is born
A couple who both grew up in farm families share the experience of starting their own.
Can a lucky find now find a home?
Yakima-area grower hopes high-density-friendly habit of his apple can help it break through.
Washington state fines Gebbers Farms $2 million for COVID-19 violations
Summer deaths of two H-2A employees spurred investigations of health and safety violations in housing and transport.
Soil amendment Agro Gold banned in Washington, Oregon and California due to unlabeled herbicide content
Similar orders issued after testing in California and Oregon.
X disease headlines Hort Show morning session
Day 2 of NW Hort Show starts with focus on pests and diseases.
Industry leaders recognized at 2020 Hort Show
The virtual meeting format didn’t stop the Washington tree fruit industry from recognizing industry leaders
Profit by precision: 2020 Good Fruit Grower of the Year
2020 Grower of the Year Rod Farrow reflects on a career on the leading edge of precision horticulture in New York.
Nonfamily traditions: 2020 Good Fruit Grower of the Year
Farrow shares insights on planning successful farm transitions.
The king of crop load: 2020 Good Fruit Grower of the Year
Precision crop load management drives Farrow’s success.
Success starts in the nursery: 2020 Good Fruit Grower of the Year
For detail-driven Farrow, designer trees produced in the home nursery provide the best start for super spindle orchards.
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.
Grapevine trunk disease tactics
Minnesota growers study how to manage grapevine trunk disease in their cold climate.
Crop estimates and smoke taint talks at Day 2 of the Grape Society meeting
Grape harvest in 2020 fell far below recent averages for both juice and wine grapes
Smoke scrutiny heats up in wine research
Wine scientists in Washington, Oregon and California plan research to answer critical industry questions about smoke damage to grapes and wine.
Pear potential in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania growers take another look at pears.
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
Tips for finding phylloxera — Video
WSU researchers share tips on where, when and how to scout for root-feeding pest.
Operation eradication
The Washington State Department of Agriculture’s Asian giant hornet eradication team, wearing hornet-proof protective suits,
Dead spotted lanternfly found in Oregon nursery
First Pacific Northwest find illustrates the threat of the invasive vineyard pest.
The club crowd
Apple growers, packers, retailers and consumers are all trying to find their way in the growing maze of managed varieties.
The pandemic press on apple marketing
Marketers, retailers respond to a year of chaos for consumers.