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
Disaster declaration approved for Washington cherry growers
On March 18, the U.S. Department of Agriculture approved Washington’s request for a natural disaster designation due to losses during last year’s cherry crop...
Oregon disaster declaration gives cherry growers access to emergency loans
The U.S. Department of Agriculture approved Oregon’s request for a natural disaster designation after the state’s cherry growers lost an average of 35 percent of their crop...
Navigating the new Washington wine landscape — Video
Washington wine industry looks at positioning itself for success in an era of shifting consumer demands.
Pushback on cherry powdery mildew
After a dry-season respite in recent years, powdery mildew pressure is back in Northwest cherry orchards.
Evidence for inaction with psylla control
New thresholds for pest and predator monitoring can give growers more data for IPM decisions.
South Africa on the IFTA schedule
Registration is open for the International Fruit Tree Association’s study tour in South Africa, scheduled for December...
Hansen: Mealybug focus for Washington vineyards
Sustainable management of grape mealybug a top priority for Washington wine industry.
Canker menace makes a comeback
Northwest cherry growers fight against oozing outbreaks and signs of antibiotic resistance.
Science puts a spotlight on leafhopper species
One leafhopper species appears responsible for most of Washington’s X disease transmission. Scientists are studying it from every aspect to offer growers more sustainable control strategies.
It pays to prevent further X disease infections
A new economic analysis shows the value of removing trees infected with X disease.
IFTA honors leaders amid research updates
On the final day of the International Fruit Tree Association’s annual meeting in Yakima, Washington, Feb. 14, the group took a break from orchard innovation and technology talks to honor members for their significant contributions to the industry...
Cherry King, motivation and marketing punctuate Cherry Institute
The Northwest Cherry Growers gathered in January for the 81st annual Cherry Institute featuring the crowning of the Cherry King and an inspirational keynote speaker with a tale of overcoming adversity...
IFTA gathers for annual conference and tours in Yakima, Washington
The International Fruit Tree Association gathered in Yakima, Washington, on Feb. 11 for a week of research talks, technology workshops and orchard tours...
Washington cherry growers to vote on marketing order referendum
Washington cherry growers: Check your mailbox! Ballots for the continuance referendum on the Washington Cherry Marketing Committee are in the mail...
Apple industry discusses collective marketing
A new industry conversation considers declining consumption and what collective apple marketing could look like in the modern era.
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...
Apple industry investigating benefits of dynamic storage technology
Grant will support research into best practices for dynamic controlled atmosphere storage.
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.
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...
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...
Concord cash prices create confusion
Cash prices for Washington juice grapes crash — on average — leaving some growers confident and others uncertain.
Overtime hours create a harvest handicap for farmers
For small growers relying on local labor, Washington’s overtime pay rules hamper harvest logistics.
Compressed cherry crop crisis
Overlapping harvests along the West Coast diminished cherry prices and shipments.
Tech talks to bring together ag industry and innovators
New director of WSU’s ag tech center plans more collaboration with growers and tech companies to deliver new tools and technologies.
Washington’s FirstFruits Farms acquires Applewood Orchards of Michigan
FirstFruits Farms of Washington has acquired Applewood Orchards and Applewood Fresh Growers of Michigan...
Washington Winegrowers welcomes new executive director, Colleen Frei
In the new year, the Washington Winegrowers Association will welcome a new executive director...
Prengaman: Scale and speed bumps for technology in tree fruit
A case study in crop load management: The challenges encountered as new technology tried to find its footing in the fruit industry can illustrate the speed bumps to ag tech success.