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
Branded variety news: Mardi Gras pear makes debut; SugarBee apple program expands
A new pear variety is hitting store shelves in February, marketed under the brand name Mardi Gras by Domex Superfresh Growers of Yakima, Washington.
Hansen: A clear objective for smoke research
Washington State Wine Commission is taking a multipronged approach.
More grape growers going grafting
Growers share the pros and cons of grafting during Washington State Grape Society annual meeting.
2023 Cherry Institute hits Yakima
The 80th annual Cherry Institute in Yakima kicked off with a look back at the 2022 crop from B.J. Thurlby, president of the Northwest Cherry Growers, which hosts the event.
Lower exportations for Washington fruit industry
Crop sizes, global upheavals and market fluctuations are forcing exporters to rethink Washington’s apple destinations.
Ag HR goes online
Employee management software options bring digital efficiency to record keeping, hiring, training, payroll and communication.
Investor owners remain interested in agriculture — Video
Who would buy an apple business right now? Investors, who are betting that access to more cashflow will better position their properties for the long haul.
Concord prices continue gaining
Outlook remains strong for Washington Concord industry.
Are they nuts for hazelnuts?
There’s a new tree crop popping up in the fruit-focused Yakima Valley, planted by growers looking for a low-input alternative.
EPA proposes new rules for rodenticide use
The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing new regulations for the use of nearly a dozen
Carbon calculations for Washington orchards
As interest grows on the climate implications of agriculture, it raises questions the industry needs more research to answer.
NW Hort Show Day 3 focused on little cherry disease
Scientists shared the latest research findings at the little cherry disease session on the final morning of the Washington State Tree Fruit Association Annual Meeting in Wenatchee on Dec. 7.
Washington industry leaders honored at annual meeting banquet
During the Washington State Tree Fruit Association Annual Meeting banquet on Dec. 6, the association
NW Hort Show highlights: Day 2
Day 2 of the NW Hort Show went deep into soil health, rootstock selection, ag investments and regulation.
Building their legacy: McDougall and Sons, 2022 Good Fruit Growers of the Year
Good Fruit Grower recognizes the McDougall family of Wenatchee, Washington, for innovative company culture and generosity with the industry.
Putting packaging first: 2022 Good Fruit Growers of the Year
Change is the big constant at McDougall and Sons’ packing facility outside East Wenatchee.
Ambrosia changed everything: 2022 Good Fruit Growers of the Year
Investing in new varieties early gave the McDougall family the reason and the resources to grow.
Research welcome: 2022 Good Fruit Growers of the Year
McDougall and Sons’ research investments and partnerships net benefits for all growers.
A degree direction
With a new department and chair, WSU will soon offer a V&E degree strengthened by industry connections.
Grape Society holds annual meeting to share research findings and crop updates, recognize industry members
Gary Schrimsher was honored with the Lloyd H. Porter Grower of the Year award by
Virtual soil health conference to be held in February
Want to learn more about soil health and the Washington Soil Health Initiative? Growers and
Family farm driven to diversify
The Karstetter family expanded into row crops to help the third-generation growers build capital and keep the orchards in the family.
Rep. Newhouse, joined by industry members, urges Senate to vote on Farm Workforce Modernization Act before end of legislative session
In a Yakima press conference, Washington Rep. Dan Newhouse urged his Senate colleagues to take action on the Farm Workforce Modernization Act before this legislative session ends at the end of the year.
Reaching the next level on Red Mountain
Red Mountain AVA’s founding family business continues into the third generation.
The shade sweet spot
Growers and researcher look to find the balance between sunburn protection and color development by pulling back shade nets before harvest.
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.
New ways to spray
Field day by Washington State Grape Society and WSU focuses on pest control technologies.
Priority: labor
Northwest Horticultural Council takes new steps on labor regulations, retains ag labor lawyer to work on H-2A policy.
Cosmic Crisp field day focuses on horticulture research and commercial experience
Washington growers expect to wait at least another month to begin harvesting WA 38, according to growers who opened their orchards to a preharvest tour organized by Washington State University on Sept. 15.
IFTA tour covers all the hot topics
After its tour was postponed in 2020, the International Fruit Tree Association returned to check in on an industry facing headwinds.