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
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
Pruning robot makes the first cut
Years of testing in robotics labs and virtual orchard simulations prepared a pruning robot for its debut trial in a UFO-trained cherry block.
Weeds that foster disease
As researchers learn more about the leafhoppers that transmit X disease, the weeds they feed on have become a management concern.
Two-year trip from vine to wine
Walla Walla Community College program enters its 20th year, attracting students from across the country to prepare for wine careers.
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
Codling moth control: The math on mating disruption
The most effective approaches for codling moth mating disruption are based on trapping data.
Vineyards adopting a flexible philosophy
Labor challenges require new ways of doing business in the vineyard.
Keep the peach in reach
Pedestrian orchards keep labor costs in check for Idaho growers.
Electri-fried weed control trials underway
Oregon State University leads electric current project with potential for organic weed control in blueberries, apples and almonds.
Colorado replants and reimagines
Following a killing freeze, some family fruit farms are reconsidering their future.
An uncertain path for a Colorado family farm
Organic grower reflects on the future of his family farm after back-to-back disasters and the ongoing threat of drought.
Apple expectations
A Colorado fruit-growing family refocuses on apples — and cider.
Growing out of green spot
Growing evidence suggests green spot in WA 38 is similar to bitter pit, and incidence is declining as trees mature and settle down.
New scientists, new research directions
USDA programs take on soil health and postharvest research for tree fruit and grapes.
Proposed rule could mean cooling complications
Experts uncertain about how the FDA’s proposed ag water quality rule will impact orchardists.
Washington state to survey growers about perceptions of commodity commissions
The Washington State Auditor’s Office is conducting an audit of the effectiveness of the state’s
CMI Orchards announces certification with Equitable Food Initiative
A major Washington grower, CMI Orchards, recently announced that one of its primary growers, McDougall
Phoning in precision
App-based approach collects data for each step of a precision crop load management process.
Computer vision has its eyes on precision
University research and R&D from ag tech companies converge on the practice of precision crop load management.
Record price of $375 per ton set for canning pears is welcome news to start the season
Northwest Bartlett pear growers and processors are all going into the 2022 growing season with
Defoliators have growers seeing red
In apple regions where climate conditions leave growers looking for a color boost, interest in pneumatic leaf removers is blowing up.
Yakima Valley fruit company E.W. Brandt & Sons announces expansion
E.W. Brandt & Sons, a Yakima Valley, Washington, fruit company that owns RemBrandt Masterpiece Fruit,
War in the heart of Europe’s apple production region may change the global picture for apple exports, according to Washington Apple Commission
The Russian invasion of Ukraine is not just a humanitarian and political crisis, it’s also
Green light for biocontrol
SWD–killing wasp is given federal approval for release.
IPM ambitions
Researchers focus on sustainable, integrated pest management solutions for SWD.
From entomology to engineering
Oregon State University researcher takes spotted wing drosophila control from concept to commercialization.
From trap catch to control
Eradication effort planned for Japanese beetle population in Washington’s Yakima Valley.
Testing the testing tools
Better little cherry disease detection tools top the cherry industry’s research priority list.
Little cherry disease: Removing the root risk — Video
New research project by OSU, WSU aims to learn more about the risks posed by replanting after little cherry disease.
Seeking efficiencies for tart cherry growers
Hopes for high-density plantings not panning out, so tart cherry researchers turn to technology.