Kate Prengaman is an associate 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
Pollination calculation: Every bee counts
Online tool helps growers assess how much pollination they get from wild bees.
Raising a stink for BMSB research
Raising colonies of brown marmorated stink bugs helps researchers identify more IPM-friendly tools for management.
Native natural enemies
Researchers looking at native cousins of the Asian parasitoid wasp that targets brown marmorated stink bug.
SWD resistance a red flag for organic growers
The only organic insecticide for spotted wing drosophila is losing efficacy as the pest gains resistance in berry production region of California.
USDA announces funds to fight spotted lanternfly
The fight against spotted lanternfly in Pennsylvania got a $6.5 million boost this week with
Spotted lanternfly a new grape threat
Swarms of feeding spotted lanternfly can kill a vineyard. Will the Pennsylvania quarantine be able to keep them from spreading?
Unravelling the mysteries of the grapevine leaffolder
New wine grape pest in one Washington region turns out to be cousin of common California leaffolder.
Stopping shoot blight
Researchers investigate new ways to protect trees without sacrificing growth.
Viral link examined in rapid apple decline
Researchers have uncovered a new virus associated with the mysterious, rapid collapse of young dwarf apple trees, but discovering if it’s the culprit will require more research.
Little cherry disease creates a big problem
Little cherry disease may be approaching epidemic levels.
Spray researchers aim to catch their drift: Video
New drift assessment survey underway to improve models that predict pesticide drift risk and potentially preclude unnecessarily restrictive labels.
Steering the research on spray drift
UW researcher takes the wheel for drift data collection.
A galling problem for grape growers
Crown gall survey uncovers clean plant confusion, shortages in Washington vineyards.
Advice for avoiding harvest headaches
Grower panel offers tips and perspective for finishing the growing season on a high (quality) note.
Extra cuticle cuts water demand in the vineyard
Researcher targeting spotted wing drosophila finds coating good for water-saving application.
Nonpesticidal controls for SWD
OSU researcher shares two new products showing promise in fighting spotted wing drosophila.
Converting to a 2D canopy creates a new dimension for growers
Transitioning a tall spindle system to a narrow fruiting wall increases potential for mechanization, but still requires hand pruning.
Eastern growers exploring an early start for blossom thinning
Workshop at the Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention aims to introduce Eastern U.S. apple growers to new tools available for blossom thinning.
Grape growers feeling the stress of berry splits
Washington State University researcher studies the details of why grapes split.
Biofungicide shows promise for cherry packers
First commercial use of natamycin in cherry packing last season reported successful.
Go with the flow for cold storage efficiency
Considering airflow and efficient cold storage design helps protect fruit quality and lowers energy costs.
Ozone filling a void for fruit packers
Organic storage and food safety needs drive renewed interest in ozone technology.
Clean Plant Center exports mostly on hold
Exports of clean tree fruit budwood on hold while center cleans up paperwork processes.
Click pruning techniques for Cosmic Crisp
Researchers travel to orchards across Washington to share tips for pruning WA 38.
Washington State Grape Society awards
Grape Society President Bill Riley presented the organization’s annual awards at the Washington State Grape
Higher prices for juice grape growers in 2018
Things are looking up for Washington’s Concord grape growers, though there may be fewer of
Apple marketers like social media
Facebook, YouTube and pop-up stores giving marketers new tools to introduce consumers to club apples.
New tool helps growers budget for climate change
New web tool lets growers see projected climate impacts on their own farms to support long-term decision making.
Virus cloning may lead to leafroll control
Cloning a destructive grapevine virus will help researchers understand it and, potentially, learn how to stop it.
Young growers learning and growing together
Field day and workshop events for early career industry professionals provide support and encouragement.