Matt Milkovich is an associate editor at Good Fruit Grower magazine. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Milkovich expands our coverage of the Eastern U.S. fruit growing regions and provides a perspective from east of the Mississippi.
Milkovich earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Michigan State University and served as the former managing editor of Fruit Growers News and Vegetable Growers News, where he worked for more than 12 years. He also worked as a communications manager at MSU and as managing editor of a trade magazine covering the manufactured housing industry.
With a self-professed fondness for writing about farming — and especially fruit — Milkovich brings a depth of experience and enthusiasm for our industry.
Phone: 616-633-5669 — Email
My Recent Articles
Tech to take on the future
New York wine industry conference focuses on the changing landscape.
To predict bitter pit, let it sit
Passive model predicts bitter pit percentage in Honeycrisp.
Don’t trust, verify
Growers test products to make sure they work.
A lot of choices for cherry rootstocks
Options range from tried-and-true to new and experimental.
Progressive Pennsylvanians
Slaybaugh family’s “orchard facelift” targets modernizing and mechanizing.
Some ground rules for breaking ground
IFTA panel offers soil prep, rootstock and planting tips.
Let’s make a meal deal for guest workers
Wisconsin orchard finds efficient way to feed its H-2A workers.
New York faces a new reality with fire blight
State’s growers are dealing with frequent fire blight outbreaks.
Downpours and drainage
Heavy storms hitting Pennsylvania orchards harder; growers share how they are dealing with the deluge.
CIAB names Heather Weber new executive director
The Cherry Industry Administrative Board (CIAB), the tart cherry industry’s federal marketing order, has named
Adams’ apples, plus peaches and pears
IFTA tours Pennsylvania: Fresh sales, high-density plantings and precision ag on display in Adams County.
IFTA digs into RAD
Researchers narrowing in on causes of rapid apple decline.
Frost defense by air and ground
Penn State studies autonomous frost protection in orchards.
Lidar technology aims for accurate sprays — Video
Lidar sensor measures canopy density and adjusts spray settings automatically.
Remembering Bruce Hollabaugh: 1980–2022
Bruce Hollabaugh on the farm during pear harvest at Hollabaugh Bros. near Biglerville, Pennsylvania, last
Blocking bees by netting trees
Nets can reduce fruit set by limiting pollination.
New stone fruit thinner now available
New product can reduce need for hand labor.
A vision in hand
Minnesota company offers handheld data gathering.
Computer eyes on the crop load
X-Vision system aids crop load management from blossom to harvest.
Bruce Hollabaugh: 1980–2022
Pennsylvania grower leaves a lasting legacy.
Spotted lanternfly finding more spots
Invasive pest moving to new feeding grounds.
The redder the better
Reflective fabric helps color Honeycrisp.
Nematodes vs. SWD
Soil predation could lower pest numbers.
Crush, cook, cover or compost?
Michigan State University team seeks best way to remove fruit waste as a source for spotted wing drosophila.
Managing blueberry diseases in Michigan
MSU pathologist encourages more biologicals in blueberry spray programs.
Watch for blueberry viruses
WSU virologist says Eastern Washington blueberry growers need to be on alert.
IFTA Day 3: Pennsylvania by conference room
Michigan State University Extension specialist Anna Wallis discusses chemical thinners at the International Fruit Tree
Airblast from above
Drones present new spraying option for Michigan fruit.
IFTA Day 2: Pennsylvania by bus
Pennsylvania grower Blake Slaybaugh, right, discusses pruning techniques and rootstocks with members of the International
Cultivating climate resilience
Great Lakes fruit growers must adjust to rising heat and precipitation.