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
Cold damage by degrees on Northeast apple trees
Cold snaps hitting rootstock shanks might be cause of tree decline.
Studies dig into New York soil health
Cornell research explores complexities of New York soil.
Protecting your ground for beneficial insects
Relaxing weed management can help preserve natural enemies.
New York’s horticulture heroes
Western New York growers optimize yields, quality and color.
Get wise about your water
Preharvest water risk assessment regulations take effect for large farms this month and for smaller farms next April.
Controlling crop load with nothing but nets?
How nets can manage organic crop loads.
Bee management is often better with beekeepers
More bees, bigger colonies boost on-farm pollination.
The thinking on cider apple thinning
Managing crop load for hard and sweet cider.
Spotted lanternfly strategies for vineyards
Researchers have bad news and good news for spotted lanternfly management.
Fighting fruit pests from the air
Spray drones show promise controlling pests in grapes and tree fruit.
Netting for bird control
Protective nets can limit feeding damage in Michigan sweet cherries.
In a spot with cherry leaf spot
Growers return to copper fungicides for cherry leaf spot control.
Disease decisions for stone fruit
Stone fruit pathogens need consistent management, though options are limited.
Third generation of moths unwelcome
Penn State entomologist shares updates on codling moth complications.
International Fruit Tree Association honors industry contributors
The International Fruit Tree Association presented several awards during its 68th annual conference in Rochester, New York, Feb. 16–19...
Crab apples may hold keys for fire blight resistance
Understanding fire blight resistance in wild North American apples could improve control methods in commercial crops.
IFTA conference covers bitter pit
The third and final day of the International Fruit Tree Association’s 68th annual conference in Rochester, New York, on Feb. 19 covered a lot of topics, including the postharvest disorder bitter pit...
IFTA annual meeting starts off with precision crop load
The Precision Apple Cropload Management project is nearing completion, and project leader and Cornell University horticulture professor Terence Robinson is ready to share some results...
Vine-tuning vineyard forecasts
ColdSnap tool will predict bud cold hardiness.
Stub cut considerations
Ideal stub length depends on variety, vigor and other factors.
Bad news bugs
Entomologist shares the latest research on three common apple pests.
Making an estate winery work in northern Ohio
Growers adding up the acres and successes.
Connecting the dots for successful fruit storage
Scientists continue to explore causes of fruit storage outcomes.
Tart cherry groups name Cohn as new president
The Cherry Industry Administrative Board and Cherry Marketing Institute have named Amy Cohn as their new president...
Wine grapes bred to chill
Interest rising in cold-hardy grapes after destructive Northern winters.
A tale of two seasons for spotted wing drosophila
Researchers dial in on SWD management in Michigan.
Ground control for cider apple harvest
Three-year, USDA-funded project aims to show hard-cider apples can be safely picked off the ground.
Price pivots for apple producers
Growers seeking greater profits in organic and direct-retail markets.
Growers grappling with laws, labor and lawsuits
New laws push farm labor union efforts in New York and California.
Fresh transitions for Michigan cherry growers
Michigan growers tightening sweet cherry plantings.