Ross Courtney is an associate editor for Good Fruit Grower, writing articles and taking photos for the print magazine and website. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Pacific Lutheran University.
Courtney worked as a writer, photographer and video producer for the Yakima Herald-Republic starting in 2000, covering agriculture, education and local government. He was the author of the Herald-Republic‘s popular Crop Lines blog.
Earlier in his career, he worked as a communications specialist for a Pasco, Washington, company representing agricultural groups. Before that, he covered sports for the Tri-City Herald.
Courtney joined the magazine in 2015. He lives in Prosser with his family.
Follow the author — Contact: 509-930-8798 or Email
My Recent Articles
A variety of options for pear breeding
Pear research leaders suggest launching cultivar breeding program.
Getting misty for evaporative cooling
WSU researcher works on evaporative cooling for wine grapes.
What to do with the wrong rootstocks
How to adjust horticulturally to the wrong rootstocks.
Nurseries recognize rootstocks with mistaken identity
Errors in the supply chain cause deliveries of incorrect cherry rootstocks, but new technology may help prevent future errors.
It pays to promote
Northwest U.S. tree fruit groups put trade conflict mitigation funds to work.
China ramps up cherries
Presentation about Chinese production increases highlights Cherry Institute.
2020 Cherry King crowned
Dena Ybarra given annual honor at Cherry Institute.
Tart cherry growers feeling the squeeze
Producers battling SWD, imports and changing tastes.
Easing tart cherry trade troubles
After years of challenges for U.S. tart cherry industry, some recent victories offer promising signs.
Peter Landolt, 1952–2019
Longtime USDA entomologist dead at 66.
Grape juice prices getting better
U.S. juice grape prices inch up as production and demand fall in line.
Tissue culture startup shuts down
Millions of trees in limbo after tissue culture company Phytelligence enters receivership.
More growers count in census count update
Ag census methodology change recognizes a broader array of growers.
H-2A poised for change
Proposed laws and regulations aim to make the H-2A program more affordable, accessible.
Growers tracking chemical controversies measure for measure
Concerns rising on whether public opinion undermines science on chemical registration process.
Fix those broken bins
Manufacturer of plastic bins suggests trying repairs before trashing or recycling them.
Just add water: Packaged nematodes bred to devour pests — Video
Washington grower tries nematodes to knock down codling moths.
Apple license plate proposed
Washington senator proposes apple-themed license plate to benefit education foundation.
Yes to driverless in Washington orchards
Despite misconceptions, Washington regulations do allow the use of autonomous vehicles in orchards.
Hort Show sessions end with a Cosmic bang
Final day of the WSTFA Annual Meeting includes in-depth Cosmic Crisp and IPM discussions.
Tree fruit industry leaders honored at 2019 Washington awards banquet
Tree fruit industry bestows honors at annual banquet
Hort Show Day 2 afternoon: Fruit set variability predicted to increase
Other research session cover pollinizers, fire blight and little cherry disease.
Hort Show Day 2 morning: Maturity matters and climate impacts
Morning sessions also include FSMA readiness, bitter pit trials and cover crops.
Hort Show Day 1 afternoon: Cost of production and business decisions
Speakers share how rising costs and lower prices may spell an industry downturn and consolidation.
Apple growers drop wage lawsuit
Now that harvest is over, a group of Washington apple producers have dropped their lawsuit
Washington orchards host robotic arms race — Video
Developments in harvest automation continue but fall short of commercialization.
Of hair and horticulture: 2019 Good Fruit Grower of the Year
Dain Craver’s personality drives his passion and career.
Walk the talk: 2019 Good Fruit Grower of the Year
Dain Craver contributes to industry through education.
Fervent for fruit: 2019 Good Fruit Grower of the Year
Enthusiasm drives the work of Washington’s Dain Craver, the 2019 Good Fruit Grower of the Year.
Washington Apple Week takes local growers to global markets
Apple Commission launches campaign in 14 export countries.