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
Researcher spins off pollen suspension
WSU researcher licenses pollen suspension while continuing electrostatic research.
Hyperparasites: enemies of enemies of enemies
Hyperparasitic behavior among the findings of OSU trechnites study.
Genetic control for spotted wing drosophila
University of California, San Diego researchers exploring ways to use genetics to control spotted wing drosophila.
Looking for the sweet spot in powdery mildew resistance
Researcher looks for genetic factors that make sweet cherries less susceptible to the fungal pathogen.
A look at the ins and outs of netting
WSU grad student studies the effect of orchard netting on bugs, both good and bad.
Reflective mulch proves repellent
WSU researcher finds reflective mulch keeps pear psylla out in early season.
Sterile codling moth factory ‘a funky business’
British Columbia moth factory cranks out sterile bugs by the millions.
Breeding bugs to fly and die: Video
Researchers, technology company explore sterile codling moth releases in U.S. apple orchards.
Final IFTA tour stop: Grow to replace
Scott VanDeWalle of VanDeWalle Fruit Farm in Alton, New York, has spent his 36 years
IFTA Heuser lecturer: Start with the problem
Agriculture’s ability to collect data is greater than its ability to model and interpret data,
New Innovator grant targets pesticide residue
Fighting pests by spraying ozonated water and steaming them with hot, highly refined oil vapors:
IFTA bestows awards
Paul Wafler of Wafler Farms was named the Outstanding Grower for 2019 by the International
Managing fire blight for the conventional grower
A collection of the most-repeated tips for fire blight management.
Organic control options for fire blight
OSU researcher shares tips for organic growers battling fire blight.
Phytoplasmas found in stone fruit
Washington cherry growers, by now, know the dangers of phytoplasmas that cause little cherry disease
Digging into soil bacteria and chlorosis
WSU researcher searches for ways to use the connection between soil microbiology and Concord vine health.
Risk reduction has its rewards – Video
Panelists share some key tips to help bring success to your orchard.
BC Tree Fruits restructures
BC Tree Fruits, which packs the bulk of British Columbia’s apples, has laid off a
Highlights in the new Farm Bill
2018 Farm Bill includes several provisions that affect the tree fruit industry.
The small print has a big impact in new Farm Bill
Unexpected language change in Farm Bill adds protections for intellectual property of new varieties.
Advances in automation pump up pear packers
Packing line improvements point to progress on pesky pear packing problems.
A pick of packing house highlights
Packing house highlights: Kershaw innovates old-school style, Washington Fruit stacks with robots and Columbia Fruit finds new vision with improved tunnel.
When using MCP, know your warehouse goals
Timing of MCP treatment depends on the aim of postharvest management.
Cosmic contribution to Clean Plant Center
Using WA 38 graft wood fees, nursery institute donates funds for new growth chamber to Clean Plant Center Northwest.
Peracetic acid shines in sanitizer study
WSU researcher tinkers with sanitizers and best ways to use them.
Warming up to Arctic apples
Canadian developers of first GMO apple plan for expansion.
Driver shortage could mean trouble down the road
Agricultural trucking lobbyist updates apple industry on driver pool, legislative efforts.
Pear industry pitches American-grown canned fruit
Buyers urged to buy American because "Kids CAN taste the difference" between U.S. pears and imports
Financial partners offer growers growing opportunities
Orchardists, packers seek capital from outside investors to modernize and expand.
Investment advice for orchardists
Investment leaders and economists offer tips to consider before you bring on orchard investors.