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
Another Cosmic lawsuit filed
Management company accuses nursery of illegal propagation of WA 38 trees.
USDA grant funds robotic pollination research at WSU
A Washington State University researcher has won a grant worth nearly $1 million to invent
Hot start continues for Cosmic Crisp
In Washington State University study, second-leaf Cosmic Crisp packouts surpass third-leaf results.
Birds flee when drones fly
WSU researchers test unmanned aerial systems as bird deterrents.
Farming amid the coronavirus
Growers find ways large and small to farm safely during the pandemic.
Coronavirus causing distancing disruptions
With regulations in flux on rules for housing temporary workers, many questions remain as the busy harvest time approaches.
Use extra caution when handling leave requests
With many new regulations, employment lawyer telling growers to "walk through it carefully."
WAEF scholarship recipient donates back with first paycheck
Neftali Garcia A Washington Apple Education Foundation scholarship recipient has donated a portion of his
States issue more coronavirus farming rules
Disinfecting high-touch surfaces several times a day is among new agricultural mandates from Washington Gov.
Bees take an indoor break
Washington State University continues research into indoor bee storage with trials in shipping containers.
Combining efforts to boost return on mechanization
Vineyard managers use mechanical tools in tandem to stretch labor savings.
Chinese cherries a growing industry
Key export market for Northwest U.S. producers rapidly ramps up its domestic production of revered fruit.
Taking on the challenge of cherries
Veteran growers offer words of encouragement, advice.
Developing digital demand
Marketers scramble to create online impulse shopping for cherries post-coronavirus.
Time for more grapevine testing
Washington State University virologist encourages grape growers to test more often.
Washington allows bunk beds during pandemic
Bunk beds in Washington are still in. The state Department of Labor and Industries issued
Northwest Cherry Growers holds virtual 5-state annual meeting
The annual 5-state meeting of Cherry Growers Northwest, normally held in a Richland, Washington, hotel,
Tree fruit groups respond to walkouts with crisis management advice
Tree fruit industry associations issued advice late Tuesday to production companies after workers at a
Washington provides free masks for farmworkers
The state of Washington is giving out 50,000 free cloth masks for farmworkers through agricultural
Phone apps automate labor management
More employees using phones to tap in and out as growers turn to phone apps to automate human resources and payroll.
Oregon delays pandemic rules enforcement
Action on bunk-bed ban postponed until June 1.
Farmers prepare for housing during pandemic
Farm employer advice regarding the coronavirus rolls out as growers prepare for seasonal labor housing.
Soil pits get the view from below — Video
Washington State University Extension specialist advises digging soil pits to assess irrigation and nutrition.
Oregon issues pandemic farming rules
Emergency regs ban bunk beds in worker housing.
Orchards facing an unwanted legacy
Washington environmental authorities look for ways to screen historic orchard properties for lead and arsenic of yesteryear.
G.935 research results inconclusive
Researchers still can’t blame Geneva 935 rootstock declines on virus.
Gettin’ wiggy with it — Video
Researcher determines earwigs control woolly apple aphid without damaging fruit.
Seeing things in a different light
Ste. Michelle specialist shares her strategies for remote sensing.
A new chapter for growers
U.S. farm bankruptcies on the rise; changes to law further expand eligibility.
Expanded coverage for trees
Federal government releases tree insurance program sought by industry.