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
Orchard pests also pose problems in the lab
Fickle pests vex entomologists studying how to kill them.
IFTA to tour California July 16–18
The International Fruit Tree Association has set the dates of its 2024 California summer tour...
Mapping innovation for the Washington tree fruit industry
Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission updates its Technology Roadmap.
Integrating IPM in pear orchards — Video
Pear growers share experiences switching to softer psylla control.
Producing and emitting befuddling pheromones
Companies begin process of commercializing grape mealybug pheromone.
Moffitt to leave Pear Bureau Northwest
Later this year, Kevin Moffitt will begin leaving Pear Bureau Northwest after 35 years with the nonprofit marketing organization.
Mixed messages for organic apple industry
Organic demand curves give Washington apple marketers pause.
Season-long sprays support organic storage success
Researchers offer best practices for ensuring long-term health when storing organic apples.
Washington’s Smart Orchard gets a new home
Tree fruit industry researchers, growers and technology vendors have selected a young, modern apple orchard near Mattawa, Washington, for the next iteration of the Smart Orchard Project...
Mind your sprayer maintenance —Video
Even smart technology and computer vision requires sound gauges, nozzles and fans on sprayers.
On the road for Day 3 of IFTA
Tour buses fanned out across the Yakima Valley as tree fruit professionals eager to learn visited six orchards on Day 3 of the International Fruit Tree Association winter conference in Washington...
Cherry King, motivation and marketing punctuate Cherry Institute
The Northwest Cherry Growers gathered in January for the 81st annual Cherry Institute featuring the crowning of the Cherry King and an inspirational keynote speaker with a tale of overcoming adversity...
Okanogan Valley farms growing in the land of perseverance
Growers in Washington’s Okanogan Valley find creative ways to thrive on small parcels.
Small grower cooperative makes a change for the bigger
Okanogan marketing cooperative expands with mid-.
Topworking trees brings down modernization costs
Brothers graft to modernize without debt.
Grand Tasting highlights final day of WineVit
Niche varieties such as Chenin Blanc, Semillon and sparkling Lemberger Blanc de Noir — and the opportunities that could come with them — were on the menu Wednesday during the Grand Tasting event at WineVit...
DIY vineyard rootstock trials
Experts encourage wine grape growers to seek their own rootstock answers.
Supporters and detractors of ag overtime changes advocate in Olympia, Washington
Washington farmworkers held rallies and testified at the state capitol in Olympia regarding suggested changes to agricultural overtime mandates...
Mount Adams reschedules pear pruning tour in Washington’s Columbia Gorge
Mount Adams Fruit orchard managers have rescheduled their annual pruning tour to Feb. 8, due to weather...
Planar peaches ripe for robotic picking
California farm readies for robots with vertical trellis system.
New optical sorter has cherry research lining up with the industry
Washington State University cherry breeding team ready for data from new sorting line.
Seeking relief from ag overtime rules
Washington tree fruit industry tries again for seasonal overtime exemption.
Washington farmworkers to rally about overtime in Olympia
Two nonprofit groups are inviting Washington farmworkers to speak about agricultural overtime pay requirements affecting their paychecks at a Jan. 25 rally at the state capitol in Olympia...
Automation advancements in apple harvesting — Video
Robot harvest startups make strides.
Robotic financing for apple farmers
Researchers calculate hypothetical costs of robotic apple harvester.
Sustainable packaging a hot topic for tree fruit industry
Industry looks to adapt to shoppers’ desires for convenience and sustainability.
Smaller expectations for Washington wine volume
Washington wine industry crush estimate down.
Tree fruit industry under pressure
Hort Show keynote: International trends squeeze fruit growers.
Marketing, Cherry King and motivation punctuate Cherry Institute
The Northwest Cherry Growers gathered on a frigid Friday morning in Yakima for the 81st annual Cherry Institute...
Hort council asks growers to seek AEWR freeze
Tree fruit industry officials are asking growers to contact U.S. Senate and House offices to advocate for a freeze of the Adverse Effect Wage Rate at 2023 levels...