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
The margins of mechanization
Oregon State University economist assesses the costs and benefits of mechanizing vineyard tasks.
Washington’s drought worsens
A recent spell of rainy weather hasn’t helped much. Washington’s drought has officially gotten worse
Cherry growers gather to update crop estimate
Growers and industry representatives from five Northwest cherry producing states predicted a crop of about
Northwest Cherry Growers estimate 24.9 million boxes, third largest crop
Cherry growers in the Northwest have announced their first crop estimate of the season, and
USDA proposes Fuji grading changes
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has proposed a change to apple grading standards.
Earlier this week,
Working holidays a lifestyle for some ag workers
Traveling, camping workers pitch in for British Columbia’s busy tree fruit season.
More changes for BC Tree Fruits
British Columbia’s largest fruit company has purchased land on which to build a new packing
Easing restrictions for farmworker housing
Federal ag housing loans now open to H-2A employers.
Seneca to close pear plant
Seneca Foods is getting out of the processed pear business and will shutter its Sunnyside,
A gift of genetic diversity
University of Idaho turns donated Sandpoint orchard, retreat facility into organic educational center.
DIY science in the orchard
Extension educator shares tips for managing on-farm experiments.
Mumps hits farmworkers
Health authorities have moved about 25 workers exposed to mumps into isolated houses in response
Follow a map to find your soil needs
Mapping soils to fertilize with variable rates has advantages.
Blue Bird plans to rebuild after fire
Central Washington fruit packer Blue Bird to replace warehouse destroyed in early March fire.
Cornell roots for Geneva rootstocks
During IFTA annual meeting, researchers urge local growers to give N.Y.-bred Geneva roots a try before settling for Bud.9.
A window to the roots
WSU scientist using rhizotrons, or root windows, to study the growth of trees underground.
Not your usual graft
New York grower experiments with beaver grafts, shares technique during IFTA tour.
BC Tree Fruits hires CEO, CFO
BC Tree Fruits, a grower cooperative that packs most of British Columbia’s apples, has permanently
Irrigating grapes: water less, water early
WSU viticulturist shares irrigation tips for juice and wine grapes.
Growers, researchers earn IFTA awards
Annual awards from the International Fruit Tree Association recognize industry leaders.
New York growers moving toward the money
Processing is still prevalent, but growers are adopting newer varieties, technologies and techniques to shift a bigger percentage of their fruit to the more lucrative fresh market.
Punjabi growers help advance British Columbia’s tree fruit industry
Hardworking heritage and willingness to invest are keys to success for some families.
Protecting fruit from cold with spray-on jackets
WSU researchers trying to insulate fruit trees with cellulose nanocrystals.
New technology explores pollination automation
Israeli tech company working to develop automated pollination.
Orchardists testing bee-attractant paste
Yakima, Washington, start-up markets potent lure to boost pollination.
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.