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
FSMA inspections begin
FSMA inspectors are starting visits to farms, packers.
Cherry estimate drops
The Northwest’s overall sweet cherry crop is now expected to come in smaller than original
Two Washingtons now oversee H-2A
Washington state legislators agree to administer H-2A but turn down adding additional fee for growers.
Exclusive varieties can benefit all growers
Industry groups work to find the right spot for a growing segment of exclusive varieties.
Variety debate
WA 2 lawsuit continues in Washington state courtrooms.
India pulls trigger on apple tariffs
After delaying for nearly a year, India this week slapped an extra tariff on U.S.
Wine grapes show a spectrum of stress
WSU researcher paints nuanced picture of how wine grape varieties respond to water deficits.
Pear processor turns down pear price
Break in Northwest canning pear tradition adds to industry uncertainty.
Try renewal pruning to delay replanting grapevines
Researchers determine ways to extend the life of declining Merlot vines.
Seneca closing pear processing plant
Closure leaves Northwest with only two pear processing facilities.
Rain on the cherry parade
Firm estimates were unavailable, but a rainy month of May has derailed what was projected
Winter cherry modeling is coming
OSU researcher builds cherry bud cold hardiness model for AgWeatherNet.
Cherry marketers testing foreign waters
Northwest Cherries experiments with developing markets in three Southeast Asian nations.
Taking apples in a new direction
Growers turn bi-ax tree system sideways for WA 38 plantings.
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.