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
WSU reveals its wild cider
Students start cider apple breeding program to learn techniques.
Tart growers target Turkey
U.S. tart cherry industry weighs legal challenge to low-price imports.
Mexico slaps tariffs on U.S. apples
Country's largest apple export market retaliates over steel and aluminum tariffs.
Plans within plants
Managing sheer number of samples, volume of data is focus for breeding program.
Post-Cosmic question: What’s next?
With launch of WA 38 underway, WSU’s apple breeding program hopes to build on successes.
Cherries chugging to China again
Cherry shipments to China seem to be moving again, just in time for the Northwest’s
Trade disputes broaden
U.S. fruit growers, already burdened with new tariffs from China, now have to deal with
Growing at a high level
Planting 60 percent Lapins. Wrapping trunks with insulation. Expecting some trees to die every year.
In case of smoke, take quick action
Wine grape growers should keep insurance in mind if they see smoke on the horizon
The art of tart
Effort to match high-density tart cherries with over-the-row harvest technology aims to boost profitability.
Study support for pears
Science panel seeks boost in funding to help with increasing costs of pear research projects.
Concerns over China top Northwest cherry growers meeting
Industry members fear trade disputes could impact largest export market.
Meet WSU’s new breeder — Video
Per McCord assumes duties with Washington State University’s stone fruit program.
Washington Supreme Court rules on piece-rate down time
Washington Supreme Court rules on piece-rate down time
Cherry growers make first crop prediction for 2018 season
Northwest cherry growers estimate harvesting 22.6 million 20-pound box equivalents in their first crop forecast
Getting creative with labor housing
Agricultural employers seeking innovative ways to put up H-2A workers.
Kids are all right when it comes to hiring
Quirks and regulations aside, minors can help fill out labor ranks.
Roles are changing in crop consulting
Crop consultants are venturing into new arenas with shifts in industry.
What to do if there’s a strike
Walkouts last year provide lessons on how to prepare for labor unrest.
Preparing for fire
Foresters, growers give advice for protecting orchards and vineyards from wildfires.
What lies beneath
A researcher seeks to determine which indicators are most important in soil.
Pest spotters
Scout teams help growers target, dial in their IPM.
Plan before you plant
Industry veteran shares tips on preplant nutrition programs.
On shallowed ground
Experts urge growers to water with less volume, but more often, to keep up with shallower rootstocks.
Trees without fruit, pollination without bees
Pollen company joins Washington State University researcher to try planting a pollen-only orchard.
Researchers finish final pollen tube model
After 11 years, pollen tube projects are complete with release of Red Delicious model.
Head start on better berries
Growers already implementing results of long-term organic blueberry study.
The Cosmic gospel : Video
Washington State University continues education on training WA 38 trees.
Grape expectations: WSU publishes 45-page guide on vineyard nutrition
Updated "Vineyard Nutrient Management in Washington State" replaces 4-page document.
When growers meet lawmakers
Industry groups ask growers to directly participate in lobbying.