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
Cosmic Crisp in the courts
Judge sides with WSU in contract dispute over WA 38 propagation.
Washington Apple Education Foundation celebrating 25 years
WAEF awards more than $1.1 million in scholarships, but its impact goes beyond the money.
Federal judge temporarily halts wage hike for Zirkle blueberry pickers
A Selah, Washington, fruit company won an early round in its lawsuit against federal and
Rooting out solutions for pear growers
WSU’s pear rootstock breeding program is part of a global effort to solve problems through genetics.
Tour of China reveals a country of contrasts
Middle Kingdom modernizes fruit industry, sometimes slowly, sometimes quickly.
Growers invest in seasonal families
Columbia Gorge orchardists contribute to expand local migrant education program.
Moving an orchard
WSU moves Tukey orchard to make way for Pullman airport expansion.
Growers feel the squeeze of another canning contraction
Pear growers removing trees in reaction to sour canned market.
How growing is going global
International nursery groups revamp to keep up with and drive the world of managed varieties.
Midseason wage blues
Washington blueberry producer sues to stop wage increase mandate.
Labor Department opens public comment on proposed changes to H-2A
Public comment is open until Sept. 24 on proposed changes to H-2A foreign guest worker
New round of trade help
Federal government announces new wave of trade mitigation programs.
Neil Jones makes price offer for canning pears
Neil Jones Food Co. has agreed to pay canning pear growers a price lower than
Off the conventional path
Washington grower pleasantly surprised by organic transition and certification process.
FSMA inspections begin
FSMA inspectors are starting visits to farms, packers.
Cherry estimate drops
Northwest sweet cherry industry predicts smaller crop than originally anticipated.
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 club varieties.
Variety debate
WA 2 lawsuit continues in Washington state courtrooms.
India pulls trigger on apple tariffs
After delaying for a year, country increases retaliatory duties on apples.
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
Seneca Foods plans to close its Sunnyside, Washington, fruit processing facility after the 2019 pear
Rain on the cherry parade
Damage to cherries in recent foul weather in the Lodi, California, area in May 2019.
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
Gov. Jay Inslee on Monday expanded Washington’s drought to cover nearly half the state,