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
When using MCP, know your warehouse goals
Timing of MCP treatment depends on the aim of postharvest management.
Cosmic contribution to Clean Plant Center
Using WA 38 graft wood fees, nursery institute donates funds for new growth chamber to Clean Plant Center Northwest.
Peracetic acid shines in sanitizer study
WSU researcher tinkers with sanitizers and best ways to use them.
Warming up to Arctic apples
Canadian developers of first GMO apple plan for expansion.
Driver shortage could mean trouble down the road
Agricultural trucking lobbyist updates apple industry on driver pool, legislative efforts.
Pear industry pitches American-grown canned fruit
Buyers urged to buy American because "Kids CAN taste the difference" between U.S. pears and imports
Financial partners offer growers growing opportunities
Orchardists, packers seek capital from outside investors to modernize and expand.
Investment advice for orchardists
Investment leaders and economists offer tips to consider before you bring on orchard investors.
IFTA early registration extended to Jan. 7
You still have a few more days to get a deal on your registration for
Michigan Spring Peach Update set for March 5
The annual Michigan Spring Peach Update is slated for March 5 at the Southwest Michigan
President signs Farm Bill
President Donald Trump on Thursday signed the $867 billion Farm Bill that Congress passed last
India delays additional apple tariff, again
India has once again postponed implementing a retaliatory tariff on imported U.S. apples, this time
Picking a harvest platform: Roundup of manufacturers’ top picks
Growers have many choices as manufacturers invest heavily in harvest platforms.
Prototype picker: Apple Vacuum System tested (VIDEO)
Apple Vacuum System mounted on a Bandit Xpress platform may look strange, but orchard managers seem pleased with performance.
Grower yields profits with agritourism
British Columbia orchard gambles on agritainment to preserve legacy for next generation.
Tariff relief: USDA apple and pear purchases underway
The federal government has made its first round of fresh apple purchases as part of
Researchers share tips for Cosmic success
Researchers share a few nuggets from September WA 38 (Cosmic Crisp) field days.
Cosmic conundrum: What’s causing these spots?
WA 38 (Cosmic Crisp) green spot disorder targeted by researchers.
WSTFA18: Disease, pest and vigor management panels
Two presentations by Betsy Beers, a Washington State University entomologist, highlighted Wednesday morning’s disease and
Tree fruit industry leaders honored at 2018 Washington awards banquet
For more than 35 years, Mike Willett has made significant contributions to the Northwest tree
WSTFA18: Fire blight in the spotlight : Video
When the Washington State Tree Fruit Association’s annual meeting resumed on Tuesday morning, the session
WSTFA annual meeting, Day 1
A wrap of the first day's discussions at the WSTFA Annual Meeting and Hort Show in Yakima
India delays apple tariff, again
Extra 25 percent tariff on U.S. apples in retaliation for steel and aluminum tariffs
Grape Society annual meeting
Awards and the search for a soil connection to chlorosis at the final day of the Washington State Grape Society annual meeting.
California moves toward curtailing Lorsban
State’s Department of Pesticides Regulation suggests several temporary measures as they work toward permanent state-wide restrictions.
Switching to organic in the vineyard
Welch’s grower shares costs and benefits involved with transitioning juice grapes.
IFTA B.C. tour: Crafty choices
How British Columbia’s apple industry looks to add value through cider.
Fire blight control featured at 2018 WSTFA Annual Meeting
Growers to gather for December’s annual conference in Yakima, Washington.
Rainiers break a record in the 2018 cherry season review
Northwest Cherry Growers releases year-end report on second-largest crop ever.
Lessons in doing the impossible
Sunnyside vineyard’s conversion to drip irrigation and mechanical pruning lead to lessons at Viticulture Day.