The meeting will include an overview of the 2014 cherry crop. TJ Mullinax/Good Fruit Grower

The meeting will include an overview of the 2014 cherry crop. TJ Mullinax/Good Fruit Grower

Cherry growers from the Pacific Northwest will gather at the 72nd Cherry Institute to learn the latest horticultural research, how to deal with tree and bud damage from recent cold temperatures, and how to improve shipping quality of fruit. The meeting is scheduled for January 16 at the Yakima Convention Center in Yakima, Washington. 

The annual event includes a luncheon, where an industry member will be crowned Cherry King, and a trade show that features orchard suppliers and vendors.

Other topics on the agenda are: detecting and managing cherry diseases; overview of the 2014 cherry crop; managing powdery mildew; mechanical pollination and mechanical pruning; Washington State University’s cherry breeding program; and the Food Safety and Modernization Act.

Preregistration has closed. Download the registration form (PDF.) Individuals can register at the door at 8:00 a.m. on Janury 16. For details, call (509) 853-3504 or email cherryinstitute@wastatefruit.com.

Cherry nominations

Nominations for grower and handler positions on the Washington Cherry Marketing Committee will take place during industry meetings this month.  The committee establishes grade, size, and pack regulations for sweet cherries from designated counties in Washington.

Nominations for District 2 will be held during the Cherry Institute meeting at the Yakima Convention Center on January 16. Growers whose positions expire this year are Bob Harris (Donnie Olmstead, alternate), Ed Skelton (alternate vacant), and Camille Smith (Dennis Jones, alternate). Handlers with expiring positions are Cindy Alarcon (Bob Ball, alternate).

Nominations for District 1 will be held during the North Central Washington Stone Fruit Day at the Wenatchee Convention Center on January 20. Growers whose terms expire this year are Ed Clark (Dennis Berdan, alternate) and Jim Colbert (Marc Egerton, alternate). Handlers whose positions expire are Casey Collins (Ron Gonsalves, alternate) and Tate Mathison (Mike Taylor, alternate).

Positions expire March 31.

—–

This story has been updated on January 7, 2015.