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Congress passes $867 billion Farm Bill
Today Congress passed an $867 billion Farm Bill with strong bipartisan support. The House of
Flor Maldonado, a young grower from Tonasket, Washington
family background / Flor grew up on farms, since she was a small child, helping
WSTFA18: Postharvest problems
Washington State University Extension, in cooperation with the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission and Good
WSTFA annual meeting, Day 1
A wrap of the first day's discussions at the WSTFA Annual Meeting and Hort Show in Yakima
Growing by the numbers: 2018 Good Fruit Growers of the Year
Dan Plath farms by the data.
He frequently responds to this reporter’s questions about horticultural decisions
Growing potential: 2018 Good Fruit Growers of the Year
Funding education is a top priority for the Plath family.
DeVaney: Reflections on 2018 …
WSTFA President Jon DeVaney reflects on 2018 and looks ahead to the next year
Annual apple residue report now available
Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission residue study aims to help growers with their spray programs
California moves toward curtailing Lorsban
State’s Department of Pesticides Regulation suggests several temporary measures as they work toward permanent state-wide restrictions.
Good to Know: Biocontrol for bunch rot
Native yeasts have potential to inhibit fungal disease in Washington vineyards.
Napa Valley faces watershed moment
Woodland concerns behind vote to limit Napa vineyards.
Congress holds fate of new trade deal to replace NAFTA
While agreement calls for no tariffs on apples, pears and cherries between North American nations, Mexico’s separate 20 percent retaliatory tariff on U.S. apples could remain in place.
New regulations over wine wastewater
Reactions are mixed over new rule requiring many Washington state wineries to obtain a permit.
Money available for U.S. sweet cherry growers hurt by trade disputes
Cherry growers are expected to share in $111.5 million in aid as part of an overall $12 billion package the Trump administration approved to help growers and producers hurt by trade policies.
USDA shares details on relief program for apple and pear growers
U.S. apple and pear growers who may be harmed by ongoing international trade disputes will be able to apply for the federal government’s relief package beginning in October.
Tree fruit added to U.S. relief program for food impacted by trade disputes
The Food Purchase and Distribution Program will buy up to $1.2 billion in food products “unfairly targeted by unjustified retaliation.”
Gala on pace to topple Red Delicious’ reign
Day 1 at the 2018 US Apple Outlook: U.S. growers expect Red Delicious to yield its place as the leading variety by volume for the first time in more than 50 years.
Vineyard sprayers: Applying knowledge
Washington State University sprayer evaluation helps growers optimize vineyard sprayer performance.
Before you dig
Simple check can avoid underground dangers.
Good to Know: Food safety Q&A
To keep you abreast of the latest information, Good Fruit Grower, in cooperation with industry professionals, is presenting an occasional column to answer some of the more frequently asked questions about implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act.
Proposals wanted for National Clean Plant Network projects for 2019
APHIS will accept proposals through Oct. 12 and anticipates awarding a minimum of $5 million in cooperative agreements.
Washington State Ag Department seeks grower input on top priorities
The Washington State Department of Agriculture’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is asking growers and industry workers to take part in a survey to identify top priorities for the program.
USDA extends labor housing program to growers putting up H-2A workers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture administrates loans and grants designed to employers who build or improve housing for farmworkers, but they had always been restricted to U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
What makes a ‘cultural’ orchardist?
Researchers examine how growers pick nonchemical pest management tactics.
Two Northwest associations focused on trade finalize affiliation
Northwest Fruit Exporters is now a member of the Northwest Horticultural Council.
Good to Know: Help for managing Oriental fruit moth
OFM damage is on the rise in Washington orchards.
Steven Murray Jr., a young grower from Bakersfield, California
family background / Steven has helped change Murray Family Farms’ business, adding farm markets and
Quarantine in New York’s Niagara County for European cherry fruit fly
U.S. officials are taking action to stop the potential spread of an invasive fruit fly that could threaten the cherry crop in New York state.
EverCrisp release ramps up
Midwest Apple Improvement Association marketing its first new apple.
Northwest tree fruit delegation heads to D.C. to talk trade
A delegation representing the Northwest tree fruit industry will be meeting with Trump administration officials
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.
Shredding research in Midwest vineyards
MSU study finds some benefits in using mechanized leaf removal.
In case of smoke, take quick action
Wine grape growers should keep insurance in mind if they see smoke on the horizon
Waste not wanted
Postharvest tools, better communication can help fine-tune storage practices and improve packouts.
Study support for pears
Science panel seeks boost in funding to help with increasing costs of pear research projects.
Ready to rally in Big Sky country
Montana’s sweet cherry growers are hoping for a better year after the downturn of 2017.
Thurlby: Complications in cherry forecast
2018 brings an earlier start and cloud of tariffs over China.
Washington Supreme Court rules on piece-rate down time
Washington Supreme Court rules on piece-rate down time
Should you spend now to save later?
As labor costs rise, investing in vineyard mechanization will become increasingly cost-effective.
Growers facing dilemma over drifting sprays
Worker housing close to orchards may need to be vacated during pesticide applications, for now.
Building for the future in Michigan
Orchard invests in energy-saving labor housing, wins award from governor.
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.
Working day to data in the orchard
Growers say keep it simple with data tools used to track workers.
Roles are changing in crop consulting
Crop consultants are venturing into new arenas with shifts in industry.
Beating the labor blues
Optical sorters are cutting labor costs for blueberry packing.
What to do if there’s a strike
Walkouts last year provide lessons on how to prepare for labor unrest.