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No-match letters from the Social Security Administration are back
Growers should keep an eye out for “no-match” letters from the Social Security Administration, which
USDA’s farmers.gov now features help with H-2A applications and managing loans
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has launched of two new features on farmers.gov to provide
Washington researchers get a look at European innovations
Research commission tour finds some exciting ideas but no major advances on technology tour in Germany and the Netherlands.
Dustin Tobin, a young grower from Grandview, Washington
family background/Dustin grew up working with his family at Dave Tobin Farms and studied viticulture
FDA announces wine grapes among commodities to be exempt from Produce Safety Rule
On March 27, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) issued a statement praising the U.S. Food and
Robotic picking machine’s first apple harvest underway: Video
Abundant Robotics debuts robotic harvester in New Zealand apple orchard for first harvest headed to market.
WSTFA offers FSMA training in English and Spanish on April 11, 12; May 2, 3
The Washington State Tree Fruit Association is offering FSMA Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training Courses
US Apple flies in to Washington D.C.
Almost 100 apple growers from across the country traveled to Washington D.C. this week for
Harrison Van Meekeren, a young grower from Lakeville, Nova Scotia
family background / Harrison grew up in the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia and is
SWD resistance a red flag for organic growers
The only organic insecticide for spotted wing drosophila is losing efficacy as the pest gains resistance in berry production region of California.
USDA announces funds to fight spotted lanternfly
The fight against spotted lanternfly in Pennsylvania got a $6.5 million boost this week with
New pesticide application method a shot in the bark
MSU researcher compares trunk injection to spray application for pear psylla control.
Sterile codling moth factory ‘a funky business’
British Columbia moth factory cranks out sterile bugs by the millions.
Breeding bugs to fly and die: Video
Researchers, technology company explore sterile codling moth releases in U.S. apple orchards.
Sale of Broetje Orchards creates FirstFruits Farms
New owner plans to continue many employee-support programs created by Broetje.
New Innovator grant targets pesticide residue
Fighting pests by spraying ozonated water and steaming them with hot, highly refined oil vapors:
Spanish-language FSMA training in Eastern WA March 5 and 6
The Washington State Tree Fruit Association will hold a Spanish-language Produce Safety Alliance grower training
Spray researchers aim to catch their drift: Video
New drift assessment survey underway to improve models that predict pesticide drift risk and potentially preclude unnecessarily restrictive labels.
Steering the research on spray drift
UW researcher takes the wheel for drift data collection.
Winegrowers Day 2
Labor remains the biggest cost for wine grape growers in Washington, and for many, it
Highlights in the new Farm Bill
2018 Farm Bill includes several provisions that affect the tree fruit industry.
FSMA grower training offered in Eastern Washington Feb. 12, 13 and 20
The Washington State Tree Fruit Association will hold a Produce Safety Alliance grower training course
Scharlau: Staying ahead of the issues
A look at some of the rules and regulations that will impact vintners and growers this year.
A pick of packing house highlights
Packing house highlights: Kershaw innovates old-school style, Washington Fruit stacks with robots and Columbia Fruit finds new vision with improved tunnel.
New York viticulturist, climatologist earn Excellence in IPM Awards
Alice Wise, viticulture and research specialist with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County, and Keith
Peracetic acid shines in sanitizer study
WSU researcher tinkers with sanitizers and best ways to use them.
Ozone filling a void for fruit packers
Organic storage and food safety needs drive renewed interest in ozone technology.
Good to Know: Wash and learn
It’s a fact of life: If you’re storing, holding or packing produce, you have a
Dininny: A+ effort on next apple defect guide
For years, Washington growers and packers have turned to a handy, 36-page guide to determine
Kurrle: 2019 brings challenges and opportunities
From agricultural labor to farm bill programs, regulations and trade agreements, the policies and decisions
Growers need a plan for preventing workplace discrimination
Attorney Sarah Wixson was impressed with her client, a Washington grower, for already having complex
President signs Farm Bill
President Donald Trump on Thursday signed the $867 billion Farm Bill that Congress passed last
Food recall risks are rising
Food industry consultant offers tips for preparing for an FDA inspection and preventing a recall.
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.
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.