Individual and alumni volunteers recognized by Washington Apple Education Foundation
The Washington Apple Education Foundation, WAEF, presented the nonprofit’s 2020 Individual Volunteer of the Year Award to Courtney Lane of
Karen Lewis named director for WSU Extension’s Agriculture and Natural Resources Program Unit
After more than 30 years working with tree fruit growers as an extension specialist in the Columbia Basin, Karen Lewis
David Bittner, a young grower from Appleton, New York
David is a second-generation farmer who grows fruit along Lake Ontario and who graduated with a degree in agriculture system management from Purdue University. He is the son of Margo and Jim Bittner.
Juan Ojeda, a young grower from Royal City, Washington
Juan is a second-generation tree fruit farmer who recently joined Simplot Growers. He’s the son of Celina and Juan Ojeda.
Fletcher Hukari, a young grower from Hood River, Oregon
Fletcher is a fourth-generation farmer who graduated from the University of Utah. He’s the son of Tami and Brian Hukari.
Fruit breeder David Cain honored for industry contributions
David Cain The American Pomological Society awarded the 2020 Wilder Medal, its highest honor, to David Cain, founder and chief
Crystal Aguilar, a young grower from Zillah, Washington
Crystal is a second-generation farmer who grew up in the Yakima Valley and originally pursued teaching before joining her brother, Tony Mendoza, with Haak Administrative Services. She is married to Jesus Aguilar and is the daughter of Trinidad and Elieser Mendoza.
Meghan Swain named executive director for Cherry Industry Administrative Board
The Cherry Industry Administrative Board announced in a news release that Meghan Swain has been selected as the organization’s executive
Jim Wade, 1926–2020
Jim Wade Jim Wade, former head of Columbia Fruit Packers and a partner in Columbia Marketing International in Wenatchee, Washington,
Richard “Dick” Symms, 1935–2020
Richard “Dick” Symms Richard “Dick” Symms, patriarch of the Caldwell, Idaho, Symms Fruit Ranch, died July 13. After attending college