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USDA announces disaster relief funds available for 2020 and 2021 losses
On May 16, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the availability of approximately $6 billion
Progressive Pennsylvanians
Slaybaugh family’s “orchard facelift” targets modernizing and mechanizing.
Keep the peach in reach
Pedestrian orchards keep labor costs in check for Idaho growers.
California growers choosing almonds over apricots
Labor costs for stone fruit production push growers toward nut crops.
Colorado replants and reimagines
Following a killing freeze, some family fruit farms are reconsidering their future.
An uncertain path for a Colorado family farm
Organic grower reflects on the future of his family farm after back-to-back disasters and the ongoing threat of drought.
Apple expectations
A Colorado fruit-growing family refocuses on apples — and cider.
Adams’ apples, plus peaches and pears
IFTA tours Pennsylvania: Fresh sales, high-density plantings and precision ag on display in Adams County.
Proposed rule could mean cooling complications
Experts uncertain about how the FDA’s proposed ag water quality rule will impact orchardists.
Washington state to survey growers about perceptions of commodity commissions
The Washington State Auditor’s Office is conducting an audit of the effectiveness of the state’s
New stone fruit thinner now available
New product can reduce need for hand labor.
BYOB: Bring your own bees — Video
Using mason bees requires year-round chores.
Benjamin Keim, a young grower from Boyertown, Pennsylvania
Benjamin is a fifth-generation grower who graduated from Penn State University and is the past president of the State Horticultural Association of Pennsylvania. He’s the son of Marie and Richard Keim.
“Feeling the Heat” webinar for Pacific Northwest tree fruit Feb. 28
The Okanagan Horticultural Advisor’s Group and BC Fruit Growers’ Association announced in a news release
WSDA workshop March 8: IPM Practices for Tree Fruit in Washington State
The Washington State Department of Agriculture Plant Protection Division and Yakima County Horticultural Pest and
IFTA Day 3: Pennsylvania by conference room
Michigan State University Extension specialist Anna Wallis discusses chemical thinners at the International Fruit Tree
IFTA Day 2: Pennsylvania by bus
Pennsylvania grower Blake Slaybaugh, right, discusses pruning techniques and rootstocks with members of the International
Uncovering the foe below
Researchers take mangrove approach to fight killer of peach and tart cherry trees.
North Central Washington Tree Fruit Days Jan. 18–20 and Feb. 9
Washington State University Tree Fruit Research and Extension announced the schedule for North Central Washington
Washington specialty crop farms eligible for new program with free consulting, deadline Dec. 15
Through Dec. 15, the Washington State Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for a new
Northwest cherry and stone fruit research review scheduled Nov. 9
The Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission, in collaboration with the Oregon Sweet Cherry Commission, invites
Crop coverage complexity
Whole-Farm Revenue Protection insurance is attractive to specialty crops, but be sure to know what you are signing up for.
Summer fruit sensor search
Australian initiative seeks new technologies for stone fruit by 2022.
Roots of research for improving Florida peaches
Florida peach industry seeks wider variety of rootstocks.
Apricot grower finding a niche
Small stone fruit farm finds promise in multiple apricot markets.
Pondering a pollen pathway
Clemson studying virus transmission in peach orchards.
The wrath grows over grape data
The USDA pares back annual fruit production surveys to major states.
The root of armor
Search for root rot-resistant Prunus rootstocks backed by $5 million USDA grant.
Danae Yount and Cherie Steinmetz, young growers from the Yakima Valley, Washington
Cherie and Danae are new tree fruit growers with their brothers, Trevor and Taylor Perrault. Both graduated from Central Washington University and are daughters of Tina and Tim Perrault.
Good to Know: Approaching apricots in 2D
Training trees with multiple leaders and no branches can quicken investment returns.
Full extent of freeze damage unknown for Great Lakes fruit
Snow on apple blossoms at Beasley’s Orchard in Danville, Indiana, on April 21. Freezing temperatures
WSDA raises alarm about Japanese beetle reports in Yakima Valley
Residents and growers asked to report sightings, even from last season.
National Organic Standards Board meetings upcoming, NHC urges growers to comment
The National Organic Standards Board has scheduled its spring meetings in April with discussion to
AgWeatherNet to offer frost forecasts for the Washington tree fruit industry
Observed low temperatures from AgWeatherNet stations, such as these seen on March 11, will be
March 16 webinar will cover modern stone fruit training systems in the Northeast
Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture Program is hosting a webinar on modern
Help from above for tree fruit growers
Changes in climate and wages may fuel a surge in aerial applications.
Washington and the Netherlands make orchard innovation collaboration official
After two years of conversation and planning, this week Washington state formalized a partnership with the Netherlands to collaborate on research and technology innovation for the tree fruit industry.
IFTA shares details on virtual February meeting
What’s a winter IFTA meeting without that tingling sensation of cold toes during a snowy
Orchard investments continue to grow
USApple panel: Private equity still sees solid long-term prospects in tree fruit.
Grower input wanted for Penn State survey on anthracnose diseases
Penn State University is asking for grower input to help researchers understand the role of
Autonomous approach coming for tree fruit — Video
A self-driving sprayer may be coming to the tree fruit industry.
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.
Organic production suffers with the silent treatment
Grower comments help protect access to needed materials.
Proposed amendment targets fraud in organic industry
Strengthening Organic Enforcement rule would clarify USDA organic regulations.
Transcontinental transfer keeps harvest on track
Peach orchards in Colorado and South Carolina shuttle H-2A workers to avoid job losses.
Fruit breeder David Cain honored for industry contributions
David Cain The American Pomological Society awarded the 2020 Wilder Medal, its highest honor, to
When research grows sideways
Michigan State University assistant professor is studying the genetics of tree architecture.
Ode to Joys
New peaches from the USDA Agricultural Research Service could fill critical harvest window.
For promising peaches, it’s time to grow
Grant to help accelerate MSU breeding program by putting cultivars in commercial orchards.
Kyle Rasch, a young grower from Conklin, Michigan
Kyle is a fifth-generation famer in the West-central Michigan region. He was part of USApple’s Young Apple Leaders program, obtained a business degree from Grand Rapids Community College and is the son of Sue and Chuck Rasch.