Ross Courtney is an associate editor for Good Fruit Grower, writing articles and taking photos for the print magazine and website. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Pacific Lutheran University.
Courtney worked as a writer, photographer and video producer for the Yakima Herald-Republic starting in 2000, covering agriculture, education and local government. He was the author of the Herald-Republic‘s popular Crop Lines blog.
Earlier in his career, he worked as a communications specialist for a Pasco, Washington, company representing agricultural groups. Before that, he covered sports for the Tri-City Herald.
Courtney joined the magazine in 2015. He lives in Prosser with his family.
Follow the author — Contact: 509-930-8798 or Email
My Recent Articles
Charging ahead with electric weed control
Experts share best practices as electric weeder makes commercial headway.
New weed villains in the Northwest
Keep eyes open for new additions to the Northwest’s most wanted weed list.
New approaches for old irrigation systems
Irrigation districts boost efficiency with infrastructure improvements.
More evidence for less fertilizer
Washington State University extension specialist suggests dialing back fertilizer in orchards.
Bee businesses abuzz with high-tech beehives
Pollination companies sell bee precision to growers.
A smaller and healthier Washington wine industry — Video
As the Washington wine industry contracts, it also finds areas of opportunity.
Columbia Gorge Fruit Growers director fired, admits theft
Columbia Gorge Fruit Growers has fired longtime executive director Mike Doke for allegedly stealing tens of thousands of dollars over multiple years...
Seeking alternatives for chemical thinners
New thinners step in to replace scrutinized carbaryl.
Mass firings of federal workers include scientists working for the fruit industry
—story by Kate Prengaman and Ross Courtney On Feb. 13, the Trump administration began serious
California farmer tells cautionary tale for Washington ag — Video
Cherry Institute speaker warns Washington to not follow California on policies.
Blueberry council considers assessment increase
The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council is considering asking its members for an assessment increase to boost consumer demand...
Employer incentives help bring injured employees back to work
Washington raises limits on employer return-to-work incentive programs.
Washington Winegrowers Association makes leadership pivot
Washington Winegrowers Association announced that Sara Higgins has been named interim executive director of the association...
New answers and new questions for codling moth control
WSU research updates and expands codling moth trap guidelines.
The chill factor for cherries in warmer climates
There is more to the cherry equation than chill needs.
Spot marks the X for little cherry disease infections — Video
Canine pathogen detection shows promise, but commercialization could be a challenge.
Growers facing a fire blight pathogen predicament
Washington State University researcher finds resistance to fire blight antibiotic kasugamycin.
More red ahead for cherry promotions
Northwest cherry promoters to reuse imagery and strategy from successful 2024 season.
UPDATED: Mass layoffs of federal workers will include scientists working for the fruit industry
On Thursday, Feb. 13, the Trump administration began serious cutbacks to the federal workforce, laying off recently hired employees across numerous agencies...
Adoption hurdles for vineyard automation
Washington State Grape Society speakers discuss implementing sensor-based irrigation.
WineVit speakers: Washington grape volume and acreage continue to rightsize
Washington wine industry leaders painted a picture of a state rightsizing on Feb. 11, Day 2 of the Washington Winegrowers Association’s annual WineVit growers conference in Kennewick, Washington...
Picking a winning cherry system
Oregon cherry grower favors steep leader but encourages execution over system.
Washington Agriculture Safety Day covers all things wellness on the farm
Hundreds of growers, managers, human resource employees and workers gathered Feb. 5 in Yakima, Washington, for the 21st annual Agriculture Safety Day...
Attorney offers advice for employers concerned about immigration enforcement activities
A Yakima, Washington, attorney familiar with the tree fruit industry has been dispensing some advice for employers concerned that federal immigration agents will show up at their workplaces...
Lighting the way to pathogen control in the packing house
Researchers explore use of ultraviolet light on packing lines.
Postharvest pointers for pear growers
Hort Show speakers share pear storage advice.
Washington tree fruit industry to have its day in Olympia
As they do every year, tree fruit growers and industry officials will visit Olympia next week to bend the ear of Washington lawmakers on issues they consider critical....
Wine grapes bred to chill
Interest rising in cold-hardy grapes after destructive Northern winters.
Tough calls to be made for profitable cherry production
Cherry pruning, systems and harvest come down to stark economic factors.
Cosmic Crisp marks critical mass
WA 38 volume reaches year-round market levels.