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Mulch in an orchard

Mulch makeover

April 16, 2026
A sample of roots excavated from an almond tree, laid out on a scanner to allow University of California, Davis, researchers to measure the total surface area of fine roots — the finest of which do the critical uptake of water and nutrients during their short lifespan. Because they are fine, ephemeral and difficult to study, much about root dynamics remains unknown, physiologist Astrid Volder told the International Fruit Tree Association in February. (Courtesy Astrid Volder/University of California, Davis).

Rethinking your roots

April 10, 2026

Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers acreage reporting deadline extended. 

April 9, 2026
Elias Rubio with HMC Farms demonstrates the method for rolling up a new netting system the farm is trialing on its plums during the International Fruit Tree Association tour in February in the San Joaquin Valley of California. (Kate Prengaman/Good Fruit Grower)

California crop management uncovered

April 2, 2026
Forest Lodge Orchard imported a Monarch electric tractor from California in 2023 and had a New Zealand company build a custom electrostatic sprayer to run off the tractor’s battery. Importing emerging technology poses a risk, owner Mike Casey acknowledged, including from Monarch, which went out of business earlier this year. Overall, though, he has found strong return on investment from going electric. (Courtesy Forest Lodge Orchards)

All-electric cherry production

April 1, 2026
An autonomous platform from Bonsai Robotics, which acquired farm-ng in 2025, mounted with a WEED-IT smart sprayer for a demonstration in February during the World Ag Expo in Tulare, California. (Kate Prengaman/Good Fruit Grower)

The role for robots in agriculture

March 31, 2026
The Honeycrisp apples on the right show more red color development in early September 2023, because the crop load is in the ideal window, while the overcropped tree at left shows less color development. This Malaga, Washington, trial block is part of a multistate research project to determine the optimum crop load for Honeycrisp in different regions and the value — to growers — of staying in the target range. (Kate Prengaman/Good Fruit Grower)

Apple growers aiming for the red zone

March 24, 2026
From left, Matt Eddie, his grandfather Jim Eddie and his daughter Sarah make popcorn balls together in December, while his wife, Leah, and daughters Sadie and Faith work at the table in the background. The Eddies sold their Grandview, Washington, farm last year after economic challenges pushed Eddie to thoughts of suicide. After seeking help, he now wants other growers to know their mental health matters. (TJ Mullinax/Good Fruit Grower)

Sharing a light in the dark

March 23, 2026
Freddy Reyes, a doctoral student at Washington State University, applies a plant growth regulator in a cherry thinning trial hosted by a commercial operator in April 2025. (Kate Prengaman/Good Fruit Grower)

Tree tactics for top-dollar cherries

March 19, 2026
Extensive codling moth damage in an unsprayed research block at Washington State University’s Sunrise Research Orchard last July. A partial drape netting treatment offered effective control of codling moth and allowed natural enemies to keep secondary pests, such as woolly apple aphids, in check. (Kate Prengaman/Good Fruit Grower)

Moth block, aphid access

March 12, 2026