January 1, 2016

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2016 Outlook

Featured stories covering the 2016 outlook in this issue.

Click here to view a PDF version of this issue.

Catherine Kiyokawa, a Young Grower from Parkdale, Oregon

This apple flower cluster bloomed in September in a Michigan orchard. Michigan State University Extension fruit educator Mark Longstroth explained that such clusters appear in the fall under certain weather conditions, but only if the bud hasn’t developed its overwintering inhibition that would otherwise prevent blooming until spring. (Courtesy Bill Shane, MSU Extension)

Are fall-blooming apples curiosity or concern?

Researchers collect apples for analysis after treatment in a split dump tank system. (Courtesy Ines Hanrahan)

Food safety research focuses on packing

Food Safety Act - FDA

Gathering data for food safety

Getting the most out of Apogee

Enhancing fruit quality

Jupiter grape variety the Washington State Viticulture Field Day in Prosser, Washington on August 13, 2015. (TJ Mullinax/Good Fruit Grower)

Table grape potential in Washington

Elevating Idaho table grapes

Innovation and inspiration: 2015 Silver Apple Award

Source: USDA, Economic Research Service. Fruit and Nut Yearbook online, detailed tables. (Jared Johnson/Good Fruit Grower)

Impact of imports

Source: Thaddeus McCamant (Jared Johnson/Good Fruit Grower illustration)

Does it profit to grow for direct-market?

Airfield Estates owner, Marcus Miller, says the Dolcetto wine grape variety consistently produces high quality wines. Miller points out Dolcetto has a distinctive reddening on the leaf and requires heavy thinning in the late spring. (TJ Mullinax/Good Fruit Grower)

Wine growth stays strong

Concord grape near Outlook, Washington. (TJ Mullinax/Good Fruit Grower)

Big supply of juice grapes = low prices

Gala apples from the 2015 season are harvested north of Wapato, Washington on August 13, 2015. Washington's applecrop was the third largest, coming in over 118 million boxes designated for fresh market. (TJ Mullinax/Good Fruit Grower)

Strong start for 2015 apple crop

Lindsey Morrison is a Central Washington University graduate with a B.S. in biology. Additionally she took the core horticulture classes at Wenatchee Valley College. She has been at Columbia Fruit Packers since 2009. Photo provided

Morrison: Lessons in leadership