ADVERTISEMENT
IFTA speakers share insights with the industry
International Fruit Tree Association conference topics include climate challenges and Honeycrisp nutrition.
Travis and Jacob Pearson, young growers from Woodville, Nova Scotia
The brothers are third-generation farmers in the Annapolis Valley of Central Nova Scotia, Canada. They are the sons of Janette and Timothy Pearson and the grandsons of Janette’s father, Pieter van Oostrum.
Crop load comes first when managing common apple storage disorders
Nutrient plans matter, but crop load is Job 1 for avoiding bitter pit and green spot.
Glowing light at night helps fight fire blight
Anti-microbial UV-C light applications can fight fire blight and other diseases.
Researchers shine a light on fruitlets to guide thinning decisions
North Carolina researchers study another way to predict thinning accuracy.
Dialing in crop load data with machine-learning management
International Fruit Tree Association meeting dives into sensor systems making progress on providing accurate, actionable crop load data.
Precision crop load management based on counting, no cameras required — Video
IFTA panelists share tips for people-powered precision.
Kurrle: Taking the cause to Capitol Hill — Video
The apple industry heads to Washington, D.C., to talk trade, Farm Bill and ag labor.
Patrick and Haley Colbert, young growers from Tonasket, Washington
Spouses Haley and Patrick are both third-generation apple and pear growers who each graduated from Washington State University: Haley with a degree in accounting and Patrick with a degree in agricultural technology management. Haley’s parents are Belinda and Gary Grillo and Patrick’s are Rhonda and Raymond Colbert.
IFTA to tour California July 16–18
The International Fruit Tree Association has set the dates of its 2024 California summer tour...
Worrying wounds on Northeast apple trees
Northeast growers grapple with mysterious tree damage on exposed rootstocks.
Mapping innovation for the Washington tree fruit industry
Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission updates its Technology Roadmap.
South Africa on the IFTA schedule
Registration is open for the International Fruit Tree Association’s study tour in South Africa, scheduled for December...
Kyler Riggleman, a young grower from White Salmon, Washington
Kyler, a fourth-generation farmer in the White Salmon Valley, graduated from Washington State University with a fruit and vegetable management degree. He’s married to Payton and is the son of Dena and John Riggleman.
Mixed messages for organic apple industry
Organic demand curves give Washington apple marketers pause.
Season-long sprays support organic storage success
Researchers offer best practices for ensuring long-term health when storing organic apples.
New tool will help growers keep better track of chilling hours
Purdue University’s Midwestern Regional Climate Center has launched an interactive tool fruit growers can use to more closely monitor accumulated chilling hours...
Washington’s Smart Orchard gets a new home
Tree fruit industry researchers, growers and technology vendors have selected a young, modern apple orchard near Mattawa, Washington, for the next iteration of the Smart Orchard Project...
Unpredictable weather complicates orchard disease control
Michigan State University research helps growers adapt as mild weather turns wild more often.
IFTA honors leaders amid research updates
On the final day of the International Fruit Tree Association’s annual meeting in Yakima, Washington, Feb. 14, the group took a break from orchard innovation and technology talks to honor members for their significant contributions to the industry...
On the road for Day 3 of IFTA
Tour buses fanned out across the Yakima Valley as tree fruit professionals eager to learn visited six orchards on Day 3 of the International Fruit Tree Association winter conference in Washington...
Okanogan Valley farms growing in the land of perseverance
Growers in Washington’s Okanogan Valley find creative ways to thrive on small parcels.
Small grower cooperative makes a change for the bigger
Okanogan marketing cooperative expands with mid-.
Topworking trees brings down modernization costs
Brothers graft to modernize without debt.
IFTA gathers for annual conference and tours in Yakima, Washington
The International Fruit Tree Association gathered in Yakima, Washington, on Feb. 11 for a week of research talks, technology workshops and orchard tours...
Orchard change without chainsaws
Michigan growers get a look at side grafting.
Jon Puglisi, a young grower from Horsham, Pennsylvania
Jon grew up in a suburb outside of Philadelphia and is pursuing his doctorate in plant pathology at WSU. He’s the son of Christine and Gregory Puglisi.
Apple industry discusses collective marketing
A new industry conversation considers declining consumption and what collective apple marketing could look like in the modern era.
Apple industry feeling the squeeze from economic pressures
With prices down and costs up, apple industry looks at strategies for weathering the downturn.
Survey to help develop sustainability metrics for Pacific Northwest apple industry
Apple growers in the Pacific Northwest are needed to participate in a survey that will support the development of a life cycle assessment and help develop region-specific solutions to address climate change challenges...
USApple announces 2024 NextGen Apple Fellowship Class
The U.S. Apple Association announced in a news release the newest members of its leadership development program, the NextGen Apple Fellowship...
Discolor diagnostics for storage disorders
Cornell studies storage disorders in MAIA-1 apple.
Apple industry investigating benefits of dynamic storage technology
Grant will support research into best practices for dynamic controlled atmosphere storage.
Luis Gaitan, a young grower from Royal City, Washington
family background/Luis is a second-generation farmer who is studying horticulture at Wenatchee Valley College while working at Washington Fruit and Produce. He is the son of Angelica Barajas Birrueta and Manuel Gaitan.
Elusive solutions for storage disorders
Nova Scotia studies ethylene inhibitors in Honeycrisp and Ambrosia.
Automation advancements in apple harvesting — Video
Robot harvest startups make strides.
Robotic financing for apple farmers
Researchers calculate hypothetical costs of robotic apple harvester.
Pest management a top topic at North Central Washington Tree Fruit Days
The idea of a new year offering a fresh start unfortunately does not apply to pest management in cherry orchards...
Sustainable packaging a hot topic for tree fruit industry
Industry looks to adapt to shoppers’ desires for convenience and sustainability.
Tree fruit industry under pressure
Hort Show keynote: International trends squeeze fruit growers.
Andrew Stirling, a young grower from Centreville, Nova Scotia
Andrew is a fourth-generation farmer who manages the family farm with his brother, Timothy, and uncle, Stephen. He is married to Hope and is the son of Mark Stirling.
USDA agrees to purchase more apples
The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service will accept bids until Jan. 11 for a total of $60 million in fresh apples and $40 million in processed apples...
Indian market reopening for apples
Washington state exporters shipping more apples to India.
Noah Roth, a young grower from Lowell, Michigan
Noah is a fifth-generation farmer who graduated with a horticulture degree from Michigan State University. He’s married to Zoe Roth and is the son of Barb and Aaron Roth.
Washington’s FirstFruits Farms acquires Applewood Orchards of Michigan
FirstFruits Farms of Washington has acquired Applewood Orchards and Applewood Fresh Growers of Michigan...
Ag tech industry botting for apples
Automation startups set their sights on tree fruit.
Family farming strategy: Divide, conquer and communicate
Wholesale and retail keep Nova Scotia family farm busy.
Farm finds strategies for welcoming back workers
Canadian farm matches crop mix with labor supply.
EXPO Day 2: Distinguished service awards
Michigan hort society honors Greg Lang and Bill Erwin.
Hort Show Day 3: Finding value
Final sessions cover organics rules and apple marketing tools for Washington growers.