Among the presentations on topics such as technology, pest control and industry economics, the Washington State Grape Society bestowed industry awards on Nov. 21 at its annual meeting in Grandview.
Kevin Judkins of Inland Desert Nursery and Judkins Family Farms was named the Lloyd H. Porter Grower of the Year for his success as a producer and for his industry contributions.
Judkins is the owner and operator of the certified grapevine nursery in Benton City, while his family farm boasts 125 acres of organic cherries and 250 acres of wine grapes, including a Washington certified mother block.
He participates on the Washington State University Foundation Block Advisory Group, the National Clean Plant Network Tier 2 Committee and other industry groups.
WSU researcher Markus Keller received the Walter Clore Award, which honors industry contributions over time.
Keller, a professor based at WSU’S Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center in Prosser, has served the industry for more than two decades and is known for testing traditional knowledge of grape production against science. Keller, who grew up on a family farm in Switzerland, also authored “The Science of Grapevines” and is a Chateau Ste. Michelle Distinguished Professor of Viticulture. He also is the science editor for the American Journal of Enology and Viticulture.
Jesse Stevens, a WSU master’s degree student in Prosser who is researching the use of UV light for powdery mildew control, won the Grape Society’s graduate student scholarship. Madison Shaw, a WSU student scheduled to graduate in spring 2025, won the undergraduate scholarship.
—by Ross Courtney
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