Fruit Grower Report

A study by researchers at Oregon State University is working on ways to turn the waste from apples and other fruits into environmentally friendly packaging materials to replace plastic.

A study by researchers at Oregon State University is working on ways to turn the waste from apples and other fruits into environmentally friendly packaging materials to replace plastic.

Whether it's cell phones, laptops, EVs or hybrid vehicles, or online purchases, we've seen lightning-fast technological changes in our lives in recent years. Global futurist and best-selling author, Jack Uldrich says those same technologies are part of agriculture as well.

Whether it's cell phones, laptops, EVs or hybrid vehicles, or online purchases, we've seen lightning-fast technological changes in our lives in recent years. Global futurist and best-selling author, Jack Uldrich says those same technologies are part of agriculture as well.

Washington is the number one apple producing state in the nation, but these days it's becoming more and more challenging to find markets for our delicious apples.

Since its introduction five years ago, the Washington-grown Cosmic Crisp apple has proven itself to be the next big variety as its popularity grows.

Finding enough labor is a big concern for U.S. agriculture, especially in the fruit and vegetable sector.

Washington continues to produce more apples than any other state with this year's crop forecast to be at or near a record, with many varieties to choose from.

Washington continues to produce more apples than any other state with this year's crop forecast to be at or near a record, with many varieties to choose from.

Most farmers want to farm, not cultivate the internet. But one tech advisor says in 2025 a web presence is a necessity.

Michael Schadler, President of the Washington Apple Commission, says there is plenty of market uncertainty out there right now, but no reason to panic.

Michael Schadler, President of the Washington Apple Commission, says there is plenty of market uncertainty out there right now, but no reason to panic.

Pear Bureau Northwest's President and CEO, CarrieAnn Arias says marketing our pears needs to get a bit more creative.

Pear Bureau Northwest's President and CEO, CarrieAnn Arias says marketing our pears needs to get a bit more creative.

With August now upon us, we are starting to see the shifts in harvest season for the tree fruit industry and that overlap between cherries and apples, and the 2025 apple estimates are out!

With August now upon us, we are starting to see the shifts in harvest season for the tree fruit industry and that overlap between cherries and apples, and the 2025 apple estimates are out!

The West Coast Smoke Exposure Task Force has a website designed to help growers, winemakers and vintners with the latest research on the impacts of wildfire smoke.

The West Coast Smoke Exposure Task Force has a website designed to help growers, winemakers and vintners with the latest research on the impacts of wildfire smoke.

August is here and that means a great deal to Washington's wine industry and those who love Washington wines.

August is here and that means a great deal to Washington's wine industry and those who love Washington wines.

Jon DeVaney, President of the Washington State Tree Fruit Association, says their annual golf tournament will be here in just a few weeks, so get yourself registered.

Jon DeVaney, President of the Washington State Tree Fruit Association, says their annual golf tournament will be here in just a few weeks, so get yourself registered.

Washington Apple Commission president, Michael Schadler says what looks to be a pretty productive harvest is quickly creeping up on us.

Washington Apple Commission president, Michael Schadler says what looks to be a pretty productive harvest is quickly creeping up on us.

With more federal assistance available for specialty crop growers of late, the importance of getting a new farm bill completed may have eased, but Riley Bushue, VP at Northwest Horticultural Council, says a new farm bill shouldn't be put off.

With more federal assistance available for specialty crop growers of late, the importance of getting a new farm bill completed may have eased, but Riley Bushue, VP at Northwest Horticultural Council, says a new farm bill shouldn't be put off.

Jeff DeWald, Managing Member of Agribusiness Succession Advisors, talks about the biggest mistakes he sees when it comes to succession planning.

Jeff DeWald, Managing Member of Agribusiness Succession Advisors, talks about the biggest mistakes he sees when it comes to succession planning.

Riley Bushue, Vice President at Northwest Horticultural Council, says there are a couple of assistance programs that tree fruit growers should be aware of, the Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops and the Supplemental Disaster Relief Programs.

Riley Bushue, Vice President at Northwest Horticultural Council, says there are a couple of assistance programs that tree fruit growers should be aware of, the Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops and the Supplemental Disaster Relief Programs.

There is no doubt that the tariff back and forth is causing challenges for agriculture and the overall U.S. economy. Ted McKinney, CEO of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, says that imbalance has to be rectified.

There is no doubt that the tariff back and forth is causing challenges for agriculture and the overall U.S. economy. Ted McKinney, CEO of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, says that imbalance has to be rectified.

Depending on who you talk to, labor reform is desperately needed in agriculture, with costs soaring, pricing out more and more farmers every day.

Depending on who you talk to, labor reform is desperately needed in agriculture, with costs soaring, pricing out more and more farmers every day.

Are farmers ready for the future? Are they going to be able to keep up technologically with changes in the way things are done. Global futurist and best-selling author, Jack Uldrich shares his thoughts.

Are farmers ready for the future? Are they going to be able to keep up technologically with changes in the way things are done. Global futurist and best-selling author, Jack Uldrich shares his thoughts.

Whether in Olympia or other urban parts of our state, there seems to be a big misunderstanding or ignorance of what the H-2A guestworker visa program is and how it works.

Whether in Olympia or other urban parts of our state, there seems to be a big misunderstanding or ignorance of what the H-2A guestworker visa program is and how it works.

Ben Tindall, Executive Director at Save Family Farming, says farm workers and farmers a worried their farm will be the next target of immigration raids, and something needs to be done to fix this problem.

Ben Tindall, Executive Director at Save Family Farming, says farm workers and farmers a worried their farm will be the next target of immigration raids, and something needs to be done to fix this problem.

We recently reported on the great, new Food and Agribusiness minor or certificate program at Central Washington University when we spoke with one of the professors.

The Ag industry is suffering from a bad case of whiplash after the big back and forth on immigration enforcement on farms.