Apples
FirstFruit Farms acquires Applewood Fresh Growers
FirstFruits Farms, Prescott, Washington, has acquired Michigan’s Applewood Orchards and Applewood Fresh Growers. This development marks a significant milestone in FirstFruits’ continuous pursuit of excellence and expansion, according to a news release. Working jointly, FirstFruits... more »
Researchers study AI for thinning, pruning automation
Researchers are examining ways AI can help improve orchard thinning and pruning. Oregon State University (OSU) and Washington State University scientists with AI, mechanical engineering and computer science expertise are also considering how the tech... more »
CMI cites rapid growth with leadership promotions
CMI Orchards, Wenatchee, Washington, is making leadership changes during what it calls an era of major growth. CMI President Bob Mast said the company has seen a "remarkable upswing" in the past decade, nearly doubling... more »
USDA chief visits Rice Fruit apple packinghouse
The Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) visited an Adams County, Pennsylvania, apple packer, shipper and marketer. Under Secretary Alexis Taylor toured Rice Fruit Co. During... more »
Bill Erwin, Greg Lang honored for Michigan fruit legacies
Two Michigan fruit industry notables who’ve spent the better part of their lives in orchards, Bill Erwin and Greg Lang, have been honored by the Michigan State Horticultural Society (MSHS). Erwin and his wife, Linda,... more »
Fresh apple storage numbers up 33%
U.S. apple companies are holding 33% more fresh-market fruit than they did a year ago, and 20% more than the five-year average. The increase for apples grown for the processing market is smaller, but still... more »
Hill Brothers Orchards earns Michigan’s top cider award
The 25th winner of the Michigan Apple Cider Contest, Hill Brothers Orchards, has earned the recognition six times. The Grand Rapids company placed first in 1997 and 1998, the first two years of the program... more »
Michigan crowns Kelley Chase apple queen
Kelley Chase is the 2024 Michigan Apple Queen. Chase, a Michigan State University (MSU) student, was crowned Dec. 5 during the Michigan Apple Committee's 20th Annual Growers Luncheon at the Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable &... more »