Apples

IFTA Summer Tour: A review of Day 2

Participants in the International Fruit Tree Association’s Summer Tour in Nova Scotia visited a variety of growers of apples, other fruit, vegetables and even livestock. On the second day of the tour, July 25, the... more »

U.S. apple crop forecast at 256 million bushels

The U.S. apple crop for 2023-24 is expected to top 256 million 42-pound bushels, according to the U.S. Apple Association. USApple’s forecast is about 6 million bushels over the USDA’s annual forecast. The USDA released... more »

CMI unveils advanced pear packing technology

CMI Orchards has introduced pear packing technology that is marketed to possess strong benefits for retailers and consumers. The Wenatchee, Washington, based CMI’s recent expansions on the technology used to pack, market and sell pears... more »

Drone assignment: A costly investment, consider pros and cons

A recent addition in growers’ toolboxes, unmanned aerial systems (UAS) flying over orchards and vineyards can supply images to help orchardists and horticulturists more precisely and efficiently identify areas of concern. Drones can increase efficiencies... more »

Organic Grower: Apple growing profitable, but challenging

It's all in the details when growing organic apples. Growers saw the challenges firsthand during the International Fruit Tree Association’s 66th annual conference and tours in Grand Rapids, Michigan. At a stop during the February... more »

Sage Fruit’s Steve Clement leads USApple board

The U.S. Apple Association has named Steve Clement, CEO of Washington grower and shipper Sage Fruit Co., as its 2023-24 board of director's chairman. Sage Fruit, Yakima, has five warehouse/packing partners and ships more than... more »

WSU releases WA 64, a Honeycrisp, Cripps Pink hybrid

Washington State University’s (WSU) newest apple variety, WA 64, is a sweet, tart, firmly crisp hybrid of Honeycrisp and Cripps Pink, a variety that includes the well-known Pink Lady brand. Officially released for commercial licensing... more »

Another large Michigan apple crop expected

This fall should another large crop of Michigan apples. Michigan’s official crop estimate is 32 million bushels or 1.34 billion pounds, similar to last season. The estimate was released on Aug. 18 during the USApple... more »