Apples

Dodd to take reins at Premier Apple Cooperative

Bill Dodd can’t help being heavily involved in the apple industry. It suits his personality, as well as his philosophy about what it takes for the industry to thrive.“There’s a lot to be said for... more »

Making traceability work is target of industry, FDA initiatives

It can be a long journey from farm to table. And a lot of things can happen along the way. With the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) calling for an effective protocol to track and... more »

Fruit losses climb: More West Michigan growers hit by record April cold

Farmers in West Michigan’s lucrative Fruit Ridge region are reporting heavy damage to apple, peach and sweet cherry crops after record late April cold.The Fruit Ridge area boasts roughly 65 percent of Michigan's total yearly... more »

Record cold wipes out Ada orchards’ apple, peach crops

Alvin Blok had hoped this year would mimic years past and be one of the best in his family orchard's 47 years, but a weekend cold snap appears to have nixed those dreams.Blok said record... more »

Fate of fruit farmer’s crop is in the air

If you spent the chilly nights this weekend snuggled in bed, you wouldn't have noticed a difference between 20- and 30-degree temperatures outside.But on an apple orchard, it's the difference between a healthy crop or... more »

Frozen fruit? Up-and-down weather throws off Upstate N.Y.’s fruit trees

Eric Shatt does not even bother checking weather forecasts anymore.As farm manager of Cornell Orchards in Ithaca, he is all too familiar with the damage already done to the majority of the peach and plum... more »

Fruit growers play role in Michigan’s economic recovery

If things go as planned, by the fall of 2013, 47 acres of farmland at Seven Mile Road and Alpine Avenue will be home to a new, state-of-the-art apple packing facility and distribution center.Bruce Heeren,... more »

Migrant housing plan sparks a lawsuit

Plans to improve housing for migrant workers in Benzie County have erupted into charges of racism. A fruit grower wants to reuse a motel that sits vacant in the Village of Elberta.Since the beginning of... more »