Fruits
USHBC names winners of first Blueberry Boost Accelerator Pitch Competition
The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) has named the winners of its first Blueberry Boost Accelerator Pitch Competition. The contest concluded the nine-week Blueberry Boost Accelerator, a program developed by USHBC with innovation advisory firm... more »
Federal shutdown disrupts USApple’s storage reporting
The federal government shutdown has interfered with U.S. Apple Association’s (USApple) monthly apple storage reports. The shutdown has prevented USDA workers in Michigan, typically the third largest U.S. apple producing state, from issuing its report.... more »
New MSHS leader follows father’s tree fruit leadership
The new head of the Michigan State Horticulture Society (MSHS) is following in his father's footsteps by heading the organization that works to strengthen the state’s fruit and vegetable production leadership. Kyle Weber of southwest... more »
Washington State Wine Commission names research program manager
The Washington State Wine Commission (WSWC) has hired a new research program manager. Julie Tarara, a Ph.D, was selected by a committee of Washington viticulture and enology (V&E) research leaders. She replaces Melissa Hansen, who... more »
Ridgefest: soil, water considerations spur orchard success
Soil monitoring, crop rotations and consistent irrigation patterns are among key control points for managing a successful apple production system. Nick Rasch of Rasch Family Orchards near Kent City, Michigan, outlined the operation’s approach in... more »
Michigan Viticulture Field Day’s air, ground approaches aid vineyard management
Evolving technology is enticing vineyard growers and researchers who are targeting efficient techniques to drive down industry costs and increase profits. Several of these concepts were showcased during the 36th annual Michigan Viticulture Field Day... more »
Ridgefest 2025: Michigan apple growers hit the mark with orchard strategies
Innovative tricks of the trade took center stage in apple growers’ orchards during the annual Ridgefest, held July 17 near Kent City, Michigan. Ridgeview Orchards’ Dan Dietrich used his Freeman Farm tour to review his... more »
Fresh Views: Sustainability for the future of farming
As the global population continues to grow and concerns for the health of the environment increase, the pressure on farmers to adopt sustainable growing practices has never been greater. Sustainability is about developing systems to... more »
















