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 »

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 »

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 »

New Michigan horticulture group leader embraces change

Beth Hubbard is not one to shy away from assessing a situation and making changes. She did so after 28 years as an executive in the automotive industry, moving back to her family’s farm. Since... more »

Great Apple Rescue helps West Virginia apple growers

In what’s being called The Great Apple Rescue of 2023, the Farmlink Project is finding homes for a large West Virginia apple crop. Without the food charity’s work, nearly a dozen West Virginia apple growers... more »

USApple explores post-harvest numbers, trends

The U.S. Apple Association is highlighting findings from its USAppleTracker report of national storage surveys to identify trends in production and varietal shifts. The 45-minute webinar starts at 3 p.m. Eastern Dec. 19. Registration is... more »

Envy apples expecting big harvest for holiday season

With the holiday season nearing, Envy apples once again expect to be the “The Ultimate Holiday Apple.” The recognition follows an extensive marketing campaign with Hallmark Channel, and also with the strength of a strong... more »