November 2023 - 4

EDITOR'S LETTER
Great Lakes EXPO,
40 Under 40 and so
much more ...
I
f you're going to the Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable & Farm Market
EXPO (perhaps you're reading this at the event), this issue of the Fruit
Growers News is a great way to ease into your busy schedule.
We welcome Beth Hubbard of
Corey Lake Orchards, Three Rivers,
Michigan, who begins her one-year
term as president of the Michigan State
Horticultural Society, which works with
the Michigan Vegetable Council to present
GLEXPO each year (see page 14). While
Hubbard runs the family farm with her
sister, she took an unconventional detour
before taking on the role.
Hubbard heads the GLEXPO board
responsible for the event programming,
which includes some changes this year.
Perhaps the most notable is a focus on
AgTech, with a dedicated exhibitor area and
the AgTech Symposium Thursday, Dec. 7 on
the Valent Stage in the expo hall.
We hope to see you at the 40 Under 40 Fruit + Vegetable Award
reception at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5, on the Valent Stage, where FGN
and sister publication Vegetable Growers News will recognize these
outstanding men and women. Check out their bios in this issue (page 1A)
before meeting them at GLEXPO.
Also in this issue, we present the annual Tree Fruit Variety Showcase
on page 19. We invite breeders and nurseries each year to highlight
new varieties. If you're a grower considering options for orchards, the
showcase is a good place to start.
A recent addition to FGN (and VGN) is the Organic Grower section, a
quarterly feature that highlights research, growing practices, trends,
regulations and other organic sector issues. Read about the University of
Georgia's study of transitioning fallow pastureland to organic production,
and the novel way California strawberry growers are removing a pest
from their fields.
Doug Ohlemeier, FGN assistant editor, was in Salinas, California,
in September for the FIRA USA AgTech, robotics and automated
equipment show. His coverage on page 6 focuses on the big questions
growers are asking as they consider the pros and cons of investing in
what AgTech companies often market as solutions to labor needs and
a path to sustainability.
Some of the same companies at FIRA USA will be exhibiting and
presenting at GLEXPO. While the West Coast is the main testing ground
for most AgTech in the U.S., interest is spreading eastward.
Enjoy the issue, and hope to see you at GLEXPO.
EDITORIAL
MANAGING EDITOR
ASSISTANT EDITOR
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Chris Koger, 616-520-2156
ckoger@greatamericanpublish.com
Doug Ohlemeier, 616-520-2162
dohlemeier@greatamericanpublish.com
Debbie Eisele, 616-520-2160
deisele@greatamericanpublish.com
ADVERTISING SALES
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
ACCOUNT SPECIALIST
Greg Sebel, 616-520-2146
fgnads@fruitgrowersnews.com
Kim Meyers, 616-520-2137
kmeyers@greatamericanpublish.com
PRODUCTION
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER
ASSOCIATE CREATIVE
DIRECTOR
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Alexa Armstrong, 616-520-2174
aarmstrong@greatamericanpublish.com
Greg Ryan, 616-520-2145
fgnproduction@fruitgrowersnews.com
Amanda Mackey, 616-520-2157
amackey@greatamericanpublish.com
Allison McKenzie, 616-520-2142
amckenzie@greatamericanpublish.com
AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT
CIRCULATION
CORPORATE
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
COO & CHIEF
MARKETING OFFICER
PUBLISHER/CEO
Becky Stovall, 616-520-2138
circulation@fruitgrowersnews.com
Deb Carnes, 616-520-2169
dcarnes@greatamericanpublish.com
Kim Baker, 616-520-2135
kbaker@greatamericanpublish.com
Matt McCallum, 616-520-2133
mmccallum@greatamericanpublish.com
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD
Mike Biltonen
John Clark
Rob Crassweller
Wanda Heuser Gale
Frank Gasperini
Simon Huntley
Mark Longstroth
Nathan Nourse
Gregory Peck
Roger Pepperl
Mark Seetin
USPS 576-420, ISSN 1533-6840
PERIODICAL POSTAGE PAID AT SPARTA, MI AND ADDITIONAL OFFICES
Published monthly by
GREAT AMERICAN MEDIA SERVICES INC.
Office at 75 Applewood Dr., Suite A, Sparta, Michigan 49345.
POSTMASTER
Send address changes to:
Great American Publishing,
PO Box 318, Lincolnshire IL 60069
SUBSCRIPTION RATES
United States: $35.50 per 3 years,
$15.50 per year
Canada: $56 per year,
Foreign Countries: $100 per year
Digital Editions: $9.95 per year,
Back Issues: $6 each
NOVEMBER 2023 | VOLUME 62 | ISSUE 11
The opinions and views expressed by authors, contributors and
advertisers in Fruit Growers News do not necessarily reflect those of
the editors and publisher. Appearance in Fruit Growers News does not
constitute endorsement by Great American Media Services or Fruit
Growers News of the advertiser, its products, or services. Great American
Media Services and Fruit Growers News accepts no responsibility of
liability for the validity or accuracy of information supplied by contributors,
vendors, advertisers, or advertising agencies. Great American Media
Services and Fruit Growers News do not make any claims or guarantees as
to the accuracy or validity of information supplied by contributors, vendors,
advertisers or advertising agencies.
Copyright 2023
FRUIT GROWERS NEWS is a publication of
4 | NOVEMBER 2023
a division of Great American Publishing
November 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of November 2023
