November 2024 - 4

EDITOR'S LETTER
Seeking efficient
tree fruit varieties
I
n our tree fruit varieties issue, Fruit
Growers News examines new cultivars
available to growers.
I saw many varieties of tree fruit when I
participated in the International Fruit Tree
Association's (IFTA) 2024 summer study tour.
The bus tour through California's Central
Valley showed participants a large mix of
varieties. Additionally, the tour demonstrated
the ways growers are more efficiently harvesting tree fruit through a
variety of training, pruning and harvesting practices.
Because of quality and yield declines, HMC Farms in Kingsburg,
California, replaces older peach, plum and nectarine orchards with
high-density systems.
" One thing we started focusing on back in 2018 is as these orchards
age out, they can last anywhere from 14 to a little more than 20 years, "
said HMC's Drew Ketelsen.
HMC is experimenting with training systems. " We're kind of learning
with all this, " Ketelsen said. " The newer, productive varieties that size
well, naturally, it's a slam-dunk. "
The tour's coverage is on page 14.
An industry drive to boost apple consumption was part of this year's
Ridgefest. Read about that on page 6.
On page 16, learn about plum varieties that offer growers opportunities
through Jay Freer, Cornell's stone fruit and pear technician.
At this year's 2024 Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market
EXPO, experts are on deck to share insights on blueberry fertilization
and Concord grape juice cold-press techniques. Read more about the
show on page 22.
At GLEXPO, this year's crop of 40 Under 40 Fruit + Vegetable Award
winners will be recognized. We hope to see you at the reception at 4:30
p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 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 25) before
meeting them at GLEXPO.
In this month's Fresh Views column, USDA-ARS research plant
pathologist Anna Testen shares how relying on the expertise of others
can help growers solve disease issues. Read more on page 68.
EDITORIAL
ASSISTANT EDITOR
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Doug Ohlemeier, 616-520-2162
dohlemeier@greatamericanpublish.com
Debbie Eisele, 616-520-2160
deisele@greatamericanpublish.com
ADVERTISING SALES
ADVERTISING SALES
EXECUTIVE
ACCOUNT SPECIALIST
Bobby Albino, 616-520-2146
balbino@fruitgrowersnews.com
Kim Meyers, 616-520-2137
kmeyers@greatamericanpublish.com
PRODUCTION
SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER
ASSOCIATE CREATIVE
DIRECTOR
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
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 2024 | VOLUME 63 | 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
Doug Ohlemeier, Assistant Editor
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 2024
FRUIT GROWERS NEWS is a publication of
a division of Great American Publishing
4 | NOVEMBER 2024
-Doug
November 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of November 2024
