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According to the American Fruit Grower's State of the Industry Report, U.S. fruit growers, particularly those of berries, remain optimistic despite challenges such as rising input costs, extreme weather, and labor issues. The majority of growers (88%) are either increasing production or maintaining their strategy from the previous year. Berry growers, in particular, are the most optimistic, with elderberry, strawberry, blackberry, and raspberry all experiencing significant increases in production. Other fruits, such as apples and pears, also show positive trends, while walnut growers are facing challenges and discontinuing production. Overall, the report provides insights into the current state of the fruit growing industry in the U.S. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the importance of finding a mentor in the tree fruit industry, particularly during challenging times. The author shares their personal experience of meeting a mentor, Tom Auvil, who provided valuable insights and guidance. The article emphasizes the ups and downs of the fruit industry and highlights the need for emotional and mental support among growers. The author advises readers to seek out mentors who have experienced both success and failure in order to navigate the industry effectively. [Extracted from the article]

The article reflects on Dan LaGasse, a machine designer and owner of the company LaGasse Works, and Scott VanDeWalle, co-owner of VanDeWalle Fruit Farm in Alton, New York, who collaborated to develop machines for apple growers such as bin trailers, a hedger, and planting plow. It informs that LaGasse has built several of the single-row platforms under the LaGasse Orchard brand for tree fruit growers. It also mentions that LaGasse and VanDeWalle's work has been featured in several articles. INSETS: Efficiency By The Numbers;Munckhof Sprayer.

The article discusses the 57th Annual International Tree Fruit Association (IFTA) Convention held in Kelowna, British Columbia in 2014 on precision orchard management. Topics discussed include maximizing growers' returns on investments, precision crop load management, and use of DA meters as a non-destructive tool for growers to monitor a fruit's ripening. The convention featured several fruit growers including Bruce Allen, Steve Brown, and Larry Lutz. INSETS: Get To Know Kelowna;Interactive Side Of IFTA.

The article offers information on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in the U.S. which helps to get more fresh produce into the diets of consumers who may not have access to fruit and vegetables. It mentions the comments made by Amanda Shreve, manager with the Michigan Farmers Market Association, on SNAP benefits. It mentions the views of Christie Welch, Farmers Markets Specialist with The Ohio State University South Centers, on use of technology for farmers. INSET: SNAP Resources.

The article reports on the efforts of the researchers of Washington State University (WSU) to control the spread of brown marmorated stink bug or Halyomorpha halys which has posed major threat to Washington's fruit crop industry. Topics discussed include comments of WSU entomologist Richard Zack on their lack of susceptibility to insecticides, threat posed by the bugs to grapes in Oregon, and control of the bug by introducing a parasitic wasp.

The article offers information on the U.S. based organization Midwest Apple Improvement Association (MAIA) which has released EverCrisp fruit, a cross between Honeycrisp and Fuji. Topics discussed include comments made by David Doud, board member of MAIA, on EverCrisp, seedlings planting by MAIA at Dawes Arboretum in Newark, Ohio, and several advanced plantings being developed by MAIA. It also informs that MAIA is working with researcher Diane Miller to develop these plantings.

Several charts are presented that list the top grape, apple, and stone fruit growers in the U.S.

The article discusses the importance of research for innovation as necessity to deliver positive results and profits to the fruit industry in the U.S.

The article discusses the Armillaria root rot fungus that can be found in trees and replant sites that is devastating to the fruit industry in which researchers are studying to breed fungus-resistant rootstocks to make replanting economically realizable.

The article explores the impact of the U.S. government's crackdown against illegal immigrants on fruit growing industry. Grower Gary Paulk of Georgia said they have to abandon a lot of their ready-to-be-picked blackberries due to he shortage of workers. Brad Hollabaugh of Gettyburg, Pennsylvania added while most Americans love their country and wants to protection their nation, it cannot be denied that immigration is vital in the foundation of the U.S. economy.

The article presents the responses sent by the readers to the question about the most significant headlines for the fruit industry in 2012.

The article describes several products and equipment related to the fruit growers industry including biological fungicide Actinovate AG from Natural Industries, fruit sizer Kerian Sizer from Kerian Machines Inc., and Electrocoup pruning shear.

A directory for fruit growers in the U.S. is presented including Orchard-Rite Ltd., Scentry Biologicals, and Pacific Western Container.

The article offers information on the survey conducted by "American Fruit Grower®" and "Western Fruit Grower®" magazines concerning the insights of fruit growers, researchers, and allied fruit industry members including vendors, suppliers, and distributors on the state of the industry.

The article presents some of the leading tree fruit, nut and berry varieties provided by leading nurseries across the U.S. It provides photographs of these varieties, a brief description of each and the contact information and websites for each nursery. Some of the fruits include the autumn crisp harvested in mid-September in Adams County, Pennsylvania, the Daybreak Fuji from Twin Springs Fruit Farm in Orrtanna, Pennsylvania and the Fuji Brak Cltv from Adams County, Pennsylvania.

An interview with the representatives of the top three fruit growers in the U.S. are presented. Al Pearson of Big 6 Farms LLC elaborates on the steps that his company is taking to efficiently manage expenses both outside and inside the orchard. Ken Bailey details the factors behind the success of Orchard View Farms. When asked about the single most important issue facing the stone fruit and apple/pear growing industries, Donald Gregory of Cherry Bay Orchards cites the seasonal labor force.

The article traces the development of new fruit varieties. Several factors that contributed to the decline of Red Delicious apple include overplanting and new varieties. According to Phil Baugher of Adams County Nursery, one of the most significant contributions to fruit trade is Zaiger Genetics' re-introduction of white-fleshed varieties of peaches and nectarines. Nurseryman Paul Stark and researcher Stanley Johnston are two of the innovators who contributed to the development of best varieties for growers and consumers.

Presents a list of companies in the fruit industry in the U.S. AgFast Corp.; Cover Nurseries Inc.; Gowan Co.

Presents photographs of children of fruit growers in the U.S. Brieanne Winters of Wells Orchard in Grand Rapids, Michigan; Aspen Lewis of Breeden's Orchard in Mount Juliet, Tennessee; Dea Chiavetta of Chiavetta's Potatoes & Greenhouse in Angola, New York.