Ag Problems Recognized in Olympia

Fruit Grower Report
Washington State Tree Fruit Association President, Jon

DeVaney says challenges for the ag industry may be getting a bit more attention in Olympia.

Gebbers Farm Bankruptcy

Fruit Grower Report
A lot of attention in the tree fruit industry recently has been paid to the bankruptcy filing by Gebber’s Farms last month.

Apple Estimate Changes

Fruit Grower Report
There has been a big change to estimating what the Washington apple crop will look like from year to year.

WSTFA Annual Golf Tournament

Fruit Grower Report
If you’ve been putting it off, now is the time to register for next month’s annual Washington State Tree Fruit Association Golf Tournament.

Washington's Water Future

Fruit Grower Report
Rather than just complaining about drought conditions and potential water shortages for farmers, the state Department of Ecology has launched ‘Washington’s Water Future’, a plan to solicit ideas for policies that could stretch water supplies.

Washington's Water Future

Fruit Grower Report
Rather than just complaining about drought conditions and potential water shortages for farmers, the state Department of Ecology has launched ‘Washington’s Water Future’, a plan to solicit policy ideas that could stretch water supplies.

Cherry Season Hopes

Fruit Grower Report
With Northwest cherry harvest about to begin, growers are hoping to see better pricing this year.

Water Management in Drought

Fruit Grower Report
Another drought year has been declared in Washington state, meaning farmers need to be prepared for the potential of less water availability.

WSTFA Golf Tournament 2026

Fruit Grower Report
With spring upon us and summer fast approaching, you might want to think about dusting off those golf clubs, if you haven’t already, and start thinking about the upcoming tournament put on by the Washington State Tree Fruit Association.

AEWR and More

Fruit Grower Report
As you probably know, there have been changes to how the Adverse Effect Wage Rate is calculated and many in the ag workforce say that’s a good thing. But is there more?

AEWR's New Benefits

Fruit Grower Report
Updating the methodology for calculating wages for foreign guest-workers should be a significant improvement for both farm employers and employees.

Mini WARN Act Fix

Fruit Grower Report
Many would argue that Washington’s agricultural industry is overwhelmed with regulations at an extreme cost. But WSTFA president Jon DeVaney says it’s not just the financial cost of these regulations but the complexity costs.

Tree Fruit Day in Olympia

Fruit Grower Report
Tree Fruit Day in Olympia on Wednesday, January 28th is fast approaching and if you haven’t signed up yet, now is the time.

State Farm Bill Possible

Fruit Grower Report
Pushing for policies that recognize the unique challenges of farming in Washington state is nothing new, but there have recently been talks about the possibility of a State Farm Bill to help address the unique challenges farmers in our state face.

Educating Olympia on Ag

Fruit Grower Report
Jon DeVaney, President of the Washington State Tree Fruit Association, says we may have made some headway with conversations in Olympia helping lawmakers understand the current challenges farmers are facing.

WSTFA Annual Meeting

Fruit Grower Report
The Washington State Tree Fruit Association recently held their annual meeting with growers, packers, shippers and others from the industry gathering in Wenatchee.

Mini Warn Act for Agriculture

Fruit Grower Report
A new law requires employers to give 60-day notice when laying off workers to help with their transition, but is it intended for seasonal farm workers?

Harvest Wrap Apples

Fruit Grower Report
Harvest season is wrapping up, or will be soon, for northwest pear and apple growers, and Jon DeVaney, President of the Washington State Tree Fruit Association, says both crops are looking pretty good this year despite challenges.

Harvest Wrap Pears

Fruit Grower Report
Harvest season is wrapping up, or will be soon, for northwest pear and apple growers, and Jon DeVaney, President of the Washington State Tree Fruit Association, says both crops are looking pretty good this year despite challenges.

Del Monte Closure Impact

Fruit Grower Report
Northwest Pear harvest should be wrapping up soon with forecast estimates calling for a 60% increase over last year’s crop, but many growers hit by the closure of the Del Monte plant.