This story was written by Ross Courtney and TJ Mullinax for Good Fruit Grower published on January 10, 2025.
Administrators of Northwest Cherries told growers Jan. 10 at the 82nd annual Cherry Institute in Yakima, Washington, that the 2024 season was successful in shipping and promotions, a welcome bright spot after several tough years.
Cherry King crowned
At lunch, the cherry industry celebrated with the crowning of the 2025 Cherry King. Mike Taylor of Stemilt Growers, the 2024 Cherry King, presented the crown to plant pathologist Gary Grove who spent 38 years at Washington State University working to help cherry growers manage powdery mildew.
“You might not know this year’s Cherry King, but his work is (felt) on your bottom line,” Taylor said. “Mildew is a curse, and when it’s bad, it’s a killer. It’s tough on the receiver, it’s tough on the grower and it’s hard on the packing room — and so the work you have done is tremendous.”
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