**The U.S. Apple Association has launched its application process for the 2021 Young Apple Leader class.
The YAL program mission is to equip the next generation of American apple growers and emerging leaders with an understanding of how federal, regulatory and legislative issues directly affect their apple business...
**In a desperate move to make up for losses from African Swine Fever, some Chinese pig farmers are raising pigs as big as polar bears.
According to agweb.com, some of these giant pigs are crossing the scale around 1,100 pounds and can sell for nearly $1,400, more than three times the average monthly disposable income in the area...
WENATCHEE, Wash. (AP) — Developed in a lab, trademarked and focus-group tested, apple growers in the nation's top producing state are preparing to introduce a brand new apple variety.
But as the first "Cosmic Crisp" trees are planted next year, the new apple highlights a changing industry, where major growers have moved away from relying on few varieties of apples for their income.
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The shortage of farm workers in Eastern Washington could become even more intense with a recent state supreme court ruling. The number of fruit pickers is currently down by a third. That comes as the state supreme court recently upheld a law that would fine employers $500 for any mistake made on farm worker's employment forms...
All those apples on the trees in the Yakima Valley are expected to add up to a record crop this year but like years past there's talk about a major labor shortage. The Washington growers clearing house in Wenatchee estimates the crop at 145 million boxes for both the fresh and processed markets...