WTFRC

10/09/2026

How is new technology changing work on the farm?
Join FIRA USA’s Spanish-language session on October 21 in Yakima for conversations about automation, irrigation, and the experiences of farmworkers using these tools. Hear directly from workers, growers, and researchers, and bring your questions.

Free for farmworkers. Please share with your Spanish-speaking team members!
Details and registration: fira-usa.com

10/07/2026

Developing technology for orchards? Get to know the growing practices behind the work at FIRA.

Horticulture for Engineers will cover tree training, pruning, irrigation, pest management, and harvest through rotating learning stations. Designed for engineers, technology developers, and students.

Monday, October 19 | 1–5 p.m. | Yakima
The workshop is free, but registration is required: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fira-horticulture-for-engineers-tickets-1999030967436

10/06/2026

We're excited to introduce Otto Vizcaino, our part-time intern at WTFRC through November! A proud Wenatchee native and 2026 graduate of Wenatchee High School, Otto is currently attending Wenatchee Valley College while completing laboratory technician prerequisites for Confluence Health. He has a diverse background in food service, community cleanup projects, and customer service through his part-time role at a local wild bird feeding and birdwatching store. When he's not working or studying, Otto enjoys hiking, drawing, gaming, and exploring the outdoors. We're grateful to have Otto on our team and look forward to supporting him as he continues pursuing his educational and career goals.

10/05/2026

FIRA USA is coming to Yakima October 20–22, and WTFRC will be there! Join us at State Fair Park for live demonstrations and a closer look at technology for orchards and other specialty crops.

Registration is FREE for growers, farmworkers, and students. Over the next few weeks, we’ll share some program highlights to help you plan your visit.

Details and registration: fira-usa.com

09/29/2026

If you missed out last week, you can still catch the WA 64 Sunflare™ Pre-Harvest Field Tour NORTH tomorrow, September 30!

Join Kate Evans, Stefano Musacchi, Manoella Mendoza and Bernardita Sallato to learn more about our new apple variety WA 64, trade marked as Sunflare™

WHEN: Wednesday, September 30th at 10:00 AM

WHERE: Start: WSU Sunrise Orchard at 10:00AM | 114 Sunrise Ct, Rock Island, WA 98850

THEN: Stemilt Quincy P3 @ 11:45 AM
Turn north on 10024 Rd U NW with HW 28, Quincy, WA 98848. Look for signage to orchard blocks.

For more information visit: https://treefruit.wsu.edu/event/wa-64-sunflare-pre-harvest-field-tour-north/

09/23/2026

WA 64 Sunflare™ Pre-Harvest Field Tour South

When: Thursday September 24th at 11:00 AM

Where: Start: WSU Roza Farm at 11:00 AM
117814 W Kuhlman Rd, Prosser, WA 99350

Then: Allan Brothers P3 @ 12:00 AM
N Aller Rd, Prosser, WA 99350. From W Hanks Rd NW, go north on N Aller Rd, this will curve and take you around a bend and then up a steep hill. Look for signage to orchard blocks.

Join Kate Evans, Stefano Musacchi, Manoella Mendoza and Bernardita Sallato to learn more about our new apple variety WA 64, trade marked as Sunflare™!

For more details: https://mailchi.mp/wsu/fruit-matters-september-2026?fbclid=IwdGRleAUhHi9wZG9mAWZkaWQWUO8PKcJ40OaBBxW2MmKdz3dUeyAmTmV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR4S5hPbLbxjaH51m3dF55aHR5idGCGdzyFEAZ8473JO7wdIaD1NdSBlPtnkpw_aem_AYYT1XO-mBjBVA55fyn7rQ

09/22/2026

Join us for the WSU-USDA Sunrise Research Farm Field Day!

When: September 23 @ 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Where: WSU Sunrise Research Farm

This field day will include five hands-on stations with topics covering apple sunburn physiology, orchard soil health, codling moth, leafhopper behavior, and apple post-harvest.

This is a free event, but please register at the link below!
For Registration and more information visit: https://treefruit.wsu.edu/event

09/18/2026

We said goodbye to another wonderful intern. Looking forward to seeing all you accomplish in your next chapter in this industry, Val!

Here is what Valentina had to say before she left:

"As my internship comes to an end, I want to take a moment to reflect on what an incredible and rewarding experience this journey has been.

Throughout my internship, I learned the importance of being adaptable, staying curious, and embracing every opportunity to learn. Each day brought new challenges and hands-on experiences that helped me grow both personally and professionally while strengthening my passion for horticulture and research.

One of the highlights of my internship was the opportunity to present at the WSTFA Annual Meeting & NW Hort Expo and the NWC Tree Fruit Days. These experiences pushed me outside my comfort zone, helped me build confidence, strengthened my communication skills, and allowed me to connect with professionals across the industry.

I am incredibly grateful to everyone who shared their knowledge, mentorship, and support along the way. This experience gave me a clearer understanding of the career path I want to pursue and reinforced my desire to continue working in horticulture and research.

As I begin the next chapter of my journey and start my M.S. in Horticultural Science at Washington State University, I am excited to continue learning, growing, and gaining experience in the field.

Thank you to everyone who made this internship so meaningful. I will carry the lessons, memories, and connections I gained with me as I move forward. Here's to new beginnings and continued growth! 🌱🍎"

09/09/2026

09/08/2026

SAVE THE DATES!

Our Research Review season is fast approaching! Add these dates to your calendar so you don't miss out on some great information from the researchers who have been working all season to bring you updates on their projects.

More details to come as we get closer. We hope to see you at our first Research Review on November 3rd in Yakima!