WTFRC

08/12/2026

🍎Farm to School connections bring Washington-grown foods into local schools. If you're a Washington farmer or producer, now is your chance to start making those connections!

💚 On October 7th, farms and schools across Washington will showcase the best of what our state has to offer for Taste Washington Day.

👉 Complete our Taste Washington Day farmer interest form to get connected with schools in your area and get started on building new farm to school partnerships: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/zULagYmq7e

👉 You can also visit our website to learn more about WSDA's Farm to School Program: https://agr.wa.gov/departments/business-and-marketing-support/farm-to-school/wsda-farm-to-school-program/taste-washington-day

07/31/2026

Paige Beuhler has been with the Commission since 2021. As an Administrative Officer, she oversees grants and contract administration, office operations, accounting support, and event planning. Paige earned degrees from Central Washington University and Arizona State University in IT Administrative Management and Legal Studies. When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, exploring the Pacific Northwest through camping trips, hitting the slopes in winter, and traveling together whenever possible.

We recently asked Paige a few questions and here is what she had to say:

1. What has been your favorite memory since joining the Commission?
One of my favorite memories has been experiencing the industry beyond the office through tours, field days, research reviews, and grower-focused events. I grew up in Wenatchee around tree fruit, so being able to see the research, technology, and industry collaboration behind it has been really meaningful. I’ve especially enjoyed moments where staff, researchers, growers, and industry partners come together, and you can really see how connected and supportive this industry is. Some of my favorite memories in the office also include our various encounters with spiders, which always turn into an adventure and a good laugh! 😊

2. What’s something interesting you’ve learned recently?
Something interesting I’ve learned is how much data and history the Commission has behind its research funding. Looking back at projects over the years shows how research priorities have evolved with the industry, especially around technology, crop protection, horticulture, and postharvest work. It has been interesting to see how past investments connect to current industry needs and future opportunities.

3. What do you look forward to most this year?
I’m looking forward to the upcoming annual research reviews starting in November because they bring people together and are always a great reminder of the collaboration behind the Commission’s work.

07/28/2026

WSU is hosting a Codling Moth Field day on July 31st at 10 AM in Moxee!

This will be a hands-on workshop covering important topics on Codling Moth management and variable rate sprayers, with a demo of a variable rate sprayer at the WSU Smart Orchard in Moxee.
Topics Included:
• Current status of codling moth virus resistance and resistance management recommendations
• Codling moth banding and hot spot management
• Variable rate sprayers (demo)
• Research updates

Click on the following link for more details and to preregister: https://treefruit.wsu.edu/event/codling-moth-ipm-field-day/

We hope to see you there!

07/24/2026

Some of the best and juiciest peaches in the world come from Lateral Roots Farm in Wapato! 🍑 A special treat from our employee Mackenzie's family farm; they didn’t last long around here and bring out the best smiles!

07/13/2026

Meet Lauren Gonzalez from the USA. Lauren joined the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission (WTFRC) as a summer intern beginning in 2012, contributing to a variety of applied research projects focused on cherry cracking susceptibility, sunburn mitigation, and food safety. Reflecting on her experience, Lauren shares that the internship provided valuable hands-on skills that she continues to use in her career today. Just as importantly, it helped her build lasting professional relationships with colleagues she still connects with years later. We're proud to see the lasting impact of our internship program and the talented individuals who have been part of it!

07/06/2026

WTFRC Commissioner: Teah Smith

From a young age, Teah’s curiosity about insects sparked a lifelong passion for science. What began with exploring bugs alongside her father led her to study marine biology at Western Washington University and work at the WSU Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center. Encouraged by Dr. Vince Jones whose lab she worked in, she pursued a master’s degree in entomology, where she discovered her true calling. She still loves bugs to this day!

Today, as Lead Entomologist at Zirkle, Teah leads innovative projects, including pollinator habitat development and collaborative research with WSU. Her advice to the next generation: Go for your dream, work really hard, and never stop learning.

Through her involvement with the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission, Teah continues to grow professionally while helping strengthen the connection between researchers, growers, and the industry. She is constantly learning whether it’s from the Research Reviews, other Commissioners or Committee members. Teah mentions how WTFRC is set apart from other entities in different states because of the relationship and interaction the Commission has with growers.

Her story is a great reminder that passion, perseverance, and curiosity can lead to incredible opportunities.

06/24/2026

Now that June drop is complete in most locations, it is time for green fruit hand thinning. Remember that seeds developing in young fruit produce gibberellins, which inhibit floral initiation and hurt your return bloom. Also, any water, nutrients, and carbohydrates the tree puts into fruit you thin off is essentially wasted, so to get the best fruit size and quality at harvest and the best bloom next spring, get your hand thinning done as soon as possible.

06/22/2026

06/11/2026

Lacewing Release Field Day

A few different opportunities to catch a WSU field day highlighting new research on how to effectively use lacewings for biocontrol in apples!

Wednesday, June 24th - Pateros, WA
Thursday, June 25th - Rock Island, WA
Thursday, June 25 - Royal City, WA

For more information and to register visit treefruit.wsu.edu/events

06/09/2026

JOIN THE PEAR RESEARCH SUBCOMMITTEE

The deadline for applications is fast approaching! Applications to join the Pear Research Subcommittee are accepted until June 15th.

We currently have two open positions on the PRSC and are looking for pear industry representatives interested in science and research who would be willing to serve on this active committee and help guide research efforts in support of the PNW pear industry. There is one position open specifically for the Yakima area, and another at large position which would ideally be filled by someone from either the Mid-Columbia/Hood River area or the Wenatchee Valley.

If you are interested in being considered for an open position, please fill out this simple form and email it to [email protected] by JUNE 15.
https://treefruitresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/PRSC-Applicant-Form-March-2023-002.pdf

For more information on being a committee member, please visit https://treefruitresearch.org/about-us/committees/ .