Stemilt Growers commenced harvest on its 2010 blueberry crop the week of June 28 at Ladybug Orchards in Othello, WA, an arid region that is known for producing large, firm and dry blueberries.

Kyle Mathison, a fourth-generation farmer and co-owner of Stemilt, uses fertigation to feed and water his blueberries. This advanced farming method ensures that blueberry plants absorb nutrients at the exact time they are needed.

DINUBA, CA -- Fruit Patch Inc. announced July 1 that it will install a state-of- the-art pomegranate and specialty citrus line for the 2010-11 season.

PELION, SC -- Effective July 1, Walter P. Rawl & Sons is moving forward with a new corporate look highlighted by its updated 'WP Rawl' logo.

For three generations, dating back to 1925, the Walter P. Rawl family has expanded from a local greens grower to a vertically integrated grower, shipper, packer, and processor of fresh greens and vegetables throughout the Eastern region of the United States.

The department of plant pathology of Washington State University in Pullman, WA, will be awarded a $1 million grant to participate in a national project that will study onion productivity and profitability.

Sun World International recently put the finishing touches on a building refresh project that it said will both capture the eye of road travelers on Highway 99 and promote the variety of produce items grown in Kern County, where the firm's Bakersfield, CA, headquarters are located.

On June 18, Fort Pierce, FL-based DNE World Fruit Sales' first 2010 shipment of Australian citrus arrived at the port of Long Beach, CA, carrying some pleasant surprises.

A heat wave after the Australian trees blossomed caused a bloom drop, and subsequent heavy rains resulted in huge, sweet fruit and a "surprisingly pretty strong crop," Stu Monaghan, national sales manager for DNE, told The Produce News June 28.