On this episode of In The Bin, we sit down with Kiersten Ritchie, a honeybee expert from Washington State University who’s just about to earn her doctorate. Kiersten pulls back the curtain on the hidden world of honeybees — from how they help pollinate our orchards to the wild fact that they can actually overthrow their queen.

00:00 Start

00:38 We have a very special guest, Kiersten Richie.

02:40 Do Honeybees pollinate 99.9% of orchards?

05:01 What are the different roles of Honeybees?

08:20 Back up… They can overthrow the queen?

11:02 What is royal jelly?

13:11 What lab work are you doing specifically?

15:07 What is the origin of honeybees?

18:59 Have Pesticides become safer for bees?

20:20 New Lab project looking at enzymes and genetics to help mitigate the effects of pesticides.

23:12 How do the different food sources affect them as they make their way up the coast? 24:58 Summer and winter bees.

27:04 How many species of bees are there?

29:08 How is climate change impacting honeybees?

35:18 Have we commercialized bees?

36:37 Harvesting honey.

38:24 How is funding for honeybee research looking?

39:52 As commercial farmers, what more can we do to support the bees?

43:55 If a bee stings you.

45:15 The Northern giant hornet.

47:56 What is the most significant pressure and threat to honeybees right now? (varroa mites)

53:36 What do you think about backyard beekeepers? And is it good or bad for exposure to varroa mites?

56:27 Is WSU doing outreach to help educate hobbyists?

In this episode of In The Bin, we chat with Bennett Mayo from Mike and Brian’s Tree Fruit Nursery, a company we’ve worked with since the beginning. Bennett takes us through the fascinating world of tree nurseries, from grafting techniques and rootstock selection to disease management and the latest innovations in tree cultivation. We dive into the science behind tree growth, why certain apple strains thrive, and even how trained dogs are helping detect tree diseases. Whether you’re a grower or just curious about the behind-the-scenes of nursery operations, this episode is packed with insight!

00:00 Open

00:21 Introduction of Bennett Mayo at Mike and Brian’s Nursery.

03:07 What services does a tree Nursery provide?

04:32 What are the characteristics of a one-year tree compared to a two-year tree?

07:51 What is the process of grafting trees?

10:23 Why are there so many different rootstocks? How do you pair them with the proper variety?

14:49 How long does it take to grow a rootstock?

16:21 Is there a Michael Jordan of rootstocks?

17:35 Can the rootstock play a role in changing the apple?

18:46 Why would someone have four different Pink Lady strains?20:37 How do you manage tree disease in a Nursery?

24:58 Dogs are being trained to detect diseases in trees!

26:13 Is their new research happening in tree Nurseries?

28:04 How do you manipulate the trees so they don’t grow in specific ways?

28:54 What does irrigation look like for you?

30:18 Are there any new rootstocks in development?

31:39 Do you ever consult with the grower on what to plant?32:59 How would it work if I wanted to buy 100,000 trees for you?

36:49 Can you perfectly match a tree already out in an orchard?38:07 Did rootstocks have to change to accommodate new irrigation techniques?

39:02 How skilled is the labor for grafting trees, and how does one become one?

43:54 How has the ordering process changed over the years?46:40 Cost If I wanted to plant an acre VS graft an acre?

48:45 Have you investigated Biochar?

49:34 Why do we see older Pear trees compared to apple trees?51:11 What does a calendar year look like for a Nursery?

On this episode of "In The Bin," we sit down with CarrieAnn Arias, the new CEO of the USA Pear Bureau, as she reflects on her first 61 days at the helm and the challenges of navigating a difficult pear crop. CarrieAnn takes us through her impressive career, including her journey in branding, private label strategy, and a major refresh at Naturipe Farms. We also dive into key topics like packaging innovation with an eye on recycling and emissions. Don’t miss this insightful conversation as CarrieAnn shares her vision for the future of the Pear Bureau and the pear industry.

00:00 Welcome52:00 Getting to know CarrieAnn.09:56 CarrieAnn’s work career. 21:18 Branding and private label.27:28 Branding refresh at Naturipe Farms.31:10 Working through old packaging inventory.35:45 What do you think about pears? 37:54 First 61 days as the CEO of the USA Pear Bureau. 40:23 The most valuable trade shows in your career? 44:18 Packaging innovation with recycling and emissions in mind.52:47 You picked a rough pear crop to start with. 56:50 What plans do you have for the Pear Bureau? 01:04:15 Close.

Dive into the world of box and bag manufacturing with Ben and Gary from H.R. Spinner. From its roots in Yakima, WA, starting back in 1916, join us as we explore recycling, the skyrocketing need for bags in the fruit industry, and the latest advancements in manufacturing techniques. Tune in for an engaging and relaxed conversation as we unravel the intricacies of packaging solutions and gain valuable industry insights.

00:00 How did H.R. Spinner start?

03:07 How did Gary start working in the industry?

05:55 What H.R. Spinner provides.

08:13 How did Ben start working in the industry?

10:38 Working on the first Post Consumer Recycle Bag in the tree

13:20 Growing the Pouch and poly segment.

16:02 Domestic VS import partnerships.

20:27 What’s your favorite apple?

22:40 What’s the difference between a High Graphic and a regular box?

26:10 Let’s talk private labels.

32:00 The change from a number 5 pouch to a number 4.

36:54 Recycled content for boxes.

46:30 How big is Spinner?

51:28 Have you looked into offering bag machines?

54:21 Who has the coolest box? Don’t say me.

58:29 How has online shopping driven paper demand?

The Wenatchee Valley is home to the best pears in the world,

Blueberries are the topic on hand in this brand new episode of In The Bin! Ellie Norris and Gage Thompson of Norris Farms join Tyler in the newly renovated bin studio for a fun discussion surrounding the world of blueberry farming. Exploring the challenges of organic crop cultivation, battling invasive species, navigating the intricacies of running a family-operated business, and embarrassing farm stories are all fair game in this candid interview.

This week, Tyler is joined In The Bin by Retail Specialist, Sarah Lucas. Sarah has spent the better part of the last two decades working in the grocery and produce industries. With experience at store level, all the way to buying and now selling fruit, Sarah knows all the ins and outs of a produce department. Listen now for grocery insights you don't see coming!

We're back with another episode of In The Bin! This time, we're joined by key members of the International Fresh Produce and Floral Association (IFPA) team. Rebeckah Adcock, IFPA's Vice President of U.S. Government Relations, and John Hollay, Director of U.S. Government Relations, join Tyler to chat about bridging the gap between fresh produce and the United States government. Tackling tough topics such as labor challenges and government regulation's effect on farming, this episode is a must-listen!

When it comes to key players involved in getting fruit to your table, we bet the IT team isn’t first on your mind! Technology is one of the most important forgotten elements of farming, packing, and selling fruit. In this episode, Network Admin Steve Potter speaks on how he went from curious teen to IT wizard for the largest apple grower in Washington State. Tune in to hear about internet safety, orchard automation, and…. mushrooms?