True leadership means leaving things better than how you found them, and that’s certainly been the case with Chris Barnhill serving as chair of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC). Chris recently stepped down from this role, handing the reins over to Michigan blueberry grower Shelly Hartmann, who previously served as the organization’s vice chair. Both are longtime industry leaders who have worked selflessly over the years to serve and improve the blueberry industry. 

In this episode of “The Business of Blueberries,” host Kasey Cronquist, president of the USHBC and the North American Blueberry Council (NABC), speaks with Chris and Shelly about their leadership roles, the importance of unity and collaboration in the blueberry industry, and ways we can continue to work together to improve and strengthen the industry. 

“I think the unity of the industry and the willingness to help each other is awesome in this industry. If we lose that, then we’ve lost the game.” - Chris Barnhill

“Blueberries are our livelihood, and farming is our way of life. And part of that proud tradition of being a farmer is the stewardship of the land, but it’s also the cultivation of the relationships and the respect and the care that we have for one another. That’s what this organization is about.” - Shelly Hartmann

Topics covered include: 

• The impact and legacy of two longtime industry leaders.
• Importance of engagement and opportunities for involvement in the blueberry industry.
• Perspective from two industry leaders about what’s ahead for blueberries.

Crop Report

The Blueberry Crop Report is an update on crop conditions and markets throughout North and South America. In this episode, you’ll hear from Matt Macrie in New Jersey, Rex Schultz in Michigan, Doug Krahmer in Oregon, Bryan Sakuma in Washington, and Jason Smith in British Columbia. This was recorded on July 28, 2021.  

Marketing Boost

Did you know that 73% of restaurant patrons believe blueberries make a dish more appealing, or that 64% believe they make a dish taste better? And, important for foodservice operators, that 70% indicate a willingness to pay more for dishes that include blueberries? In this week’s marketing boost, USHBC/NABC Vice President of Marketing and Communications Jennifer Sparks shares more about the recently completed 2021 Patron Demand Study, which provides all of this insight and more. 

Fall Event Registration

Have you registered yet for Innovate 2021: USHBC+NABC Tech Symposium and Fall Meetings? The action takes place at The Grand Hotel in Salem, Oregon, September 27-October 1, with a virtual attendance option also available. But super-early-bird pricing ends July 31, so don’t delay! Register today at blueberryevents.org/.