In this episode of “The Business of Blueberries,” host Kasey Cronquist, president of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) and the North American Blueberry Council (NABC), is joined by Shelly Hartmann, owner of True Blue Farms and USHBC chair, to discuss the results of the recent referendum vote and where the USHBC goes from here.

“We really need to encourage grower participation. This is a grower’s program. They need to be involved and they need to be up to speed on the strategic plan and the direction that this organization is going. ...I only see it getting better for growers and I’m so excited to be able to say that.” - Shelly Hartmann

Topics covered include:

• An overview of the referendum results and how they were tabulated. 
• A look at the blueberry industry’s next five years.
• How to get involved and keep the positive momentum going.  
• The importance of staying unified and respecting varying opinions in the industry. 

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 Luis Vegas in Peru. This was recorded on November 17, 2021.

Marketing Boost

With Thanksgiving around the corner, it’s important to express gratitude to your customers. In this week’s Marketing Boost, USHBC/NABC Vice President of Marketing and Communications Jennifer Sparks talks about how expressing gratitude can build brand loyalty.