Welcome to the blueberry industry’s brand new podcast! This is your source for the latest information on the production markets, research and technology related to blueberry production.

In today’s episode, we meet our co-hosts, set the scene for what this show is all about, and hear our very first crop report, which will be a regular segment on this podcast. 

Meet your Co-Hosts

Kasey Cronquist is the President of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) and the North American Blueberry Council (NABC). He has been in this capacity for almost a year after spending 12 years as CEO of the California Cut Flower Commission. 

“When I think about what would tune people in to a show like this, it’s certainly hearing from the growers in the field. This, for us, is really an opportunity to have growers share with growers, hear from growers, and talk about our industry...and reach more people than we would with our meetings.” - Kasey Cronquist

Rod Cook is a blueberry industry veteran and the  Chair of the Blueberry Technology and Innovation Committee. After many years in the horticultural side of the industry, he moved into marketing, and now does consulting. Since the Blueberry Technology Symposium is not happening this year, Rod will be helping to bring some of its valuable content to this podcast. 

“You can listen to this thing while you’re out running the sprayer or whatever else you’re doing out in the field.” - Rod Cook

What Can Listeners Expect from this Podcast? 

1. Markets. What’s happening in channels where people are buying blueberries: retail, food service, manufacturing. We will talk to our research suppliers and analysts, and market leaders in each area. We will also find out what importers/exporters are seeing in other parts of the world, and what is happening in trade policy.
2. Technology. The latest in machine harvesting, drones, robotics, sorting and IoT sensors. We will share the results of the recent technology survey and what we plan to do with those findings to help members. We will also sit down with leading experts in the technologies which will shape the future.
3. Farm. Insights from leading growers, and ideas for managing labor, logistics, finances, and marketing. We will also discuss the latest in horticultural practices, pest management, and food safety. 

Crop Report - June 3rd, 2020

This segment will appear in each episode to provide an update on what’s happening in the field, with voices of growers who many in the industry will recognize. Hear from Neil Moore in North Carolina, Bill Steed in California, and Denny Doyle in New Jersey. 

Resources: 

• USHBC TOOLKIT
• Blueberry Method Campaign with Dr. Barry Azul
• United Fresh Live! 

Innovation, collaboration, family, and hard work. This is “The Business of Blueberries”.