In The Bin

Episode 12, Kiersten Ritchie - WSU Honeybee Expert

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?

Episode 11, Bennett Mayo - Tree fruit nursery specialist

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?

Episode 10, CarrieAnn Arias, CEO of the USA Pear Bureau

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.

Episode 9 Jaritt Hays, Production Manager at Monson Fruit

On this episode of "In The Bin," we sit with Jaritt Hays, production manager at Monson Fruit, the largest cherry packer in the Pacific Northwest. Jaritt shares his insights on integrating cutting-edge technology into packing fruit, his experience interning with a production line in New Zealand, and all the joys of running a packing line. Don't miss this episode as we explore packing at Monson Fruit! 00:00 Welcome, Jaritt Hays, Production Manager at Monson Fruit. 02:06 Monson Fruit Acquired a new Cherry line. 05:47 What is a cherry sizer? 09:38 What's unique about the Zillah packing line? 11:39 Cherry damage in specific regions throughout the state. 13:41 How many individual cherries do you pack? 17:08 What new AI tech do you have at the Zillah line? 21:30 New Zealand Padawan training for Cherry production. 25:04 What are the significant differences in packing in New Zealand? 30:30 A lot of our packing technology comes from New Zealand.  31:27 Hole in New Zealand's ozone layer. 32:39 Going from cherries to apples, what are the different challenges? 34:41 How do you prepare for the cherry season? 36:57 Cranberries! 42:31 Anything new coming down the pipeline? 45:50 Closing comments.

Episode 8 H.R. Spinner packaging suppliers

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 fruit industry.   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?