“I’ve never had a higher degree of uncertainty on crop prediction at this time of year than I do right now.” -This is the common line I’ve been hearing over the last couple weeks and I couldn’t agree more.

Recall we began circulating the 2025 Plant Sale numbers last month. When I noticed blackberry growers calling me I knew that something was amiss.

As we wrap up the year, here are a few important updates:

Recent flooding in various areas of the Pacific Northwest has raised concerns.

The numbers for the 2025 plant sale are now available!

The Small Fruit Update has successfully completed its 25th year, thanks to all the councils and commissions involved.

For more details, check inside this week’s update.

It’s pesticide license renewal time! We’ve had a few conferences at the end of the year with credit opportunities, most recently the excellent presentations at the Lynden Ag Show/Small Fruit Conference last week. Plenty more credit opportunities are available in the new year.

The Northwest Berry Foundation’s work benefits the entire PNW industry, highlighting the importance of collaboration. After hosting the NCSFR Conference, I recognized that such events not only update the industry on research but also celebrate these collaborative moments. A special thanks to the PNW berry industry!

We’ve enjoyed the benefits of dependable PNW weather forecasts delivered via email since 2008, especially from Rufus LaLone, who recently retired after an impressive 31 years. While we’ve received some alternative suggestions, they often lack straightforward, ‘no fluff’ predictions. If you have any recommendations, please don’t hesitate to email us.

With the American government still shut down and coordinating the Northwest Center for Small Fruits Research (NCSFR) in The Dalles, OR on Nov. 18-19, I’ve received plenty of questions as to how the conference might change if the government doesn’t open by conference time.

Remember the discussion last fall/winter about USHBC assessment changes? Based on feedback from last winter this discussion continues this fall.