January 8, 2019
BC Tree Fruits transition continues
BC Tree Fruits Co-op has lost long-time horticulturist Hank Markgraf.
The son of orchardists and a graduate of Washington State University, Markgraf joined the co-op in May 1988.
A comment wasn’t immediately available regarding the reasons for Markgraf’s departure. However, it comes as the co-op seeks new executives to oversee its operations.
It posted an ad at the end of November for a new CEO to replace Stan Swales, who had been with the co-op for just two years. He was the co-op’s third CEO since the amalgamation of packinghouses in 2008. An ad for a successor to Warren Everton, who had served as CFO since February 2013 was posted at the same time.
The co-op has not commented on the progress of the competitions, nor announced a deadline for the selection of new leadership.
The co-op has more than 430 members across the Okanagan Valley, and received sharp criticism in a report last summer regarding the competitiveness of the tree fruit sector.
with files from Tom Walker
Current Issue:
January 2019
Vol. 105 Issue 1
Victoria tweaks ALR rules
Ranch must allow anglers
Grappling with challenges
Editorial: Learning from leopards
Back forty: Livestock protection is a grey matter
Viewpoint: One zone shows foresight as BC ag evolves
Popham pursues ambitious agenda as 2019 arrives
Milk stocks rebuild but skimmed milk an issue
Holstein spring show grows, moves to Chilliwack
Dairy producers withhold national levies
Wave of retirements sweeps through dairy associations
Fund aims to give BC fruit growers a competitive edge
Ag Brief: New chair for Farm Industry Review Board
Ag Brief: BC Tree Fruits shake-up
Ag Brief: Thompson retires from dairy centre
New trap set to reduce Okanagan starling flocks
Consumer prices could buoy farm cash receipts
BC potatoes yield increase in 2018
‘Green rush’ overwhelms OK planning staff
Show, gala showcases BC agriculture
Hort show covers buds to spuds
Sidebar: Budding interest
Spotlight on dairy, innovation
Popular dairy tour showcases diversity
Overseas markets demand top quality
Sidebar: Gerbrandt coordinates berry research
Local seed initiative shifts focus to economics
Big dreams for small pepper growers
Cattle feeders bullish on packing plant
Research: Increasing green fodder could decrease allergies
Beekeepers learn to defend against wildlife
Online platform connects producers, consumers
Public trust programming to expand in 2019
Farmers institutes meet to forge connections
The rock road of water buffalo in BC
Wannabe: Pulling together
Woodshed: Deborah finds it’s better to give than receive
Jude’s Kitchen: Start healthy