Robert “Bobby” Brown III named 2026 Apple Grower of the Year

By AI, Created 4:42 PM UTC, May 18, 2026, /AGP/ – Robert “Bobby” Brown III of Orchard Dale Fruit Co. in Waterport, New York, has been named the 2026 Apple Grower of the Year by American Fruit Grower and Western Fruit Grower. The award spotlights Brown’s resilience, innovation and industry leadership in a season marked by extreme weather and personal loss.

Why it matters: - The award recognizes growers who have an impact beyond their own orchards and shape the direction of the U.S. apple industry. - Brown’s selection highlights the growing importance of innovation, research collaboration and food-safety leadership in apple production. - The honor also reflects the pressure growers face from extreme weather and the need for long-term resilience.

What happened: - American Fruit Grower and Western Fruit Grower named Robert “Bobby” Brown III of Orchard Dale Fruit Co. in Waterport, New York, the 2026 Apple Grower of the Year. - Brown is the 38th recipient of the annual award. - Valent U.S.A. has sponsored the award since 2015. - Brown is an eighth-generation grower whose family farm dates to 1804. - The announcement came May 15, 2026.

The details: - Brown led Orchard Dale Fruit Co. through a 2025 season marked by heat, hail and drought. - Brown also dealt with the personal loss of his father during that period. - Despite those challenges, Orchard Dale Fruit Co. produced high-quality fruit and maintained steady leadership. - Brown graduated from Cornell University. - Brown adopted precision tools early, including crop load management systems, imaging technology and improved spray practices. - Brown works with Cornell researchers, extension specialists, conservation agencies and fellow growers. - Brown has served as a mentor and resource within the industry. - Brown’s work has emphasized continuous improvement, environmental stewardship and employee development. - Brown is involved with Yes! Apples and the Next Big Thing Cooperative. - Those groups support premium apple varieties and New York-grown fruit. - Regional honorees also recognized in the program were Mark Russell and Jill MacKenzie of Two of Clubs Orchard in Appleton, New York; Allen Teach of Sunrise Orchards in Gays Mills, Wisconsin; and William and Angell Clark of Diamondback Acres in Chelan, Washington.

Between the lines: - Brown’s profile fits a broader industry shift toward growers who combine production skill with research, outreach and technology adoption. - The award also underscores how multi-generation farms are trying to preserve heritage while adapting to changing growing conditions. - Jim Bair, president and CEO of the U.S. Apple Association, said Brown stands out for supporting research, IFT and food safety. - Michael Keller, sustainable agriculture specialist with Valent U.S.A., said Brown is quick to step up when challenges arise and is committed to the future of New York-grown apples. - Brown described the apple industry as a close-knit community where growers help each other.

What’s next: - Brown’s recognition may further elevate Orchard Dale Fruit Co. and the industry groups he supports. - The regional honorees will continue representing innovation and leadership across their growing regions. - The award program points to continued emphasis on collaboration, sustainability and premium variety development.

The bottom line: - Brown’s win is both a personal honor and a signal that the apple industry is rewarding growers who combine resilience, innovation and community leadership.