Celebrating Tim Welsh — the 2024 Apple Grower of the Year
September 17, 2024 Tim Welsh still has a hard time believing he’s the 2024 Apple Grower of the Year. At a recent dinner in his hometown of Wenatchee, WA, surrounded by friends and family, the Chief Orchardist at Columbia Orchard Management had nearly resigned himself to the fact that he would never win.
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“I’ve looked at this award through the years, and I’ve seen the people who have won this award in the past, including Scott,” Welsh nodded at his close friend Scott McDougall, who won the award in 2016. “I remember telling myself, ‘That will never be you, Tim.’ But it is me, and I’ve found a reason to accept that. It’s because of the people that are here tonight.”
Besides the 40 people at the dinner, Tim Welsh received a lot of support in being chosen Apple Grower of the Year earlier this summer, receiving nominations from around the world. Click here for a sampling of what they said.
At the dinner, he called out McDougall for blazing a trail for him. “I didn’t steal from him, intentionally, but I did copy from him,” chuckled Welsh, noting that he and McDougall have also traveled the world together. “At the end of the day, we’d have had a great time, and we didn’t just enjoy our travels, we learned from them. I learned from one of the best.”
NEW LOCATION
For the past 10 years, the award has been sponsored by Valent USA, but the presentation this year was completely different. Vince Restucci, Market Segment Manager for Valent USA, noted that it’s the first time in the award’s 36 years that it was not presented at the USApple Outlook conference.
Holding the dinner in the winner’s hometown allows the winner to celebrate with industry peers as well as his family, Restucci said. Tim and Kathy Welsh have four children and six grandchildren, and nearly all were on hand.
“We know how many people that work in agriculture are tied to their community and tied to their family,” he said, “We just want to say thank you very much for all you have done for the industry. We greatly appreciate it.”
Valent’s support for the award is something of a no-brainer, as it reflects the company’s support of the industry at large.
“Our strongest portfolio is in the tree fruit market, whether it’s a product like Retain, or a newer products like Accede, or the other plant growth regulators we have had great success with in this area,” Restucci said. “For those of you who are customers, we truly appreciate you, but tonight, it’s to honor Tim, and we thank you very much.”
OUT AND ABOUT
Welsh concluded with his talk, naming a few people have helped him out along the way, such as CMI VP of Business Development Robb Myers. “He’s traveled with me to more countries than I have with my wife,” Welsh said. Myers shot back over the audience’s laughter: “I could say the same.”
Welsh also cited Bob Mast, President of CMI Orchards, who met on a trip Europe with Welsh in 2006, and they have had a “super-strong relationship” ever since.
He then pointed to Mike Wade, CEO of Columbia Fruit, whom he’s known for 36 years.
“I don’t get this award without him. He gave me the opportunity to do so many things,” Welsh said. “He’s a uniquely different sort of person; he will ponder any question you have.”
Welsh then said he needed to thank his wife, but, his voice cracking with emotion, concluded he couldn’t speak of her without crying.
What Does It Take?
It won’t be long until we start looking for the 2025 Apple Grower of the Year. If you know of a worthy apple grower, consider submitting a nomination this year. recognizes apple growers who have reached outstanding levels of success through their efforts in innovative production, marketing, horticultural, and management practices. Winners demonstrate commitment and leadership to their field by producing high-quality fruit, being actively involved in associations, and taking a strong role in shaping the direction of the apple industry.
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