Accolades All Around for Your Apple Grower of the Year

In case you missed it, Bobby Brown has been named the 2026 American Fruit Grower^SM Apple Grower of the Year. Most of the individual nominations are summarized below. And if you’re looking for a template on how to promote future winners of the honor, these types of endorsements go a long way toward accomplishing that aim. Congrats to Bobby!

As you can see here, he is well deserving:

Poliana Francescatto (Sumitomo Biorational/formerly Valent BioSciences): I first worked with Bobby on Cornell apple research projects involving crop load management and fruit quality. He remains highly engaged in exploring new solutions, sharing lessons with fellow growers, and supporting research. Bobby’s openness, leadership, and willingness to learn from mistakes make him an outstanding young grower.

Maggie Travis (Rice Fruit Co.): Bobby combines a family legacy of farming with innovation, integrity, and industry leadership. A Cornell graduate, he embraces new technologies, installs hail protection, trials emerging products, and shares knowledge freely. He is a problem solver whose focus on quality, community service, and continuous improvement sets him apart.

Jason Woodworth (Lamont Fruit Farm): Raised at Orchard Dale Fruit Co. and a Cornell Ag Business graduate, Bobby has modernized operations through technology, research, and employee development. A leader in industry organizations, he champions innovation, hosts educational events, and guided Orchard Dale through challenging frost and drought conditions while producing an outstanding apple crop.

Tyler Baker (Lake Ontario Fruit): Bobby successfully navigated hail, heat, and drought in 2025, producing exceptional fruit through innovative crop protection practices. While assuming leadership during a family business transition, he remained active in industry organizations, research initiatives, and grower education, consistently sharing ideas that elevate New York agriculture.

Roderick Farrow (Fish Creek Orchards): Over the past decade, Bobby and Beth Brown have transformed their bicentennial family farm into a model of modern apple production, featuring high-density orchards, irrigation, hail netting, and precision technologies. Despite personal loss and industry leadership responsibilities in 2025, Bobby excelled as a grower, volunteer, innovator, and respected industry leader.

Kaari Stannard (Yes! Apples): After studying at Cornell, Bobby returned to the family farm and eventually assumed leadership alongside his uncle. Despite personal loss and market challenges, he embraces innovation, adapts quickly, and relentlessly pursues quality. A respected industry leader, he shares knowledge widely and serves Lake Ontario Fruit and SweeTango growers.

Joe DeBrock (Monroe Tractor): Bobby combines deep farming roots with a commitment to innovation. He collaborates with Cornell University, serves on industry boards, and freely shares ideas with fellow growers. At Orchard Dale, he uses orchard imaging, blossom-count mapping, variable-rate spraying, and precision nutrient applications to maximize efficiency.

Katie Sommerfeldt (Orleans County Soil and Water Conservation District): Bobby leads Orchard Dale Fruit Co. with a commitment to innovation, conservation, and community. Despite drought conditions and the loss of his father in 2025, he delivered a successful crop while continuing to invest in sustainable practices, support research trials, mentor growers, and champion New York-grown produce.

Chelsea Gowan (Yes! Apples): Bobby represents one of New York’s longest-running fruit-growing families and has spent decades giving back to the industry. He grows consistently high-quality fruit, serves on industry boards, hosts grower meetings, shares advice, and embraces innovation. Bobby is a trusted leader in product trials, conservation efforts, and food safety initiatives.

Monique Rivera (Cornell University): Over three years of on-farm research, Bobby has proven himself an exceptional grower, leader, and steward of his family’s operation. As chair of New York’s Apple Research and Development Program, he helps guide industry priorities. His meticulous attention to detail, organization, fairness, and professionalism make him a trusted collaborator.

Craig Kahlke (Cornell Cooperative Extension): Bobby continues to expand Orchard Dale Fruit Co. while taking on key industry leadership roles. As chair of Lake Ontario Fruit, he represents six premier growers. Peers seek his advice, and he was an early adopter of precision crop load management technologies, including drones.

David Tower (Tower Farm): Bobby represents more than 200 years of family farming heritage. In 2025, he welcomed more than 100 International Fruit Tree Association members to his farm, showcasing innovations such as a unique hail-netting system. A committed industry leader, Bobby shares ideas, solutions and expertise through IFTA, Cornell, and Lake Ontario Fruit.