Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/215151
The commission had launched its internal research program in 1993, when it hired plant pathologist Dr. Peter Sanderson to work areas that were not being covered by university or USDA scientists. Ing's rationale was that it would be cheaper and more effective for the commis- So the McFersons bought an old farmhouse in Wenatchee with enough land for him to plant a garden with his favorite crops, garlic and hops. At the commission, he launched research projects in apple and stone fruit horticulture and crop load management. He was appointed manager in 2001, when Ing retired, and made it a priority to forge more productive and effective partnerships with other research entities, such as the land-grant universities, the USDA, and private companies. "Resources were diminishing, and we could not afford not to create partnerships," he recalled. "We had missed opportunities." In terms of the commission's internal research, he saw a need for more research with a practical focus conducted in grower cooperators' orchards throughout the state. Gradually, the number of staff increased to 10, supplemented by 6 to 10 interns, depending on the time of year. "He has high expectations, and you'd better not disappoint him, but it's not personal." —Ines Hanrahan sion to do its own research without all the "bureaucratic folderol" of having to work with WSU administrators, McFerson recalled. The university administration at the time was perceived to be far less friendly and supportive of production agriculture and specialty crops than it is today. McFerson, his wife, Carol, and two young daughters, Maureen and KC, then lived in a lakeside farmhouse in Geneva, not far from his parents. He liked his work, felt he was in a good situation, and had no plans to leave, but was intrigued by the unsolicited and unexpected opportunity to go to Washington, as ill-defined as it seemed. The challenge of working more directly with agriculture—and specifically a dynamic industry that values research and is willing to change—appealed to him. Fortunate PLAY goodfruit.com Jim McFerson enjoys working with a dynamic industry that values research and is willing to change. Scan the QR code to watch more of McFerson's interview with Good Fruit Grower. Not satisfied with your current insurance situation? Manley Crop Insurance not the biggest agency in the Northwest... Outstanding personalized service Over 30 years experience References upon request Ask us about our Hail Insurance An Equal Opportunity Provider 2014 AGR INSURANCE Closing Deadline Is January 31st Call Ann Manley today 888-786-7730 62 DECEMBER 2013 GOOD FRUIT GROWER Dr. Ines Hanrahan, who joined the commission as project manager in 2005, said some people are wary of McFerson but she feels fortunate to have him as a boss. He allows her the latitude to conduct her own research and the flexibility to work around her family commitments. "I feel that's very progressive and it's has enabled me to excel," she said. "People ask, 'How do you deal with him?' If you do your work and do a good job, it's just fine. He has high expectations, and you'd better not disappoint him, but it's not personal. It's just getting the best out of everybody." Jim Doornink, chair of the commission and a board member since 1985, said McFerson's expectation level may be high but he understands what people are capable of accomplishing. "It's based on the experiences that he's had in his research life and his administrative life," he said. "He's been a researcher, he's been a USDA administrator, and he's been with the tree fruit industry, where he's done both." Doornink said it's like working with a team of horses. If you have experience, you know how much they can pull. Without it, you don't know whether to whip them harder or apologize because the load's too heavy. Genetics McFerson worked with key industry people to develop the Tree Fruit Technology Roadmap to guide future research and worked at the national level to secure funding. Money became available through the USDA's competitive Specialty Crop Research Initiative to help address the roadmap's objective, which was to help growers deliver fruit of the highest quality more efficiently and consistently. "I think our crop production and protection practices, from the nursery all the way through to handling, have benefited from the research we have supported and made the industry aware of," he added, stressing that it all begins with genetics. "You can never do better than the genetic potential of your crop." Doornink said that, with his background in genetics, McFerson has been able to guide the commission's efforts specifically to where genetics can help the industry both in the short and long term. Over the years, the commission has provided millions of dollars to WSU's apple and cherry breeding programs, in collaboration with the Oregon Sweet Cherry Commission, to aid in the discovery of improved cultivars. "Products from both those programs are going to provide our growers with genetics that are going to be more productive, more attractive, and more profitable than any we have ever had," McFerson said. "We've got material better than anything available in the market right now." • www.goodfruit.com