Jeff Cleveringa

Jeff is a Horticulturist from a multi-generation family farm in Prosser, Washington.  He completed his college studies at Dordt College in Iowa, graduating with a B.S. degree in Plant Science in 1992. He subsequently completed an internship with Zeneca Ag Products, then worked as Horticulturist for Simplot Grower Solution, and then for Starr Ranch Growers (Custom Apple Packers) until 2003.  During this time he served as the president of the Columbia Basin Tree Fruit Society.  In 2003 Jeff began working with Cave B as a horticulturist/viticulturist; then added the responsibility of supervising various aspects of construction of Cave B Inn until its completion.  In 2007 Jeff was asked, along with several others, to help found PickerTECH (Whoosh Innovations) with the goal to automate apple harvest.  Then in 2011 Jeff returned to work for Starr Ranch Growers (Custom Apple Packers) as head of Research and Development.  He is now evaluating new technology for fruit packing and orchard equipment, as well as new orchard systems, new apple and cherry varieties, and he works with Sales and Marketing at Oneonta.  Jeff has served on the Board of Directors for the Good Fruit Growermagazine and is past President of the Board of Directors for the Washington State Horticulture Association.  He currently serves as a commissioner for the Washington State Tree Fruit Research Commission, WSU sweet cherry breeding program, and the WSU apple breeding program.