Meet IFTA board member Hank Markgraf, whose energy and enthusiasm for fruit tree growing and for IFTA are infectious and inspirational!
Where were you born/raised?
Kelowna, British Columbia. Long, long, long time ago. Didn’t start on the farm though, moved to the farm when I was 4. So for me, that is all I know!
Where did you receive your education/training?
This is a hard one. I grew up on the farm, so there is so much learning and training that happens everyday. Learned how to drive a tractor by 6, picked sweet cherries starting at age 8, thinned apples with my mom when I was 10, ran the sour cherry picking crew when I was 13 (back before sour cherries were shaken off the trees). Drove the bin truck when I was 16! Oh and then I went to university. Went to a foreign country, USA, and attended Washington State University (go Cougs!). Met my lovely wife there!
From the Compact Fruit Tree Blog
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IFTA 2026 Annual Conference – February 9-11 Integrating Orchard Traditions, Technology and AI Thank you for your interest in our…
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2025 IFTA Rochester New York Annual Conference Presentations
IFTA 2025 Annual Conference – February 17-19 2025 Decisions, Decisions: Data, Dollars and Drive Thank you for your interest in…
Research Report: New Training Systems, Spacings and Rootstocks for Eastern Sweet and Tart Cherry Growers
Thank you for your interest in our articles. Full access to this story requires membership. See all our membership options…
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