Valent U.S.A. Celebrates the 2026 Apple Grower of the Year and Regional Honorees
Valent U.S.A. is proud to continue its exclusive sponsorship of the prestigious Apple Grower of the Year award, recognizing outstanding growers whose leadership, innovation and dedication continue to shape the future of the apple industry.
This year, congratulations go to Robert “Bobby” Brown III, owner of Orchard Dale Fruit Company in Waterport, New York, who has been named the 2026 Apple Grower of the Year by American Fruit Grower magazine, published by Meister Media Worldwide.
An eighth-generation grower, Brown represents a remarkable family legacy dating back to 1804. Under his leadership, Orchard Dale Fruit Company has become known not only for its deep agricultural roots but also for its forward-thinking approach to orchard management, innovation and industry collaboration.
“Brown serves as a role model for the entire apple industry,” said Mike Keller, Sustainable Agriculture Specialist at Valent U.S.A. “He realizes that we all need each other for the western New York apple industry to thrive and survive these uncertain times,” Keller says. “Bobby is always one of the first people to step up when issues arise, and he often takes point on many of these challenges. I think he believes that we all need to work together for the apple industry to run properly, and he’s willing to do whatever is needed to ensure the future of New York-grown apples.”
Brown will be formally honored on July 17 during the Western NY Apple Social.
In addition to the national honoree, Valent U.S.A. also recognizes this year’s regional award recipients for their contributions to apple production across the country:
- East Region: Mark Russell and Jill MacKenzie, Two of Clubs Orchard (Appleton, New York)
- Midwest/Mountain States Region: Allen Teach, Sunrise Orchards (Gays Mills, Wisconsin)
- West Region: William and Angell Clark, Diamondback Acres (Chelan, Washington)
These growers represent the strength and diversity of the U.S. apple industry, bringing innovation, stewardship and operational excellence to orchards in their respective regions.
Valent U.S.A. remains committed to supporting growers through industry partnerships, crop protection innovation and programs that celebrate agricultural leadership. Sponsoring the Apple Grower of the Year award reflects Valent’s ongoing dedication to helping specialty crop growers succeed today and for generations to come.
Please join us in congratulating Bobby Brown III and all of the 2026 regional honorees for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the apple industry.
To learn more about Valent’s tree fruit solutions, visit valent.com/treefruit.