Posted: Thursday, January 17, 2013 12:00 PM
Dan Wheat/Capital Press
Dana Branson, administrator of Oregon Sweet Cherry Commission, congratulates Bryce Molesworth, Mosier, Ore., as new Northwest cherry king. Molesworth was honored for years of industry service at the Cherry Institute in Yakima, Wash., Jan. 11.
Oregon grower crowned cherry king
Bryce Molesworth honored for service to the industry
By DAN WHEAT
Capital Press
YAKIMA, Wash. -- Bryce Molesworth, a Mosier, Ore., cherry grower, was crowned king of the Northwest cherry industry at the 70th annual Northwest Cherry Growers Cherry Institute.
The honor was bestowed for Molesworth's years of commitment and service to the industry.
Molesworth has served on the Oregon Sweet Cherry Commission for 14 years and has chaired the National Cherry Growers and Industry Foundation.
He grew up working on his father's cherry orchard near The Dalles. Not intending to be a farmer, he studied architecture at the University of Oregon before returning home to help his father with the family orchard.
In 1983, he partnered with Arin Williams in starting Columbia Cherry Co., a brining business. He and his son, Darin, own Brass Ring Orchards where they grow 14 varieties of cherries on about 200 acres.
Molesworth serves on the Wasco County Soil and Water Conservation District Board and has served on the Wasco County Weed Board.