Couple’s gift supports next generation of tree fruit scholars and facilities

For four generations, the Hambelton family has been rooted in Washington tree fruit agriculture. Orchardists and proud Cougs Mike and Kathy Hambelton support research and learning at Washington State University to ensure tree fruit’s future is secure for generations to come.

The Hambeltons, who annually fund graduate students engaged in industry-relevant experiments, have financially backed the new Plant Growth Facility at WSU’s Wenatchee Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center (TFREC).

“We very much believe in the work that is being done at Wenatchee,” said Mike, a longtime tree fruit industry sales and marketing professional and co-owner, with Kathy and two business partners, of Double M Orchards near Quincy, Washington.

“As tree fruit growers, we know the need for research,” Kathy added. “That’s the reason we’re behind this new building.”

The Hambeltons are among a broad group of alumni and industry members who collectively pledged over $1.7 million to fund this state-of-the art home for tree fruit research and learning. The new building includes twin greenhouse wings and experiment spaces with modern environmental controls vital for work understanding pests, diseases, and environmental challenges.

Generational links to WSU

Mike and Kathy have deep Cougar connections. Mike grew up on the family orchard in Tieton, Washington, which was homesteaded by his grandfather in 1911. Mike’s father graduated from WSU with a degree in horticulture after service in World War II.

Kathy’s parents also attended WSU. Her mother graduated with an art education degree, while her father left the university to serve as a pilot in the Pacific theater.  Her parents settled near Los Angeles, where her father finished his architecture degree at the University of Southern California.

“They sunk roots a thousand feet deep in LA, but fortunately for me they also passed on their Washington roots,” Kathy said. “I chose to go to WSU and loved my years in Pullman.”

She and Mike met at a pledge exchange in the spring of their first year at WSU. In 1971, Mike earned his bachelor’s degree in industrial technology. Kathy studied elementary education.

Mike’s career in the tree fruit industry spanned over 40 years, including service as a fruit salesperson at Washington Fruit and Produce in Yakima, Washington; as vice president for marketing and sales at Stemilt Growers and later as vice president of marketing for CMI Orchards, both in Wenatchee, Washington.

Following the family’s move from Yakima to Wenatchee in 1984, Kathy studied horticulture at Wenatchee Valley College as part of a new tree fruit program. In 1990, Mike and Kathy, together with partners Mark and Jeanie McWhorter of Yakima, purchased their first 50-acre orchard block in Quincy. Those acres were the beginning of Double M Orchards.

Kathy became deeply involved in the horticultural as well as the bookkeeping side of the business. Gradually the partners added acreage; today Double M is a 1,000-acre operation raising apples and cherries.

The couple agrees that WSU researchers were an invaluable resource, both during Mike’s career and for their orchards.

Their youngest son, Mark, is now an owner and CEO of Double M Orchards.

“Mark is the fourth Hambelton generation to be a tree fruit grower, and he loves what he is doing,” Kathy said. “He is doing a great job!”

Investing in the future

When Mike chaired the CAHNRS Campaign Council, a fundraising leadership group for the college, in the 2010s, the couple became more involved with the WSU mission. He and Kathy have focused their interest on tree fruit research and education in CAHNRS as well as research in the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, supporting critical equipment, student scholarship, and infrastructure needs in both colleges.

The Hambeltons credit former TFREC directors Jay Brunner and Jim McFerson for paving the way for today’s advances.

“The strength of the people is the main reason we want to keep this research facility strong,” Mike said.

State-of-the-art innovations like the Plant Growth Facility will help attract and retain world-class scientists and great students.

“We need to invest for the future, both in research and in the individuals who will perform it,” Mike said. “Otherwise, Washington falls behind nationally and globally..”

Exploring solutions for tomorrow’s challenges

For over 20 years, the Mike and Kathy Hambelton Graduate Fellowship has supported the graduate student experience at Wenatchee TFREC.

Most recently, the endowment has helped several scholars engage in industry-relevant research:

Alicia Mehling is a second-year PhD student studying apple sunburn. She is learning how different spectra of light contribute to the burn, which can damage fruit. The Hambelton Fellowship recently supported her travel to a scientific conference in Texas, where she presented her research.

“Tree fruit and the fruit industry matter to me because of the important role they play in food production and in feeding communities,” Mehling said. “I’m hoping my research on sunburn development in apples can help provide new information to guide mitigation efforts to protect fruit quality during extreme heat events.”

Entomology PhD student Kristina Baker is studying the poorly understood pupal life stage of codling moth. Her trials will help defend against this major pest of apples, pears, and walnuts. 

“Agriculture is near and dear to my heart, so I am very passionate about this research,” Baker said. “I am excited to embark on this project and put powerful tools in the hands of growers.”