Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/232761
THE PHOTO BY GERALDINE WARNER PERILS ARE GREAT Fortunately, so are our crop insurance agents. Like everyone else at Northwest Farm Credit Services, our crop insurance agents live and breathe agriculture. They're Amanda Smith and Luke Tonnemaker at Tonnemaker Farm, Royal City, Washington. immersed in it every day. That's a tremendous advantage when you consider the nature of complex, ever-changing and asked if it would be worthwhile to plant more. "They told me there was no commercial future for Honeycrisp," he recalled. Regardless, he continued to plant Honeycrisp, though he won't be planting the new red strain. He color picks four or five times based on background color so that the fruit is ready to eat when harvested. "One thing I'm concerned about is if we get to a situation where we have a fully red Honeycrisp instead of a bicolored apple, it will be hard to judge the maturity on the tree," he said. "There's a huge difference between one that's ripe and ready to eat and one that hasn't reached that point, and you need to be able to tell, and see the breaking color." Although most of the apples are sold as they are harvested, the Tonnemakers have cold storage where they can keep some supplies through the end of March. So, what do people look for when they visit the farm market? "When they come here, they're looking for something outstanding," Kole said. "We try to have something that's not commonly available. They're looking for something that's ripe and ready to eat that you would get at the farm and you could not get at the grocery store. "I like growing things that are maybe a little more challenging to grow—like good peaches—and getting them picked at the right condition," he said. "It's very, very intense for several months, and I think that everybody who works here feels like they're hanging on by their fingernails by the end of October. On the other hand, it's extremely rewarding. But I definitely don't think it's for everybody." Josh Benson insurance programs. Insurance Agent Fact is, risks abound – from adverse weather to a drop in market prices – and you need an insurance partner with expertise, knowledge and commitment, every step of the way. Give us a call today. Your only risk is waiting. n or t hwe s t fc s. com | 8 0 0 . 7 4 3 . 2 1 2 5 This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. • www.goodfruit.com GOOD FRUIT GROWER JANUARY 1, 2014 29