Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/196125
"The ability to protect new fruit varieties amongst that sort of global trade is more important now than ever before." Traditional varieties make growers money. But tradition doesn't generate buzz. It's new varieties that generate talk and excitement, he said. And talk of a grower's new varieties not only helps sell those fruit, but over time opens the door to sales of a grower's entire inventory. Porter said new varieties he's discussing these days include Sweetie, a Gala derivative; Smitten, another Gala derivative; and Papple, an interspecific pear variety with Chinese and Asian pear parentage. The Papple is being grown in Australia and New Zealand. Porter expects U.S. growers will plant it soon. Consumers always make the call on whether a variety is a success. "They're the ones who are going to part with their hard-earned dollar," said Porter, adding the customer must want to come back and buy that variety again and again. While new varieties are good for business, Porter said success for a grower starts with understanding costs. In Australia, Porter knew some growers who each year turned over their financial numbers to an accountant and asked if they had made money or not. That's not a method for success. Porter said he finds that growers who know their costs, "almost on a block by block basis," are best positioned for success. Knowing costs, however, should not be confused with —Gavin Porter making cost containment the highest priority. "In most cases, everyone who wants to make money tries to cut costs to try and earn money," said Porter. "That's not the way to make it happen. What you want to make sure is, getting the most fruit off your trees that have the highest quality and somehow getting prices that get you the highest returns. If you increase that end of the supply chain rather than trying to reduce costs, you'll make more money." Maybe the snake in the garden had it right. Go for the best quality. • The New Rhino® Turbo 120...Raising the Standard! A Growing Legacy Since 1816 Looking good and ready for digging! Many varieties still available. The Turbo 120 is the premium 10' rotary cutter on the market! Highest Horsepower Rated Gearboxes in its class. Featuring improved durability and 3" material cut capacity. True Double Design-from front to back and side to side. Fast Blade Tip Speeds for improved cutting performance. Designed for unmatched strength and reliability. Available at: (unit shown with optional equipment) For best selection, call 800-435-8733 now! Stark Bro's Nurseries & Orchards Co. PO Box 398 • Louisiana, MO 63353 • 573-754-5111 • Fax 573-754-3701 www.goodfruit.com 509-837-2580 • Toll Free: 877-278-7084 181 Factory Road • Sunnyside, Washington 98944 www.farmersequip.com Other locations in Lynden and Burlington Servis & Rhino are registered trademarks of Alamo Group Inc. 2005 Alamo Group Inc. www.servis-rhino.com Good Fruit Grower NOVEMBER 2013 37