Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/418083
38 DECEMBER 2014 GOOD FRUIT GROWER www.goodfruit.com Harold Thome's orchard VI¾IGXW[LEXLI´WPIEVRIH JVSQXVEZIPMRKERHSFWIVZMRK XLI[SVOSJXSTKVS[IVWERH researchers. by Richard Lehnert H arold Thome is old enough to remember his dad packing apples into barrels for shipment to Chicago 200 miles away. But remembering doesn't make him nostalgic for the old days. Thome, 82, has a thoroughly modern apple growing operation located on Fruit Ridge near Conklin seven miles north of Grand Rapids, Michigan. He and his wife, Staking Out A Future Together Bleyhl is the premier dealer of Quality Orchard & Vineyard Stakes in WA & OR AmeriTrellis (800) 645-4416 Proudly Supporting Agriculture For 50 Years Bleyhl Farm Service, Inc. Competitive Bid Pricing * Farm Direct Delivery * Grandview, WA Distinguished Service Award Harold Thome, Thome Orchards KEEPING UP with the Thomes PHOTOS BY RICHARD LEHNERT The Thome family poses for a portrait. The new building in the background will house CA storage next year. From left are Steve, JoAnn, Harold, and Mitch.