Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/418083
www.goodfruit.com GOOD FRUIT GROWER DECEMBER 2014 41 Thome has an eye for limb and tree mutations. In the 1980s, he found whole-tree mutations of Empire, IdaRed, and Jonathan in his orchards. Those varieties are off patent and declining in popularity now, he said, but the exceptionally red strains he found became commercially successful. With Galas, which seem to mutate frequently, the tendency seems to be to revert toward yellow and not toward the desirable red. Limbs and whole trees in the Thome Gala blocks show mutations. Getting educated Thome refers to himself, and his son and grandson, as "home-schooled," in that they learned their horticulture while farming rather than in formal education. Steve went to college, but not to the land-grant university and not to study agriculture. "I think young people need to prove themselves before joining the home farm operation," Thome said. "Steve worked as a mechanic for a trucking company before coming back home." But when Thome says "home-schooled," it doesn't mean he stays at home. He and JoAnn are frequent trav- elers on trips sponsored by the International Fruit Tree Association. Harold joined IFTA in 1959, three years after its founding, and served on its board for 10 years. "We've traveled extensively with IFTA and, really, that's been my education," he said. That was where he first saw wind machines in operation, and decided to adopt them. That's where he first saw high-density apple plantings and adopted that concept. That's where he found out about Royal Red Honeycrisp and ordered some early. "My advice to other growers is to get out and be involved with the industry," Thome said. "See what other growers are doing, locally and all over the world." The Thomes have followed Dr. Terence Robinson's lead in planting in the tall spindle design, using trellises and trickle irrigation, planting well-feathered trees and bending limbs down in the planting year, and using renewal pruning. The next step is hedging them into fruiting walls. Thome is also a fan of the local Michigan State University extension. Phil Schwallier and Amy Irish- Brown both grew up on Fruit Ridge, became extension educators there, and Schwallier operates an orchard three miles from the Thomes. "They're very knowl- edgeable people and a joy to work with," Thome said. "Extension is like a religion to us." Schwallier returns the compliments. "The Thome family sets the bar pretty high for leadership and industry cooperation," he said. "They're a pleasure to work with." Distinguished service Over the years, Thome has been recognized for his accomplishments and his service to the industry. In 2010, the Michigan Pomesters named him as their Apple Person of the Year. He's been president of the pomesters and of the Michigan State Horticulture Society. JoAnn, who recently retired as the Thome Orchards bookkeeper, is also active in the industry. She was the first woman president of the U.S. Apple Association. Records and payroll for the 20-plus seasonal and three year-round employees at the farm have been handed over to Steve's wife, Missy. Thome's still active on the farm, but cutting back on some things. "This is the first year I haven't sprayed at all," he said. "Riding tractor every day just kills my arthritis." Grandson Mitch does most of that now. • "My advice to other growers is to get out and be involved with the industry. See what other growers are doing, locally and all over the world." — Harold Thome