Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/418083
www.goodfruit.com GOOD FRUIT GROWER DECEMBER 2014 55 Stemilt Growers named them organic cherry growers of the year in 2011. The diverse crops and the organic acreage help spread their financial risk, and the cherries help keep their crew busy through the summer until it's time to pick the apples. Their apple varieties include Fuji, Gala, Braeburn, Granny Smith, and Red Delicious. Mike said that while they've been on the leading edge with high-density plantings, they've been less inclined to take the risk of planting managed varieties, many of which have yet to prove successful. A Red Delicious block, planted in 1998, is still there because it's a relatively trouble-free variety to farm, and there's still a market for it. "We have one orchard of Red Delicious," Craig said. "I think I could farm it in my sleep. I don't think Red Delicious is going away any time soon, and I wish I had a few more to fill in the harvest window at the end of September." Part of the orchard is renewed each year, though not a fixed percentage. An old block of Royal Gala is still in the ground because it is organic, and striped Galas are still well accepted in the organic market. Craig is thinking of expanding his organic acreage because of growing con- sumer demand. The brothers operated C & M orchards together for almost 40 years until Mike retired last year. Early this year, Craig's 31-year-old son, Chad, who has a degree in finance from Gonzaga University, left Seattle to work with his father and enjoy the rural lifestyle. Craig said running an orchard is a much more com- plex endeavor than it was when he joined the business 37 years ago. As a small growing operation in an industry increasingly dominated by vertically integrated compa- nies, they must keep innovating to remain competitive. "The details are endless, and it's critical to make as few mistakes as possible," Craig said. "I'm thinking about my business seven days a week. You don't get very far away from it mentally." Craig is pleased to see the fourth generation of their family come into the business and is excited to see Chad's enthusiasm and pride in playing a part in pro- duction agriculture. "It's our opportunity to continue this legacy and, with his contribution, take it to the next level," Craig said. "All businesses are a work in progress. Nothing is constant. Change is guaranteed. It is all to be continued ..." • The O'Briens demonstrate the tight spacing of their recent plantings. Mike and Craig O'Brien have been quick to adopt new technology. Craig's laptop displays temperature data from 21 locations in the orchard. Nitrogen Purge Option Available ULTRA LOW OXYGEN OPERATION ULTRA LOW OXYGEN OPERATION Complete storage technology for fruits and vegetables. CO 2 SCRUBBERS •SAVE TIME •SAVE MONEY •INCREASE FRUIT QUALITY GO LO 2 WITH SHIFLETT'S CO 2 SCRUBBERS • Sizes to fit your needs –25 models to choose from –Custom sizing available to 100,000 bins • Complete system installation SHIFLETT'S ADVANTAGES: • Saves time and money (no lime) • Independent room control • Local sales and service for over 30 years 104 - 11th N.E. • East Wenatchee WA 98802-USA Tel: 509-884-1540, Fax 509-884-0619 www.shiflettsinc.com • E-mail: shiflettsinc@shiflettsinc.com Gasket Seal CA Doors NOW AVAILABLE