Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/622402
46 JANUARY 15, 2016 GOOD FRUIT GROWER www.goodfruit.com LAST BITE More Young Growers at goodfruit.com/yg Sierra Williams grower / Cedaredge, Colorado age / 21 crops / Apples, peaches and pears business / Williams Orchards family background / Sierra, a fi fth-generation tree fruit grower, is one of three siblings and is the daughter of Dan and Connie Williams. The family farm, which is more than 100 years old, is on Colorado's western slope at an altitude above 6,000 feet. " " " " " What was your path to farming? My oldest memories on the farm are of picking apples with my great-grandfather. I've always had a love for growing fruit. Going into college, I thought about pursuing a career in exercise science and physical therapy, yet I missed being with my family and farming. So, I decided to learn about the business and help plan for its future. What are your plans? There's a lot of change going on in the industry. Growing up, I wasn't all that involved with the farm as a child, never paying too close attention to the details. Now, I plan to use what I've learned from school and other resources that maybe my dad and grandfa- ther wouldn't have known. I see potential in expanding the use of technology. I think our farm has a lot of opportunity for growth. It's exciting for me to be starting out learning the base-knowl- edge now — fi nding my niche in the company. What are your goals? I'm learning how to take on projects like our GlobalGAP and Tilth certifi cations. I'm also learning how to document everything includ- ing regulations, organic farm management, audits and studying manuals. It's taken a lot of time. Where do you see areas for growth? I think it's a great time to be getting into the cider industry, and it's a great way to use all the second-grade fruit. It not only helps us out during the slower times of the year but it provides income during the off season, and it's a fun market to get into. The cider market's booming nationwide. What are you doing to fi nd your place in the company? I need to gain knowledge of what we can bring to the market- place to have that competitive edge for the future, and go out and learn new things, like what new varieties are coming out, about shelf space in stores — anything I can bring to the table that will help the company be more successful. " Fruit growing is always a gamble. PLAY goodfruit.com/yg scan to watch the interview www.gslong.com SPONSORED BY by TJ Mullinax More from this interview and other Young Growers at goodfruit.com/yg.