Winter on the Orchard 2016

Winter on the Orchard

February 13th: -4, quiet and calm with a bright sun shine glistening over the new blanket of snow we received last night. Mornings like this where you can actually see the cold in the air are so exhilarating. This past week, Jack and I were marveling at the height of the snow piles in and around our barn yard. These 10 to 14 foot mountains of snow are a testament to Josh and Casey’s awesome snow plowing skills. It is a shame I don’t have a half dozen 8 year olds to enjoy a game of “King of the Mountain”! The peaceful, quiet barn yard of this Saturday morning is deceiving to the amount of activity that has been happening inside and out during this winter on the orchard. Here are a few highlights:

January was filled with inventory that Mark headed up. Juliette and John, along with Heather, are crunching the numbers and shuffling the papers. We are very cozy in our two room office where 8 desks with computers, phones, and files are packed.

Mid January brought farmers together to Traverse City at the Orchard and Vineyard Show where we heard reports from the Cherry Industry. We learned that Montmorency tart cherries really fit the characteristic that people seem to be looking for in their foods; characteristics like natural, low sugar, snack-able, and local. Keep in mind that Montmorency tart cherries are a specialty crop and grown only in a few states (Michigan being the largest producer) allows us (Michigan growers) to consider ourselves the “local choice” for most of the United States.

Near the end of January, we had a week of mid 30’s and Jack and the crew motivated to press the last of our apples. Jim organized the apples and Jack cranked up the rack and cloth press to have 3 days of sweet cider pressing. We have plenty of cider in the freezer to sell until next years’ pressing. Nothing gets me warm like a cup of hot cider. We offer hot cider and warm donuts in our M-88 market on Saturdays, is that subliminal advertising?

The first of February, Bob (our salesman) along with Jim and Rose headed off to Hershey, Pennsylvania to the Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable convention. Unlike last year, travel was snow free and easy. They had three productive days of face to face with old and new customers. The youngsters, Jack, Courtney and Juliette headed in the other direction to Portland, Oregon to CiderCon. I’m sure it was all work and no fun, or so they tell me. Then, back in Michigan, February 7-11th was the International Fruit Tree Association Annual Meeting held in Grand Rapids. We took advantage of the closeness and sent Jim, Mark, Jack, Courtney and Juliette. The enthusiasm that they came home with made John and I sad we did not take the time to go. People always think that winter is a quiet time. It is somewhat but, as you see, we do not even have enough time to take advantage of all that we would like. We are just glad there are so many of us that we can spread ourselves out and cover as many bases as possible.

Josh and Casey, between snow plowings, are continuing to prepare the “nut farm” for spring. You might wonder why we call it the “nut farm”. No, it is not in reference to our decisions but that is was an old, abandoned chestnut farm. At our age, buying new farms, one might think you are “nuts”. Most people my husband’s age (I’m much much younger) are looking to retire and reduce ones work load and debt. But our optimism is so high as the younger generation is working with us that as opportunity is knocking, we are opening the doors with enthusiasm. We are growing and with it there are a few pains but the bright white landscape over the orchard today mirrors our bright outlook for King Orchards. Thanks for checking in on this winter day.

-Betsy

FYI During the month of February, we have been celebrating National (Tart) Cherry Month. We have been sending out special sampler packs with every order. We also have sales on various cherry products on our website and in our market. You can see what specials we are offering this month online here or stop into the market to take advantage of our pie filling and dried cherry specials.