The Apple Farmer
What exactly is an Apple Farmer?
By definition(Merriam-Webster)- FARMER : a person who cultivates land or crops or raises animals (such as livestock or fish)
I mean, do we consider someone who grows strawberry’s a strawberry farmer or someone who grows eggplant a eggplant farmer, or orange farmer, pig farmer…etc.
In my view, a farmer is a farmer. The passion is the same whether your growing apples, your growing wheat or your milking cows. If you don’t feel it inside, then you’re probably not a farmer. I think it is fair to say that all farmers start their day early and end their day late(usually too late). We all have equipment breakdowns, labor struggles and all have our financial ups and downs. Let’s face it, it’s not easy. But deep down inside do we expect it to be easy, do we expect to wake up every morning and say, “Today is going to be a breeze” No, we know it’s hard, but we also know it is rewarding. That’s what makes us tick. Not many jobs allow you to be part of nature every day, work with your hands and help feed America. Honestly, the only job that I can think of is a farmer.
Apples have been around for a long time. By some accounts, 400 years. So I ask, “is an apple farm different today then say 100 years ago?” An apple still grows on a tree that needs to be planted, fertilized and picked. Harvest season still demands long hours as we watch the days getting shorter. We still hold our breath when a thunderstorm appears in the forecast or we see the temps dipping into the 20’s anytime after April 15th. So, what have we learned in 100 years and is it much different? We have learned alot….to mention a few. One thing we learned is smaller trees yield better fruit and make it easier to harvest. We learned that an apple isn’t just an apple…some varieties eat better; some make cider better and some bake better. We learned that with newer technology we can store apples longer.
At the end of the day though, the reality, the roots of an Apple farmer are much the same that they were 100 years ago. Sure we have become more educated, created “new and easier" ways of doing things but the roots and the heart is still the same. I think that’s why many apple farms are still around.
I wonder, what does 25, 50, 100 years bring to this Farm. My hope is it brings memories….lots of them. Maybe a first trip with your kids or your first trip with the grand kids. Maybe the first time to a farm. Maybe your wedding or baby shower. Perhaps a proposal. Whatever it is I hope that we at Windy Hill Orchard become your “Family Tradition” and those memories last forever.
When I grow old and look back I know I will remember it as a place that allowed me cherish time with my family, a place I laughed a lot and built many friendships and most of all a job well done. The lessons this farm has already taught me are en-grained for life…..and the journey has just begun.
“And on the eighth day, God looked down on his planned paradise and said, “I need a caretaker.” So God made a farmer.”
