Orchard News

Hello 2012. I just ordered another 2500 Willard Bay Blackberry plants to keep all of our customers happy. Just didn't have enough last year. Our conditions in Willard are perfect for these Blackberries and so why not go for it.

Our land in Holladay was incredible for melons. I am hoping for another good crop of Holladay cantelopes in 2012.

We also put the frame in for a 3200 square foot hoop house at the Holladay field. We will be able to transplant tomatoe plants straight into the ground in the first of April 2012 and anticipate earlier tomatoes for everyone. If you have time swing by and take a look at it located behind the Holladay Lions Club.

We are planning our CSA program and are ready for you to sign upon a first come first serve basis.

My guys are out pruning and have just finished the apples and are starting on the cherry trees. They look good and the winter was not very harsh so far.

I am so glad that all my fields are on drip in case we have water shortage problems this year. Definitely the best thing I have done for my orchards.

2012 will mark the last year for my certified organic field approval. We will be certified on this field in 2013.

Recent Irrigation Improvements to the Orchards and Farms

In 2009, my crew and I finished the installation of our last drip irrigation system installation at the Perry orchard and farm. Now all of our fields are under drip irrigation, which for me is a huge milestone, and a 5-year goal put to rest. The estimated amount of water savings is about 700%.  I feel good that this water can be used elsewhere because after all we live in the dessert.  Not only does the sand filtered system make my life less complicated because the water is directly applied to the trees or plants where it needs to go, but also the trees and crops look better than they ever have because I can adjust the water application at any time.

When I first started faming the beautiful slopes in 2007 I asked an old time farmer friend if we ever need to worry about water and he told me no because we own the first water shares out of Pineview Dam. There were a couple of years there however where they limited some of the water and so I am glad I have this in place to sustain the life of our orchards and farms. I have included some pictures of the drip system and will add to this over time. Better yet, if you sign up on our CSA program, you are invited to our open house so we can meet each other when the trees are in full bloom. At that time, I will show you around.

Learn more about our CSA Program

Certified Organic Movement

I will soon be starting the 3-year process to become certified organic on one of my row crop fields.  I’ll be following all procedures and practices to receive this certification for a portion of my crops. A lot of organic material (my neighbor has cows) and black plastic mulch with drip lines will be used.  

I am absolutely committed to the success of this important certification.  I anticipate a bit of a learning curve and welcome any suggestions you may have. 

Please

Thanks Thayne