YAKIMA, WA - To most of us stuck in the dreary cold of winter, fall seems ages away. But not for the fine folks at Superfresh Growers®! These proactive growers are already laying the groundwork for fall harvest. The growers manage crops by pruning each tree to ensure they get an even amount of sunlight (known as “farming the light”).
“We’re farmers of light, as light gives us the color and increases flavor on the apples,” said Chief Horticulturist Dave Gleason. “We’re always trying to balance the light. Each bud has the potential to become an apple, so it’s important that tree quality is the same from top to bottom.”
Winter-dormant trees are currently being examined in an effort to set a strong apple crop. Sometimes tree limbs break, or are not as strong, and trees naturally attempt to fill in the spaces. New shoots are put up, which closes off light access. To address this, the orchard teams practice strategic pruning techniques, evaluating tree structure, studying buds, and making adjustments to ensure a balance of light.
To guarantee premium fruit quality, it is essential that light distribution is even. This function allows the growers to put the apples where they want them on the tree. The clock never stops at Superfresh—for this company, farming is a year-round effort.
AndNowUKnow will continue to deliver harvest updates.
