Nestled in the steep, wooded hills and valleys of the Mississippi River is the 30-acre orchard tended by Harry and Jackie Hoch. After leaving the farm for seven years, Harry and Jackie decided to return to their apple orchard and raise their family in a rural community. Since 1997, the Hochs have been replanting their orchards and using creative farming practices to support their rural lifestyle.
In an effort to have minimal negative impact on the land and environment, Jackie and Harry have significantly reduced the amount of pesticides used in their orchard through a system of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Unlike conventional pest control programs, which use weekly calendar sprays, IPM requires intensive monitoring and scouting for insect populations. According to Harry, "We only spray when pests are there and when insect levels exceed predetermined action thresholds."
To help with their marketing efforts, Harry and five other producers have formed a cooperative called the Apple Crisp Co-op to develop products using apples that can't be sold for eating apples. Harry also participates in the Mississippi Valley packing cooperative, a group of growers who package their apples with the same label and market them in various retail stores.
The Hochs continue to discover ways to reconcile the cost of production with the price consumers are willing to pay for products and they know that their Food Alliance Midwest certification brings a new public awareness to locally- and sustainably-grown food.
