Creative Farming

Nestled deep in the steep, wooded hills and valleys of the Mississippi River is the 30-acre Hoch Orchard, tended by Harry and Jackie Hoch. After leaving the orchard for seven growing seasons, 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. They now have between 4000 and 5000 young trees planted on 15 acres, including over 50 varieties of apples. However, apples are not their only crop – they also grow:

* two acres of wine grapes on their land,
* 100 plum trees,
* apricots, cherries, pears, peach trees,
* and a small amount of berries and vegetables.

Fruits and veggies are sold at farmer’s markets near LaCrosse, and the grapes are purchased by St. Croix Vineyards.

Modern Approach to Pest Management

In an effort to have minimal negative impact on the land and environment, Jackie and Harry have been significantly reducing 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.”

In other words, spraying occurs only when traps catch over a certain number of pests. The Hoch’s are also experimenting with raising naturally disease resistant apple varieties, such as Redfree, Jonafree and Williams Pride. Though these apple varieties are growing well, consumers do not recognize these varieties, which makes them harder to sell.

Environmentally Friendly Farming

“I have always been interested in reducing off-farm inputs and being environmentally friendly,” says Harry, “but going organic is not economically viable for us.” So although not certified organic, the Hoch’s are making many sustainable and earth-friendly choices on their farm. Beyond the IPM, apples from the Hoch Orchard are allowed to ripen naturally without the use of plant growth regulators or ripening agents. They are cleaned and packed on the farm, and are not treated with any waxes or post-harvest pesticides. Because of these efforts, their farm has been certified by Midwest Food Alliance as an environmentally friendly farm.

New Market Niche

Harry would like to see more of a market for locally-grown, sustainably produced foods. “I try to sell a third of our apples within 50 miles of our farm,” Harry says, “but it’s a challenge.” To help with their marketing efforts, Harry and five other producers have formed a coop called the Apple Crisp Cooperative to develop products using apples that can’t be sold for eating apples. Harry also participates in the Mississippi Valley packing cooperative where several growers have their apples packaged with the same label and marketed in retail stores.

As the Hochs work towards becoming more economically viable, they search for ways to reconcile the cost of production with the price consumers are willing to pay for products, all the while providing food that is healthy for consumers and the environment.